Our NEW Beluga & Friends interactive program provides a unique encounter with these charismatic animals, giving guests an opportunity for an exclusive, close and hands-on interaction. Suit up and work alongside Aquarium beluga whale trainers, and create emotional connections that will last a lifetime.
Click the above tab to learn about the Journey with Gentle Giants swim/dive program.
Due to our beluga whale Maris’ pregnancy and impending birth, the Beluga & Friends Interactive Program will be temporarily discontinued beginning April 16. For more information about Maris, please click here. We hope to reopen the Beluga & Friends Interactive Program up for reservations in early summer 2012.
Georgia Aquarium's new Beluga & Friends Interactive Program is a never-before-offered opportunity for an exclusive encounter with Georgia Aquarium's beloved beluga whales! This inspirational, educational program allows guests to don Aquarium wetsuits and wade into the water to interact with the animals alongside Aquarium beluga whale trainers. Guests will also get a chance to meet some of the other animals that live in the Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest gallery. With only eight slots per session, it's an intimate experience you and your family will never forget.
The two-hour program includes:
Up to two hours of educational facts about beluga whales, animal interaction and fun!
An orientation on the biology, conservation, training and care of beluga whales
An exclusive behind-the-scenes view of the beluga whale and harbor seal exhibit
Participation in an intimate, interactive training session alongside Aquarium trainers and beluga whales
Meet with other animal residents of the Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest gallery
A souvenir photograph of your encounter and a complimentary towel to commemorate your experience
Use of Georgia Aquarium wetsuit, locker room and shower facilities
General admission to Georgia Aquarium, which includes access to all six public galleries, before or after your session
Cost:
$169.95 plus tax; $152.95 plus tax for Annual Imagination Pass Members. Price includes general admission to the Aquarium, AT&T Dolphin Tales show, 4D Theater, animal encounter, souvenir towel and photograph. Group rates (minimum 8 guests) are available for family reunions, corporate outings, or other occasions and events.
When:
Daily at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Times are subject to change. You may need to arrive earlier if you wish to experience the AT&T Dolphin Tales show and 4D Theater. You can select an available showtime during the check-out process.
Who:
Participants must be at least 60 inches tall and weigh less than or equal to 300 pounds to participate.
Participants under 16 years of age must each be accompanied by a participating adult responsible for the minor(s) (one adult per minor required).
Participants under 18 years of age must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated by their parent or legal guardian.
This program is not for expectant mothers.
Cancellations:
The program fee is non-refundable. However, the program may be rescheduled whenever possible. The Aquarium will reschedule your encounter if given notice more than 48 hours in advance. There will be a change fee of $50 per ticket. Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. To change your reservation, please contact the Georgia Aquarium Call Center at 404.581.4000.
Reserve your spot today online or by calling 404.581.4000.
Participants must be 60 inches tall to participate and weigh less than or equal to 300 pounds.
Participants under 16 years of age must each be accompanied by a participating adult responsible for the minor(s) (one adult per minor required).
Participants under 18 years of age must have the program liability waiver and animal interactive program guidelines signed and dated by their parent or legal guardian.
Personal photography and/or video recording is not permitted.
This program is not for expectant mothers.
Guests must change into an Aquarium-provided wetsuit. Appropriate personal swimwear is required to be worn beneath the suit.
For the safety of the animals, guests will be required to remove all jewelry prior to the animal interaction. Locker facilities are available to secure personal items during the program.
Guests are to check in at the Animal Interactions kiosk, located next to Ocean Voyager gallery built by The Home Depot.
Guests arriving late will not be permitted to participate in the program.
The program fee is non-refundable; however the program will be rescheduled whenever possible. The Aquarium will reschedule your encounter if given notice more than 48 hours in advance. There will be a change fee of $50 per ticket. Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. 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.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
The beluga whales live in colder climates and thus the water in their exhibit is kept cool (between 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit). Guests will be provided Georgia Aquarium wetsuits similar to what our training staff wear to ensure that the experience, while cool, is comfortable.
Guests with special needs must call prior to making a reservation at 404.581.4000. We will attempt to make accommodations for our guests with prior notification. While the Georgia Aquarium will make every attempt, all requests can not be guaranteed.
Elements of this program may require guests to step into waist-deep water and stand comfortably on their own. In addition to meeting age, height and weight requirements, guests must also possess a minimum level of physical dexterity. Comfort in and around water, including standing in waist-deep water, is necessary to ensure a safe and engaging experience.
Reserve your spot today online or call 404.581.4000.
What is the purpose of this program/overview of the encounter?
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 marine animals. The program is an exploration into the behind the scenes of the Cold Water Quest gallery and an in-depth look into Georgia Aquarium's conservation efforts with beluga whales. The two-hour program includes a classroom orientation where participants learn about the biology, care, training, and study of this fascinating species and Georgia Aquarium's role in beluga whale conservation.
What is the duration of the program and what is included in the experience?
