The Georgia Aquarium

We are in the midst of summer....and it's hot. We decided to cool off by taking the kids on a day trip to the Georgia Aquarium for some aquatic fun. It was our first time to visit the aquarium and it is HUGE. In fact, it is the world's largest aquarium. And only one of two that houses the endangered whale shark, which is a must "sea" (I know it's see.) The aquarium is divided into sections based on geography and climate......























Coldwater Quest-The coldest Oceans are teaming with wildlife such as anemones in cold water pools and deep open species such as rockfish and ratfish.
Our favorite: The Beluga Whales, with their interest in humans and their never ending smiles.


















RiverScout-Rivers are a source of life for animals, people and cultures throughout the world. In the River Scout gallery you will discover a wide diversity of animals found in the rivers of Africa, South Georgia, Asia and right off the coast of Georgia. Our favorite: Tie: The playful performers: Asian Otters or the penguins. It's a toss up. Though it's hard to beat a bird in a tuxedo that waddles.























Georgia Explorer-The gallery explorer is a highly interactive gallery with touch pools full of horseshoe crabs, sea stars, stingrays, and shrimp. Explore the state of Georgia's rivers to coastline, meeting wonderful wildlife, such as the loggerhead sea turtle and the fish of Gray's Reef. Learn about the endangered right whale that lives off of Georgia's coast. Our favorite: the touch pools. Nothing beats a hands on experience!























Ocean Voyager-Walk through an acrylic tunnel or stand in front of a gigantic floor to ceiling viewing window and you will feel like a part of the endless blue sea. You will be mesmerized by fish swimming overhead. Ocean Voyager is home to the gentle giants of the sea, including whale sharks and the ginormous "Nandi" the only manta ray in a US aquarium, ever.
Our favorite: Well, all of it. I liked the jelly fish display as well as the water room where I gazed for days. My kids liked the ride through tunnel, where sharks swam overhead.


















Tropical Diver-One of the largest living reef exhibits of any aquarium in the world. Living corals and thousands of colorful reef fish are presented in a tropical Pacific coral reef, complete with overhead crashing waves.
Our favorite: High Def...that is all I could think of. The colors in this display are so vibrant and vivid, you almost need sunglasses. Amazingly beautiful!
















We took the Behind the Scenes, Sea Keepers Tour. On that tour we got to explore the secrets of the Georgia Aquarium by visiting some of the most popular exhibits! On the Sea Keepers Tour we got to get closer to the stars of the Aquarium ( the animals) and learn all about what it takes to keep the world's largest aquarium running. Very intersting!


















For more on the Georgia Aquarium programs, tickets, exhibits, directions visit the Georgia Aquarium website.