The Georgia Aquarium’s "Sea Lion Encounter" offers visitors a rare chance to get up close and personal with these playful marine mammals. For just under $100, guests can participate in a 30-minute interactive session that includes an educational presentation and a live training demonstration. With limited spots available, this exclusive experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to secure a spot. Whether you’re a sea lion enthusiast or simply seeking a unique aquarium adventure, this encounter promises an unforgettable encounter.
Key Points
- The "Sea Lion Encounter" at the Georgia Aquarium is a 30-minute interactive experience where guests can observe and interact with California sea lions.
- The activity is limited to 7 participants and is led by a live tour guide in English, with the experience being wheelchair accessible.
- Guests can watch a seal training session, learn about sea lions’ biology and conservation, and have their photos taken during the encounter.
- Participants must be at least 7 years old, and those aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- General admission to the Georgia Aquarium must be purchased separately, and the activity is non-refundable, with date changes allowed up to 24 hours before.
Activity Overview
The Georgia Aquarium offers a 30-minute "Sea Lion Encounter" experience, priced at $93.64 per person.
It’s a small-group activity limited to 7 participants. A live tour guide leads the encounter in English, and the experience is wheelchair accessible.
Guests will get up close with California sea lions, work with trainers, and watch a seal training session. An educational presentation on sea lions is included, and photos will be taken during the encounter.
Looking for more options in Atlanta? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Experience Highlights
Participants in the Sea Lion Encounter at the Georgia Aquarium get up close and personal with California sea lions.
They’ll work alongside expert trainers, learning about these engaging marine mammals. The highlight is watching a live training session, where the trainers demonstrate their techniques and the sea lions perform impressive behaviors.
Throughout the 30-minute experience, guests can take photos to capture the memories. The educational presentation provides fascinating insights into the sea lions’ biology, behaviors, and conservation.
Guests can capture the memories with photos during the 30-minute experience, which provides insights into the sea lions’ biology and conservation.
It’s an immersive, hands-on opportunity to appreciate these charismatic creatures up close.
Participation Requirements
Minimum age for the Sea Lion Encounter is 7 years old.
Younger participants, aged 15 and under, must be accompanied by an adult with a 3:1 child to adult ratio.
Plus, all guests aged 17 and under require a signed waiver from a parent or guardian.
Participants may also need to remove jewelry for safety reasons.
The experience is designed to be engaging and educational for all ages, but certain requirements must be met to ensure a seamless and enjoyable encounter:
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Minimum age: 7 years
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15 and under requires adult accompaniment (3:1 child to adult ratio)
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17 and under requires parental waiver
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Jewelry removal may be necessary
Important Information
First, no personal photography or videography is allowed during the Sea Lion Encounter. This ensures the safety and comfort of the animals and participants. Plus, general admission to the Georgia Aquarium must be purchased separately from the encounter.
| Cancellation Policy | |
|——————- |——————|
| Non-refundable | Date changes allowed up to 24 hours before with a processing fee |
The Sea Lion Encounter is a unique and immersive experience, and the aquarium has established these policies to provide the best possible experience for all guests.
More Great Tours NearbyDirections and Accessibility
The Georgia Aquarium is located at 357 Luckie Street, NW in Atlanta, GA 30313.
It’s just 0.7 miles (1 km) from the GWCC/CNN Center Station on the Blue and Green lines. The walk takes about 15 minutes from the nearby train stations. Onsite parking is available for $20 per car.
Getting to the aquarium is easy:
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Take public transportation
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Walk from nearby train stations
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Drive and park onsite for $20
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Accessible for wheelchairs
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Located in downtown Atlanta
With convenient transportation options, the Georgia Aquarium’s Sea Lion Encounter is accessible for visitors.
What to Expect
Although the Sea Lion Encounter at the Georgia Aquarium is just 30 minutes long, participants can expect an up-close and personal experience with these fascinating marine mammals.
Under the guidance of an expert live tour guide, guests will get to watch a seal training session and learn about the sea lions’ behaviors and biology through an educational presentation.
Participants will also have the chance to interact with the trainers and even touch the sea lions, if permitted.
Photos will be taken throughout the encounter to capture unforgettable memories.
It’s an immersive experience that offers a glimpse into the lives of these charismatic creatures.
Benefits of the Encounter
While the Sea Lion Encounter at the Georgia Aquarium is relatively short in duration, it offers a wealth of benefits for participants.
Visitors can get up close and personal with these playful marine mammals, learning about their behavior and biology directly from expert trainers.
The encounter also includes:
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Watching an engaging seal training session
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Receiving an educational presentation on sea lions
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Taking photos to commemorate the experience
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Interacting with the sea lions under the guidance of professionals
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Leaving with a deeper appreciation for these charismatic creatures and marine conservation efforts.
Booking and Cancellation
Booking the Georgia Aquarium’s Sea Lion Encounter is a simple and convenient process. The experience can be reserved online or by calling the aquarium’s customer service. Prices start at $93.64 per person, and the encounter is limited to just 7 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
| Booking Details | Specifics |
| — | — |
| Duration | 30 minutes |
| Group Size | 7 participants max |
| Language | Live tour guide in English |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
Participants will need to complete a waiver if they are 17 or younger. Cancellations are non-refundable, but date changes are allowed up to 24 hours prior for a processing fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Photographs or Videos Allowed During the Encounter?
No, personal photography or videography is not allowed during the Sea Lion Encounter. The experience is designed to provide an immersive educational experience without disruptions from cameras or recording devices.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages?
No, you can’t bring your own food and beverages. The experience doesn’t allow any outside food or drinks. You’ll need to purchase refreshments from the aquarium’s concessions during your visit.
Is There a Minimum Height or Weight Requirement?
There’s no minimum height or weight requirement for the Sea Lion Encounter. However, participants must be at least 7 years old, and those 15 and under need to be accompanied by an adult.
Can I Request a Specific Sea Lion to Interact With?
Unfortunately, guests can’t request a specific sea lion to interact with. The encounter is designed to provide a general experience with the sea lions present that day, rather than letting participants choose individual animals. The trainers manage the interactions.
Are There Any Health or Safety Precautions I Should Be Aware Of?
There are a few important health and safety precautions to be aware of. Participants must remove jewelry and follow trainer instructions. Anyone under 17 needs a signed waiver. The experience isn’t recommended for those with certain health conditions.
The Sum Up
The Georgia Aquarium’s Sea Lion Encounter is a must-try experience for all ages. Participants can get up close with these captivating creatures, learn about their biology, and contribute to their conservation. With a live training session and an educational presentation, the 30-minute encounter offers an immersive and memorable adventure. Don’t miss this chance to create lasting memories and support the aquarium’s efforts.
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