Featured Image Credit: Georgia Aquarium Facebook
In November, TripAdvisor revealed it’s top 25 attractions in the US and Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium made the list at number 16. Topping the list was the south rim of the Grand Canyon. The rankings are determined by increase in traveler interest; attractions that had the biggest percentage increase in search sessions on TripAdvisor made the list. TripAdvisor said, “With an 8% year-over-year increase in search activity, the Georgia Aquarium has proven to be a must visit destination for travelers to Atlanta.”
The Georgia Aquarium, which opened in 2005, has more than 10 million gallons of marine and salt water housing more than a hundred thousand animals of several thousand species. When it opened it was the largest aquarium in the world. It was later surpassed by Marine Life Park in Singapore in 2012.
Visitors to the aquarium enjoy viewing thousands of species of marine life including amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles. Some of the most notable species include the whale shark (the biggest fish in the sea), beluga whales, sea lions, manta rays, and bottlenose dolphins. In mid-January the aquarium will launch its newest exhibit of puffins. The new exhibit is 16,000 gallons and it will also house pigeon guillemots and common murres.
There are several ways to enjoy the Georgia Aquarium, whether you want to simply observe or get in on the action. Behind the scenes tours, animal interactions, animal encounters, and aquarium sleepovers are all available.