How Can you Visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores? We’re Here to Tell You!

Atlantic Beach offers plenty of things to do for families. One of the top attractions – and something your kids is guaranteed to love – is the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. It offers something for everyone!

With 50 exhibits and more than 4,000 sea creatures, the aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores are among the top attractions in North Carolina. It’s fun for the whole family!

Plan Your Visit 

With 50 exhibits and more than 4,000 sea creatures, the North Carolina Aquariums at Pine Knoll Shores are among the top attractions in Atlantic Beach. Visit for an aquatic journey stretching from the mountains to the sea. Touch stingrays, watch river otters play, and spot the rare white sea turtle!

Due to reduced capacity from COVID-19 restrictions, advance tickets must be purchased online. Animal encounters, animal feedings, and other activities are part of the price of admission. General admission prices are as follows:

• $12.95 for adults ages 13-61
• $11.95 for seniors 62 and older
• $11.95 for military
• $10.95 for children ages 3-12
• FREE for children 2 and younger

The aquarium is located at 1 Roosevelt Drive, Pine Knoll Shores. Call 252-247-4003 for more information. 

NC Aquarium Exhibits

Living Shipwreck is a must-see for all visitors. This 306,000-gallon saltwater ocean habitat is the largest manmade habitat in North Carolina. It features a replica of the U-352 German submarine that was sunk off the coast of North Carolina during World War II, the very first U-boat sunk by the US Coast Guard, which can still be visited by divers today.

The replica habitat is home to many fish, sharks, and even a green sea turtle. Resident species include Atlantic spadefish, tarpon, crevalle jack, Sandbar sharks, nurse sharks, sheepshead, and sand tiger sharks. Dive shows take place daily, and divers are available to speak with interested visitors about ocean environments, diving, and conservation.

The Loggerhead Odyssey provides a window into the journey of loggerhead sea turtles. Watch as hatchlings break free of their shells and crawl from the sand to the ocean. The aquarium habilitates hatchlings too, and visitors are even able to meet them. After meeting young turtles, the aquarium gives you an immersive look into the life cycle of the turtle, following their journey through the sea and facing enormous threats, especially from plastic pollution. 

These two exhibits are among the most popular, but there’s much, much more. With 50 exhibits at the aquariums, there is always something more to see! In addition to wildlife, there are many games, play, and educational experiences for children. 

For instance, the Tree-Mendous Nature Play area is the perfect place for kids. Here they can play on two slides, a climbing net, a treehouse platform, a swinging bridge, and lots of other cool equipment that will keep them occupied for hours. The playground can be found near the start of the Alice Hoffman Nature Trail off the marsh boardwalk. 

Every so often there are presentations offered at the aquarium as part of its education and conservation program. Because of COVID protocol, some of these events are now taking place virtually.

When planning your vacation to Atlantic Beach, be sure to schedule at least a full day to visit at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores!

Where to Stay in Atlantic Beach  

For the very best accommodations, Cannon & Gruber offers numerous Atlantic Beach rentals close to the aquarium and other main attractions. We invite you to explore our full range of options, from Atlantic Beach oceanfront rentals to scenic cottages. We guarantee you will find the right rental to meet all your family’s needs.