Ever since I saw The Georgia Aquarium showcased in the movie The Change-Up, I thought it must’ve been something extraordinary with that big whale shark. A TV show Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin often featured footage of the Aquarium on every episode for five seasons.
It looked like something grandiose. Well, looks can be deceiving. I’d say the parking garage is far bigger in size. I always said I was going to go visit but whenever I was around Atlanta, I couldn’t make it. People said they can spend up to five hours there.
Well, even taking advantage of a $10 off option after 4 p.m. (which a lot others did as well), I was able to see everything you need to see in about an hour. That also included taking a five-minute break in the cafe era to sit and then taking another 10 minutes to rest while watching the two whale sharks and other fish.
Mind you, I also have back and leg problems. I walk with a cane. So, I’m going slower than the average man in his mid-40s.
To be honest, I felt it pales in comparison to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga which I went to over 30 years ago. That one you could take three or four hours looking at everything.
The main problem is that everywhere you look, someone is trying to sell you something. Even a family of four is going to spend $200 at least if they go in after 4 p.m. That’s a lot of money to spend to see marine biology. The claim is the Georgia Aquarium is the largest in the Western Hemisphere and the sixth largest. But there’s a lot you don’t see or places you can’t go inside because it’s only limited to authorized personnel.
There’s also no directions on where to find the main entrance from the parking lot. I was lucky to have a guy give me a ride in a cart because he saw my cane. But I’m sure some people are already tired by the time they get to the main entrance. And before they even check your tickets, someone wants to take your picture that they can probably sell.
The fact that you have to go through a gift shop to exit shows you everything you need to know.
They offer an annual pass that can be about $80 with all fees and taxes included. But once you’ve gone through it one time, you’ve seen it all.
What do you think? Please comment.
Zane Says 