The Georgia Aquarium

I was so excited to visit the Georgia Aquarium. I remember hearing about it when it opened several years ago and how awesome it was. It boasts that it is the largest aquarium in the world with over 8 million gallons of water. It lived up to it's reputation! It was fantastic!

A fishy friend greeted us when we entered, and Joseph thought he was pretty cool! The main hall was very open and pretty - unlike the Dallas World Aquarium there was plenty of space for all the kids to roam around and more than enough room for strollers. Off that main area there were five different areas to walk through; tropical warm water, cold water, Ocean Voyager with giant whale sharks and two manta rays, River Scout with otters and alligators, and then a hands on areas with a kiddie play area. They were amazingly decorated and had huge viewing windows, walk through tunnels and all sorts of interactive nooks and crannies. Each had beautiful music playing that really enhanced the experience. (Do I sound like a pamphlet?!)

We would crouch down to point at and talk about the fish and soon Joseph thought he had to crouch down too! He is such a monkey! Monkey see monkey do!


This viewing wall of a living reef in the tropical area had beautiful music playing that was synchronized to crescendo with simulated waves above our heads. It was awesome!

The jelly exhibit used dark lighting to create a mystical mood. They floated around so peacefully and were so beautiful.






Look at the size of those fish! They were HUGE!


This was a viewing area for the gentle giants area. The window was at least 20 feet tall and probably twice a wide or more. There were two huge, totally awesome-beyond-words manta rays with a wing span of at least 6 feet. The huge whale sharks were just as cool. There was no shortage of fish either, anywhere you looked there were dozens and dozens of fish - in every wall and in most ceilings.



This exhibit wound around and even had a moving walk way so you can stare without having to pay attention to your feet! Perfect!

The river area was SO cool! It was decorated like a swamp and Joseph really liked the alligators. He would go to the next tank then run back to the alligators again. So we hung out there awhile! They had catfish and other Mississippi River native fish swimming over our heads. The otters were at the end of this exhibit but they weren't showing off for us - just resting in a huddle on the rocks. Still very cute!

Best of all...well...that is a strong statement with all that there was to see...but my favorite was the beluga whales. They were simply amazing. We took a long time watching this guy swim around and around. There are two females also but they apparently like to stay in the back and the male is the curious, playful one. He is the one in the video below. Talk about majestic. Check it out!





I wish we had an aquarium as cool as this one closer to us. It was definitely worth the $26 ticket fee! ;) This one gets two flippers up and we can't wait to go back someday!