Our Commitment to Inclusivity

Georgia Aquarium is proud to welcome guests of all abilities to enjoy our facility. We strive to be accessible for all members of our community and have implemented numerous changes to help us reach this goal. Below you will find steps we’ve already taken to make this possible. Check back here to see new initiatives as they are activated.

We encourage all guests with specific needs to review this page and plan in advance for your visit. For specific questions regarding accessibility during your upcoming visit please submit a request form.

For Guests with Mobility Needs
- Wheelchairs are available on a first come first serve basis free of charge with exchange of a picture ID. Wheelchairs cannot be reserved prior to your visit, please see our team members at the Guest Relations Desk when you arrive for availability. When you are done using the wheelchair, you will have your ID returned to you upon return to the Guest Relations Desk. Please note, our wheelchairs require a second guest to operate and are not self-propelled.
- Golf carts are available on a first-come first-serve basis to transport guests to and from the Aquarium’s parking deck. Simply ask an attendant for assistance on the 1st or 2nd floor.
- Look for wheelchair emblems on the floor at designated exhibits for unblocked access to exhibit windows.
- Accessible parking is available on Level 3 of the Aquarium Parking Deck. We offer limited spaces to accommodate oversized vehicles (vehicles up to 8 feet, 2 inches) parking on the first floor.
For Guests with Visual Needs
- Audio tours of our galleries are available here.
- Tactile elements have been added at the education stations in select galleries.
- Staff members are located throughout the galleries to give detailed descriptions of the exhibits.
For Guests with Hearing Needs
- Closed captioning devices are available for both of our animal presentations. Speak to a staff member upon entering the theater for assistance.
- ASL interpretation for specific experiences may be available with advanced notice. For specific requests please submit a request form.
Special Needs During Animal Encounters
- If you’re participating in our Snorkel and SCUBA Dive encounters, rest assured that the entire Dive Immersion Team is certified by the Handicapped Scuba Association as either a Divemaster or Instructor. Anyone with or without disabilities who is a certified open water diver is invited to purchase the SCUBA dive, and anyone with or without disabilities desiring to snorkel is invited to purchase the snorkel option. Please Note: Changing areas have limited accommodations.
- Please let us know in advance if you have specific needs or if you use mobility equipment.
- For other animal encounter accommodations, see our animal encounters pages and FAQs.
For Guests on the Spectrum
- Please use Georgia Aquarium’s social story to assist you in preparing for your aquarium visit. A resource for our younger audience or guests with sensory sensitivities, this tool exists to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience possible.
- Experience the Aquarium’s low-sensory hours each day until 10am. This time consists of low lighting, no music, and limited microphone use to help all guests enjoy the Aquarium every day.
- Signs throughout the building will indicate headphone zones and quiet areas.
- The Wilkins Rhodes Sensory Room is available on the second level to allow guests time to recharge as needed if they are feeling overstimulated.
- Sensory bags are available on a first come first serve basis free of charge with exchange of a picture ID at the Guest Relations Desk. When you are done using the sensory bag, you will have your ID returned to you upon return to the Guest Relations Desk. For more information about options for guests on the spectrum, visit our Sensory Needs page here.
Guests with Service Animals
- Guide dogs for the blind, service dogs for people with disabilities, and working dogs in training are permitted inside Georgia Aquarium. Dogs in training must be clearly identified and have documentation from an accredited training school. Please note, any animal causing a disturbance may be asked to leave. Re-entry will be provided for the guest.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Emotional support animals are not permitted.
Guests with Language Needs
- Building maps are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, German, French, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese here.
- Spanish audio tour is available here.
Additional Accommodations
- Guests are welcome to nurse or bottle feed their children wherever they feel comfortable within the Aquarium. There are two nursing pods onsite for guests that prefer a private location. Please ask a team member for assistance.
- There are two family restrooms located on the second level rotunda.

Georgia Aquarium Receives First Gold Certification from WheelChariot

Georgia Aquarium has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Gold Certified organization recognized by WheelChariot, a pioneering platform dedicated to promoting accessibility for people with disabilities. This distinctive certification underscores the Aquarium’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, making it a leading accessible destination in the Atlanta metro area.

WheelChariot is a local Georgia-based organization, founded by graduates from the Georgia Institute of Technology, whose focus is forming a more inclusive society where everyone has equal access to goods and services. WheelChariot’s platform provides businesses with the tools and insights needed to enhance accessibility and foster an environment of inclusion. By providing a unique opportunity for businesses to receive first-hand feedback, and engage with and learn from a vibrant community dedicated to improving accessibility; WheelChariot helps businesses, like Georgia Aquarium, improve their accommodations based on real user experiences.

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Accessibility at Georgia Aquarium

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

Georgia Aquarium Receives First Gold Certification from WheelChariot