Georgia Aquarium Review
A question that gets asked by anyone visiting Atlanta is, does the Georgia Aquarium live up to the hype? This past November, I saw the Georgia Aquarium (GA) for two days on a girls' trip. I made some of my closest friends, Juliette and Bronwyn, working at Seaworld. The memories made singing in the fish house and laughing over spilled ice play in my head on loop when I need a smile. Fast forward a year, and we are all onto new adventures. Bronwyn is a trainer at SeaWorld San Antonio, and Juliette is a trainer at the Georgia Aquarium. So when it came to getting the gang back together, Atlanta, Georgia, was the perfect host. The Georgia Aquarium was worth the hype and then some.
Bronwyn and Juliette looking perfect.
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums globally, with over 100,000 animals in its collection. There are seven different galleries: Aquanaut Adventure, Cold Water Quest, Dolphin Coast, Ocean Voyager, Sharks! Predators of the Deep, Southern Company River Scout, Tropical Diver, and Truist Pier 225. From there, each gallery has different subsection exhibits. The GA's dynamic exhibits invite you into a world of scientific discovery and wonder. I was fortunate enough to spend two days at the Aquarium. However, visiting the Aquarium is manageable in a day. So, if you are on an action-packed vacation to Atlanta and time is precious, you can get the aquarium experience in under five hours.
Sea Lion kisses! Hope Mr. Panoramic Ocean doesn't mind.
You guys already know that when the Panoramic Ocean visits an aquarium or zoo, we have to see and do it all. The Georgia Aquarium offers several uniquely immersive experiences. Due to the popularity of the experiences, I recommend booking them ahead of time online several MONTHS in advance. Yup, I said months. From when we started discussing our friend reunion to securing our flights, the highly sought-after 'Swim with Gentle Giants' (the whale shark swim) was fully booked. However, that little bump did not stop us from having fun.
Kaylen striking a pose in Panoramic Ocean's 'it's okay' tee.
The Georgia Aquarium has plenty of activities you can book before and throughout your visit. The girls and I booked the 'Behind the Seas Tour,' which offers guests an exclusive look at the top side of the Aquarium's most popular exhibits. I went on this tour twice and was completely blown away each time. The tour group was able to see a session with the belugas and seals. Learn all about how the Aquarium filtrates its water. And more. The craziest moment of the tour happened while I was topside of Ocean Voyager. I got to see a giant manta breach. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment and left us speechless. The 'Behind the Seas Tour' lasts for around thirty minutes and is $15 for non-members.
Kaylen with the Giant Manta that breached.
The Georgia Aquarium has insightful animal presentations. My personal favorite was the Sea Lion show at Truist Pier 225. Before you call me biased, yes, I am. That is where my friend Juliette is an animal trainer. The presentation is education-based, and the Trainers match the Sea Lions high energy. After the presentation, Juliette blessed us with a Sea Lion interaction. One of those full-circle moments was getting to watch my best friend live out her dream as an animal trainer.
The Trio all together. So proud of how far my girls have come.
This trip to the Georgia Aquarium was one of the most memorable trips. Getting to be in a place like the Georgia Aquarium with some of my best friends is rewarding. If you ever get the opportunity to visit, please take full advantage of it.