The Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s greatest highlights – as it has a reputation if being literally “The largest aquarium in the world.”  As someone who spent years dreaming of being a dolphin trainer or mermaid – let’s just say aquarium’s give me that ‘kid in a candy shop feeling.’  x10000.

The one thing I don’t like about the Georgia Aquarium is the fact that its a bit expensive – at least for the budget of an unemployed college student.  If I lived in Atlanta, I’d probably put in some volunteer hours to get a free pass. Or I’d buy a yearly pass for $62.95.  But general adult admission is $26.00 a person. Then once you’re inside, they try to get more money from you with their 3d and dolphin shows, and every other extra little ‘perk’ you can think of. However, the aquarium is still a must see for anyone who has a love or curiosity for sea creatures.

Dolphin Tales – is the name of their dolphin show, that costs a little bit more than $10 dollars per person. If you’ve seen a dolphin show before in your life, I’d say skip it. There’s nothing in the show that makes it really stand out from the rest, and you spend almost more time listening to a cheesy dressed broadway reject sing equally cheesy songs. The costumes, the storyline and the lighting is tacky and the dolphins are only involved in about half of the 30 minute show. However, if you’ve never seen dolphins do tricks and flips and the sort – spend the money. It’s something you have to see before you die.

The aquarium is also a great place for interaction, which is really cool for kids or pretty much anyone who likes to touch things. They have a few select stingrays, fish and crabs you can touch (for FREE!), and if you pay even more money you can schedule a dive with the belugas, or do behind the scenes tours.  The most spectacular thing I think this aquarium possesses is it’s one of a kind tunnel, which enables visitors to be almost surrounded by giant sea creatures.

Photo via Access Atlanta

At the end of the day, I could probably go back to this place for hours on end to just stare at the incredible animals that live there. Belugas, otters, sharks… Maybe I just have a short attention span, but sometimes these animals even put on a show! (i.e., the Asian otters seen in the video below) 

The only thing I didn’t like was the fact that it was crowded, and there were a lot of screaming kids. I found out later that Friday’s aren’t the best day to go, because it’s ‘field trip day’ for many schools. Otherwise, I feel like my $36 or so dollars were well spent!

I found a slight discount on entrance to the Atlanta aquarium by clicking on some of the links HERE. Also, if you want to save $3, park in the outdoor lots just outside the official GA aquarium parking garage. It’s about the same walking distance to the entrance. :]