Atlanta Aquarium Whale Shark: How to See the World’s Largest Fish in Atlanta

If you’re searching for “Atlanta Aquarium whale shark,” you’re really looking for one of Atlanta’s most famous attractions: the whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta. These gentle giants are a major reason many people visit the city – and if you live here, they’re one of the most unique experiences you can have without leaving town.

Below is a clear, practical guide to help you understand what the whale shark exhibit is, how to see it, and how to make the most of your visit in Atlanta, Georgia.

Where to See Whale Sharks in Atlanta

In the United States, Georgia Aquarium is known for being the only public aquarium that houses whale sharks, the world’s largest fish.

Location:

• Georgia Aquarium
• 225 Baker St NW
• Atlanta, GA 30313
• In the downtown entertainment district, near Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca‑Cola, and State Farm Arena.

If you’re staying or living inside the Perimeter (I‑285), the aquarium is usually about a 10–25 minute drive from most in-town neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside, etc.), depending on traffic.

What Makes Atlanta’s Whale Sharks Special?

Whale sharks in Atlanta live in the aquarium’s massive Ocean Voyager exhibit. This is one of the largest indoor aquatic habitats in the world and was specifically designed for large pelagic (open-ocean) animals.

Key features of the Atlanta whale shark experience:

• Multiple whale sharks: You’re not just seeing one; Atlanta is known for having several whale sharks in the same habitat.
• Enormous viewing window: The main viewing pane is floor-to-ceiling and gives you a sweeping sightline of the sharks gliding past.
• Walk‑through tunnel: A long underwater tunnel lets you see whale sharks from below as they swim overhead.
• Mixed species habitat: You’ll also see manta rays, sharks, and large schools of fish sharing the space.

For many Atlanta residents, this exhibit becomes a “go‑to” place to impress out‑of‑town visitors or celebrate a special occasion.

Quick Overview: Atlanta Whale Shark Experience

How to See the Whale Sharks: General Admission vs. Add‑On Experiences

Included with General Admission

You do not need a special “whale shark ticket.” If you buy general admission to Georgia Aquarium, you can visit the Ocean Voyager gallery where the whale sharks live.

With general admission, you can:

• Walk through the underwater tunnel beneath the whale sharks.
• Spend unlimited time in the main viewing gallery.
• Watch scheduled feeding or educational presentations if they are occurring during your visit.
• Access other galleries (tropical reef, river habitats, cold water species, etc.).

This is usually enough for most Atlanta families, tourists, or anyone visiting on a budget.

Optional Premium Experiences

For a closer or more interactive encounter, the aquarium often offers paid add‑on experiences (subject to availability and age/health requirements). Typical examples include:

• Behind‑the‑Scenes Tours: Guided visits above the Ocean Voyager habitat to see how the whale shark environment is run.
• Swim or Snorkel Programs: Structured in‑water experiences in the Ocean Voyager habitat, with strict safety and equipment protocols.
• Small‑Group Encounters or Educational Programs: Focused on learning about whale shark biology, care, and conservation.

If you live in Atlanta and want something beyond just viewing, these premium options are a popular choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or “bucket list” experiences. They usually require advance reservations and have minimum age rules.

Best Time to Visit the Whale Sharks in Atlanta

Whale sharks are in a controlled indoor environment, so you can see them year‑round. The main thing to plan around is crowd size, not the animals’ behavior.

Less Crowded Times

Atlanta visitors commonly find these times more comfortable:

• Weekday mornings (especially outside of school holidays)
• Non‑holiday Tuesdays–Thursdays
• Afternoons after local school hours can be mixed – sometimes families arrive, sometimes crowds thin out.

Busier Times

Expect heavier crowds in these periods:

• Weekends, especially Saturdays
• Major holidays and school breaks, including summer, spring break, and long weekends
• Days when downtown has large conventions or sports events (State Farm Arena or Mercedes‑Benz Stadium)

If you live in metro Atlanta, you may prefer to time your visits around local traffic and events, especially if you’re coming from outside the city center (e.g., from Marietta, Alpharetta, or Gwinnett).

Getting to the Whale Sharks: Transportation and Parking

Driving and Parking

Address for GPS:

• 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Key driving notes:

• From I‑75/85, you’ll typically exit near Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd or Williams St and follow signs toward Centennial Olympic Park.
• The aquarium has an on‑site parking deck with direct access to the building.
• If there’s a Falcons game, Hawks game, or major concert nearby, plan for heavier traffic and possible parking delays.

💡 Tip for Atlanta locals: If you’re coming from neighborhoods like Decatur, Inman Park, or Buckhead, consider off‑peak hours to avoid rush hour on the Connector (I‑75/85).

