Attractions, Aquariums, Weddings and Events, Sports & Recreation, Recreation Facilities
The Georgia Aquarium is the world's largest Aquarium. Interactive exhibits thrill all ages, you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime. From the majestic beluga whales to the world?s largest fish, the diversity and size of the Georgia Aquarium is breathtaking. In addition to whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, and sand tiger sharks, there are more than a dozen different species of sharks lurking in the Aquarium's waters. While sharks thrill guests, the jellies, huge coral reef and sea dragons dazzle even the most veteran seafarer. Guests can even touch bonnethead sharks and cownose rays. With new animals, exhibits and programs, there's always something new at the world's largest Aquarium. Beyond the relaxing experience of the Aquarium, guests can upgrade for a truly special experience. The Aquarium is the only place in the world where you can swim or dive with whale sharks.
The Georgia Aquarium was a nice place that I could take the kids to, they enjoyed themselves while they were there.
Posted 12/12/09 | Report Abuse
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A 6.3 MG aquarium tank amazing-baluga whales and whale sharks is just a beginning of the things you can see here. It is a must see for anyone who visits Atlanta.
Posted 11/11/08 | Report Abuse
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The Ga Aquarium is in a stunning building downtown. It's very convenient to pick a time and buy your tickets on-line. They will only sell a set amount of tickets for a certain time, but it still is crowded. I wouldn't go down without getting tickets first, or you may be disappointed. Loved the exhibits but skip the food. The line is long and it's expensive.
Posted 02/07/08 | Report Abuse
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I really enjoyed the GA Aquarium. It was still pretty crowded, even after all this time and that was frustrating. I would recommend going on an "off" time. There are definitely some interesting things to see there.
Posted 01/29/08 | Report Abuse
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This place is amazing for the young and old!! Although it's a little crowded, it's a great way to see all kinds of unique marine life, especially the Beluga Whales! I love them! If you want the whole family to enjoy themselves, just take them here for the day! It is truly a great experience and the prices are reasonable too.
Posted 01/26/08 | Report Abuse
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We had a season pass for the year, and loved going every time. I think we probably went 6-8 times. The exhibits are beautiful, and the place is designed well to move the traffic through each of 5 different areas.
It can get crowded at times, but patience will see you through.
The food is overpriced, but about what you's expect at this type of attraction. The food is much better than you would typically find at a zoo or museum.
My kids' favorite part was the tank where you can touch sharks and rays.
Posted 01/15/08 | Report Abuse
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We made sure to get tickets online so that we wouldnt have to stand in line.
We still had to wait but not too long.
It wasnt too crowded when we arrived, but as the day went on , it seemed you could barely move through the exhibits without bumping someone.
Food costs way too much. We decided to go somewhere else afterwards to eat because of that fact.
Posted 12/01/07 | Report Abuse
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The Georgia Aquarium was an enjoyable family experience, but after all the hype, I was somewhat disappointed. I expected more varieties of sea life. It didn't take as long as I expected to tour the entire facility, despite the crowd.
Posted 10/21/07 | Report Abuse
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It has been touted as the largest indoor aquarium in the world. My family had been to 2 other indoor aquariums in the US, and frankly, I like the other 2 better. Maybe because the others were less crowded and the bathrooms there were cleaner... There wasn't much difference in the exhibits amongst the three aquariums that we have visited, except maybe for the Deepo 4D show, which was not all that fantastic...
Posted 05/01/07 | Report Abuse
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I had such high expectations, my kids have seaon passes from their grandparents and I wanted to be blown away. Instead, I was mildly disappointed. The attendance policy is in constant revision because of the crowding inside. I was so unhappy with the way the exhibits were set up because as amazing as they were, we couldn't get near them. The food and souvenirs were extremely overpriced and there is nowhere else to feed kids anywhere close.
Posted 08/15/06 | Report Abuse
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We have visited the aquarium several times since it opened and found the facility to be beautiful and the variety of fish amazing. The food court area has a wide variety and the food is delicious! There are five different areas to visit but strollers are not allowed past certain points making it challenging to visit as a single parent with several young children.The crowds on the weekend are really thick. During the week in the morning hours are not as bad...it thickens up after lunch time. We are so happy to have this wonderful place so close to us but reall yhope the crowds thin out as the hype wears off. You have to make a reservation so last minute decisions are not really possible unless you want to risk waiting in a long line.
