UGA Aquarium FAQs
Click through the drop-downs below for answers to some of our most commonly asked questions.
Does the aquarium accommodate accessibility needs?
You can learn more about accessibility features at the UGA Aquarium Accessibility page.
How much does it cost to visit the aquarium?
The General Admission fee includes a self-guided tour of the aquarium and access to the Jay Wolf Nature Trail.
General Admission fees are:
Ages 2 and under: FREE
Ages 3 – 12: $5
Ages 13 – 54: $7
Ages 55+: $5
Military with ID: $5
College/University student with ID: $5
Can I purchase a ticket online in advance of my visit?
Tickets can only be purchased in person at the Front Desk in the aquarium’s lobby. If you wish to purchase an annual Season Pass, this can be done at the Front Desk or online.
Are pets permitted to visit the aquarium?
Only service animals are permitted inside the building. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls.
Emotional support, comfort or therapy animals are not permitted inside the building.
All dogs are allowed outside on the Jay Wolf Nature Trail, provided they are on a leash. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset, and available for public use. All visitors are responsible for cleaning up after their pet.
Can I host an event at the UGA Aquarium?
While we do not rent our spaces for events, groups are welcome to host small events on their own. Please contact the aquarium at 912-598-2496 for additional information. Alcohol is not permitted at any gathering held on the facility grounds. For gatherings held before or after aquarium hours, there is no access inside the building, including the restrooms.
Do you offer discounted tickets or season passes?
The best way to save on admission is by purchasing a year-long Season Pass. They can be purchased in person at the Front Desk, or online.
We offer Season Passes under the following categories:
Student: $25
Individual: $30
Senior Dual: $40
Dual: $50
Military Family: $65 (up to six people can attend per visit)
Family :$80 (up to six people can attend per visit)
Will I see dolphins, manatees, or whales at the aquarium?
All exhibit tanks feature smaller marine life found in Georgia’s inshore tidal creeks as well as offshore ocean habitats. We do not have large marine mammals on exhibit; however, visitors frequently see dolphins swimming in the Skidaway River behind the aquarium. We invite you to explore the Jay Wolf Nature Trail for a chance to see different types of wildlife.
Does the aquarium have a gift shop?
We do not have a gift shop. We do have a Resource Center located by the Front Desk with a variety of free print materials available to visitors. You will find local fishing charts, local and state maps, brochures of local attractions, coloring/activity sheets for children, and much more!
How can I help support the aquarium financially?
Your gifts to UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, which includes the aquarium, support marine education, environmental outreach and coastal research. If you would like to make a monetary contribution to support our mission, please visit this page for additional information. Thank you for considering a donation!
Where can I find out about job opportunities with UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant?
Click here to view open staff positions and apply online. We respectfully ask that all applicants use our online system.
Does the aquarium accept injured animals
or pet surrenders?
Injured animals:
We are not a permitted rehabilitation facility, and do not accept injured animals. Use the following resources to report an injured, sick, or deceased animal. Please call the numbers listed below before approaching or disturbing the animal. Remember that it is illegal to keep most wildlife native to Georgia.
Stranded, injured, or deceased marine mammals or sea turtles:
Department of Natural Resources: (800) 2-SAVE-ME (800-272-8363)
All other animals (birds, reptiles, etc.):
Savannah Wildlife Rescue Center: 912-596-1237
Pet Surrenders:
We do not accept surrendered animals. If you have aquarium supplies you wish to donate, please email us at fish@uga.edu. Please include your name, phone number, and information about the items you are interested in donating, including any helpful pictures of the supplies.
What are the aquarium hours?
Are you open on weekends and holidays?
We are open from Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed on Sundays. Additionally, we are closed on most major holidays. Occasionally, we are closed the Saturday before a Monday holiday. Please see the list below for all aquarium closures.
