Estuaries are formed where fresh water and salt water mix together. They are vital ecosystems for many reasons, including the fact that over 90% of seafood species caught by North Carolina's fishermen such as blue crab, flounder and shrimp spend at least part of their lives in the state's estuaries.

Thousands of square miles of estuaries lie inside North Carolina's barrier island shoreline. Our state holds more estuarine waters than any other state on the east coast.

The North Carolina Estuarium is one of several facilities managed by the Partnership for the Sounds that celebrates these delicate ecosystems and what they mean to life in the "Soundlands." Exhibits, living aquariums, captivating audio/visual presentations and more combine art, science, nature and history into a complete educational experience at the Estuarium.

Hours of Operation: 10-4, Tuesday through Saturday
Admission Fees: Adults $3.00; Students $2.00; Children 4 and under free
Discounts: AAA

• Visitor center
• Gift Shop
• Free parking
• Audio/visual presentation
• Exhibits

Handicap Accessibility: Site is fully accessible
Nearest Major Town/City: Washington, NC

About the Programs

Major Program Areas: Native American, Maritime, Ecology/Environmental, Eco-Tourism
Education Resources:

Guided Tours On-site interpretive activities Staff interpreters Off-site interpreters Museum gallery tours Boat tours

Self-guided exhibits Hands-on activities (when requested) Off-site/outreach activities Computer interactives Classroom resources (workbooks, A/V, etc.) Materials via web site

School Tour Requirements:

• Maximum group size limit of 90 people
• $2.00 per student plus additional, $2.00 if staff-led program requested
• 1.5 hour tour
• Curriculum-based tours for K-12

Education Coordinator Contact: Linda Boyer