North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Review

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Review: Discover the hidden gem of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast—the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Located between Emerald Isle and Atlantic Beach, this family-friendly aquarium offers hands-on marine life encounters, peaceful marsh boardwalks, educational exhibits, and even a fun playground. Whether you’re planning a beach vacation, taking a road trip along the NC coast, or just need a great aquarium near Emerald Isle, NC, this lesser-known spot keeps families like ours coming back every year.

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About the Aquarium

A Scenic Stop on Bogue Banks: Less Than 3 Hours from Raleigh

North Carolina’s East Coast has three major aquariums—Fort Fisher, Roanoke Island, and Pine Knoll Shores. Of the three, Pine Knoll Shores might just be the prettiest, tucked along peaceful Bogue Sound on the Crystal Coast (also called the Southern Outer Banks). It’s an easy, breezy drive between Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle.

As a native North Carolinian, I’ve been to Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle, but once my family started visiting Salter Path, I realized how special these quieter stretches are. The whole island is just 21 miles long, so exploring Pine Knoll Shores and nearby beach towns feels relaxed and scenic—like a true getaway, but still less than 3 hours from Raleigh.

Why This Aquarium is Worth Visiting

My family has visited many aquariums, including well known ones like the Georgia Aquarium and Florida Aquarium. We have been to the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores at least 10 times, as we visit that area twice per year with our family. As our daughter has grown, she still gets engaged each year as she visits the different exhibits, listens to the presentations, watches different animal shenanigans, and hits each of her top spots, including:

The Living Ship Wreck

We never miss the gigantic 300,000 gallon tank that holds not only a replica U-352 ship, but fish, sharks, and turtles. I want to say we usually try to be around at 3pm to watch feedings.

North American River Otter Habitat

The Otters here at the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores are probably the most active otters I have seen! My family loves playful otters and we’ve never been bored watching these little rascals.

The Touch Tank

Although they used to have a pretty cool circular stingray touch tank (that I understand is being replaced with the new Future Waters Gallery), the hermit crab and starfish touch tank is still the wettest messiest most exciting attraction for kids. Luckily they have a sink and clean up area right next to it, and let’s be honest, what’s an aquarium without wet sleeves on toddlers?

The Digital Aquarium Wall

I am not sure that’s what it’s called, but here, you (ah hem probably your kids), can color a photo of a sea-animal, set it on the projector and on the screen, it shoots a digital version of your coloring masterpiece out of a drain pipe to swim around with the fishies.

The Marsh Boardwalk with Overlook Decks

I wouldn’t normally peg this as my cup of tea, but walking the March Boardwalk area is so peaceful. The birds and turtles and cranes move slowly out here and as long as weather is good, it’s a peaceful serene area. If you are into it, the snakes are located in a building that you get to from the outside (and if you’re not into it, it’s easy to skip). This area also leads to the playground and walking trails.

The Playground

My daughter always wants to run by here. With a high climbing rope wall, slides and a fun treehouse-type structure, kids can run and pay and get out their energy while the parents take a break. 

Future Waters Gallery (New!)

I just missed this new exhibit last time I was there. It opened in May 2025 and includes coral reefs, projection mapping, and comic-style animations to explain aquaculture processes.

Plan Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Tickets & Prices

Adults (Ages 13-61): $12.95

Seniors (Ages 62 and older): $11.95

Military: $11.95

Children (Ages 3-12): $10.95

Ages 2 and younger and NC Aquarium Society Members: FREE

How to Book

The Aquarium website states Advanced Tickets and Reservations are Required. You can buy tickets on-line. Personally, we always decide to go last minute and have never been turned away at the door. 

Hours

9:00 am- 5:00 pm daily (Closed only on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day)

Accessibility & Sensory Options

The Aquarium is wheelchair accessible. Strollers are permitted and a limited number may be available for use. There are also sensory bags available for free for anyone who may want one. They may include things like noise-cancelling headphones and fidget toys. See visitor services at the entrance in regards to any of these requests. 

How Long to Visit

We usually take about two hours, which is a good general allotment of time to see everything.

Best Times to Go

As you would expect, weekends are busier. It’s also a great rainy day activity! The good thing is this is a good sized aquarium and the area is not as crowded as nearby cities so there is more room to roam without feeling overwhelmed with other people. 

Honest Review: Why We Keep Coming Back

Although this aquarium has made been on lists for the top aquariums in the US, it’s often overlooked in favor of bigger aquariums in more populated areas. That’s one reason I love going here. As we often go to Salter Path in the shoulder seasons, it’s rarely crowded and we can enjoy our time at each exhibit. It’s also the perfect activity for rainy days or days where you need a little break from the sun.

