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North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Kure Beach

4.4
#1 of 9 in Things to do in Kure Beach
Aquarium · Zoo / Aquarium
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At North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher you'll discover the marine life of the Cape Fear region. Touch sharks and sea urchins and meet a loggerhead sea turtle. In the freshwater life gallery that showcases streams, ponds, swamps, and trees, explore the world of freshwater fish, reptiles, and mammals. See box turtles, catfish, snakes, and even albino alligators. In the coastal waters gallery, you'll learn about the animals that live in the surf zone; then move through to the open oceans gallery for an education about animals that live farther off-shore such as octopus and jellyfish. Talk to the scuba divers as they swim with rays and observe the feeding of sturgeon, turtles, stingrays, and sharks. By using our Kure Beach itinerary planning tool, you can arrange your visit to North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and other attractions in Kure Beach.
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North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,371 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • Small aquarium with lots of exhibits and specimens. The albino alligator was a bit hit with us, as well as the sharks and jellyfish display. We were there on a rainy day, so did not do any of the... 
    Small aquarium with lots of exhibits and specimens. The albino alligator was a bit hit with us, as well as the sharks and jellyfish display. We were there on a rainy day, so did not do any of the...  more »
  • Not Exactly What I Expected. Attractive local aquarium, easy to get around, not very crowded and provides a good educational experience. In particular, I enjoyed the extensive Christmas Tree... 
    Not Exactly What I Expected. Attractive local aquarium, easy to get around, not very crowded and provides a good educational experience. In particular, I enjoyed the extensive Christmas Tree...  more »
Google
  • While "smaller" than most aquariums, it still has plenty to offer especially for families with kids. Did not expect much because the admission was low-priced compared to other aquariums, but this place over delivered! Very nice experience. The shark tanks are awesome. The snack area has a wide variety that is reasonably priced and there is a nice playground for the kids too expend some energy. You had to get advance reservations when we went, so keep that in mind. Highly recommend!
  • Very cool place to visit! We went here in the middle of the day around 1. Ever since covid appeared they have you get your tickets online and have you choose a time so the place isn’t overcrowded. That was something I appreciated because sometimes it is very hard to see exhibits with a bunch of little kids with their hands all over the glass and yelling. The aquarium was well kept and cleaned. Exhibits were easy to follow and read about and observe. We saw the little cute otters asleep on the side all bundled up soon as we walked through the doors and that was adorable. Alligators were a sight to see. Definitely meet miss Luna the albino, she has a beautiful set of scales on her. It’s a bit musky inside so don’t dress for AC cold weather blasting. Recommend a good pair of walking shoes, a sundress or shorts and a tee, and have your phones and cameras ready WITHOUT flash. It’s obnoxious to the wildlife and isn’t necessary. There is a hurricane contraption that is cash only $2 that blows wind around you and makes you feel like your standing in a category 1 hurricane (wind only) Check the times for their shows, they have shows that teach about the wildlife within the aquarium and talk about who is there and outside in the world.

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