North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
PO Box 967
Airport Road
Manteo, NC 27954

Theme: Waters of the Outer Banks 

The North Carolina Aquariums were established in 1976 and we are located at Fort Fisher, at Pine Knoll shores and on Roanoke Island.  Administered by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Aquariums are designed to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.

The N.C. Aquariums are accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).  AZA envisions a world where all people respect, value, and conserve animals and nature.  With its more than 200 accredited members AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

Over 1 million people visit the North Carolina Aquariums each year, and there’s much to see and do.  The Aquarium includes in door and outdoor exhibits, auditorium, classrooms, meeting rooms, and gift shop.  In addition, there are daily programs featuring live animals, marine life videos and special activities.

Come visit our new exhibit, “Aquarium Confidential,” a look behind the scenes.  Learn about animal husbandry, water quality, interactive computers, where children can build their own aquarium and how the Aquarium acquires their collection of animals.

The Aquarium offers a wide variety of free programs and activities year-round.  Daily programs include marine life videos; live animal programs, audience participation games, demonstrations and more.  Live animal programs in the Aquarium’s Neptune Theater may feature alligators, sea turtles or snakes.  Animals in the selected exhibits are fed daily.

Most visitors can tour the aquarium in about two hours.  However, if you plan to participate in aquariums programs, search for relics in the Fossil pit, or visit the gift shop, allow more time.  All entrances, exits, restrooms and exhibits are wheelchair accessible.  Our new food court features good life Gourmet, so plan your visit to include lunch for the family.

Hours of Operation: Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays in July

Admission Fees: $8 adults, $7 seniors, $6 children (6-17) children 5 and under are free.

Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Free: Registered North Carolina School Groups & North Carolina Aquarium Society Members

Discounts: Registered Tour Groups

              252-473-3494 ext. 232 Paramore@ncmail.net