Shark & Ray Interaction

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 program lasts for approximately 75 minutes and includes:

• An educational and engaging orientation on the biology, care, training, study, and conservation of different shark and ray species.
• An exclusive behind the scenes look at the shark habitat.
• An immersive encounter experience.
• A souvenir photograph.

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.

The Shark and Ray Interaction is an immersive experience in Georgia Aquarium’s SHARKS! gallery. In addition to meeting age, height and weight requirements, guests must also possess a minimum level of physical ability. Participants do not swim freely with the animals but will enter the water with them. Comfort in and around water is necessary to ensure a safe and engaging experience.

All you will need to bring is a personal swimsuit. Appropriate personal swimwear is required to be worn beneath the wetsuit. All equipment, comfortable changing rooms with showers, lockers and towels are provided.

Georgia Aquarium strives to accommodate people of all abilities. Guests with special functional needs must be discussed before booking. Please contact our call center at 404.581.4000 to make a reservation and discuss available arrangements. Failure to do so could result in delay or cancellation of your program.

Guests are encouraged to pre-register. Spaces are limited to 4 participants per program and walk-ups can only be accommodated if there is space available.

The program fee is non-refundable; however, a date may be changed free of charge if the change is made at least 14 days in advance of the original date of your visit.

If the change is made less than 14 days prior to the original date of your visit, a $20 change fee per ticket 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.

We encourage guests to arrive at the Aquarium with plenty of time to park, enter, and check in for their program. Please arrive at the Animal Interaction Desk at least 15 minutes early to check in and complete your waivers, as the encounter begins promptly at 10:45 AM or 1:45 PM. Late arrivals may disrupt the program, so we kindly ask for your punctuality. To change your reservation, please contact the Georgia Aquarium Call Center at 404-581-4000.

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.

Cameras are not permitted in the water. A souvenir photo will be provided to participating guests.

*Photos and video taken during the Shark and Ray Interaction are the property of Georgia Aquarium. We reserve the right to use any photos and video for promotional purposes. For the safety of the animals and quality of the program, photos and video may only be taken by Georgia Aquarium designates.

Yes. There are four spots per program time and each spot must be purchased to ensure a private experience. Please contact our call center (404) 581-4000 for assistance with your booking.

The Shark and Ray Interaction occurs in the shark habitat in an area that is entirely behind the scenes. Only participants in the program will be taken to the interaction 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/