After canceling a lot of vacations last year due to COVID-19, we (DH and I) had a lot of flight credits to use this year before they expired. I’ve enjoyed watching “The Aquarium” on Animal Planet and its behind the scenes views of the staff and animals at the Georgia Aquarium. So, we cashed in some of those credits and headed over to Atlanta for a quick, birthday weekend getaway.
Tickets and COVID-19 Precautions: Tickets are currently $35.95 for adults and are only available online. Children 2 and under are free. Animal experiences and behind the scenes tours cost extra. To limit the number of people in the Aquarium, tickets are timed. Masks are required inside. And, they have some of the main viewing areas split into sections by plexiglass dividers. They are also limiting attendance at the dolphin and 4D shows and are requiring reservations. So, if you want to attend those, you need to reserve a spot online or as soon as you get there on the day you visit. Spots go fast. Information about their safety procedures can be found here: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/safety-measures/
Breakfast: If you have the time, I recommend going to the Atlanta Breakfast Club, conveniently located across the street from the Aquarium. It is a really popular breakfast spot. So, if you do go, either get there when they first open or plan on waiting in line. DH loved the chicken and waffles. https://atlantabreakfastclub.com/
The Aquarium is split into several main galleries, Sharks!, River Scout, Dolphin Coast, Cold Water Quest, Tropical Diver, and Ocean Voyager. We made it to most of those; but missed the Dolphin Coast exhibit as it is upstairs and away from the others. (I thought it was just the Dolphin show. Oops!) I pre-booked tickets to the Sea Lion Encounter. I really wanted to see the sea otters; but the Aquarium is not offering that Encounter at the moment. (Boo!)
Sharks!
River Scout
Cold Water Quest!
This was my favorite exhibit. It features cold water species from around the world, including crabs, penguins, sea otters, puffins, and Beluga whales! The Belugas are fun to watch and (right now) there is a calf still with its mother (top left picture).
Tropical Diver
Another fun exhibit. Tropical Diver showcases more than 200 types of coral and over 90 species, including eels, jellys, and clown anemonefish (Nemo!).
Ocean Voyager
Sea Lion Encounter
This encounter was not the same as described on the website; but the tickets were also cheaper. For example, we didn’t get to take a picture with the sea lions. However, they did let us take pictures of the sea lions with our cameras (which is normally not allowed.) If you are interested in one of the animal encounters, you may want to call ahead of time to ask what modifications have been made, if any, for when you will be there.
Overall, we had a great time and enjoyed our visit. I would definitely go again if we’re ever back in Atlanta. 🙂
The Clumsy Cruiser 