Posted 08/14/06 | Report Abuse
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The Georgia Aquarium has been hyped in the local Atlanta media for over a year now. So with much anticipation, we just made our first visit last week. The place is amazing, however the crowds are just so thick that it's hard to really enjoy the exhibits. There is so much to see, with five different habitats of marine life to explore. Morning seems to be the most crowded time, so try to visit in late afternoon.
Posted 08/08/06 | Report Abuse
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I love this place and will visit three more times within the next year.
Pros: Everything
Cons: Parking during peak visitation
Posted 12/01/09
The Friday night program at the aquarium is the way to go. There are no crowds, you can buy a wolfgang puck prepared picnic for two for not a whole lot of money, and there is a cash bar at just $3 a bottle for beer (the sign said premium but they "were out."
There were plenty of tour guides for the amount of people, so I was able to ask questions about the critters.
I am not sure how much it costs as I was taken, but it was a cool way to spend a couple of hours.
Pros: everything
Cons: only domestic beer
Posted 08/14/09
Great place to see many species of fish. If you get to catch the feeding of the whales it will make your trip extra special. Not a bad place to have a banquet.
Pros: Great animals
Cons: rather small
Posted 05/11/09
Very beautiful but pricey. Love the food. If you want to have a special event there you are definitely going to spend some money. All types of fish, whales, dolphins, etc. This is a wonderful place for a date or to take your kids.
Pros: It beautiful
Cons: Kind of Pricey
Posted 05/11/09
As long as you don't go on the weekends, you'll have a great experience. I made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, it was packed. The fish are still great, the whales, etc, but, I felt a little like I was in a fishbowl with the huge crowd...I went one other time on a Thursday, fantastic! Then you really can get a great viewing experience.
Pros: amazing
Cons: crowded on weekends
Posted 04/20/09
Had a great time at the aquarium. Would suggest it to anyone who is visiting or lives in the area. My husband and I even bought annual passes. Definite must see when coming to Atlanta.
Posted 02/24/09
took my mom to the titanic exhibit and then roamed around the aquarium together. we had tons of fun and enjoyed the exhibit thoroughly. my mom has lived in tropical areas for many years and really enjoyed seeing animals from some of those regions. outside of the initial tours, everything else is extra- bring cash.
Pros: fun, interesting, educational
Cons: parking
Posted 01/27/09
We were annual members for 2 years and my kids loved it! Overall we've always have a great time. There are 4 basic tours you can take, even a "petting zoo" area. The cafe has a great assortment of food, but it is a little pricey. There is a great 4D movie you have to see if you are there. The gift shop, which you have to wlak through to exit, has a TON of items, some you could get in any store, and most of which are also a little pricey. This should be on your to see list if you are visiting the city!
Posted 12/04/08
The outside of the building is beautiful. The inside is alright, but you almost feel forced to move from exhibit to exhibit.
Posted 09/16/08
I was so excited when I found out that Georgia was getting an Aquarium I absolutely loved the Tennessee Aquarium. As your entering the main lobby of the aquarium your welcomed with a rush of noise. It was way to loud and crowded you could barely see the animals. People were just standing and talking in front of the tanks and there were no employees around to talk to about the loitering. It was not worth the money that spent at all. You just didnt have standing room it was very unorganized.
Posted 08/05/08
I wouldn't say that the Georgia Aquarium is the Best in the world, but I do reccommend visitors to go to compare to other aquariums in the world. It definately is a beautiful place and the cafeteria offers a variety of great little meals, they are pretty pricey though. The have a great section for kids were they can play and a place were kids can touch and learn about the stingrays, baby sand sharks and starfish. Kids under 3 get free admission. It is very informative and puts the fish and underwater mammals in their proper environments. I did notice that everytime I go there that there's less and less fish. That kind of makes me wonder.
Pros: Very clean and beautiful banquet rooms
Cons: Both admission and food prices are too high
Posted 08/05/08
Great place to take kids. I had a fun and enjoyable time at the aquarium. Please take your kids and close relatives. Price is very affordable.
Posted 08/05/08
The aquarium is ok as far as the layout and the attractions, but what discourages is the cost of the food court and gift shop, forget about it. You come away like , you want me to spend this much for that. Peace. So the experience is diminished by the cost of the other goods. Also there should be a portion in the museum to relax. The Belugas have personality the whale sharks need more room. But perhaps volunteering to assist in the upkeep would give better insight as to what it takes to run that place. we could be on the outside looking in. But as an original AT alien, I am greatful it is here. It beats the zoo, by far!!!
