An Insider's Guide to Georgia Aquarium

Visitors to Atlanta can't go wrong with a stop at Georgia Aquarium. Located prominently at Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta, the aquarium's exceptional galleries, exciting shows and creative encounters are sure to make this a vacation you will not forget. Follow our simple ideas for enhancing your aquarium experience, and saving some cash in the process.

Maximizing Your Visit

Dolphin and Sea Lion Shows

Dolphin Presentation and Under The Boardwalk are two spectacular animal presentations included with your General Admission ticket; however, you will need to plan accordingly to see them.

Under the Boardwalk is an adorable and informative sea lion presentation that lasts about 20 minutes, showing off the talents of a few rescued pups.

The can't-miss presentation of your visit is Dolphin Presentation! The first half includes dolphin antics and insight into these amazing animals. The second half is even more exciting, with leaping, splashing, swimming and other dolphin capers. Sitting in the first few rows increases the likelihood of a shower of sea water from your favorite dolphin friends.

Guests must reserve their seats for the presentations on the day of their visit (free of charge, or if guests would like preferred, reserved seating, it’s $5). Find more information about reserving your seats for the dolphin presentation and the sea lion presentation.

Behind the Seas

For only $15.99, you can add a Behind the Seas tour to your ticket, and it is absolutely worth it. You'll see a few galleries tucked beyond the "Employees Only" door. The highlight is a spectacular view of the whale sharks eating lunch.

Mobile App

The Aquarium's mobile app offers a chance to dive deeper into each gallery. It's free to use, and the aquarium offers free WiFi. The app is also handy for checking out show times, managing tickets and more.

Animal Encounters

For the ultimate aquarium experience, schedule an animal encounter. Get up close and personal with the ocean's gentle giant, a Whale Shark. Whale Shark experiences vary from snorkel encounters on the water's surface to full-scale SCUBA sessions within the gallery tank. The newest encounter is the shark and ray interaction, which is fabulous, and the newest fully immersive program is the Shark Cage Dive.

Don't expect to secure a same-day spot. You'll want to book in advance for these adventures.

Discount Opportunities

Purchase Tickets Online

Tickets are $47.99 if you purchase on the day of your visit. You can save $5 if you buy your tickets at least one day before you visit. Children 2 and under get in free.

Save on animal encounters with exclusive, online-only Explore Georgia discounts.

Check out other discounts (Military Mondays, Discount Parking, etc.) on Georgia Aquarium's website.

Hotel Packages

For the grandest of discounts, book your Atlanta visit at an Aquarium Preferred Hotel, and receive exclusive General Admission Anytime tickets. Hotels include Hilton hotels, The Ellis Hotel, Ritz-Carlton Atlanta, The Westin Peachtree Plaza and more. See the Aquarium's website for full details.

See More Experiences at Georgia Aquarium