As you can see from our list of favorite exhibits above, there is no lack of exciting mixed activities for kids and parents alike. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, interactive exhibits, and fun educational opportunities everywhere you look.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Ever wanted to be up close when they feed the fish and sharks? Want to see what the Living Shipwreck looks like from up top? The Aquarium offers (currently) three Behind the Scenes Tours. They cost about $20 per person for an hour. 

My family took one of these tours last year and my husband and daughter want to go again (probably every time we go!) 

Expect some strong smells and a frenzy when the fish get fed- you will get wet. They will offer you cups to feed the fish yourself and they go crazy when food starts flying in!

TIP: Book early for weekend dates!

Gift Shop, Food, and Restrooms

How is the Gift Shop?

Expect to spend money….and expect to want to. They have a variety of stuffed animals, clothes, books, toys, jewelry, coffee mugs, etc. Outside, you’ll find kid favorite penny pressing machines and a funnel for coins. 

An NC Aquariums Membership gets you a 10% discount at the gift shop of Pine Knoll Shores, Roanoke Island, Fort Fisher and also Jeanette’s Pier. 

Restrooms

You will be able to find a clean restroom easily. Bathrooms are available and easy to find. Plus, they stay clean and stocked. 

Is there Food?

Yes, but it’s not extensive. Think snacks, not meals. There is an on-site Dairy Queen that is open from March- October. Along with ice cream products and drinks, they have some sandwiches and hot dogs. 

My Recommendation: Pop down the road for some of the best pizza and wings you can find with a great relaxed atmosphere at Anchor Drafthouse & Pizzeria. Check out their Facebook page for hours before you go!

Take a Family Photo

When you walk in, they will ask if you want a photo in front of their aquatic themed backgrounds. You can pick up your photos on the way out.

TIP: If you have the NC Aquariums Membership, you get a free photo print with any photo package- see below for membership info and benefits.

Seasonal Events and Christmas at the Aquarium

Events change over time so check the website for things coming up!

Here are some examples of special events and daily programs that occur at the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores:

Family Paint Night

Sip and Paint (21+)

Craft Night

Teacher Workshop: Project Wild (may qualify for CEU credits and EEC Criteria I credits)

Suds for Sharks at Shortway Brewing in Newport

Homeschool Day Events 

Santa by the Sea (xmas at the Aquarium!) 

Toddler Time (Discovery Classroom- seasonal)

Live Dive Ocean Gallery (Daily at 10:30 and 2)

Living Shipwreck Feed (Daily at 3:15 and shark feeds on Tuesdays and Thursdays)

Camps: Daily and weekly; summer, spring break, winter; sea turtle camp

Scouts: Special Activities and Badge Programs

Rent the Aquarium for Weddings, Birthdays, Sleepovers, Proposals, and offsite business events.

Membership and Discounts

NC Aquarium Membership

Check out the Membership page here.

The NC Aquarium Society is a 501(c) 3 tax-exempt organization and may be tax deductible so check with your accountant. 

Membership Prices

Individual: 1 Year ($59), 2 Year ($109)

Couple: 1 Year ($79), 2 Year ($149)

Family (2 Adults and children or grandchildren under 18): 1 Year ($89), 2 Year ($169)

Curator: 1 Year ($139), 2 Year ($269)

Benefits

• Free unlimited admission to NC Aquariums, the NC Zoo and Jeanette’s Pier
• Reciprocity: Discounted admission to over 150 zoos and aquariums around the country (examples, 50% off Florida Aquarium, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Georgia Aquarium, Chicago SHEDD Aquarium, San Francisco Zoo, etc)
• 10% gift shop discounts
• Free photo print with the purchase of a photo package
• Digital membership cards

Bonus: Volunteer & Job Opportunities

Volunteers

There are generally opportunities for adults, teens and certified SCUBA Divers to to receive training at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Check the website for details and opportunities.

Careers

Check out available job listings at all North Carolina Aquariums

Packing It Up: Why Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium is Worth the Trip

Whether you’re visiting on a rainy beach day or planning a dedicated stop on an East Coast road trip, the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a must-visit for kids, families, and marine life lovers. It’s low-key, affordable, and filled with hands-on experiences you’ll remember.

Planning your East Coast trip? Use this map to find hotels near the Aquarium or stay with Hilton points at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Atlantic Beach Oceanfront.

Disclosure: I always encourage using hotel points to stretch your travel budget and unlock great value—I don’t earn anything when you book with points, and I think that’s awesome. But if you’re paying cash or prefer a vacation rental, I’ve included a helpful map of options nearby. I may earn a small commission if you book through those links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the site!