Pros: Great and Needed facility
Cons: Need more comfortable seating
Posted 06/11/08
It was really nice the first time I went. The second time around kinda felt repetitious. But it was still fun.
Pros: Nice the very first time
Cons: They need to get new attractions
Posted 06/10/08
I hate to disappoint ayone who is excited about going to the Georgia Aquarium, but don't expect much high entrance and food prices. The quality of animlas present is not as great as the those at the Tennessee Aquarium and its just completely overpriced. People shouldn't have to pay an arm and a oeg to see the creations that God made. Those animals are on dislay in cages when they needed to be in their respective dwelling places anyway. Thumbs down!
Posted 06/09/08
I thoroughly enjoyed my one and only visit. It was very entertaining and informative. I highly recommend eveyone make the journey someday.
Pros: excellent place for the family
Cons: was not completed at time of visit.
Posted 05/15/08
I visited the Aquarium when my parents were in town last year. Coming from a small town they were ver impressed. The architecture of the building was amazing and the staff was freindly and very knowledgable. However, it was definetly geared more towards young children. It was alao very expesive.
Posted 05/13/08
My family really enjoyed how big it was. We really took our time to waited for the show times for the various shows. My daughter really fealt like the people telling us about the animals were really informative. This was a great addition to Atlanta attractions.
Pros: Two Thumbs up
Cons: Kinda of pricey
Posted 05/13/08
this place is great. there are so many different types of sea creature in this building. This is a great place to bring the family. The kids are amazed as well as the adults at all the aquarium has to offer!
Pros: large variety
Cons: parking
Posted 05/12/08
I went with three other adults at 11 am on a Monday. It was still busy with school groups but I imagine it's even more crowded on the weekends. There were some nice exhibits. I especially liked the "river" above your head in one area and the otters. There are hands-on areas for kids and a few glass "bubbles" you can stick your head in to be part of the exhibit. The 4-D movie we paid extra for was in no way worth the price. But what you're really paying for is the HUGE tank with the whale sharks. It really is impressive and probably the reason they say they're the largest aquarium. If you're visiting Atlanta and can avoid the weekends, I think it's probably something to see...but I've been to better aquariums (Chatanooga and Baltimore) that took longer to go through and had more to see.
Pros: Great whale shark exhibit, close to other attractions
Cons: Expensive, skip the movie
Posted 04/23/08
I wasn't impressed enough to return. I enjoyed the Tennessee Aquarium as much or more and it isn't near as much to get in.
Pros: Has a restaurant inside but a meal for 2 was $30 for chicken strips and a sandwich
Cons: They say it is 9 acres but it didn't seem any bigger than any others I've been to.
Posted 03/29/08
I have been to this aquarium twice. I enjoyed both visits. I recommend that you make reservations. Also, do not go on a holiday weekend.
Posted 03/04/08
Went on a 4th of July weekend. Kids were everywere. Lines too long and the exhibits were average. Go on a week day )non holidya) and will be better expereince. Cafes and eateries are too expensive. Really liked the whale exhibit.
Pros: Whale exhibit
Cons: Everything except whale exhibit, ticketing price, lines
Posted 02/06/08
I love to go to places like this. All of the fish were exotic and interesting. I also learned so much info about whales, sea otters and other aquatic animals. I especially enjoyed the tunnel where the fish swim all around you. I went with my family and we had a blast. This is a must see tourist attraction.
Posted 02/06/08
Finally got down to the new aquarium. Even better than I expected. The exhibits were amazing and very well displayed. The main viewing area had lots of seats to encourage lingering and enjoying. There were enough hands on exhibits to keep my 7 year old busy, having fun and learning about sea creatures. Went early in the morning, but by lunch time it was so crowded we decided to leave.
Pros: beautiful facility, close parking
Cons: crowds
Posted 01/16/08
This is a great place for the whole family, your mind will drift into another world of sea life and how fish of all kinds survive with one another, this is very educational for the whole family, its a must see.
Pros: thumbs up
Posted 11/27/07
As a charter member of the Georgia Aquarium, I have a right to be proud. In over 40 years of travel, I have been to over 35 aquariums around the world! The Georgia Aquarium is beyond compare! Visit and be proud of what we have here in Atlanta.... The Aquarium is our "Crown Jewel"...
Pros: Best of it's kind...
Cons: Crowds and difficult parking, with a long walk!
