About

Imagine watching river otters play, observing sunken ships, or spotting sharks, all without getting into the water. Now you can have a safe and dry experience seeing these wonders at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

In 1976, three North Carolina marine centers opened to educate visitors about the coastal ecosystems all around them. These early days were humble—simple buildings in Manteo, Pine Knoll Shores, and Fort Fisher focused on education and research. Local families and school groups would come to see creatures that lived just beyond their backyards.

Interest continued to build, and so did the vision. In the late 1990s, North Carolina approved renovation for all three locations to create larger, more exciting destinations.

Today, a visit to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores leads guests from mountain streams to sandy ocean depths. It's an immersive experience demonstrating the journey water takes across the state.

The adventure begins with small freshwater tanks and culminates in the showstopping Living Shipwreck. This centerpiece brings visitors face-to-face with sea life swimming through a replica of a World War II German U-boat sunk off the coast in 1942.

Its location makes planning a thrilling sightseeing itinerary easy. For instance, start at the museum and end the day sunning and splashing at Emerald Isle Beach. Another idea is to continue exploring the area's rich history at Fort Macon State Park or dive deeper into nature at the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area. With so many options, the sky's the limit to what you can plan!

This family-friendly attraction makes education thrilling and intriguing, making it a must-visit!

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores: Fun Facts & Cool Features

What makes a visit thrilling is the aquarium's layout. You'll follow a path mirroring a river's journey from the mountains to the sea.

The North American river otter habitat will keep you captivated and entertained. The area features two large pools, two smaller pools, and a waterfall. Complete with rock walls and ledges, this display is home to the four river otters at Pine Knoll Shores. Watching these energetic, playful creatures will have you giggling for a long time.

The Loggerhead Odyssey is another amazing exhibit that showcases the ecosystems and life cycle of these remarkable turtles. Visitors have the opportunity to see a hatchling that's being rehabilitated. Next, experience the immersive ocean setting and learn about the amazing journeys of sea turtles, as well as the threats they face to survive.

The real showstopper is the gigantic Living Shipwreck, a 306,000-gallon exhibit inspired by the German U-352 submarine resting off the North Carolina coast. Watching sand tiger sharks and hundreds of fish swim around the sunken vessel never gets old.

Speaking of shipwrecks, another appealing exhibit is the Queen Anne's Revenge. This 50,000-gallon aquarium replicates the debris field found at a dive site thought to be the remains of Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge. You'll spy fish that live at the site, as well as a replica of the ship's anchor.

After working up an appetite from exploring the various exhibits, food and drinks are never far away. Head to Venice Italian Kitchen for tasty pasta, or Table 9 Seafood Restaurant for a taste of the sea.

With spellbinding exhibits like the Living Shipwreck and Loggerhead Odyssey, the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores will be the highlight of any Atlantic Beach trip. This attraction delivers memories, sparks curiosity, and might even inspire a future marine biologist!

Local Tips

The gift shop has a wide array of souvenirs.
Bring a picnic to enjoy the outdoor tables. There's also an on-site Dairy Queen!
Check social media for special events and programs.
Allow at least two to three hours to explore all the exhibits.

Staging environment