Sea Otter 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.

To provide an engaging, educational and inspirational experience by connecting our guests to some of Georgia Aquarium’s most fascinating resident marine animals to inspire stewardship in conservation, research and a greater appreciation for the animal world. The program is an exploration into the behind the scenes of the Cold Water Quest gallery and an in-depth look into Georgia Aquarium’s care of and conservation efforts with sea otters. The 40-minute program includes an educational orientation where participants learn about the biology, care, training and study of sea otters and Georgia Aquarium’s role in the conservation of this fascinating species.

The Sea Otter Encounter lasts approximately 30 minutes. During your personal animal experience, you will go behind the scenes of the sea otter habitat in Cold Water Quest, enjoy an educational presentation about sea otters, help prepare a sea otter meal, participate in a training session, and meet one of our resident sea otters.

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.

Please bring: 

• A photo I.D.
• Appropriate footwear and attire that can be splashed.
• The sea otter habitat is kept cool, and guests should consider wearing attire that will keep them comfortable in an air-conditioned space.

Guests may not bring personal cameras into sea otter program areas.

Please Note: For the safety of the animals, guests participating in the animal interaction may be required to remove jewelry and sunglasses prior to entering the animal spaces (prescription lenses worn for vision correction is an exception to this guideline).

For guests with special needs, every effort will be made to allow participation in our Encounter. Please be aware that to participate in this program, guests must be able to navigate the animal habitat spaces with minimal assistance. Please call 404-581-4000 to make a reservation and let the reservists know you have special needs and someone from the program will call you prior to your visit to review your options.

We strongly encourage guests to pre-register. Spaces are limited to 5 participants per scheduled program and walk-ups can only be accommodated if there are spaces available that day.

You can make a reservation on this site, or by calling Georgia Aquarium Call Center at 404.581.4000.

After you have purchased your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email that will include instructions how to supply additional information and submit the waivers required to participate in the program. All participants must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated prior to participating in the program. Guests under the age of 18 must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated by their parent or court appointed legal guardian.

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

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

Cancellation and Date Change Policy:

• The program fee is non-refundable; however, the program will be rescheduled whenever possible. The Aquarium will reschedule your encounter if given notice more than 48 hours in advance. There will be a change fee of $20 per ticket if notice is given within 14 days of the original reservation date. To change your reservation, please contact the Georgia Aquarium Call Center at (404) 581-4000. Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled.
• Guests must check in at the Animal Interaction desk, located on the second floor, 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. 

Please Note: 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. 

The entire Sea Otter Encounter Program, including the animal experience, occurs behind the scenes and may not be viewable by the public. Only participants in the program will be taken to the interactive areas.

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.