Living Shipwreck
306,000-gallon Ocean habitat
The Living Shipwreck is a key habitat at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. At 306,000 gallons of saltwater, it is the largest manmade ocean habitat in North Carolina. The habitat features a replica of the U-352 German submarine that was sunk off the coast of North Carolina in 1942. The U-352 was the first U-boat sunk by the U.S. Coast Guard and is one of three U-boats off the North Carolina coast accessible to sport divers. The wreck is a rare oasis of structure on the sand, resting in 115 feet of water, the debris attracts swarms of fish seeking food and shelter.
The replica habitat at the Aquarium hosts many fish, sharks, and a green sea turtle. Sandbar sharks, a sand tiger shark and a nurse shark, sheepshead, Atlantic spadefish, tarpon, crevalle jack, and others can be found in this habitat. It is one of three replica wreck habitats at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
Loggerhead odyssey
Featuring TINY HATCHLINGS
Follow the journey of loggerhead sea turtles in the Loggerhead Odyssey exhibit at the Aquarium. Watch as tiny turtles hatch on a North Carolina beach and crawl to the ocean. Meet a hatchling that’s being rehabilitated at the Aquarium. Step into an immersive ocean setting and find out how far sea turtles travel, and the huge threats they face – primarily from plastic pollution. Younger visitors can test their turtle knowledge with interactive games.
Spadefish Gallery
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores regularly exhibits unique art in a hallway gallery. Shows change quarterly. Check our special events section for a more detailed look at the featured artist. Currently, the aquarium is showcasing an exhibit by the fiber artist Eileen Williams. The exhibit features ocean-themed works of quilted art. This variety of work, named Art of the Sea, features local coastal scenes, as well as some from her travels.
Tree-mendous nature Play Area
On the Alice Hoffman Nature Trail
Enjoy two slides, a climbing net, a treehouse platform, a swinging bridge and tons of other cool stuff to inspire physical activity and creative outdoor enjoyment. The playground is near the start of the Alice Hoffman Nature Trail, off the marsh boardwalk. Aquarium admission or membership is required but there is no extra charge for this fun addition to the Aquarium campus.