Posted 09/25/07
Kids will be blown away at all the different types of fish that are there. Its a great place to visit if your out of town or just a rainy day to do something educational with the kids instead of sitting around the house. I have been there more than 3 times and will be going many more times!
Pros: Great value and learning experience
Cons: Size
Posted 09/25/07
Sit in the dark room and watch the fish, whale sharks etc swimming by, mesmerizing -- my 11 month old sat there enraptured!
Cons: Expensive but if you visit more than once a year, buy a season pass
Posted 09/25/07
Frankly, drive 2 hours north to Chatanooga and see their aquarium instead.
The visit cost us $48 for the two adults, and $54 for 3 children, $10 for parking. That doesn't include eating and of course, every child wants a souvenir - the infamous "push the public through the gift shop" to exit the aquarium. However, for $112+, the end result is not even worth it. It's the hype and advertising that keep the crowds coming, however, being from ATL, I will not recommend this to my family / friends, when they visit from the North. Took our nephews (ages 8, 6, and 4) to the aquarium. They only have a few large tanks (3-4) where you and the children can actually see the fish without inching your way in so the kids can get to the windows. Once there, you'll fight crowds (somewhat expected); kids can't even get to the small windows, the majority of the aquarium's viewing areas. They have children exhibits where the kids can touch the fish, however, the kids have to be held up, lean far over the tank, to even try and reach the fish. The children became frustrated and bored very quickly.
A note to the acquarium builders and designers, contact Disney next time on how to move the masses through public spaces and what to consider when designing spaces where children's viewing is a large part of the end result.
Pros: Covered parking.
Cons: Big Disappointment.
Posted 06/20/07
Anyone who enjoyed this Georgia Aquarium obviously needs to get out more. First of all, largest viewing screen certainly does not mean world's largest aquarium. That is terrible false advertising. The aquarium is small with only four exhibits around a food court. It took my family and I only 30 min to see the entire aquarium. There were not even any exotic fish, I could have gone to the nearby farmer's market and saw something better. Wanna see a real aquarium? Try visiting the NEW YORK AQUARIUM, which is not nearly as expensive with 10x more exhibits. NY even has polar bears, exotic fish, and a wide variety of sharks that do not die! Do not go this highly overpriced, mediocre fish tank or you will be severly disappointed.
Pros: NONE!
Cons: Price, exhibits, parking, the entire aquarium
Posted 05/26/07
I have been to the Adventurer Aquarium (formerly the NJ State Aquarium), the Baltimore Aquarium, and years ago we visited the Mystic Aquarium in Conneticut as well as multiple SeaWorld trips. This one in Atlanta has a very different "spokes on a wheel" type of layout which brings you back to the center before entering a new area. Similar to most other reviews, it was extremely crowded! But it was a very nice experience. The whale sharks were amazing to see, though I thought that they would be bigger (I'm sure they'll grow) but even at the size they were, they commanded attention and had great presence. We all enjoyed the glowing jellyfish that kept changing color but the biggest homerun with the kids was with the penguin encounter area where the kids were given the chance to enter the penguins habitat through a thick acrylic tube and get up-close and personal with these curious creatures who seemed to love the attention and the cameras! I was so glad that this was free--if we had been in Orlando, there would have probably been a fee for that. I also enjoyed the cafeteria desserts provided by Wolfgang Puck and the Buckhead Bread Co. My layered chocolate mousse was to die for, the colorfully decorated fish-inspired cookies as big as our children's faces were adorable.
Pros: Whale sharks were beautiful, Penguin encounter was fun for the kids, really good desserts in cafeteria!
Cons: EXPENSIVE/WATCH OUT FOR HIDDEN COSTS!! Over priced gift shop! Over priced food! $10 parking fee, 3-D movie additional $5.50 adults $4.00 ages 3-12--give me a break!
Posted 04/17/07
This aquarium is nothing short of what an aquarium should be. It has fun, child friendly exhibits, interactive sections, and you can view things which you can't see anywhere else. I recently went to the Shedd in Chicago, which was very good, but the Atlanta aquarium definitely competes. The only thing Atlanta is missing is the dolphin show. Long lines are to be expected, so plan smartly. Definitely worth seeing
Pros: Amazing exhibits, child friendly, lots of activities for all ages
Cons: Occasionally crowded, the title "largest in the world" is a bit missleading (largest tank, not actual building)
Posted 11/29/06
Making a big splash and waves in Downtown Atlanta. Finally! After patiently waiting an entire year, my birthday treat to myself was the awesome experience of a life-time...the georgia aquarium. The lines to enter moved quickly and with ease, don't bring any gum with you, it's not allowed. I recommend visiting on a weekday, when it's less crowded. My overall experience was unforgettable, the exhibits are breathtaking, totally amazing! Get an annual pass, it's definitely worth it!
