Visitors Experience Once-in-a-Lifetime Dive With Whale Sharks at Georgia Aquarium
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Visitors to the Georgia Aquarium are sharing their awe-inspiring experiences after taking part in one of the facility’s most exclusive attractions — a guided scuba dive inside the aquarium’s 6.3 million-gallon Ocean Voyager tank, which houses the world’s largest fish: the whale shark.
The program, known as “Journey with Gentle Giants,” offers certified divers the chance to swim among an incredible array of marine life, including manta rays, groupers, and thousands of tropical fish.
An Immersive Dive With the Ocean’s Giants
“It was a very cool dive — tons of diversity in the tank, including manta rays and a whale shark,” one visitor wrote after their recent dive. “The staff and dive master were great, and it was really fun interacting with the aquarium guests on the other side of the glass.”
The Georgia Aquarium remains one of only a few facilities in the world where guests can dive or snorkel with whale sharks. The experience takes place in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, a massive habitat specifically designed to accommodate the gentle giants, which can reach lengths of over 30 feet.
A World-Class Facility and Team
According to participants, the dive is well-organized and accessible even for visitors traveling from out of town. “It’s relatively expensive,” the diver noted, “but visiting from out of town and not having to bring any dive gear made it super easy.”
Aquarium staff provide all necessary equipment, including wetsuits, masks, fins, and tanks. Each session is led by a professional dive master who ensures safety and provides educational insight about the marine animals and the aquarium’s conservation efforts.
Guests also interact with onlookers through the tank’s massive acrylic viewing window, creating a unique connection between divers and spectators.
Conservation and Education at the Core
The Georgia Aquarium’s whale shark program plays a vital role in global marine research. The aquarium partners with organizations worldwide to study whale shark behavior, migratory patterns, and health — knowledge that helps protect the species in the wild.
The facility also focuses on promoting ocean conservation through immersive guest experiences. The dive not only supports the aquarium’s research funding but also helps raise awareness about marine ecosystems and the importance of preserving ocean biodiversity.
A Bucket-List Experience for Marine Enthusiasts
For many visitors, the dive is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “You’re surrounded by these massive, graceful creatures, and it’s surreal,” said another diver in a previous Georgia Aquarium interview. “It gives you a whole new appreciation for the ocean.”
While the dive requires scuba certification, non-certified guests can opt for the “Swim with Gentle Giants” program, which offers a similar experience from the surface of the tank.
The Georgia Aquarium continues to draw travelers from around the world eager to experience the rare chance to swim alongside the ocean’s most majestic animals — all within the heart of downtown Atlanta.
Have you ever visited the Georgia Aquarium or joined one of its dive programs? Share your experience and photos with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
