NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Explore. Discover. Connect.

Journey from the mountains to the sea. Feel the spray of a mountain waterfall. Watch river otters play. Look a shark in the eye. Explore shipwrecks — without getting wet. See a rare white sea turtle. Thousands of aquatic animals take you on a journey from the state’s Smoky Mountains to the open Atlantic, much like a raindrop makes its way to the ocean. 

We are open! Advance tickets and reservations are required.

Plan Your Visit

Visitors in front of a large aquarium with a school of crevalle jacks

What's Happening at Pine Knoll Shores?

Animal of the Month

Meet our animal of the month, Boone. He's a striped skunk, which can be found across North Carolina.

Online Tickets

Get your advance tickets online before your visit. Members can also make their reservations online here.

Party for the Planet

April 22-June8: Party for the Planet! Celebrate the Earth with special programs and activities.

turtle with satellite tag being released into the ocean

Conservation

The North Carolina Aquariums are dedicated to animals in our care and in the wild. We recognize the challenges threatening species locally and globally. Our team commits resources and time to learning more and taking action through research, fieldwork, education, and the daily efforts of staff.

Support our Living Treasure

The North Carolina Aquarium Society invites you to join in the powerful work of the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Through the Living Treasures campaign you will help the Aquariums prosper and establish new exhibits and education programs. More importantly, with your support, we can provide superior care for animals and make a difference in conservation and field research to save vulnerable species from extinction. 

Support living Treasures 

A least tern chick camouflaged on a bed of pebbles sits next to a cement block for shade