Georgia Aquarium Unveils Several New Experiences Coming in 2024

Georgia Aquarium, renowned as the largest aquarium in the United States and a premier attraction in Atlanta, is set to captivate visitors with a new hands-on experience opening this summer. The new Explorers Cove promises an interactive experience that combines expansive touch pools and immersive technology that will give guests an opportunity to be up close with some animals like never before.

 

Opening this summer, the all-new experience will feature two interactive touch pools where guests can respectfully engage with sharks, rays, guitarfish, and sturgeon.  Then, young explorers can take a journey through a marsh environment and experience the wetland ecosystem up close.  In addition, guests can create their own species by drawing a digital animal and watch as it swims and interacts on a giant video wall with other newly created animals.

 

Also debuting this summer will be a new dolphin presentation promising a spectacular and awe-inspiring experience for audiences of all ages. Destination: Dolphin will explore the vast world of the bottlenose dolphin and the pivotal role it plays in understanding the health of our planet’s shared ecosystem.  The 1,800-person theater will come alive with upbeat music, lighting, and effects – and a very immersive experience for those who dare to sit in the soak zone.

 

“As we dive into the new year, we are thrilled to unveil several new experiences to elevate everyone’s visit,” said Georgia Aquarium’s chief marketing and experience officer, Dan Dipiazzo. “Georgia Aquarium is always changing, and if you haven’t been here in a while, this is definitely the year to visit.”

 

The Aquarium’s freshwater gallery, River Scout, is in the final stages of renovation and will debut African tigerfish. Guests can immerse themselves with other unique animals from various freshwater regions like Asian small-clawed otters, giant African puffer, piranhas, as well as a group of peculiar eel-like species called Ropefish. The rainforest meets river experience will complete its renovation in early spring.

 

Additionally, the Aquarium is elevating the visitor experience with the recent opening of a two-story café. The new Coastline Café includes spacious seating areas next to large windows overlooking downtown Atlanta. The café features a digital ordering system with an updated menu including grain bowls, sandwiches, pizza, desserts, and more. The Aquarium experience continues in the café with a cutting-edge projection mapping experience featuring sea creatures swimming besides guests as they dine.

 

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of Georgia Aquarium’s best ticket deal of the year, the Resident Pass, on sale until January 31, 2024. A Resident Pass gives guests all-year access to every gallery and seasonal activities like the Sound Waves Music Series, Haunted Seas, and Holidays at Georgia Aquarium—all for the price of a single general admission ticket. The Resident Pass is now available to guests that reside outside of the state of Georgia and is perfect for residents of neighboring states like Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. This deal ends soon, but the benefits extend all year.

 

Stay tuned to Georgia Aquarium’s social media and website for updates on all these exciting new offerings coming this summer.

5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium isn’t just a place to see amazing and diverse aquatic life – it’s also hub of unforgettable experiences waiting to be explored. While you might know about its stunning exhibits and incredible animal presentations, here are five lesser-known activities that will take your Aquarium visit to the next level:Aquarium Staff & Volunteer Sleepovers

1. Forget Sleeping Under the Stars, Sleep Under the Sea

Spend a night surrounded by the ocean in some of your favorite Aquarium exhibits! Who said sleepovers are just for kids? Georgia Aquarium offers family, small groups, and adults-only sleepover programs. All sleepovers include admission to the Aquarium at 6:45 pm the day of your sleepover, plus the entire next day. Guests also get access to all presentations, a bedtime snack, complimentary breakfast, guided tours, and activities. Dive into your sleeping bag for an unforgettable slumber party.

Beluga whale swimming in its habitat at Georgia Aquarium

2. Upgrade Your Wi-Fi & WFH Views

Embrace the flexibility of remote work in a setting unlike any other – where our tables, high-speed Wi-Fi, and unparalleled aquatic views meet to offer an inspiring workspace. While productivity might swim a little off course, the experience of being plugged in at the Aquarium promises a unique and refreshing environment to make even those mundane Monday tasks more enjoyable. Enjoy a tasty breakfast or lunch and endless snack options at our newly renovated Coastline Café. Take a break to see a Sea Lion Presentation or get those steps in during your next meeting and take a walk through the galleries. With a Resident Pass, you can make Georgia Aquarium your new WFH space as you enjoy free admission for the entire year for the price of a single day. Dive into Georgia Aquarium – where work meets wonder.

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3. Romance is in the Water 

No matter what occasion, Georgia Aquarium is the place to spark passion. Whether it’s your first date, 10th anniversary, or if you’re just looking for a unique experience together. Enjoy a romantic evening with some of the best views in Atlanta, surrounded by the beauty of the ocean. Experience our mesmerizing exhibits and learn about our hundreds of species that will keep the conversation flowing all night. Or experience one of our exciting, themed, adult-only events. The options are as vast as the ocean, so grab your lobster and Aqua Pass, and make the Aquarium your next date night venue. 

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4. Get Up Close and Personal

Dive into an intimate experience with some of Georgia Aquarium’s most fascinating residents through our Animal Encounter programs. From penguins to sea otters, and so much more! These encounters offer a chance to interact with and learn about these incredible creatures from our expert animal care teams. Did you know Georgia Aquarium is the only place in the world where you are guaranteed to swim with whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of other marine animals? In our Journey with Gentle Giants programs, guests will get in our Ocean Voyager exhibit, built by The Home Depot, with thousands of amazing animals for the experience of a lifetime. 

Behind the Seas Tour: Explore the Surface 1

5. Grab A Backstage Pass

Go beyond the gallery floor and embark on a fascinating Behind the Seas Tour! This backstage pass grants you exclusive access to the inner workings of Georgia Aquarium. Allowing you to see all that goes into caring for the animals, maintaining the exhibits, and managing the filtration systems every day. “I don’t know why, but being behind the scenes makes me feel like I know all of the secrets (even though, they aren’t hiding anything) and makes me appreciate everything going on even more.” – Krystyn 

 

From intimate encounters with sea creatures to immersive sleepovers and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, Georgia Aquarium offers a plethora of unique experiences beyond the usual visit. Whether you’re seeking adventure, romance, or new remote working opportunities, there’s something extraordinary for everyone to enjoy. Save on entry to explore these and other hidden gems at Georgia Aquarium. With an Aqua Pass, you can pay for a day and come back to visit throughout the year. Where will your next visit take you?