The program lasts for approximately two hours and includes an educational and engaging orientation on the biology, care, training, study, and conservation of beluga whales; an exclusive behind the scenes look at the beluga whale and harbor seal exhibit; an intimate experience working alongside our training staff and interacting with the beluga whales, and the chance to meet with other charismatic cold water animal residents; and presentation of a souvenir photograph and towel.
Is this a swim-with/immersion program?
No, the Beluga & Friends Interactive Program allows participants to work alongside training staff to interact with the beluga whales. Elements of this program may require guests to step into waist-deep water and stand comfortably on their own, but are not guaranteed to enter the water. In addition to meeting age, height and weight requirements, guests must also possess a minimum level of physical dexterity. Participants do not swim with the beluga whales. Comfort in and around water, including standing in water, is necessary to ensure a safe and engaging experience.
What should I bring with me?
All you will need to bring is a personal swimsuit. Georgia Aquarium will supply all equipment (wetsuit and booties) and a towel. Comfortable changing rooms with showers and lockers are provided. An eco-friendly bag will be provided for you to stow your damp suit and towel following the program.
What is the cost of the program?
The Beluga & Friends Interactive Program costs $169.95 plus tax for non-Members and $152.95 for Annual Imagination Pass Members. Program price includes admission to the Aquarium and its six galleries, AT&T Dolphin Tales show, 4D Theater, all equipment, the animal encounter, souvenir towel and photograph of the experience.
Can I pre-register? Do I have to pre-register?
We encourage guests to pre-register as there are a limited number of spaces per program. Guests with special needs must call prior to making a reservation at 404.581.4000. Reasonable special needs accommodations can be supported on a case by case basis with prior notification.
What does the 'and Friend' in the program title refer to?
While the focus of this interactive program are our beluga whales, a part of the program is also dedicated to introducing participants to some of the other animals that reside in the Cold Water Quest gallery. The species will vary and is at the discretion of the animal interactive program and training staff but could include harbor seals, penguins or sea otters. Requests for specific 'friends' are not possible and each program will be tailored around specific animal availability.
What are the age requirements?
While there isn't a minimum age, all participants must be at least 60 inches tall. Each guest under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult (one adult per minor required), and all minor guests (under the age of 18) must have the liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
Are guests welcome to watch?
The entire Beluga & Friends Interactive Program, including the animal experience occurs behind the scenes and is not viewable by the public. Only participants in the program will be taken to the interactive areas.
How do I get to the Aquarium?
The Aquarium is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, right next to the World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park. Get directions.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Please check in at the Animal Interactions kiosk, located next to the Ocean Voyager gallery built by The Home Depot, at least 15 minutes prior to your experience.
Will there be a trainer with me?
There will be a Georgia Aquarium staff member with you for the duration of the program. A beluga whale trainer will guide you through the animal interactive aspects of the program. An animal interactive program specialist will facilitate all other aspects of the program including the check in and orientation process.
How do I make a reservation?
You can make a reservation by registering online or calling 404.581.4000 or visiting www.georgiaaquarium.org.
What is your rescheduling policy?
At Georgia Aquarium, we recognize that vacation plans can change. The Aquarium does not offer refunds, but will reschedule your encounter if given notice more than 48 hours in advance. There will be a change fee of $50 per ticket. Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled. To change your reservation, please contact the Georgia Aquarium Call Center at 404.581.4000.
What is the water temperature?
The beluga whales live in colder climates and thus the water in their exhibit is kept cool. Guests will be provided Georgia Aquarium wetsuits similar to what our training staff wear to ensure that the experience, while cool, is comfortable.
Can we feed the animals?
Guests will have the opportunity to have an intimate, up-close experience with the beluga whales. There are a variety of activities that can take place at the discretion of the training staff while interacting with and even touching the whale. Participating in training techniques and feeding may be part of the experience if it is appropriate to do so based upon the behavior of the animals being interacted with and behavior of the participants involved in the program. Animal trainers will tailor each program to ensure a safe and engaging experience for both our animals and our guests. As a result, each program may be a little different.
Can I buy out a time slot to experience the encounter alone?
Yes. There are eight slots per program.
Can I bring my own wetsuit?
All necessary equipment and a wetsuit will be provided. All you need to bring is your personal swimwear (bathing suit).
Can you accommodate my size?
We can accommodate guests up to 300 lbs.
Can I bring a photographer or person with me to film underwater?
No. A souvenir photo will be provided to participating guests and guests may have the opportunity to purchase additional images if available. Photos and video taken during the Beluga & Friends Interactive Program 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.
Will tickets be available for walk-up guests?
Yes. Walk-up tickets can be purchased if available, but must be purchased at least two hours before the scheduled Beluga & Friends Interactive Program. The first session at 10 a.m. may be purchased if walk-up tickets are available, however advance purchase is highly recommended.
Are there set times available for the beluga whale interactive program, or do I pick my own time?
Currently, the Beluga & Friends Interactive Program is offered twice daily. Schedules are subject to change.
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