Experience Georgia Aquarium all year long for the price of a single-day ticket! With Aqua Pass, you can return again and again throughout the year to enjoy new animals, exhibits, presentations, and seasonal events like Glow Nights, Haunted Seas, and Holidays at Georgia Aquarium. Explore our underwater world—from walking through the 100-foot Ocean Voyager tunnel to cheering on sea lions and dolphins. Don’t miss a moment of wonder. Passes are valid through December 31, 2026. Blackout dates apply.* Not valid with other discounts or special offers. Admission to select special events, parking, food, and merchandise not included.

 
 

The Benefits of the Aqua Pass

We’ve outlined the Aqua Pass benefits to help you decide if it’s the perfect fit for you and your family.

Value Beyond Compare

Explore nine immersive galleries with thousands of animals to discover, celebrate the magical transformation of seasonal events, and enjoy unforgettable experiences again and again. With only a few blackout dates, this pass offers limitless opportunities to experience all that Georgia Aquarium has to offer, making it an exceptional value for aquatic enthusiasts and families alike.

A year of endless wonder—all in one pass! Our Aqua Pass offers you unlimited* visits to the Aquarium for an entire year, all for the price of a single-day ticket. You’ll enjoy access to all nine of our unique and immersive galleries, daily sea lion and dolphin presentations, plus our seasonal events—all for one great value. *Blackout dates apply. Reservations are required for each visit.

Endless Adventures

Did we mention the nine galleries, featuring thousands of animals and hundreds of exhibits? That’s endless photo opportunities to capture the awe and amazement of seeing your favorite aquatic animals. Witness captivating animal presentations that showcase the intelligence, agility, and grace of our resident dolphins and sea lions. Become stewards of the ocean as you learn about our thousands of unique animal species and how each contributes to the health and vibrancy of our world’s ecosystem.

From the popular Ocean Voyager tunnel to coral walls, penguins, otters, and more, the Aqua Pass unlocks access to a world-class experience. With so much to explore, it’ll keep you coming back again and again.

Supporting a Noble Cause

Did you know Georgia Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization? By choosing the Aqua Pass, you’re directly supporting our mission of aquatic education, conservation, and research worldwide. Every purchase helps directly fund our daily operations and programs dedicated to preserving our oceans and marine species. Through your Aqua Pass purchase, you become an essential part of our commitment to a sustainable future for our planet’s aquatic ecosystems.

↦ Learn more about our ongoing research and conservation efforts.

 
 

So grab your Aqua Pass today and join us for a year-long journey of discovery, learning, and wonder! With the Aqua Pass, you’re not just visiting a world-class attraction—you’re becoming part of our mission to protect, inspire, and celebrate marine life. Dive in today, and let your next visit be the first of many!

 
 

Important Details

Reservations are required for each visit.
Blackout dates apply—check our website for the full list.
Pass covers general admission to galleries and presentations; it does not include select special events, parking, food, or merchandise.
The pass is available to everyone (not just Georgia residents).
 
 

Gift an Aqua Pass Certificate

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Want More Flexibility and Even Better Savings? Consider Membership

We updated our membership tiers and inclusions to ensure everyone has an option that fits their needs and budget. Our Family Premium and Family Plus Premium memberships now include flexible guest memberships, allowing you to bring family and friends along anytime.

At Georgia Aquarium, membership opens the door to additional experiences, discounts, and special event access, providing an even more immersive and enriching experience. With three unique membership tiers, there is a perfect fit for every family and individual.

Aqua Pass holders can upgrade to a membership at any time!

At Georgia Aquarium, conservation and rehabilitation efforts extend far beyond the walls of our exhibits. This commitment was recently put into action when we partnered with the Alaska SeaLife Center to help care for an abandoned walrus calf that needed immediate, specialized attention.

A Calf in Need

Earlier this summer, the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) was alerted to a walrus calf in distress, stranded without its mother, and in need of urgent care. The calf, estimated to be just a few weeks old, was dehydrated and underweight, requiring round-the-clock attention from the ASLC team. Walrus calves, who typically remain with their mothers for up to five years, are particularly vulnerable when orphaned. Their survival depends on specialized 24/7 care.

Pacific walruses are a highly social species, often found in tightly huddled herds, lying in direct contact with one another. Because of this social need, the rehabilitation team must offer 24/7 companionship and contact while also providing intensive health support. This kind of care and need for close contact with humans means that any orphaned walrus calf admitted to rehabilitation will not be a candidate for release. However, they will continue to receive incredible care and serve as an important ambassador for their species, raising awareness about the challenges faced by Pacific walruses and the ecosystems they live in.

Recognizing the need for additional hands-on expertise, ASLC contacted its network of partners, including Georgia Aquarium.

Georgia Aquarium’s Role

As a key partner in wildlife rehabilitation efforts, Georgia Aquarium was eager to assist. Our team has worked closely with the ASLC in the past, and this case was no different. We provided resources and expertise, ensuring that the calf received the best possible care. The partnership between Georgia Aquarium and the ASLC is based on a shared commitment to protect marine species, particularly those in dire situations like this young walrus.

