Dolphin Encounter

Yes. Encounters are designed with animal wellbeing at the center and are led by trained teams who know each individual animal. Welfare is monitored continuously, and programs follow accredited standards.

Encounters are staffed by knowledgeable Georgia Aquarium animal-care professionals who work with the animals daily. Teams are trained for the specific species and habitat, and they guide each experience to support both animal wellbeing and a great guest experience.

The Dolphin Encounter program lasts 15-minutes and includes approximately 8 minutes of interaction with a dolphin. During this fast-paced program you will go backstage at our dolphin theater to meet, touch and feed one of the dolphin stars of our spectacular Dolphin Celebration presentation. See up-close many of the ways we care for our dolphins and participate in a training session during this hands-on poolside encounter.

Guests ages 7 and up have the option to participate in our Penguin Encounter, Sea Otter Encounter, Sea Lion Encounter, Harbor Seal Encounter, Beluga Encounter, Dolphin Encounter or our Shark and Ray Interaction. All Animal Encounter participants under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult, and there is a maximum of 3 children under 15 years of age per paying adult.

A photo I.D., appropriate footwear, attire that can be splashed and your sense of adventure! Guests may not bring personal cameras into dolphin program areas.

Reservations are not required. However, we strongly encourage reservations to guarantee your experience as spaces are limited. Space is currently limited to only 4 participants per dolphin per program. While up to 8 participants may be able to participate per program time:

Parties larger than 4 participants will be divided between different animals due to the space limitation. Parties of 2 or 3 participants may be divided between different animals due to the space limitation.

For the safety of our animals, guests and team members, all program participants must wear a facial covering over their mouth and nose at all times for the duration of the program. Additionally, all guests must consent to a contactless temperature check upon entry.

Please go to the Animal Interactions desk, on the second floor near the Ray Touch Pool, to check in at least 15 minutes prior to your Dolphin Encounter.

You can complete the waiver using this link prior to your arrival for your encounter: Animal Interactive Waiver

Cancellation and Date Change Policy: The program fee is non-refundable; however, the program will be rescheduled whenever possible based upon program availability. The Aquarium will reschedule your encounter free of charge if the change is made at least 14 days in advance of the original date of visit. If the change is made less than 14 days prior to the original date of your visit, a $20 change fee per reservation will be charged. No changes can be made less than 48 hours prior to the date of your original visit, and the guest will be charged the full program cost. 

Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. To change your reservation, please contact the Georgia Aquarium Call Center at 404.581.4000.

Guests must check in at the Animal Interaction desk, located next to the Ocean Voyager Built by The Home Depot gallery, 15 minutes prior to the start of their program. Guests arriving late will not be permitted to participate in the program and will not be refunded or rescheduled. We encourage guests to arrive at the Aquarium with plenty of time to park, enter, and check into the program. Please plan accordingly.

Due to the nature of caring for animals, Georgia Aquarium reserves the right to modify, cancel and/or reschedule programs without notice. Reasonable accommodations will be made to reschedule guests as effectively as possible.

Guests will not be able to watch you interact with the dolphins. Any guests that you would like to be a part of this poolside experience will also have to purchase a ticket.

Showtime Pictures snaps photos as you enter the aquarium and during animal encounters. As you leave the aquarium, you will see our custom photo kiosks in the gift shop where you can view and print your pictures immediately. To order, or view them online please follow this link: https://mygeorgiaaquarium.com/mygallery/  

Please Note:

• Georgia Aquarium does not require that all guests wear masks during their programs; however, these animals can be susceptible to respiratory illnesses, and any participant managing respiratory issues (coughing, sneezing, runny nose) are asked to wear a mask covering their nose and mouth during the encounter.
• Guests clearly symptomatic will be required to wear a mask through the duration of the program or be excused from the program. This is to ensure the safest environment for the animals, our staff, and fellow guests.