Most visitors can tour the aquarium in about two hours. However, if you plan to participate in aquarium programs, search for relics in the Fossil Hunt, or visit the gift shop, allow more time. All entrances, exits, restrooms and exhibits are wheelchair accessible.

Here’s all the information you’ll need to enjoy your visit. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, contact the Aquarium at 910-458-8257, or toll free at 1-866-301-3476.

Check back frequently for updates on new exhibits, programs and events.

Maps and Directions

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located on US 421 approximately 15 miles south of Wilmington, just beyond Kure Beach.   From Southport, take the Southport-Fort Fisher Ferry. For ferry schedule, call 910-457-6942 or Toll Free at 1-800-BYFERRY. For directions from a specific location, call 1-800-832-FISH (3474) or contact visitor services.

Exhibits

Click on map above for a larger view

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Hours & Fees

Hours:
9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily year-round

Special Summer hours: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. every Thursday in July.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day

Daily Programs & Events

Events
The Aquarium also lists Special Events on its calendar. Some require fees and advance registration, others are free to walk-in visitors. For dates and details check the interactive events calendar.

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Accommodations & Area Links

For where to stay, where to eat, and what to do while in the area,

visit the following links:

• Wilmington Chamber of Commerce - Tourist Information
• Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce
• 
• Insiders Guide to Kure Beach
• Area Accomodations Guide
• Coast-Host
• Homegrown Handmade
• Beacon House Inn
• 
  
• 
  

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Accessability Guide

Handicapped Parking:

• Clearly marked handicapped parking is available near the aquarium’s front entrance.

Elevator

• A public elevator is accessible on the upper and lower levels of the Marine Building near the Cape Fear Shoals exhibit.

Wheelchair Accessibility

• Public entrances, exits, exhibits, water fountains and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
• Free wheelchairs are available upon request for on site use.
• Interpretive bike path and garden decks are wheelchair accessible.

Visually Impaired

• Guided tours are available free of charge. Pre-registration is required. Please call 910-458-7468 to register your group.

Hearing Impaired

• Assisted Listening devices providing amplified narration are available free of charge. With pre-registration visitors may receive guided aquarium tours and narration for feedings and other programs. Please call 910-458-7468 to arrange your visit.
• Closed-captioned films are available.
• Large print scripts are available for many of our free daily programs.
• Deaf Awareness Day, with accessible programming for Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences, is a special event held each fall at the NC Aquarium at Ft. Fisher. Watch our website for details.

Spanish Language

• Spanish language scripts are available for some free educational programs.
• Spanish language films are shown every Sunday.
• Please check with visitor services at the aquarium’s entrance for availability of Spanish scripts and films.

• We love animals here at the Aquarium —so we want to remind our visitors to leave their pets at home. 
• Pets are not allowed in the Aquarium. And leaving a pet inside a locked car can be deadly.
• The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers this tip: Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle. Even with the windows open, a vehicle can quickly become deadly hot for an animal. Parking in shade offers little protection, since the sun shifts during the day. Also, New Hanover County ordinance prohibits owners from leaving their dogs tied up unattended.
• Show your pets how much you care. Leave them at home.

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Parking

From March through May, many school groups visit and buses often fill the parking areas. Parking areas can also fill to capacity during peak summer months. During these times, and on rainy summer days, expect to park in the Aquarium's overflow parking lot near the entrance gate.

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School Groups

North Carolina school groups that register in advance are admitted free. Non-registered groups can be charged the standard admission rate. If the building is filled to capacity, a non-registered “drop-in” group may be asked to wait outside until more space is available.

If your school group can't come to the Aquarium or would like to extend
your visit, let the Aquarium come to you!  Click here for more information on our Outreach Program.

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Food & Drinks

The SharkBites snack bar, located on the food deck outside the Gift Shop, offers a variety of food and drink selections daily from March through September and on weekends during October and November.

Click here for a sample menu.

SharkBites HOURS:

March – Sept: Mon. – Sat. 10–5 Sun. 11–5

October: Thu. – Sat. 10-5 Sun. 11-5

November: Sat. 10-5 Sun 11-5

Dec. – Feb: CLOSED

Vending machines, on the food deck and outside the garden exit gates, offer a variety of snacks and drinks.

Water fountains are found at a number of locations inside the aquarium.

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Gift Shop

The North Carolina Aquarium Society operates the Aquarium gift shop, which offers a wide array of educational and aquatic-related items. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Posters, games, books, field guides, CDs, tapes, T-shirts, housewares, jewelry and other unique and interesting items provide a wide variety of choices. Visa, American Express, Discover, Mastercard and personal checks are accepted. Gift shop proceeds are used to support Aquarium programs and services.

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Photography & Videos

All types of photography are permitted at the Aquarium. A tip for taking photos inside the Aquarium is not to aim the camera straight at the tank. The flash will cause a light spot in your picture. Instead, position yourself so the camera is at a 45-degree angle to the window.

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Aquarium Membership

Becoming a member of the North Carolina Aquariums offers many exciting benefits. Discounts, travel opportunities and free admission to all three North Carolina Aquariums, the North Carolina Zoo and over 150 other zoos and aquariums around the country are just a few of the advantages. Your membership contribution helps support the Aquarium’s mission. An individual membership is $30 and a family membership $50. For more info on membership or to join, visit the North Carolina Aquarium Society site or click join the aquarium.

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Helpful Hints

• For a less crowded experience, fall and winter months are excellent times to visit the Aquarium.
• Rainy summer days can be very crowded.
• School group visitation is heaviest in the mornings from March through May.
• School groups that do not book visits ahead of time may be asked to wait outside until crowds decrease.
• Parking lots fill quickly during summer months.
• When taking photos inside the Aquarium, it’s best not to aim the camera straight at the tank. Flash will cause a light spot in your picture. Instead, position yourself so the camera is at a 45-degree angle to the window.
• Food and pets are not allowed in the Aquarium.
• For visitor safety, shoes are required in the building, and most Aquarium field trips require close-toed shoes.
• When registering for programs, activities, or field trips, or when booking a group, be sure to read full details on your confirmation letter so you will be prepared for an enjoyable experience.
• Check our calendar of events prior to your visit to see what programs are offered.

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Local Weather

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