The newest residents at the Georgia Aquarium are 11 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Unlike most of the sea creatures at the Aquarium, the dolphins will not be on display except on special occasions. Instead, they will be part of a Broadway-quality show called AT&T Dolphin Tales. This $110 million expansion has been awaited with great anticipation, and the Georgia Aquarium has answers to a lot of questions on its website. Here is a quick overview of the new dolphin exhibit.
1. How much does it cost to see the dolphins at the Georgia Aquarium?
The dolphin show is not included in the general admission price. Members will be able to buy tickets discounted by 10% for the show. Children 2 and under do not need to buy a ticket to Dolphin Tales if they sit on adult's lap.
There are two combo ticket options: the Dolphin Combo, which includes admission and the Dolphin Tales show, or the Premium Combo, which includes admission, Dolphin Tales, and Deepo's 3D Wondershow. Purchase tickets online for greatest convenience.
Dolphin Combo
Adults: $37.45
Children 3-12: $25.95
Seniors: $30.45
Premium Combo
Adults: $40.45
Children 3-12: $27.95
Seniors: $33.45
2. What time are the shows?
Shows vary every day, but you can find a particular day's shows by purchasing tickets online. Most days have two shows, but there are usually three shows per day in the summer.
3. Are there assigned seats at the Dolphin Tales show?
No, seating is by general admission. You can line up an hour in advance, and doors open 30 minutes before the show.
4. Can I swim or dive with the dolphins?
The Georgia Aquarium does not have a swim-with-the-dolphins program currently, but an interactive exhibit may be added in the future. The Aquarium owns an interactive dolphin venue called Marineland in St. Augustine, FL.
5. What precautions have been taken for the dolphins' safety?
Georgia Aquarium's dolphins were acquired from accredited sites, not Japanese drive fisheries. Dolphin transport has a 40-year history in the United States, and the Georgia Aquarium complied completely with the Animal Welfare Act. According to the Aquarium, the dolphins are acclimating well to their new environment. The life span for dolphins in aquariums is longer than dolphins in the wild. Georgia Aquarium supports conservation efforts and research into bottlenose dolphins.
6. Why am I seeing dolphins all around Atlanta - in parks, on sidewalks, and in office buildings?
Over 50 fiberglass dolphins will be showing up all over Atlanta - from Centennial Olympic Park to Buckhead - each one unique and decorated by a different artist. This "Dolphins on Parade" program will promote and celebrate the new dolphins living at the Georgia Aquarium.