North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher
Discover marine wonders at Fort Fisher, featuring playful otters, touch tanks, and a stunning offshore exhibit. A conservation hub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover marine wonders at Fort Fisher, featuring playful otters, touch tanks, and a stunning offshore exhibit. A conservation hub.
"A fantastic day with mesmerized kids and a highlight watching the playful otters!"
🎯 Book tickets online
Reservations are required! Book ahead to secure your spot and avoid entry delays.
👟 Comfortable shoes recommended
You'll be doing a good amount of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playful Otters
Watch these energetic and adorable otters! A definite crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Touch Tanks
Get hands-on with marine life, including sharks and rays, in interactive touch pools.
Offshore Habitat
Marvel at the impressive 2-story offshore exhibit, home to a diverse array of sea creatures.
Juliette the Jellyfish Sculpture
See this unique 20-foot sculpture made from recycled plastic, a testament to conservation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Expansion Closures
Book Tickets in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book tickets online
Reservations are required! Book ahead to secure your spot and avoid entry delays.
👟 Comfortable shoes recommended
You'll be doing a good amount of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
📱 Check for daily events
Visit their website for daily events and activities to enhance your visit.
🚗 Consider the ferry
Riding the ferry to Fort Fisher adds to the adventure and offers great views!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book tickets online
Reservations are required! Book ahead to secure your spot and avoid entry delays.
👟 Comfortable shoes recommended
You'll be doing a good amount of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring.
📱 Check for daily events
Visit their website for daily events and activities to enhance your visit.
🚗 Consider the ferry
Riding the ferry to Fort Fisher adds to the adventure and offers great views!
🧸 Kid-friendly play area
There's a nice outdoor play area for kids, perfect for a break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher for its engaging exhibits, particularly the playful otters and interactive touch tanks, making it a hit with families. The accessibility and friendly staff are also frequently mentioned positives. However, some reviews note that the restrooms could be cleaner and that entry times can be strictly enforced, leading to potential waits.
"We had a fantastic day at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher with my two-year-old son! He was absolutely mesmerized by the fish and had a blast at the touch tanks, getting up close with sharks and all sorts of marine life. The variety of fish and sea creatures was impressive. My personal highlight was watching the playful otters! The play area for kids was a great addition, and the food was good too. One suggestion for improvement would be to keep the washrooms a bit cleaner. Overall, it's a great spot for families – we'd definitely recommend it!"
Iram Fatima
"We took our family here for Father’s Day! You do need to purchase a pass ahead of time for entrance, but this was well worth it for us!
Loved the small intimate areas for learning! My favorite area was the ray tank. My daughter loved the otters and the alligators when you first come through the aquarium! My husband appreciated all there was to offer here.
Even has a nice outdoor play area and a concessions stand to eat! I chose to bring my own snacks, but the food smelled so good! Restrooms are accessible by stairs and elevator, for those that need that information. Very wheelchair friendly, even the outdoors exhibits.
The gift shop was CRAZY COOL. We grabbed a magnet for the fridge. A must-stop place even if you’re going to the beach. We loved this place very much, even took home a mermaid 🧜🏼♀️"
Margi Acid
"Purchased a ticket ahead of time as instructed. Was set to arrive between times that were available. Thinking they would be reasonable as the one up in Pine Knolls is. However was instructed to wait 15 minutes after a 2 hour car ride. Annoyingly would not let you in except at your appointed time. They were “Gracious”enough to let us in 15 minutes early as they did everyone else with the same entry time. I would have booked a different time had I know they would let us in if we had an hour earlier or even half hour earlier ticket. They were letting people in late some had hour earlier tickets and others were still within their time. Would go to Pine knolls instead, they are more reasonable, or just book for the time before you arrive and come in “late”. (this was on a week day)
They have otters and other interesting fish and animals. Having Otters saved them from a completely terrible review, as I had read that some of the otter had been transported to another facility.
There was a small play area near some food vendor at the end of the inside part of the aquarium. Again Pine knolls aquarium is better, larger playground, and longer outdoor trails. The food vendor is a fairly quick with a bit of a selection and food is not too pricey."
Matthew Lash
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The aquarium is located in Kure Beach, NC, about 30 minutes from Wilmington. Many visitors opt to take the Fort Fisher Ferry, which adds a scenic element to the journey.
Yes, the aquarium is very wheelchair friendly, including outdoor exhibits and accessible restrooms via stairs and elevator.
Many visitors enjoy taking the Fort Fisher Ferry for a scenic approach.
Yes, there is parking available at the aquarium.
The aquarium is approximately a 30-minute drive from Wilmington, NC.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are required, and it's highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance to secure your entry time.
The aquarium is typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
Ticket prices are generally around $15 for adults, with children often free or at a reduced rate. Check the official website for current pricing.
Entry is strictly at your appointed time. Arriving late may result in a wait or being turned away, though some flexibility might be offered if not busy.
Yes, the aquarium will close for a major expansion and renovation project starting after Christmas 2025 and is expected to last for 2.5+ years.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the playful otters, the interactive touch tanks with sharks and rays, and the impressive 2-story offshore habitat. +1
Yes, there is a nice outdoor play area for children, which is a great spot for them to burn off energy.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the aquarium.
The aquarium hosts various events, including themed nights like a Halloween Silent Disco. Check their website for upcoming events.
You can see a variety of marine life, including rescued sea turtles, otters, sharks, alligators, rays, jellyfish, and many types of fish. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a concessions stand offering food and snacks. Some visitors also bring their own snacks.
The food at the concessions stand is generally considered good and reasonably priced.
Yes, bringing your own snacks is an option, and some visitors prefer it.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant exhibits, especially the colorful fish and playful otters, make for great photo opportunities. The Juliette the Jellyfish sculpture is also a unique subject.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium, but be mindful of flash photography which can disturb the animals.
The Juliette the Jellyfish sculpture, made from recycled plastic, offers a unique and eco-conscious photo op.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With its manageable size, it's ideal for shorter attention spans, typically taking about 1-2 hours to explore.
❤️ Couples & Date Nights
For a truly special evening, keep an eye out for special events like the Halloween Silent Disco, which offers a unique way to experience the aquarium after hours.
The intimate setting and the wonder of the underwater world create a memorable backdrop for a romantic outing.♿ Visitors with Mobility Needs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Upcoming Expansion: What to Expect
+1The expansion also aims to bolster educational initiatives with a new education center and offer breathtaking views from a rooftop sky deck. While the aquarium will close for approximately 2.5 years for construction, the majority of the animals are expected to remain on-site, with some being temporarily relocated to sister aquariums.
This renovation signifies a major commitment to marine conservation and education for the region.Visitors eager to see the current exhibits should plan their visit before the closure in late 2025. The anticipation for the new features, especially the expanded shark encounters, is high, making the current aquarium a popular destination before its transformation.
Navigating Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
Once inside, comfortable footwear is a must, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking.
For families, the outdoor play area provides a welcome space for children to release energy. While the aquarium is a medium-sized attraction, most visitors find that 1-2 hours is sufficient to explore its exhibits thoroughly.
Conservation and Education at Fort Fisher
A standout example of their commitment to sustainability is the Juliette the Jellyfish sculpture, a 20-foot art piece crafted from nearly 250 pounds of recycled plastic. This collaboration with local Girl Scouts highlights the aquarium's dedication to raising awareness about plastic pollution and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Through interactive exhibits and live programs, the aquarium aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for marine life, encouraging visitors to become stewards of the ocean. The upcoming expansion, with its focus on larger habitats and educational facilities, further underscores this commitment to conservation.
Social
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