Hours of admission
Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. year-round
*The Aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Admission
Adults (Ages 13-61): $12.95
Seniors (Ages 62 and older): $11.95
Military: $11.95
Children (Ages 3-12): $10.95
EBT card holders: $3
Ages 2 and younger and NC Aquarium Society Members: FREE
taxes not included
Reservations are required. Sellouts happen. Some animals may not be on the public viewing path during your visit. Last tickets sold at 4 p.m.; last entry 4:30 p.m. Weekends and rainy days tend to have higher visitation. No refunds or exchanges within 24 hours of ticketed entry time. We are accepting AZA reciprocal memberships from other zoos and aquariums.
Purchase Tickets Now Programs and Fees
900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach, NC 28449
The Aquarium is located in Kure Beach on US 421, about 20 miles south of Wilmington.
From Southport, take the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry. See ferry schedule here.
Get Directions on Google Maps
Enjoy a variety of food and drinks at the SharkBites snack bar. SharkBites is open daily from March through September and on weekends during October and November.
View SharkBites menu SharkBites Social Media
Hours: 11 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. daily
Closed December – February
Tips and insider information to make your visit to the Aquarium fin-tastic:
- Parking is free. Designated parking for individuals with disabilities is located near the Aquarium entrance.
- Most visitors tour the Aquarium in about two hours.
- Weekends and rainy days tend to have higher visitation.
No refunds or exchanges within 24 hours of ticketed entry time.
- Planning your visit for April or May? 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.
- No food or drinks are allowed indoors.
- Areas of the aquarium may be closed and some animals may not be visible for a variety of reasons including regular or special care for the animals and their living space. Refunds or exchanges are not possible in cases of closed areas or unavailable animals. Please contact us if you have questions about specific animals or experiences.