Fort Fisher Plan Your Visit | Kure Beach, NC 28449

Hours of admission

Open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. year-round
*The Aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

General Admission Prices

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 for adults and $2 for children ages 3-12
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. Public programs are not currently being offered. Face coverings for staff are required. 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.

Given the continued threat of COVID-19 and variants of the virus, face masks are required for indoor areas of each aquarium.

At this time, we are unable to accommodate group discounts and SENC discounts. We are accepting AZA reciprocal memberships from other zoos and aquariums. We appreciate your understanding.

Purchase Tickets Now Programs and Fees

ADDRESS

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

food and drink

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 - 4:30 daily
Closed December – February

iNSIDER TIPS

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.

The Aquarium is wheelchair accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available upon request for on-site use.
Trained service animals are welcome in the Aquarium. Please inform Visitor Services if a trained service animal will be assisting you.
Animals, other than service animals, are not allowed in the Aquarium. New Hanover County ordinance prohibits owners from leaving dogs unattended in a vehicle or tied up. Leaving a pet inside a car can be harmful to the animal.
Strollers are permitted. Strollers greater than 36" wide may be too large for certain doorways. The Aquarium does not loan or rent strollers or provide a stroller-checking service.
Barbecue grills, fire pits and open flames are prohibited on Aquarium grounds.
The Aquarium buildings are smoke-free including electronic/vapor cigarettes. Smoking is only permitted outside of the garden exit gate and parking area.
Built-in flash devices on still cameras are permitted. Flashlights, laser pointers and video lights are not. Please keep these and any other lighting devices off as you tour the Aquarium, for animal safety. For commercial photography and filming, please visit the Press Room.