Help Train a Harbor Seal

With our unique Harbor Seal Encounter, you’ll go behind the scenes of our Cold Water Quest gallery and enjoy about 30 minutes in our seals Aquarium home. Enjoy an exclusive tour of the seal facility and a special educational presentation on seals. Then participate in an exciting harbor seal training session alongside Georgia Aquarium’s own animal trainers.

  • 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.

For guests with special needs, every effort will be made in order to allow participation in our Encounter. 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.

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. Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled.

This program has specific age requirements for participation

Please ensure that your party adheres to the age requirements for this Animal Interactive.  

 

Guests 15 years of age and under must come with a participating adult (3:1 child to adult ratio required).

All participants must be ticketed for the encounter.

Guests 17 and under must have a program liability waiver signed and dated by a parent or court appointed legal guardian.

Must be 7+ to participate. 

If you do not follow the requirements, your program will be cancelled.

You'll Get To...

  • Interact with a Seal

    Under trainer-supervision, you'll get closer than ever before to our harbor seals.

  • Work With a Trainer

    Learn from trainers who spend countless hours with these animals and can teach you about their habitats, conservation, feeding and more.

  • Take Home a Pic

    Take home with a pro-grade pic, so you can share the memory of this moment with friends and family.

We've been to the aquarium many times and this was the first time I booked an animal encounter, I would recommend this to anyone young or old. The staff was great! You get to learn about the seals and touch them too. I will be booking other encounters in the future.

Christy D TripAdvisor.com

Recent Seal Encounter Photos

  • Seal Encounter 2
  • Seal Encounter 17
  • Seal Encounter 11
  • Seal Encounter 9

Unique Gifts from Georgia Aquarium

Bring the memories home with you! Stop by our gift shop for all your seal gifts or shop online here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What if I didn’t fill out my waiver for my animal interaction or encounter?
  • Do participants have to wear a mask?
  • My picture was taken by the professional photographers at Georgia Aquarium, how can I find it?
  • What happens if I am late or cannot make it?
  • Are you able to participate in a Seal Encounter with special needs?
  • What is the purpose of this program/overview of the interactive experience?
  • How long is the program and what will I see?
  • What should I bring with me?
  • Are reservations required?
  • How do I make a reservation?
  • What are the age requirements?
  • Where do I go when I arrive?
  • Are guests welcome to watch? Do they have to buy a ticket?
Buy Tickets