Outdoor explorations are available seasonally and are a great way to explore North Carolina’s natural environment with an experienced naturalist.

Surf Fishing

Learn the art and practice of saltwater fishing from the beach. Program includes a one hour workshop learning knot-tying, rod and reel maintenance, bait tips, and general knowledge about North Carolina fishing. After the workshop, take your skills out to the beach to put your knowledge of hands-on fishing techniques to the test. Pre-registration required.

Dates: Saturday, November 21, 28 at 9 am
Ages: 10 and up, ages 10-14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Fee: $12.00 per person (does not include general admission to aquarium)
NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $10.80 per person
Program Length: 3 hours
Availability: March 1st - November 30th

Fort Fisher Hermit School of Common Sense

Want to take a step back into the history of Pleasure Island? Come learn all about the Fort Fisher Hermit, Robert E. Harrill. Join the aquarium staff to watch an award winning documentary, entitled “The Fort Fisher Hermit: The Life & Death of Robert E. Harrill.” Then take a walk in the Hermit’s footsteps out through the marsh to the bunker where he lived. Learn how the Hermit lived in the marsh surviving largely on plants and animals. Test your own skills catching and releasing food from the marsh. Activities outdoors will include crabbing, seining, and hiking. Pre-registration required.

Dates/Time: TBA
Ages: 15 and up
Fee: $18.00 per adult, $16.00 per youth (includes general admission to aquarium)
NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $10.00 per person
Program Length: 2 ½ hours

Salt Marsh Exploration

North Carolina has over 3,000 acres of salt marsh. Hike the salt marsh and discover animals and plants unique to this rich environment. Pre-registration required.

Dates/Times: TBA
Ages: 7 and up, ages 7-14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Fee: $15.00 per adult, $13.00 per youth (includes general admission into aquarium)
NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $7.00 per person
Program Length: 1 ½ hours
Availability: March 1st - November 30th

Salt Marsh and Crabbing

Join us for a hands-on program that introduces participants to the challenge of catching blue crabs. Lessons in crab biology and crabbing equipment prepare participants for an exciting expedition through the salt marsh to catch (and release) crabs. All bait and equipment is provided. Pre-registration required.

Available: April 1st - September 30th
Ages: 7 and up, ages 7-14 must be accompanied by a paying adult
Fee: $16.00 per adult, $14.00 per youth (includes general admission to aquarium)
NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $8.00
Program Length: 2 hours

Canoeing the Salt Marsh

Paddle over by canoe to explore Zeke’s Island Estuarine Research Reserve an uninhabited island abundant in native plants and animals. Participants should be able to swim and be capable of sustained physical exertion. Pre-registration required.

Dates: TBA
Ages: 8 and up, ages 8-14 must be accompanied by at least one paying adult.
Fee: $25.00 per person (does not include general admission to aquarium); NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $22.50 per person
Program Times: 3 hours

Rocky Outcrop Exploration

Explore the only natural rock outcrop on the North Carolina coast and discover the marvelous marine invertebrates that live in this dynamic habitat. This program must be scheduled at low tide. Dates and times may vary. Pre-registration required.

Dates/Time: TBA
Ages: 7 and up. ages 7-14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Fee: $10.00 per person (does not include general admission to aquarium; NC Aquarium Society Member Price: $9.00 per person
Program Length: 1 ½ hours

Surfing Lessons

Want to learn how to the surf? The Aquarium at Fort Fisher recommends Wrightsville Beach Surf Camp for specialized instruction.

From teen summer camps to surfing lessons to amazing surfing vacations, their surf schools offer world class instruction and have the adventure for you! Years of experience, dedication to customer service, and safety are truly unmatched.

Outdoor Guidelines

All outdoor programs are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather at the aquarium’s discretion. We recommend bringing a snack, water, and sunscreen on any outdoor activity. All participants must wear closed-toe shoes. Please review our outdoor guidelines so your group will be prepared for the adventure.

Advance Registration and 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.