Georgia Aquarium - Biggest Aquarium in America

(Travel)

By Sabrina Lettera 

The Georgia Aquarium may not be the largest aquarium in the world, but it is the largest aquarium in the United States. Opening in 2005, this aquarium holds over 11 million gallons of water and has over 500 species. This aquarium was founded by Bernie Marcus, who is also co-founder of Home Depot. 

The Georgia Aquarium is not just an average walk-through aquarium. There are many activities offered that are worth checking out. Some experiences and activities offered are a dolphin show, sea lion show, behind the seas tour, and seasonal activities with themed decor. 

They offer a very unique experience called Journey with Gentle Giants. This is where people get to swim with whale sharks, manta rays, and more. Participants will get a 30 minute guided swim. Photos and a t-shirt are included, guests will have the option to purchase a video of their swim. Three professional divers are in the water at all times, helping participants throughout the swim. 

Whale Shark

Photo by: Zac Wolf, Wikimedia Commons

Ocean Voyager Tunnel

Photo by: Diliff, Wikimedia Commons

There are different types of encounters that visitors can have with animals. Some encounters visitors can sign up for are with sea otters, penguins, seals, and belugas. These encounters offer a more up close and personal interaction with the animals. With the sea otter encounter, participants are able to feed them. With the belugas, visitors participate in a training session, getting the behind the scenes take on how to train these animals. These encounters are not included with a typical aquarium ticket, guests will have to purchase a separate ticket for the encounter. 

There are many different galleries of animals featured in this aquarium. An example being Tropical Diver, which features different types of fish, stingrays, and coral. Another gallery is called Aquanaut Adventure. This gallery features alligators, lizards, eels, and turtles. There are nine different galleries, with other types of animals scattered around the aquarium. 

Most of Georgia Aquarium’s smaller animals come from aquaculture farms, usually in Southeast Asia and Florida. An aquaculture farm is a type of farming that breeds fish and crops. Georgia Aquarium also collaborates with other aquariums to share animals. Bigger animals, like the whale sharks, were rescued and are not able to be released into the ocean. They came from Taiwan on a private plane in a special container designed for these sharks. 

Not only is the Georgia Aquarium an aquarium, but it is also a premier animal care and research facility. This provides a safe environment for the animals, while their researchers make sure their environment is suitable for them to live in. 

People travel to this aquarium from all over the country. There are hotels close to the aquarium to stay in while visiting, as seen on the Georgia Aquarium website. 

This is an aquarium experience no one wants to miss out on. Make sure to check it out if in the area, or even book a flight to go see it. It is definitely worth the trip.