Location: 900 Loggerhead Rd, Kure Beach, NC 28449
Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM daily
Parking: Free
Phone: (910) 772-0500
Tickets: Online reservations required
The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is one of three state-run aquariums in North Carolina and the closest one to Wilmington. It sits in a maritime forest just south of Kure Beach, about 20 minutes from downtown Wilmington and 15 minutes from Carolina Beach. It's one of the most popular attractions in the area, especially for families, and for good reason. The shark tank alone is worth the trip.
Here's everything you need to plan your visit.
Tickets and Prices
Online reservations are required. You can't just show up and buy a ticket at the door. Reserve your time slot in advance at reservations.ncaquariums.com.
- Adults (13-61): $15
- Seniors (62+): $14
- Military (with valid ID): $14
- Children (3-12): $13
- Ages 2 and under: Free
- NC EBT cardholders: $3 (covers cardholder + up to 3 additional people per valid EBT account)
- NC Aquarium Society Members: Free (must select member tickets online and show membership card + photo ID)
Prices don't include tax. No refunds or exchanges within 24 hours of your ticketed entry time.
AZA Reciprocal Memberships from other zoos and aquariums are accepted. The discount applies to two named adults and up to two child tickets per membership. Bring your current membership card with expiration date and matching photo ID.
Group discounts: Groups of 15+ from civic organizations, nonprofits, religious groups, community groups, senior groups, or out-of-state school groups get 15% off when registered in advance with one payment.
Getting There
The aquarium is at 900 Loggerhead Rd in Kure Beach. From Wilmington, take US-421 south. It's about 20 minutes from downtown Wilmington, 15 minutes from Carolina Beach, and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal.
If you're already at Carolina Beach for the Wrestling Nationals or a beach day, the aquarium is a quick 15-minute drive south on the island.
Parking
Free. Accessible parking is available near the entrance. This is one of the few attractions in the area where parking is genuinely not a headache.
What to See
Cape Fear Shoals (The Big Shark Tank)
The main event. A 235,000-gallon saltwater habitat with sand tiger sharks, including three young-of-the-year sharks added recently. This is what everyone comes for and it delivers. Take your time here.
Asian Small-Clawed Otters
The otter families are the crowd favorite, especially with kids. Milli and Binx have three new male pups born in 2025 (named by public vote). The otters are active and entertaining. If they're sleeping when you walk by, circle back later.
Luna the Albino Alligator
One of fewer than 100 albino alligators known to exist. She's striking and weird and kids are fascinated by her.
Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Two loggerhead hatchlings, Percy and Capri, are currently on display. Sea turtle conservation is a big part of what the aquarium does and the exhibit explains the head-starting program.
Bald Eagle
An outdoor bald eagle habitat. Easy to miss if you're rushing through the indoor exhibits.
Venus Flytrap Sculpture
A new sculpture by Southport artist Alan Bosivert, donated by Tony and Camille Loreti. Venus flytraps only grow wild in a small region of North and South Carolina, so this is a locally significant piece.
How Long Does It Take?
Most visitors tour the aquarium in about two hours. If you have young kids who want to linger at the touch tanks and otter exhibit, budget closer to three. It's not a massive facility so you can see everything in one visit without rushing.
When to Go
Weekends, holidays, and rainy days are the busiest. If you can go on a weekday morning, do it. In April and May, large school groups visit from 10 AM - 2 PM on weekdays, so mornings before 10 or afternoons after 2 are your best bet during those months.
Since the aquarium closes May 26, the next few weeks will likely be busier than usual. Don't wait until the last weekend.
Food
No food or drinks are allowed inside the aquarium. Bring a reusable water bottle and use the refill stations inside.
Sharkbites, the on-site food vendor, is outside and uses compostable utensils, plates, and cups. For a real meal, head to Carolina Beach (15 minutes north) or check our Carolina Beach restaurant list.
Good to Know
Strollers: Allowed. Strollers wider than 36" may not fit through some doorways. The aquarium doesn't rent or loan strollers.
Wheelchairs: The aquarium is wheelchair accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available on-site upon request.
Service animals: Welcome. Inform Visitor Services when you arrive. No other animals are allowed, and New Hanover County prohibits leaving pets unattended in vehicles.
Photography: Personal cameras with built-in flash are fine. No flashlights, laser pointers, or video lights. Professional/commercial photography requires advance permission.
Smoking: Buildings are smoke-free including vapes. Designated smoking area is outside the garden exit gate.
Gift shop: Run by the NC Aquarium Society. Purchases support animal care, education, and conservation. Accessible with aquarium admission.
FOTO FX: Photo station inside with wild backgrounds. Purchase photos on your way through.
Nearby Attractions
Fort Fisher is at the southern tip of Pleasure Island. While you're down there:
- Fort Fisher State Historic Site - Free. Civil War earthworks and museum, right next to the aquarium. Takes about an hour.
- Fort Fisher State Recreation Area - Beach access, trails, and the rocks at the Basin (popular for tide pooling).
- Fort Fisher - Southport Ferry - 30-45 minute ferry ride across the Cape Fear River to the town of Southport. Good half-day trip.
- Carolina Beach Boardwalk - 15 minutes north. Britt's Donuts, arcades, restaurants.
- Carolina Beach State Park - Hike the Flytrap Trail to see Venus flytraps growing wild. Free entry.
The Closure: What's Happening
Construction begins May 26, 2026. The aquarium will be closed for approximately 30 months for a $65 million renovation and expansion. When it reopens (estimated late 2028/early 2029), it will be North Carolina's largest aquarium.
What's coming:
- The largest shark habitat in North Carolina
- Interactive shark and ray touch pool
- Live coral reef habitat
- State-of-the-art education center
- Sky deck
- Reimagined visitor entrance
- Discovery Bay exhibit
During the closure, a new aquarium experience will open at Independence Mall in Wilmington with ambassador animal encounters, marine life habitats, education programs, and a gift shop. Most animals will stay at Fort Fisher under the care of the animal team, with some relocating to the Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island aquariums.
For the full breakdown, read our Fort Fisher Aquarium Renovation: What's Coming guide.
Planning a family day on the island? Combine the aquarium with Fort Fisher State Historic Site and Carolina Beach for a full day trip. Check our Things to Do with Kids in Wilmington guide for more ideas.
For more things to do this weekend, browse our events calendar or check out our local guides.