Georgia Aquarium: Harbor Seal Animal Encounter

The Georgia Aquarium’s Harbor Seal Animal Encounter offers a unique opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with these captivating marine mammals. Priced at $215 per person, this 30-minute interactive experience provides an educational and memorable adventure, complete with behind-the-scenes access, informative presentations, and supervised seal training sessions. Catering to ages 7 and above, the encounter ensures safety through a small group size and adult supervision, allowing participants to enhance their appreciation for these fascinating creatures. With professional photography included, this encounter promises to be a highlight of any visit to the aquarium. But what makes this experience truly exceptional?

Key Points

• The Harbor Seal Animal Encounter at the Georgia Aquarium offers a 30-minute interactive experience with harbor seals for $215 per person, limited to 7 participants.

• The encounter includes a behind-the-scenes tour, educational presentation, seal training session, and personal interaction with the seals, led by experienced professionals.

• The activity is wheelchair accessible, available in English, and full refunds are provided for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

• Participants must be 7 years or older, with guests 15 and under requiring accompaniment by a participating adult, ensuring a safe and educational experience.

• The Georgia Aquarium is conveniently located near public transportation and onsite parking, with clear directions provided for visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Harbor Seal Animal Encounter at the Georgia Aquarium is a 30-minute experience that allows visitors to go behind the scenes and interact with the resident seals.

Priced from $215 per person, the encounter is limited to a group size of 7 participants. The activity is wheelchair accessible and available in English. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The encounter takes place in the Cold Water Quest gallery and includes a behind-the-scenes tour, an educational presentation, participation in a seal training session, and personal interaction with the seals.

No personal photography is allowed during the encounter.

Encounter Details

The Harbor Seal Animal Encounter takes place in the Cold Water Quest gallery of the Georgia Aquarium. Participants will enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the seal facility, an educational presentation on seals, and the opportunity to participate in a seal training session under trainer supervision. They’ll also have personal interaction with the resident seals. No personal photography is allowed during the encounter, but professional pictures will be taken.

Activity	Duration
Behind-the-scenes tour	–
Educational presentation	–
Seal training session	–
Personal seal interaction	–
Professional photography	–

Educational Aspects

Professionals who spend extensive time with seals lead the educational component of the Harbor Seal Animal Encounter.

The focus areas cover the biology and care of seals, conservation efforts and habitats, as well as feeding and training practices. Guests have the opportunity to learn directly from these experts, gaining insights into the daily lives and needs of the resident seals.

The educational presentation provides a rundown, complementing the hands-on interaction participants enjoy during the encounter.

Through this combination of learning and engagement, visitors develop a deeper appreciation for these captivating marine mammals and the importance of conservation efforts.

Participant Requirements

Participants interested in the Harbor Seal Animal Encounter must meet certain age and supervision requirements. The program is open to guests aged 7 and above; children under 7 aren’t permitted.

Guests 15 and under must be accompanied by a participating adult, with a 3:1 child-to-adult ratio. Plus, a liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian is required for all guests under 17 years of age.

These guidelines ensure a safe and educational experience for everyone involved. The Georgia Aquarium’s team is dedicated to providing a memorable encounter while prioritizing the well-being of both participants and the seals.

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Accessibility and Logistics

The Georgia Aquarium is located just 1 km from the GWCC/CNN Center Station, making it easily accessible via public transportation. Onsite parking is available for $20 per car, with the address for GPS being 357 Luckie Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30313. The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.

Accessibility	Location	Parking
Wheelchair accessible	1 km from GWCC/CNN Center Station	$20 per car
Accessible via public transport	Address for GPS: 357 Luckie Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30313	–

Date changes are allowed up to 24 hours before the reservation for a minimal fee, though no refunds are available for purchased tickets.

Meeting Point and Parking

The Georgia Aquarium is conveniently located just 1 km from the GWCC/CNN Center Station, making it easily accessible via public transportation.

Guests can take the Blue, Green, Red, or Gold lines to reach the aquarium. For those driving, onsite parking is available for $20 per car.

The address for GPS is 357 Luckie Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30313. This makes it simple for visitors to find their way to the aquarium and enjoy the Harbor Seal Animal Encounter experience.

Reservation Changes and Refunds

Guests can typically change their reservation date up to 24 hours before the scheduled time for a minimal fee. However, no refunds are provided for purchased tickets.

This policy allows for flexibility in case plans change, but visitors should be mindful of the cutoff timeframe. The Georgia Aquarium give you a seamless experience, so they ask that guests communicate any date changes as soon as possible.

With advance notice, the team can accommodate modifications to reservations. This ensures the best experience for all participants, whether they’re visiting for the first time or returning for another up-close encounter with the harbor seals.

Safety and Liability

Safety and liability are paramount considerations for the Harbor Seal Animal Encounter at Georgia Aquarium.

All participants must be 7 years or older, and guests 15 and under must be accompanied by a participating adult. A liability waiver is required for guests 17 and under, signed by a parent or guardian.

These measures help ensure the well-being of both the participants and the seals. The small group size and presence of trained professionals also contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience.

Guests can feel confident in the aquarium’s commitment to responsible animal interactions and the protection of its wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Camera During the Encounter?

No, personal photography is not allowed during the encounter. Professional photos are taken and provided as part of the experience.

Is This Activity Suitable for People With Physical Disabilities?

The harbor seal encounter is wheelchair-accessible, making it suitable for people with physical disabilities. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with the seals under the supervision of experienced trainers.

Are There Any Age Requirements for the Participating Adults?

The activity has an age requirement for participating adults – guests 15 years and under must be accompanied by a participating adult, with a 3:1 child to adult ratio.

Can I Request a Specific Seal to Interact With?

No, guests can’t request to interact with a specific seal. The encounter is designed for participants to have personal interactions with the resident seals under the supervision of their professional trainers.

Is It Possible to Extend the Duration of the Encounter?

The duration of the encounter cannot be extended. It is a fixed 30-minute experience, as stated in the activity overview. Any requests to change the duration would not be accommodated.

Recap

The Georgia Aquarium’s Harbor Seal Animal Encounter provides a unique and educational opportunity for guests to interact with these fascinating marine mammals. With a focus on conservation and appreciation, the encounter offers hands-on experiences and behind-the-scenes access, ensuring a memorable and safe adventure for participants aged 7 and above. The small group size and professional photography further enhance this immersive experience at the aquarium.

You can check if your dates are available here: