Georgia Aquarium has added a cool new activity to its collection of seafaring fun: a beluga whale education center where you can learn all about our friends from under the sea. This new center is dedicated to inspiring and educating the public of the dangers these whales face in the wild. Did you know there are an estimated 150,000 beluga whales in the northern Atlantic and arctic seas?

The two hour educational, interactive program is called Beluga and Friends, and it’s a great way to get an exclusive in-depth look into daily animal care and the conservation efforts for beluga whales. You’ll experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the beluga whale and harbor seal exhibit, interact with beluga whales and receive a souvenir towel and photo.

Guests can participate daily at 10 a.m. or  1:15 p.m. and the program is perfect for getting out of the heat for a few hours. To participate in this adventure, you much be 60 inches tall, and if you are under age 16 you’ll have to be accompanied by a responsible adult. Participants will stand in waist-deep water, so you’ll need to be comfortable in and around water. You’ll definitely be getting wet, but don’t worry about going home smelling like a fish because wetsuits, locker rooms and shower facilities are provided.

The cost is $224.95 plus tax or $205.95 for Annual Imagination Pass Members. Reservations are required, so make one today by calling 404-581-4000 or visiting the Georgia Aquarium website.

We’d love to know if you get to meet the beluga whales this summer.  Please comment and let us know what it was like!