Over the past few months, several of our animal care staff made the trip from Georgia to Alaska to help care for the walrus calf around the clock. Our team helped to create and follow a personalized care plan, which included bottle feedings of a formula mimicking walrus milk, enrichment activities to stimulate her development, and regular health check-ups.

“Uki is such an incredible walrus and serves as an important ambassador for her counterparts,” said Jaclyn Andrews, assistant trainer at Georgia Aquarium. “My favorite part about helping with Uki’s intensive, round-the-clock rehabilitation would be acting as her surrogate, preparing and feeding her bottles, and building a relationship with her. Seeing her seek me out for physical comfort (walrus snuggles) was a rewarding experience. I am forever grateful to be a part of her amazing story.”

This type of collaboration is critical in the world of wildlife rehabilitation. Sharing knowledge and support can have a huge impact on animal welfare in current and future rehabilitation.

What’s Next for the Walrus Calf?

After weeks of intensive care, the walrus calf showed remarkable signs of improvement. 

A nationwide group of walrus and marine mammal experts from AZA’s Marine Mammal Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) determined that SeaWorld Orlando was the best setting for the calf, officially named Ukiaq -“Uki” (pronounced oo-kee) for short. Her name, “Ukiaq,” translates to “autumn” in the language of the Iñupiaq people who live in the area of northern Alaska where she was first found. This consensus decision prioritized her social needs, ensuring she joins a diverse social group of walruses, including an adult female walrus who has experience with walrus calves and could be a potential surrogate mother for Uki. 

She recently moved to her permanent home at SeaWorld Orlando, where she will continue to receive support as needed and ensure every opportunity to grow and recover.

ASLC Animal Care Specialist Halley and a veterinarian were with Uki for her entire journey to Orlando and stayed with her for a few days to make the transition as smooth as possible. Halley reported that Uki is settling in well and already loves her new pool and enrichment toys.

We are excited to see Uki continue to be an incredible ambassador for her species. The ASLC will continue to be involved with Uki’s journey and care, but the majority of her updates will come from her new caretakers at SeaWorld Orlando. 

 

A Shared Commitment to Conservation

The efforts surrounding Uki underscore the importance of partnerships between marine conservation organizations. With each successful rescue and rehabilitation, institutions like Georgia Aquarium and the Alaska SeaLife Center move one step closer to securing a better future for marine wildlife.

Check out Georgia Aquarium’s ongoing efforts to protect marine wildlife on our Newsroom. 

For the latest updates on Uki, follow SeaWorld Orlando on social.

Wolfgang Puck Catering has been named Modern Luxury Atlanta’s “Best of the City” nationwide caterer, a recognition that reflects its dedication to culinary excellence and exceptional service. We spoke with Allison Grady, senior director of catering sales at Wolfgang Puck Catering, to get her insights on this prestigious award and what sets them apart.

What does this recognition mean to Wolfgang Puck Catering?

“Being named Modern Luxury’s Best of the City – National Caterer is an incredible honor for us. It validates our team’s tireless dedication to culinary excellence and exceptional service. This award celebrates our past achievements and motivates us to keep innovating and exceeding expectations. It’s a testament to our commitment to delivering unforgettable dining experiences, whether for an intimate gathering or a large-scale event.” – Allison Grady

What distinguishes Wolfgang Puck Catering from other companies?

“Our distinction lies in our world-class culinary expertise, commitment to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and our ability to customize each event to reflect the client’s vision. Our chef team’s creativity, coupled with meticulous attention to detail in presentation and service, ensures a memorable experience for every guest.”

How do you approach planning for different events?

“We tailor our approach based on the event type. For corporate gatherings, we create sophisticated menus for large groups that are efficiently served. We incorporate interactive food stations and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres. For smaller, private events, we focus on creating an intimate setting, often with a coursed meal and chef interaction.”

How did Wolfgang Puck Catering become the exclusive caterer for Georgia Aquarium?

“Our partnership with Georgia Aquarium started when Bernie Marcus, the Aquarium’s founder, participated in our cooking classes in Atlanta. A memorable event we catered was the recent Spring Showcase, where we highlighted delicious, seasonal fare. We look forward to many more years of collaboration.”

Congratulations to Wolfgang Puck Catering for their remarkable achievement and continued success in the catering world!

 

International Whale Shark Day is a perfect occasion to dive into the fascinating world of the largest fish in the sea! Whale sharks, with their distinctive spotted patterns and gentle nature, are a marvel of the ocean.

Here are some fun facts you might not know about these incredible creatures:

1. Gentle Giants of the Ocean

Despite their enormous size, whale sharks are known for their gentle nature. They feed on tiny prey, making them harmless to humans. Sadly, whale sharks are endangered due to a combination of environmental stressors and human threats such as fishing, climate change, and habitat loss.

