Operation: Sea Turtle Rescue is a new featured exhibit from 2011. Learn about sea turtles and the efforts of the Aquarium and Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (NEST) to save these animals from the perils of man and nature. The new exhibit will feature interactive educational technology, live sea turtle in a 10,000-gallon tank along with other fishes found in the “Waters of the Outer Banks!"

Throughout the Aquarium are exhibit tanks filled with fish of North Carolina coastal habitats, including sharks and rays. You will see the largest collection of sharks and more than 200 fishes in the 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit, with a 1/3-scale replica of the USS Monitor. In the Wetlands on the Edge sky-lit atrium, you will see river otters, alligators and turtles lazing on fallen trees in the sun. Each day at the Aquarium there are educational programs, fish feedings and demonstrations.

The gift shop has a great selection of toys and gifts related to sea life and ecology. Snacks are available outside the Aquarium from vending machines, and in the summer months there are food vendors on site.

Admission Fees and Hours: The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is $8 for ages 13 to 61, Ages 62+; $7, children ages 3 to 12; $6, and free for children 2 and younger, registered NC school groups and Aquarium Society members.
You can rent the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island for special events, conferences and weddings. Located on the Croatan Sound, the Aquarium accentuates any event for up to 1,500 guests! Caterers, DJs, bands, beer, wine and all the usual wedding services are allowed. A self-guided tour of the facility is included for all guests. All weddings must occur after operating hours. Call the Special Events Coordinator at (252) 473-3494 ext. 258 for information.
To inquire about special activities like Breakfast with the Rays, Snack with the Sharks, Aqua Tales for Tots, Behind the Scenes Tours, fish printing, crafts projects, birthday parties and the ever-popular Seafood Series, call (252) 473-3494 ext. 232 or visit the interactive calendar on the website. Special activities require a separate fee and advance registration.
Be sure to visit the N.C. Aquariums' newest Outer Banks attraction, Jennette's Pier at Nags Head. You'll find information about it in our Nags Head Attractions section or by visiting www.jennettespier.net .

Join the N.C. Aquarium Society…and enjoy unlimited FREE admission.
www.ncaquariums.com/membership