2023:
Labor Day Weekend: Sat., Sept. 2 – Mon., Sept. 4, 2023
Thanksgiving: Thurs., Nov. 23 – Sat., Nov. 25, 2023
Winter Holiday: Mon., Dec. 25, 2023 – Mon., Jan. 1, 2024
*Will we be open on Sat., Dec. 23, 2023*
2024:
UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant Annual Meeting: Jan. 9 – Jan. 10, 2024
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Mon., Jan. 15, 2024
Memorial Day – Sat., May 25 – Mon., May 27, 2024
Juneteenth National Independence Day – Wed., June 19, 2024
Independence Day – Thurs., July 4, 2024
Labor Day – Sat., August 31 – Mon., Sept. 2, 2024
Thanksgiving – Thurs., Nov. 28 – Sat., Nov. 30, 2024
Winter Holiday – Wed., Dec. 25, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2025
*We will be open on Tues., Dec. 24, 2024*
How do I find the aquarium and where do I park?
The aquarium is located at 30 Ocean Science Circle, Savannah, GA 31411, on the north end of Skidaway Island. You can find us using Google Maps.
Directions when you arrive on Skidaway Island:
After driving over the bridge to Skidaway Island, continue straight through two traffic lights before turning left at the stop sign onto McWhorter Road. Follow McWhorter for 4 miles before bearing left onto Ocean Science Circle. At this turn, you will see a large field to your left. Continue down the road, which is lined by live oaks, before entering the aquarium parking lot directly ahead. The aquarium is a one-story red brick building with a large brown sign out front that reads “University of Georgia Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Marine Education Center and Aquarium.” We also have a large learning garden out front that we invite you to explore before entering the building.
Currently, there are no public transportation options available for visitors.
Parking for aquarium visitors is available at no charge in the lot directly in front of our building. Two accessible spaces are designated for visitors with limited mobility. Visitors traveling to the aquarium by bus or camper should park in the designated bus parking at the far end of the parking lot (the right side of the parking lot, as you approach the building).
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, cash, checks, and Apple Pay.
Can I use the Jay Wolf Nature Trail and picnic area before
or after aquarium hours?
All outdoor spaces (picnic area, pavilion, and Jay Wolf Nature Trail) are open and available for public use from sunrise to sunset at no charge.
Tables in the picnic area and under the pavilion are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We ask that all large parties using the picnic area (15 or greater) contact us in advance of their visit (912-598-2496).
Do you offer group rates for General Admission?
We do not offer discounted admission for large groups. However, we do offer an annual Season Pass for families, students, individuals, and seniors.
How much time should I allow for a visit to the aquarium?
Our aquarium features 16 exhibit tanks that showcase a variety of Georgia’s marine life. We recommend allowing at least one hour to see the indoor exhibit areas, and additional time to explore the Jay Wolf Nature Trail. The nature trail consists of two loops – a short trail (0.5 miles) and a long trail (0.85 miles). We recommend allowing at least one hour to explore the trail. All guests are permitted to enjoy the aquarium during regular hours. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset.
Is there food service available on site?
We do not currently have food items available for purchase at the aquarium. There is one vending machine for purchasing coke products located at the back entrance of the aquarium (outdoors). Food and drinks are not allowed inside the building but can be enjoyed in our picnic area outdoors. All picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
How can I become a volunteer?
Our organization’s service to the community is greatly enhanced by the work of our volunteers. We accept volunteer applications between January – March and August – October. Learn more about volunteer opportunities here.
Are there any opportunities for students under 18
to volunteer?
Unfortunately, volunteer opportunities are limited to students 18 and older. However, middle and high school students are encouraged to participate in our annual Youth Ocean Conservation Summit. We also offer events throughout the year that cater to a variety of age groups, you can learn more about our events here.
Is photography/filming allowed in the aquarium?
Personal photography/filming is allowed in all exhibit areas, including outdoor spaces. Please refrain from using flash photography in front of all aquarium exhibits.
If you are interested in photographing or filming on our property for commercial purposes, you must obtain permission from the University of Georgia. Contact Emily Kenworthy at ekenworthy@uga.edu for more information.