2. Record-Breaking Size

Whale sharks hold the record for being the largest fish in the world. They can grow up to 40 feet long and weigh as much as 20.6 tons! Imagine a fish longer than a school bus.

3. A Diet of Tiny Prey

Whale sharks eat mainly plankton, tiny fish, and occasionally small squid. They can only swallow small prey because their throats are very narrow, often compared to the size of a quarter.

4. Unique Spot Patterns

Each whale shark has a unique pattern of spots and stripes, much like human fingerprints. Researchers use these patterns to identify and track individual sharks in the ocean.

5. World-wide Whales

Whale sharks can be seen worldwide in the tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Our research teams have traveled the world to conduct research on whale sharks in the Galapagos, Mexico, St. Helena, and Indonesia. 

6. Slow and Steady Swimmers

Despite their size, whale sharks are not particularly fast swimmers. The usual swim speed when feeding at the surface is roughly 2.3 mph, when cruising about 3 mph. When alarmed, the whale shark has been observed accelerating to a body length per second for very short bursts, but they cannot sustain fast swimming for long.

7. Georgia Aquarium’s Majestic Residents

The Georgia Aquarium is home to several whale sharks, offering visitors a chance to see this endangered species up close. The Aquarium provides these gentle giants with a safe and enriching environment and contributes to global research and conservation efforts.

 

As we celebrate International Whale Shark Day, remember the importance of protecting these gentle giants and their ocean habitats. Visit the Georgia Aquarium to learn more about whale sharks and how you can contribute to their conservation. 

For more information, check out our whale shark animal guide.

At Georgia Aquarium, we are dedicated to the conservation of marine life. Our ongoing research and conservation efforts for manatees are a testament to this commitment. Manatees are gentle giants of the water, but they face serious health stressors such as boat strikes and cold stress. To ensure their survival and better understand their needs, Georgia Aquarium and other Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation partners participate in annual research trips, assessing the health and habitat usage of manatee populations off the coast of Georgia.

Annual Health Assessments

Since 2015, our team, along with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partners, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute, and many other institutions, have collaborated to carry out health assessments on manatees near Cumberland Island and Savannah. These health assessments involve thorough physical examinations and measuring physiological parameters such as temperature, respiration, average heart rate, and backfat thickness using ultrasound. 

Biological samples, including blood, feces, urine, and microbiome swabs, are also collected. These samples provide insights into the manatees’ current health status, helping us identify potential health issues and monitor their overall well-being. Animals are also tagged with tracking devices if they do not already have one.

The Purpose of Our Research

Our primary goal is to assess the current health of manatees and better understand their habitat usage. Our teams can gather valuable data on their movements and health status by examining animals tagged on previous trips. This information is crucial, especially considering the current unusual mortality event (UME) affecting manatees. Understanding the factors contributing to these mortalities helps guide our future conservation efforts.

Key Findings and Their Significance

During our most recent assessments, we examined ten manatees, eight of which were first-time captures, while two were recaptures. Recapturing previously tagged manatees is particularly valuable, as it allows us to track their progress and confirm their survival and thriving status since their last assessment. This longitudinal data is instrumental in understanding manatee health trends and the effectiveness of our conservation strategies.

The data collected from tagged animals also offers a glimpse into their habitat usage. Tracking these movements helps us compare the health of manatees in different regions and environmental conditions, providing a comprehensive picture of their well-being.

Participation in the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP)

In addition to our research efforts, Georgia Aquarium plays a vital role in the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP) as a holding facility for injured or abandoned manatees. This partnership is crucial for rehabilitating and eventually releasing manatees back into the ocean.

Recently, we welcomed two new manatee calves, TayTay and Cider, to our offsite facility. Both animals came to us after being found abandoned and suffering from cold stress. TayTay also needed treatment for a boat strike injury. They are both currently doing well in our care. Both manatees will be in our care until next year, when they become eligible for release after they gain the necessary weight.

Our primary contribution to the MRP involves providing holding space for manatees that need time to gain weight, allowing other facilities to focus on more critical cases. We also support the partnership by providing staff to assist with transports, rescues, and releases. This collaborative effort ensures that manatees receive the best possible care and have the highest chance of successful rehabilitation and reintegration into their natural habitat.

The Road Ahead for Manatee Conservation

Our ongoing research efforts are vital in addressing the challenges faced by manatees. By continually monitoring their health and habitat usage, we can adapt our conservation strategies to better protect these vulnerable animals. The collaboration of multiple institutions and the dedication of volunteers play a crucial role in the success of these efforts.

As we continue our work, we remain committed to ensuring the conservation of manatees in Georgia’s coastal waters. Through comprehensive health assessments and detailed habitat analysis, we are building a foundation for informed conservation decisions that will benefit manatees for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more updates on our manatee research and conservation efforts by subscribing to our newsletter. 

Join us in our efforts to protect this unique species by becoming an Aquarium member today.