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North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Where:

1 Roosevelt Boulevard

Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512

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Hours:

Open 9am to 5pm daily

CALL WEBSITE

While vacationing on the Crystal Coast, pay a visit to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. This amazing aquarium is designed to take you on an aquatic journey “from the mountains to the sea.”

Learn more about the different ecosystems that are native to North Carolina with exhibits focusing on various marine habitats. See the “Living Shipwreck” featuring a replica of a German U-352 submarine and Blackbeard’s infamous ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge. Other popular things to see at the aquarium include a stingray touch-tank, river otter exhibit, rare sea turtles, different species of sharks and more!

Free Daily Programs

The NC Aquarium offers an array of programs for kids and adults. See daily live animal programs where you can touch a sea turtle, horseshoe crab or other critters. Or see what happens at feeding time in various exhibits.

Excursions and Behind the Scenes Tours

From stand-up paddle boarding excursions to sea turtle treks and more, enjoy indoor and outdoor adventures and excursions throughout the year for you and your family, for just a small additional fee. Check the North Carolina Aquarium website for activity times and prices.

Nature Play Area and Trail

Head outside the aquarium for great views of Bogue Sound and the maritime forest. From the marsh boardwalk, follow the trail to the Tree-mendous Nature Play area featuring a treehouse platform, climbing net, a swing, slides and more fun things for kids to do outdoors.

The playground is near the start of the Alice Hoffman Nature Trail, which is part of the 265-acre Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area located next to the aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. Of the two trails available, the Alice Hoffman Nature Trail is a gentler, shorter trail that loops through the marsh, making it ideal for vacationers of all ages.

Emerald Isle Realty, Proud Sponsor of “Grass Flats”

Emerald Isle Realty proudly sponsors the saltwater tank “Grass Flats,” home of the official state fish, the Red Drum. We’ve dedicated our tank at the NC Aquarium to all of our vacationing families. There are two other North Carolina Aquariums located at Fort Fisher and Roanoke Island. Together the NC. Aquariums work to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.

NC Aquarium sea turtle

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores open?

NC Aquarium hours are 9am – 5pm daily.

The NC Aquarium is open year-round, including all holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas Days.

How much does it cost to get into the NC Aquarium?

Reservations are required, so booking tickets in advance is recommended.

Adults (Ages 13-61): $12.95
Seniors (Ages 62 and older): $11.95
Military: $11.95
Children (Ages 3-12): $10.95
Ages 2 and younger and NC Aquarium Society Members: FREE

*Taxes not included. Prices are subject to change from what’s listed on this site. Please call the aquarium at 252-247-4003 or visit the website for further information.

Where is the NC Aquarium located?

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is located 5 miles west of Atlantic Beach, next to the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area at:

1 Roosevelt Blvd.
Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512

View more Emerald Isle attractions for your upcoming vacation!

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