Whether you want to get out into the marsh, trek along the shoreline, or cool down on the dock in the evening, the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers unique summer opportunities for everyone. The Aquarium is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Learn about sea turtles during the popular Sea Turtle Trek program held 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Join Aquarium staff onsite for an introduction to sea turtles and to learn more about the conservation work the Aquarium does to help these endangered and threatened marine reptiles. Then, venture out to a local public beach access to the sea turtle habitat and learn about the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission volunteer sea turtle monitoring project. Ages 5 and up. $20 per person.
During our paddle trips, explore the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Area behind the Aquarium. Choose between our Kayak Paddle Trip program held on Mondays and Wednesdays, or our Stand-up Paddleboard rental program held Fridays. Both programs are 9 to 11 a.m. and are weather permitting. Ages and prices vary.
Spend a summer evening on the Aquarium’s dock and try your hand at fishing. Children and adults will enjoy or Fishing Fanatics program. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the maritime forest along Bogue Sound just before sunset. Aquarium staff will help bait hooks and offer instruction on casting and information on sustainable fishing practices in North Carolina. Gear and bait provided. Held 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays. Ages 5-12 $25 per person.
If you’d rather spend a hot summer day inside instead, you may be interested in seeing what it takes to run an Aquarium during a Behind-the-Scenes Tour. From preparing food for animals to maintaining habitats and checking water quality, you’ll get an up-close look at life at the Aquarium during one of several tours held daily. Choose between Feeding Frenzy held Monday, Wednesdays and Saturdays, At A Glance held daily, and Shark Snack held Tuesdays and Fridays.
About the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. 28512. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Its mission is to inspire the appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments and animals. The Aquarium is under the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, please visit www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.