North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

1 Roosevelt Blvd.
Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
252-247-4003
1-866-294-3477

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is the newest and largest aquarium in North Carolina. The Aquarium was closed for a $25 million expansion that tripled its size to 93,000 square feet and re-opened in May 2006. The Aquarium takes you on a journey across the waters of North Carolina “from the mountains to the sea.” Five galleries depict the aquatic habitats and inhabitants of each major zone – Mountain, Piedmont, Coastal Plain, Tidal Waters and Ocean. The Aquarium has nearly 40 exhibits and lots of programs. You can see divers in the Living Shipwreck exhibit, meet an alligator and other animals up close with daily programs in their theater and other fun activities held at all times of the day. The remodeled outdoor areas also have two nature trails, a marsh overlook, a Fossil Hunt and are adding more all the time. The nature trails offer a great chances to see the natural wildlife of the area. There is also a newly added exploration area for kids that offers learning arts and crafts and play area. The aquarium has a gift shop and there will be a new Dairy Queen snack bar opening this spring. Boat cruises, marsh explorations and other adventures are available for a small fee. We recommend that you plan to spend at least three or four hours at the new Aquarium to get the most from the many exhibits and activities.

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

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

MAP:

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For directions from a specific address, click the blue marker on the map and click the “To here” link for directions.

DIRECTIONS:

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

From Cape Carteret/Emerald Isle NC 58 East, turn left onto Pine Knoll Boulevard at the stoplight, Milepost 7; turn left onto Roosevelt Drive. Signs along US 70 and NC 58 point the way.

ACCESSIBILITY:

The parking lot, entrance, exhibits and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. Some outdoor facilities also are wheelchair-accessible.