Planning a trip to see whale sharks Georgia Aquarium is one of the best decisions you can make for an unforgettable aquarium visit. Most people aren't sure what to expect. They wonder if it's worth the price, which experience to book, or how to make the most of their time there.
This article covers everything you need to know. You'll learn about the exhibits, swim experiences, ticket tips, and what to do before you go.
I've spent time researching visitor reviews, aquarium guides, and firsthand accounts to give you the most helpful and accurate information possible.
By the end, you'll feel fully prepared to plan your visit with confidence.
Why the Whale Sharks at Georgia Aquarium Are a Must-See
Georgia Aquarium is one of the few places in the world where you can see whale sharks in person.
These are the largest fish on Earth. Seeing one behind glass is already breathtaking. But Georgia Aquarium goes further by letting visitors swim or scuba dive alongside them. That's something most aquariums simply can't offer.
The Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot exhibit holds over 6 million gallons of water. It's home to four whale sharks along with hundreds of other marine animals, including manta rays that grow up to 15 feet across.
The scale alone is hard to put into words. When you stand in front of the tunnel and watch a whale shark glide overhead, it stops you in your tracks.
For families, solo travelers, or marine life enthusiasts, this exhibit delivers something that feels rare and real. It's not just a display. It's an experience that sticks with you long after you leave.
Meet the Whale Sharks at Georgia Aquarium
Georgia Aquarium is currently home to four whale sharks (scientific name:Rhincodon typus), making it the only aquarium in the western hemisphere to house them.
The aquarium acquired its first whale sharks in 2006. They were brought in from fishing nets off the coast of Taiwan through a program that aimed to give the animals a safe home rather than face certain death.
UPS provided four 747 aircraft to fly the sharks safely from Taiwan to Atlanta. The decision was controversial but helped spark a broader global conversation about whale shark conservation.
Each shark has its own personality and behavior patterns. Staff members track their health, feeding habits, and movements closely. Visitors often notice the sharks swimming in slow, graceful circles near the surface or along the bottom of the massive tank.
What makes this so special is the access. You're not watching through a tiny porthole. The viewing walls and underwater tunnel give you a close, open look at animals that can grow up to 40 feet long.
Where to See Whale Sharks Inside Georgia Aquarium
The whale sharks live in the Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot exhibit, which is the centerpiece of the entire aquarium.
This massive tank is visible from multiple angles. There's a large viewing wall that stretches across the exhibit floor, giving you a sweeping front-row view of the sharks and other sea life.
The underwater tunnel is the most popular spot. You walk through it while marine animals swim directly above and around you.
There's also a viewing room with stadium-style seating where you can sit and watch for as long as you like. This is a great option for families with young kids who need a break but don't want to leave the exhibit.
If you want to get even closer, the premium experiences give you in-water access. More on those in the next section.
Whale Shark Experiences at Georgia Aquarium
Beyond watching from the viewing area, Georgia Aquarium offers several ways to get in the water and come face-to-face with whale sharks.
Journey with Gentle Giants Snorkeling Experience
This is the most popular in-water option and a great choice for people who don't have scuba certification.
You'll snorkel at the surface of the Ocean Voyager tank while whale sharks and manta rays swim below and around you. The experience lasts about 30 minutes in the water. You're guided by trained aquarium staff who keep the group together and answer questions along the way.
No prior snorkeling experience is required, but you should be comfortable in water. You'll wear a wetsuit provided by the aquarium. Cameras and personal equipment are not allowed in the water, but the aquarium offers photo packages so you can still get great shots.
Scuba Diving With Whale Sharks
For certified divers, this is the experience of a lifetime.
You'll descend into the Ocean Voyager exhibit and spend time alongside whale sharks, manta rays, and other large marine animals. The dive lasts around 30 minutes in the water.
You need to show proof of open water certification before booking. Participants must be at least 12 years old, and anyone under 18 needs a participating adult in the water with them.
Space is limited, and this experience fills up fast. Booking several weeks in advance is strongly recommended. The aquarium provides all the gear, so you don't need to bring your own.
The dive takes place in the same tank where the sharks eat, rest, and move freely. There's nothing separating you from them. It's as close as most people will ever get to a whale shark in their life.
Behind the Seas Tour
This tour takes you behind the scenes of the Ocean Voyager exhibit for a look at how the aquarium operates day to day.
You'll visit areas that regular visitors never see, including food prep stations, filtration systems, and observation decks above the tank.
If the timing lines up, you may even get to watch staff feed the whale sharks from above. Staff members explain how they care for the animals and what daily life looks like for the whale sharks.
This experience is ideal for those who are curious about marine biology, animal care, or aquarium operations. It's a good choice if in-water experiences aren't your thing but you still want a deeper connection with the exhibit.
Other Animal Encounters to Consider
Georgia Aquarium has more than just whale sharks.
The aquarium also offers beluga whale interactions, sea lion shows, dolphin encounters, and manta ray feeding experiences. If you're spending a full day, consider pairing one of these with your whale shark visit.
One practical tip: if you go to the dolphin show, the first few rows are in the Splash Zone, so expect to get wet if you sit there. Each encounter adds something different to the trip and gives you more time with the animals.
Snorkeling vs Scuba Diving With Whale Sharks
Not sure which experience is right for you? Here's a quick side-by-side look.
| Feature | Snorkeling (Journey with Gentle Giants) | Scuba Diving |
| Certification Required | No | Yes (Open Water or higher) |
| Age Minimum | 6 years old | 12 years old (under 18 needs adult) |
| Time in Water | ~30 minutes | ~30 minutes |
| Depth | Surface level | Full tank depth |
| Proximity to Sharks | Moderate | Very close |
| Price Range | Lower | Higher |
| Best For | Families, beginners | Certified divers |
| Gear Provided | Yes | Yes |
| Advance Booking Needed | Recommended | Highly recommended |
Both experiences are led by trained staff and include a pre-water briefing. If you're on the fence, snorkeling is the easier entry point. If you're a certified diver, the scuba experience offers a level of access that's hard to match anywhere else.
