Georgia Aquarium

Whale Sharks, Jellyfish, and More

On my latest visit to Atlanta, I had the opportunity to explore one of the city’s most impressive attractions, the Georgia Aquarium. Known for its expansive tanks and diverse marine life, this aquarium provides a captivating glimpse into the underwater world. Among the highlights of my visit was the chance to see the magnificent whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, which are housed in one of the largest single aquatic exhibits in the world.

• Sony A7R III
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Opened in 2005, the Georgia Aquarium stands out as one of the largest aquariums in the world, with hundreds of species and thousands of animals across its seven major galleries. The aquarium was largely funded by a generous $250 million donation from Bernie Marcus, co-founder of The Home Depot, who envisioned it as a gift to the people of Atlanta that would encourage education and conservation while boosting the local economy.

One of the most impressive exhibits is the Ocean Voyager, built by The Home Depot, which houses the whale sharks. (The Aquarium is full of corporate sponsorships) These gentle giants glide gracefully through the massive 6.3 million gallon tank, sharing their space with manta rays and thousands of other fish. Watching them, I was amazed by their sheer size and the serene way they moved through the water, though the vastness of the tank meant that visitors could only get but so close.

A Spectrum of Marine Life

• Sony A7R III
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Beyond the whale sharks, I was also drawn to the captivating jellyfish exhibit, where the delicate creatures floated against softly lit backdrops, creating a mesmerizing display of natural ballet. The cold water quest gallery, home to beluga whales, was another highlight. These charismatic creatures captured my heart with their playful behaviors and stark white appearance, making them a favorite among visitors.

Comparative Experiences

• Sony A7R III
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Despite the grand scale and variety of marine life at the Georgia Aquarium, I felt that the experiences offered were somewhat less intimate than those at smaller zoos and aquariums. The larger-than-life tanks, while impressive, made it difficult to feel a close connection to the animals, something I’ve cherished in other facilities.

The Broader Attraction of Atlanta’s Pemberton Place

• Sony A7R III
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Located in Pemberton Place, the Georgia Aquarium is part of a wider entertainment complex that includes the World of Coca-Cola, which I had visited previously. The World of Coke, while an interesting homage to the iconic American brand, felt predominantly like a celebration of capitalism, tailored specifically for die-hard fans of the beverage.

Final Thoughts

My visit to the Georgia Aquarium was enjoyable and filled with awe-inspiring moments provided by some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. The aquarium’s commitment to conservation and education is evident, and its role in Atlanta’s community is undeniably positive. However, for those seeking a more personal wildlife encounter, the scale here might feel a bit overwhelming. Nonetheless, for anyone interested in marine biology or looking for a family-friendly activity in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium is certainly worth a visit.