Pros: MARTA accessible, Lines move quickly
Cons: expensive parking fee
Posted 11/27/06
Okay, first of all, I don't understand all of the negative reviews. My husband took me to the aquarium last Saturday. I fell in love with it. I talked him into buying anual passes. The whales were amazing, as well as a beautiful collection of nurse sharks, sting rays, and other fish. The viewing windows were fine, however, as it got closer to 12 and 1 o'clock in the afternoon, the crowd began to grow quite a bit. It did get rather crowded, and I am definately not one for crowds. The food court was nice. There was a good selection, but it was pricy. One thing that surprised me: they serve beer in the food court. Needless to say, my husband was pleased by that. I have to admit, I thought it would be bigger, but it was deffinately worth the trip and the money. I can't wait to go back. I have been to the Chatanooga Aquarium and the San Fransico Aquarium, and I still believe that it is woirth it to visit the Georgia Aquarium.
I'd like to add a special message to paddytakes: Talking about raising the prices to keep the riff-raff out... My husband and I both work full time jobs and are raising two boys. If the prices were raised, we would never have been able to go. We are not riff-raff by any means and we are slightly offended by your comment. In the future, please keep in mind that just because someone doesn't have a large sum of money, he/she is not riff-raff. If you have a problem with those of us who are not as financially well-off as others, try moving out of Georgia.
Pros: wonderful viewing...
Cons: pricy food court
Posted 10/08/06
What a disappointment. The Aquarium boasts that it's the world's largest. Maybe the world's largest crowds. It's painfully obvious that they are trying to recoup construction costs by overpacking their exhibits. If they would cut the number of admissions by at least half and increase the admission charge to keep the riff-raff out it MIGHT have been an enjoyable experience. Putting the overwhelming crowds aside (which is no small task), the various exhibits still lacked something. There was very little educational material inside, nothing to tell you what kind of fish were inside the tanks. And the staff? Virtually non-existent. Other than cashiers and one or two people behind the information desk, I saw ONE girl next to the otter tank explaining to the multitudinous throngs about the happy swimmers inside. And where the hell were the dolphins, sharks (besides a couple hammerheads) or orcas? Half the aquarium still isn't finished being built yet. If you feel like risking it, at least wait a couple years until the WHOLE THING is done.
Pros: I got some exercise trying to push my way through too many people.
Cons: TOO. MANY. DAMN. PEOPLE.
Posted 09/04/06
Prior to going to the Aquarium, we read some of the reviews. At the time, those reviews were mostly negative. Despite those reviews, we decided to take our 5 year old grandson when he came to visit. We are so glad we did. It was very fascinating. All of us loved the atmosphere, the fish and their displays. While it isn't as nice as the Monterrey Aquarium, it certainly comes close. We will definitely take future out of town guests to visit regardless of their age. Didn't like having to go through the gift shop to get out...now that's a rip off.
Pros: Exit through the gift shop
Cons: The facility
Posted 09/04/06
This is one of the most AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL beautiful places I have ever been to. True, it is a little crowded but if you are patient and go expecting to wait a little at each exhibit, you will have no problem seeing everything, at which you can stand/sit there as long as you want. People complain about the entrance cost, but anything this awesome is worth the price. I have an annual pass and take the opportunity to show this fantastic place off to relatives and friends whenever they visit the Atl. Do yourself a favor and ALWAYS make a reservation ahead of time, which will save you the headache of waiting in line for spots that may or may not open up on any given day. (I have never waited more than 10 minutes to get in the door when I have done this and I have been 10 times).
The food court is one of the best in any museum/zoo/garden/cafeteria and offers variety and quality. Despite a regulary long line, it moves quickly - again, just be patient and you will get through.
One of my favorite things to do now is to sit in the Ocean Voyager room, stare at the massive and beautiful tank, watch the whale sharks and golden trevoli swim by, listen to the classical music and think about life. It is breathtakingly beautiful (not to be sappy but it brought tears to my eyes the first time I saw it). Thank you Bernie Marcus, well done.
Pros: EXhibits, Ambience, Food
Cons: Long lines so be patient and you get through quickly
Posted 08/19/06
"The first (and last) time we visited Underground Atlanta, our car was ..."