Planning Your Visit to See the Whale Sharks
A little planning goes a long way when visiting Georgia Aquarium.
Tickets and Premium Experience Reservations
General admission tickets can be purchased online through the Georgia Aquarium website. It's smart to buy in advance since weekends often sell out entirely. Before you go, download the Georgia Aquarium app.
It has an interactive map, your ticket details, and a scavenger hunt feature that kids love. If you don't have a smartphone, the aquarium offers physical Dive Cards at each exhibit that work the same way.
Premium experiences like snorkeling and scuba diving require separate reservations. These are not included with general admission. Prices vary by experience and can change seasonally, so check the official site for current pricing.
These spots sell out quickly, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Book your in-water experience first, then plan the rest of your visit around it.
Best Time of Day and Best Season to Visit
Weekday mornings are the least crowded time to visit. The aquarium opens at 9 AM, and arriving within the first hour gives you more space to move around and better views at the exhibit.
Weekends and school holidays bring significantly higher foot traffic. If your schedule is flexible, aim for a Tuesday through Thursday visit. Summer months are the busiest season.
If you want a quieter experience, fall and early winter tend to be calmer without sacrificing the quality of the exhibits.
How Much Time to Spend at the Exhibit
Plan to spend at least 3 to 5 hours at the aquarium if you want to see all the major exhibits without rushing.
The Ocean Voyager exhibit alone can take an hour or more if you stop to watch the feeding sessions or spend time in the tunnel.
If you add a premium experience, factor in check-in time, preparation, and the experience itself. A full day is ideal for families or first-time visitors who want to see everything.
Parking, Accessibility, and Visitor Amenities
Georgia Aquarium is located at 225 Baker Street Northwest in downtown Atlanta. Parking is available in nearby garages, and the aquarium website lists partner lots with directions.
The facility is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms throughout. The designers built dedicated accessible viewing areas at each exhibit, so make sure to respect those spaces when visiting with your group.
Stroller rentals are available on-site. Lockers are provided near the in-water experience check-in areas. There are multiple dining options inside the aquarium, ranging from quick bites to sit-down meals.
Bringing a refillable water bottle is a smart idea since the facility can get warm, especially during peak hours.
Tips for Getting the Best Whale Shark Experience
A few small moves can make a big difference in how your visit goes.
- Book your in-water experience before buying general admission, as availability fills up fast. Arrive at least 30 minutes early since late arrivals may lose their spot without a refund.
- Visit the Ocean Voyager exhibit early in the day when the whale sharks tend to be more active. Check the feeding schedule at the information desk to catch one of the best free moments in the exhibit.
- Wear a swimsuit under your clothes if you have an in-water experience booked. Changing areas are available but get crowded, so arriving dressed saves time and stress.
- Leave personal cameras in your locker before entering the water and consider the aquarium's photo packages instead.
- Download the Georgia Aquarium app before you arrive for maps, tickets, and the interactive scavenger hunt in one place.
Is the Whale Shark Experience at Georgia Aquarium Worth It?
For most visitors, the answer is a clear yes.
Georgia Aquarium offers something that very few places in the world can match. The Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot exhibit is massive, well-maintained, and genuinely awe-inspiring.
The scale of the experience is hard to replicate whether you're watching from the tunnel or snorkeling at the surface.
The premium experiences do come at an added cost. But if you've ever wanted to be in the water near the largest fish on Earth, this is one of the safest and most accessible ways to do it. You don't need to travel to Thailand or the Maldives. You can do it in Atlanta.
For families with children, the exhibit alone justifies the trip. Kids often talk about the whale sharks long after the visit is over. For adult travelers and divers, the scuba experience ranks among the top bucket list moments many people describe.
The aquarium holds AZA accreditation, its staff are professional and approachable, and the overall visitor experience is well-organized. Considering what you get for the price, it holds up well.
Common Mistakes Visitors Should Avoid
A few missteps can take away from what should be a great day.
- Showing up without reservations for the in-water experiences and expecting to book on the spot. These sell out days or weeks in advance.
- Spending too long at the first exhibit and rushing through the whale shark area at the end of the day.
- Not eating before arriving. The food lines inside get long during peak hours and can cut into your exhibit time.
- Forgetting to check age and health requirements for premium experiences before booking. Some experiences have restrictions that may apply to your group.
- Skipping the feeding schedule and missing one of the most memorable moments in the exhibit.
Conclusion
Whale sharks Georgia Aquarium is one of those experiences that genuinely lives up to the hype.
From the massive Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot exhibit to the once-in-a-lifetime chance to snorkel or scuba dive with the world's largest fish, Georgia Aquarium delivers something few places can offer.
Plan ahead, book your premium experience early, and give yourself a full day to take it all in. You won't regret it.
If this guide helped you plan your visit, share it with someone who'd love to see whale sharks up close.
Got questions or visited recently? Drop a comment below and tell us what your experience was like. And if you're still deciding, bookmark this page so you have everything you need when you're ready to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium year-round?
Yes, the whale sharks live permanently in the Ocean Voyager exhibit and are available to see every day the aquarium is open.
Do I need swimming experience to book the snorkeling experience?
You should be comfortable in water, but no formal swimming lessons or certifications are required for the snorkeling option.
Are there weight or health restrictions for the in-water experiences?
Yes, weight limits and health guidelines apply. The aquarium lists all requirements on the booking page before checkout.
