A Night to Remember: Sleeping Under the Sea at the Georgia Aquarium
If you ever get the chance to sleep next to a beluga whale, do it. My daughter Felicity and I had the most unforgettable overnight experience at the Georgia Aquarium, and we’re still smiling about it! In this Design Around the World – Georgia Aquarium edition, I took my daughter Felicity on a truly one-of-a-kind adventure.
Felicity is absolutely obsessed with whale sharks (can you blame her?), so taking her to the only aquarium in the U.S. that houses these gentle giants was a dream come true. The Georgia Aquarium’s Ocean Voyager gallery is not only one of the largest single aquatic exhibits in the world. It was built specifically to house whale sharks. Talk about impressive!
Sleep Under the Sea: The Ultimate Aquarium Sleepover
We signed up for the Sleep Under the Sea overnight experience, which let us explore the aquarium after hours and even sleep right next to the exhibits. Our sleeping spot? The second level right in front of the beluga whales. Yes, we actually fell asleep to the sound of them clicking and talking to each other—it was magical.
Before we rolled out our sleeping bags, we got a few private behind-the-scenes tours, starting in the Ocean Voyager section. We not only saw the whale sharks up close (amazing!), but also learned all kinds of fun facts during interactive activities and Q&A sessions with the staff.
One of the most jaw-dropping things we learned: the whale sharks were flown from Taiwan to Alaska to Georgia on a UPS 747 jet, in a 30-hour journey. And get this—UPS did it for free. How cool and generous is that?
Design Lovers, Take Note
As a designer, I couldn’t help but geek out over the aquarium’s beautiful logos, fonts, and exhibit designs. Every space had its own visual identity, from the bold graphics of the shark exhibit to the playful elements in the children’s areas. It was like a visual feast, and the attention to detail in how the design tied into the experience was top-notch.
The central atrium made it easy to see all the exciting areas waiting to be explored—each one crafted with a different audience and vibe in mind. It was inspiring to see how smart design can enhance storytelling and learning.
Peaceful Giants and Quiet Moments
The next morning, before the crowds came in, we were lucky enough to get quiet time in front of the whale sharks. Just us and the fish, peacefully gliding by. It was such a calming and awe-inspiring moment—a rare chance to just watch and wonder.
Watch the Video
We captured some of our favorite moments and will be sharing them soon. You’ll want to see Felicity’s face the first time she saw the whale sharks—it’s priceless.Watch the full YouTube video here: (link coming soon)
If you’ve ever considered visiting the Georgia Aquarium, especially for one of their sleepovers, take this as your sign. It’s educational, inspiring, and a truly one-of-a-kind memory-maker. We’ll be talking about this night for years to come.
Check out more of my designs at www.carinagardner.com