NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Explore. Discover. Connect.

Journey from the mountains to the sea. Feel the spray of a mountain waterfall. Watch river otters play. Look a shark in the eye. Explore shipwrecks — without getting wet. See a rare white sea turtle. Thousands of aquatic animals take you on a journey from the state’s Smoky Mountains to the open Atlantic, much like a raindrop makes its way to the ocean. 

We are open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily! Advance tickets and reservations are required.

Plan Your Visit

Visitors in front of a large aquarium with a school of crevalle jacks

What's Happening at Pine Knoll Shores?

Marsh Boardwalk Closed

The outdoor Marsh Boardwalk is closed for renovations during the spring.

Summer Camps

Register for summer camp now! A limited number of summer camp scholarships available.

Spring Adventures

Spring is here and it's time for an adventure! Look for shells on the beach on take an aquarium tour!

Party For the Planet

Choose your Green Team during our Party For the Planet competition!

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Go behind the scenes to get an up-close look at how we care for our animals.

Cold-stunned Sea Turtles

We're caring for cold-stunned sea turtles! Learn more about the process here.

turtle with satellite tag being released into the ocean

Conservation

The North Carolina Aquariums are dedicated to animals in our care and in the wild. We recognize the challenges threatening species locally and globally. Our team commits resources and time to learning more and taking action through research, fieldwork, education, and the daily efforts of staff.

Support our Living Treasure

The North Carolina Aquarium Society invites you to join in the powerful work of the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Through the Living Treasures campaign you will help the Aquariums prosper and establish new exhibits and education programs. More importantly, with your support, we can provide superior care for animals and make a difference in conservation and field research to save vulnerable species from extinction. 

Support living Treasures 

A least tern chick camouflaged on a bed of pebbles sits next to a cement block for shade