MARTA (Public Transit)

For many visitors staying downtown or midtown, MARTA can be easier than driving.

• Take the Red or Gold line to:
  • Peachtree Center Station or
  • Civic Center Station
• Walk approximately 10–15 minutes west toward Centennial Olympic Park and Baker Street.

This can be a good option if you want to avoid parking fees or downtown traffic.

What to Expect Inside the Ocean Voyager Whale Shark Exhibit

Once you’re at Georgia Aquarium, follow the signs to Ocean Voyager. The exhibit typically includes:

1. Underwater Tunnel

You’ll first walk through a moving walkway (or side path) under the habitat. Above you, whale sharks and manta rays pass overhead.

• Good for kids and strollers.
• Tends to be a high‑photo area, so it can get crowded.
• If you want more quiet viewing, you can keep moving and spend more time in the main gallery.

2. Main Viewing Window

After the tunnel, you’ll enter a large room with a massive viewing pane and seating.

Here, you can:

• Sit and watch the whale sharks glide by.
• See large rays, groupers, and schools of fish interacting.
• Listen if staff are offering informal talks or Q&A sessions.

Locals often treat this space like an “underwater theater” and will sit for 20–30 minutes at a time just watching.

Tips for Atlanta Families Visiting the Whale Sharks

If you’re visiting with children or bringing guests to Atlanta, these practical points can help:

• Strollers are common: The aquarium is designed to be stroller‑friendly, including the tunnel and galleries.
• Noise and crowds: During peak times, it can get loud. If a child is sensitive to sensory overload, consider weekday mornings.
• Food and snacks: There’s an on‑site café. Many Atlanta parents time their whale shark visit around meal or snack breaks to avoid meltdowns.
• Time budgeting: Expect to spend at least 30–60 minutes in the whale shark area alone if you enjoy slow viewing and photos.

For Atlanta Locals: Membership and Repeat Visits

If you live in or near Atlanta and think you’ll visit the whale sharks more than once a year, it’s common to consider annual membership options at Georgia Aquarium.

Benefits often include:

• Unlimited general admission on standard operating days
• Discounts on parking, food, or special programs (varies by membership level)
• Priority access or special hours on select dates

This can be particularly useful if you live in Downtown, Midtown, or West Midtown and want a reliable indoor activity for hot summers, rainy days, or visiting relatives.

Accessibility and Special Needs Considerations

Georgia Aquarium generally aims to be accessible for a wide range of visitors:

• Wheelchair access: Ramps and elevators provide access to the whale shark viewing areas.
• Seating: The Ocean Voyager main gallery has bench and stadium-style seating.
• Service animals: Policies are usually clearly posted at entry; check in advance if you have specific needs.
• Sensory considerations: The whale shark exhibit is dimly lit with moving visuals and can be stimulating. For visitors with sensory sensitivities, quieter times (like weekday mornings) tend to be more comfortable.

If you or someone in your group has specific accommodation needs, you can contact Georgia Aquarium Guest Services before visiting for the most current information.

Educational and Conservation Angle in Atlanta

The whale shark habitat in Atlanta isn’t just for display. It’s also used to:

• Teach visitors about ocean ecosystems and why whale sharks are important.
• Highlight topics like overfishing, marine debris, and habitat protection.
• Encourage Atlantans—who live several hours from the coast—to understand how urban life still affects the ocean, through choices related to plastic use, energy, and travel.

For schools in the Atlanta Public Schools system and surrounding districts, field trips to see the whale sharks are a common way to tie classroom science lessons to a real‑world experience.

Planning Your “Atlanta Aquarium Whale Shark” Visit: Simple Checklist

Use this quick list as you plan your trip:

• Decide on date and time (aim for weekday if possible).
• Plan your transportation:
  • Driving? Note the 225 Baker St NW address and consider downtown events.
  • Taking MARTA? Choose Peachtree Center or Civic Center for the closest walk.
• Purchase general admission in advance if you want to save time at the entrance.
• If interested, book add‑on experiences (behind-the-scenes, swim/snorkel, etc.) well ahead of your visit.
• Charge phones and cameras – the whale shark window is one of the most photographed spots in Atlanta.
• Bring comfortable shoes; you’ll be walking and standing in multiple galleries.
• For families, pack essentials for kids (snacks, small toys, or comfort items) to help with waits and transitions.

Visiting the whale sharks at Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is one of the city’s signature experiences. Whether you’re a local looking for a unique afternoon in downtown Atlanta, or a visitor planning a must‑see stop, the Ocean Voyager exhibit gives you a rare chance to stand just feet away from the world’s largest fish—without leaving the heart of the city.