Aquarist Apprentice

Join Aquarium staff on a behind-the-scenes tour, help prepare animal diets, and participate in some daily care and maintenance tasks. This program is a hands-on, up-close experience where your group can learn more about how an aquarium works. Participants should wear closed toe shoes and be prepared to smell fishy.  Pre-registration required.

Dates/Time: Saturday, August 28 at 2:00 PM
Saturday, September 4, 11, 18, 25 at 2:00 PM
Age: 10 and up, ages 10-14 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult
Fee: $25.00 for ages 13 and up, $23.00 for ages 10-12 (includes general admission into the aquarium); NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $17.00 per participant
Program Length: 2 ½ hours

Behind the Scenes Tour

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the Aquarium? Come explore spaces for animal holding, husbandry, life support systems, and backstage access to exhibits. Participants should wear closed toe shoes. Pre-registration required.

Dates/Time: Sunday, August 29 at 1:00 PM
Sunday, September 5, 12, 19, 26 at 1:00 PM
Thursday, September 9, 23 at 11:30 AM
Age: 8 and up, ages 8-14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Fee: $15.00 for ages 13 and up, $13.00 for ages 8-12 (includes general admission into aquarium)
NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $7.00 per participant
Program Length: 1 ½ hours

Extended Behind the Scenes

It’s feeding time, and you’re invited to watch. Visit the top of our largest exhibit, the Cape Fear Shoals, during an expanded tour behind the scenes. Get a birds-eye view of this 235,000 gallon tank as sharks, stingrays, moray eels, and other fish swim below! Aquarists feed the animals during the tour, offering a unique opportunity for close-up viewing. Pre-registration required.

Dates/Time: Friday, August 27 at 2:00 PM
Monday, August 30 at 2:00 PM
Monday, September 6, 13, 20, 27 at 2:00 PM
Wednesday, September 8, 15, 22, 29 at 2:00 PM
Friday, September 3, 10, 24 at 2:00 PM
Ages: 8 and up, Children between 8 and 14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
Fee: $20.00 for ages 13 and up, $18.00 for ages 8-12. Aquarium admission included
NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $12.00 per participant
Program Length: 2 hours

ADVANCE REGISTRATION & FEES

Pre-registration is required with a credit card number by calling 910-458-7468 Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Programs require a minimum number of participants and are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather or low enrollment.

Please be on time for reserved programs, cancellation is required 24 hours before the program.
Participants are charged full program fees, regardless of attendance, if they do not call and cancel 24 hours in advance. For more information, please call the aquarium during office hours (Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm).

Click here if you are scheduling a school group.
Click here if you are scheduling a large group visit.