Shark & Ray Interaction

You can complete the waiver using this link prior to your arrival for your encounter: Animal Interactive Waiver

Showtime Pictures snaps photos as you enter the aquarium and during animal encounters. As you leave the aquarium, you will see our custom photo kiosks in the gift shop where you can view and print your pictures immediately. To order, or view them online please follow this link: https://mygeorgiaaquarium.com/mygallery/  

The habitat is kept at about 76 degrees F. Guests will be provided Georgia Aquarium wetsuits similar to what our divers wear to ensure that the experience is comfortable.

To provide an engaging, educational, and inspirational experience by connecting our guests, in an interactive manner, to some of Georgia Aquarium’s most fascinating resident animals. The program is an exploration into the behind the scenes of the Sharks! Predators of the Deep gallery and an in-depth look into Georgia Aquarium’s research and conservation efforts with sharks and rays. The 90 minute program includes a classroom orientation where participants learn about the biology, care, training and study of these amazing animals and Georgia Aquarium’s role in shark and ray conservation.

The program lasts for approximately 90 minutes and includes an educational and engaging orientation on the biology, care, training, study, and conservation of different shark  and ray species; an exclusive behind the scenes look at the shark habitat; an immersive encounter experience, and presentation of a souvenir photograph.

The Shark and Ray Interaction is an immersive experience in Georgia Aquarium’s newest gallery. In addition to meeting age, height and weight requirements, guests must also possess a minimum level of physical dexterity. Participants do not swim freely with the sharks, but will enter the water with the animals. Comfort in and around water is necessary to ensure a safe and engaging experience.

All you will need to bring is a personal swimsuit. Appropriate personal swimwear is required to be worn beneath the suit. Georgia Aquarium will supply all equipment and a towel. Comfortable changing rooms with showers and lockers are provided. A small bag will be provided for wet items following the experience.

While there is not technically a minimum age, all participants must be at least 48 inches tall and weigh less than or equal to 300 pounds. Each guest age 15 and under must be accompanied by a participating adult (one adult per minor required). All participants must be ticketed for the Interaction. Participants ages 17 and under must have a program liability waiver signed and dated by a parent or court appointed legal guardian.

The Shark and Ray Interaction occurs in the shark habitat, but in an area that is entirely behind the scenes. Only participants in the program will be taken to the behind the scenes areas.

There will be a Georgia Aquarium staff member with you for the duration of the program.

Please check in at the Animal Interactions desk, located on the second floor by the Ray Touch Pool, at least 15-30 minutes prior to your experience.

You can make a reservation online or calling 404.581.4000. After you have purchased your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email that will include instructions how to supply additional information and submit the waivers required to participate in the program. All participants must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated prior to participating in the program. Guests under the age of 18 must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated by their parent or court appointed legal guardian.

The program fee is non-refundable; however, a date may be changed free of charge if the change is made at least 14 days in advance of the original date of your visit. If the change is made less than 14 days prior to the original date of your visit, a $50 change fee per ticket will be charged. No changes can be made less than 48 hours prior to the date of your original visit, and the guest will be charged the full program cost. Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. We encourage guests to arrive at the Aquarium with plenty of time to park, enter and check into the program. Please plan accordingly. To change your reservation, please contact the Georgia Aquarium Call Center at 404-581-4000.

Due to the nature of caring for animals, Georgia Aquarium reserves the right to modify, cancel and/or reschedule programs without notice. Reasonable accommodations will be made to reschedule guests as effectively as possible.

Guests will have the opportunity to have an intimate, up-close experience with sharks and rays. There are a variety of activities that can take place at the discretion of the Aquarium staff while interacting with and even touching the animals. Participating in training techniques and feeding may be part of the experience if it is appropriate to do so based upon the discretion of the program staff. Each program is tailored to ensure a safe and engaging experience for both our animals and our guests. As a result, each program may be a little different.

Yes. There are four slots per program.

All necessary equipment and a wetsuit will be provided. Appropriate personal swimwear (bathing suit) is required to be worn beneath the suit.

We can accommodate guests at least 48 inches tall and up to 300 lbs. Guests MUST be able to change themselves into a wetsuit and navigate the animal habitat spaces with minimal assistance. Appropriate personal swimwear is required to be worn beneath the suit.

No. A souvenir photo will be provided to participating guests. Photos and video taken during the Shark and Ray Interaction are the property of Georgia Aquarium. We reserve the right to use any photos and video for promotional purposes. For the safety of the animals and quality of the program, photos and video may only be taken by Georgia Aquarium designates.

Yes. Walk-up tickets can be purchased at our Animal Interactions kiosk if available, but advance purchase is highly recommended.

Georgia Aquarium makes every effort to accommodate guests with special needs. Please be aware that to participate in this program, guests MUST be able to change themselves into a wetsuit, navigate the animal habitat spaces with minimal assistance, and must be able to understand and take direction in English from staff members. To ensure the best experience, please contact the Call Center at 404.581.4000 to make a reservation, and be sure to let the reservists know you have special needs. Someone from the program will contact you prior to your visit to review your options.

Should you have special needs but not provide notice, it may NOT be possible to accommodate your program and you could be required to reschedule.