Aquariums Around Atlanta and Nearby

Georgia Aquarium

Getting an up close and personal look at animals and habitats that are completely different from ours is intriguing for the whole family. Plus, it’s a great rain or shine activity for the weekend. With amazing options nearby, it’s easy to spend the day at one of these venues learning more about aquatic animals and experiencing what life is like under the sea.

Georgia Aquarium

We are lucky to have one of the world’s largest aquariums, which houses more than 100,000 sea creatures in 10 million gallons of water, in our city! At the Georgia Aquarium, you can view fish, tortoises, penguins, otters, manta rays, whales and sharks. Thanks to its size, the Georgia Aquarium offers several unique experiences, including the Dolphin Presentation, Sea Lion Show and the new Aquanat Adventure: A Discovery Zone. This kid-centric area features fresh water and marine habitats, scientific research, aquatic and marine sciences careers and more. Plus, with a special ticket, you can immerse yourself in the Ocean Voyager exhibit for a chance to swim with whale sharks.

Beyond Atlanta

UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium

Located on Skidaway Island, 20 minutes from downtown Savannah, this is Georgia’s first saltwater aquarium. The aquarium features 16 exhibit tanks showcasing a variety of Georgia’s marine life. A public touch tank allows visitors to get close to marine invertebrates, such as whelks and crabs. Walk along the boardwalk overlooking the Skidaway River winding through maritime forest and along the Skidaway River salt marshes, and pack a picnic for a scenic view along the river.

Tennessee Aquarium

Travel to Chattanooga for a fascinating look at nature and more than 10,000 animals from the mountains to the sea as you trace the path of water. View amphibians, birds, butterflies, fish and invertebrates, including lemurs, jellyfish, snakes, octopi, sharks and more. At the IMAX Theater, dive into new worlds with special 45-minute films. The new Deeper Dives: A Guided Tour walks you through the behind-the-scenes of animal care with a morning tour taking place before the aquarium opens to the public. Plus, the aquarium is right on the river, so you can take in some great views of nature before or after your visit.

South Carolina Aquarium

Head to Charleston to view more than 5,000 animals and see the difference in all of the state’s habitats as you journey through the aquarium. Exhibit areas are: Mountain Forest (currently closed for renovations), Piedmont, The Trading Post, Coastal Plain, Kids Coast, Saltmarsh Aviary, Touch Tank, Coast, Ocean, Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery, Carolina Seas, The Shallows and Backyard Habitat. At Kids Coast, learn nature-based concepts through play and guided discovery, participate in collaborative activities and more. Touch and feel several species of invertebrates, including hermit crabs, sea urchins and Atlantic stingrays at the Touch Tank.