The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores takes you across the state on an aquatic journey “from the mountains to the sea.” Five galleries depict the aquatic habitats and inhabitants of each major zone – Mountain, Piedmont , Coastal Plain, Tidal Waters a nd Ocean.

The Aquarium recently underwent a $25 million renovation that tripled its size to 93,000 square feet. The remodeling brought nearly 40 new exhibits and many new programs.

You can watch – and talk to – divers in the Living Shipwreck exhibit, meet an alligator or other animal face to face in daily programs in the theater and participate in a number of other fun activities. Outdoors, the Aquarium has two nature trails, a marsh overlook, a Fossil Hunt and a beautiful bronze spadefish sculpture and reflecting pool. The Aquarium also has a snack bar and a gift shop. Boat cruises, marsh explorations and other adventures are available for a small additional fee.

For information on activities, check our Programs & Events page.

The Aquarium also offers Outreach Programs to schools, civic groups and other organizations. If your school or group can’t get to the Aquarium, the Aquarium can come to you, complete with live animals and a variety of topics and activities. Outreach Programs require a modest fee. Visit programs & events and teachers & students for more information.

HOURS: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays in July for Family Night

PHONE: 252-247-4003; 1-866-294-3477

ADMISSION: $8 adults; $7 ages 62 and over; $6 children ages 6-17. Children 5 and under, members of the North Carolina Aquariums and registered North Carolina school groups are admitted free.

Discounts: A 15 percent discount is available for groups of 10 or more, providing the group registers in advance and purchases all tickets with one payment. Click here for a group registration form or call Visitor Services for more information.

A 25 percent discount is available for advance sales of 50 or more tickets . Click here for a bulk ticket order form or call Visitor Services for more information.

DIRECTIONS: Five miles west of Atlantic Beach. From NC 58, turn onto Pine Knoll Boulevard at the stoplight, Milepost 7; turn left onto Roosevelt Drive. Signs along US 70 and NC 58 point the way.

GPS: 34°41'58"N, 76°49'46"W

Click here to see the new floor plan! (printer friendly)