Whale Sharks at the Atlanta Aquarium: What You Need to Know Before You Go

If you’re wondering “Does the Atlanta aquarium have whale sharks?” the answer is yes. The Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta is famous worldwide for its whale sharks, and it’s one of the main reasons many families and visitors plan a trip there.

Below is a clear guide to what that means for you as an Atlanta resident or visitor, how to see them, and how to plan your visit around these gentle giants.

Does the Atlanta Aquarium Have Whale Sharks?

Yes. The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta does have whale sharks.

In fact, it is known for having multiple whale sharks living in a specially designed habitat. For someone in Atlanta, this means you have one of the only places outside of Asia where you can regularly see whale sharks up close, without leaving the city.

The whale sharks live in the Ocean Voyager gallery, a massive exhibit that you can walk through via a tunnel and view from a huge floor-to-ceiling window.

Where in the Aquarium Are the Whale Sharks?

Ocean Voyager: The Home of the Whale Sharks

The whale sharks are housed in the Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot exhibit, often just called Ocean Voyager.

Inside Ocean Voyager, you can see whale sharks from:

• A long underwater tunnel you walk through
• A giant viewing window with stadium-style seating
• Multiple side viewing areas as you loop around the gallery

This makes it a popular stop for families with kids, school groups, and out-of-town visitors who want an “only in Atlanta” experience.

What Is It Like to See Whale Sharks at Georgia Aquarium?

For Atlanta Families and Kids

For families in Atlanta, whale sharks are often a top highlight of a visit. Kids typically enjoy:

• Seeing the size difference between whale sharks and other fish
• Watching them slowly glide past the viewing window
• Spotting other animals in the same habitat, such as rays and large fish

Parents often use the visit as a chance to talk about:

• Ocean conservation
• The difference between sharks and whales
• Why a city like Atlanta has such a large marine exhibit even though it’s not on the coast

For Visitors to Atlanta

If you’re visiting the city, the whale sharks make the Georgia Aquarium one of the signature Atlanta attractions, along with places like:

• World of Coca-Cola (next door)
• Centennial Olympic Park (across the street)
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (within walking distance)

This makes the area easy to plan as a half-day or full-day outing centered around the whale sharks and other exhibits.

Practical Details: Location, Parking, and Getting There

Georgia Aquarium Location

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta at:

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Main phone (general info): (404) 581-4000

This location is in the Centennial Park District, close to major hotels and public transportation.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

• By car:

  • From the northern suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs): usually via GA-400 or I-75/I-85 South
  • From the south side (College Park, Hapeville): via I-85 North or I-75 North
  • From Decatur or the East Side: typically via Ponce de Leon Ave or Freedom Parkway (GA-10) into downtown

• Parking:
  The aquarium operates an attached parking deck. Follow signs for Georgia Aquarium parking when you approach Baker Street and Luckie Street.

• By MARTA:

  • Take a train to either CNN Center/GWCC or Peachtree Center stations.
  • From there, it’s roughly a 10–15 minute walk to the aquarium, passing Centennial Olympic Park.

When Are the Whale Sharks Visible?

Can You Always See Them?

In most cases, yes—whale sharks are on display during normal operating hours. However:

• Certain maintenance activities or animal care routines may limit access to specific viewing areas at times.
• The Atlanta aquarium may occasionally adjust schedules or capacity on very busy days, such as holidays or weekends with major downtown events.

If seeing whale sharks is your main goal, it’s a good idea to:

• Arrive earlier in the day to avoid crowds
• Check the aquarium’s daily schedule and hours in advance
• Consider weekday visits if you’re local and have flexibility

Special Experiences Involving Whale Sharks

Georgia Aquarium is known for offering more than just standard viewing. While specifics can change over time, common categories of experiences may include:

1. Enhanced Viewing Experiences

These are usually focused on:

• Longer time in front of the Ocean Voyager window
• Guided information from staff or volunteers about whale sharks and their habitat

These options are well-suited to Atlanta residents who may have already seen the basic exhibits and want more in-depth understanding.

2. Premium Encounters (When Available)

The aquarium sometimes offers special programs that may include:

• Behind-the-scenes looks at how the whale shark habitat is maintained
• Educational experiences geared toward older kids, teens, or adults

Availability, age requirements, and pricing for these types of experiences can change, so it’s best to confirm current offerings directly with the aquarium.

📌 Tip: If you live in or near Atlanta and plan multiple visits, consider checking if any membership or annual pass options provide discounts or early access to specialty programs.

Is It Kid-Friendly to Watch Whale Sharks?

Yes. For families in Atlanta, the whale shark exhibit is generally very kid-friendly.

Features that help:

• Wide viewing area where kids can sit, stand, or kneel
• Dim lighting and bench seating in the main window area, making it easier for children to settle in and watch
• Plenty of staff and volunteers available to answer kid questions in simple terms

If you’re coming with toddlers or younger kids:

• Consider bringing a stroller, especially if you plan to see the entire aquarium.
• Plan for break time—the whale shark viewing area can be a quiet spot to sit and regroup.

How Long Should You Plan for the Whale Shark Exhibit?

If your main focus is the whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium, most visitors from Atlanta or out of town:

• Spend about 20–45 minutes in the Ocean Voyager area alone
• Often circle back to see it twice during a full visit

For a typical family visit, plan:

• 2–3 hours for the entire aquarium if you move quickly
• 3–4+ hours if your group likes to slow down, read signs, and watch the whale sharks and other animals for longer

Quick Reference: Whale Sharks at Georgia Aquarium

Tips for Atlanta Locals Planning a Whale Shark Visit

If you live in the Atlanta area, a few local-specific tips can make the experience smoother:

• 🕒 Avoid peak downtown traffic when possible

  • Try late morning or early afternoon on weekdays.
  • Be mindful of game days at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or big events at State Farm Arena.

• 🎟️ Check for timed entry policies
  The aquarium often uses timed tickets to manage crowds, which can affect how you plan your arrival.

• 🧒 Use the whale shark exhibit as a “rest stop”
  The calm, darkened seating area in Ocean Voyager is a great mid-visit break if kids get overstimulated.

• 🚌 Consider MARTA if you dislike downtown parking
  Coming by train from areas like Brookhaven, Chamblee, or Sandy Springs can be easier than driving and parking.

What If You’re Comparing Atlanta to Other Aquariums?

For someone in Atlanta, one of the standout differences is that not every major aquarium has whale sharks. Having them in the heart of downtown means:

• You don’t have to travel out of state to see them.
• You can combine your visit with other Atlanta-only attractions in the same neighborhood.

This makes Georgia Aquarium—and specifically its whale shark exhibit—a signature local experience for both residents and visitors.

In summary, yes, the Atlanta aquarium does have whale sharks, and they are a central highlight of the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta. Whether you’re a local planning a family outing or a visitor building your Atlanta itinerary, the whale sharks in the Ocean Voyager exhibit are one of the most distinctive experiences the city offers.