AZA

FourStarCharity
Charity Navigator ranks the NC Aquarium Society among the nation’s top zoo and aquarium non-profits.

Plan Your Visit

Planning a visit to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher? Most visitors can tour the aquarium in about two hours. However, if you plan to participate in programs, search for relics in the Fossil Hunt, or visit the gift shop, allow more time.

Planning your visit for April or May? Please be aware you may share your experience with many young visitors. Large school groups generally visit the Aquarium from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays during the spring months. Enjoy your visit!

Hours & Admission

Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. year-round
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Admission

Adults: Ages 13-61: $8
Seniors: Ages 62+: $7
Children: Ages 3-12: $6
Ages 2 and under and North Carolina Aquarium Society Members: FREE

Purchase tickets in advance for your aquarium visit here.

Group Visits:

Special activities, programs and discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Click here for more information.

Military Discounts
The North Carolina Aquariums participate in the Military Voucher Program. Active duty and retired military personnel can purchase tickets at a discounted rate from many Tickets and Tours Offices at military bases nationwide. Tickets must be purchased in advance to receive a discount. Please contact the facilities closest to you for ticket prices or additional information.

Note:
Admission fees support maintenance, operations, and development of new exhibits to maintain an exciting and educational experience for Aquarium visitors.

Spanish Language

  • Spanish language scripts are available for some free educational programs.
  • Please check with visitor services at the aquarium’s entrance for availability of Spanish scripts and films.

No Pets, Please!

  • We love animals here at the Aquarium and we want to remind our visitors to leave their pets at home.
  • Pets are not allowed in the Aquarium. Leaving a pet inside a locked car can be deadly. New Hanover County ordinance prohibits owners from leaving their dogs tied up unattended.

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Food & Drinks

The SharkBites snack bar, located on the food deck outside the Gift Shop, offers a variety of food and drink selections daily from March through September and on weekends during October and November. Download their menu here.

SharkBites Hours:

March – Sept: Mon. – Sat. 10–5 Sun. 11–5
October: Thu. – Sat. 10-5 Sun. 11-5
November: Sat. 10-5 Sun 11-5
Dec. – Feb.: CLOSED

Vending machines, on the food deck and outside the garden exit gates, offer a variety of snacks and drinks. Water fountains are found at a number of locations inside the aquarium.

Accommodations & Area Links

For where to stay, where to eat, and what to do while in the area, visit the following links:

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