North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Kure Beach

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.

Small aquarium but a nice trip. They should consider having a weekend per month for adults only as some of us want to enjoy the exhibits and animals without children screaming and crying and without hearing parents asking their children if they see *insert large fish species*. It can take about an hour plus to fully enjoy the experience. They have a gift shop and also a place to get food and picnic tables outside.

We really enjoyed our visit to the aquarium. The exhibits and displays were beautiful and the gardens and sculptures were very pretty. I was surprised that the surfaces on the glass and everything were very dirty and it did smell inside. Overall it was a good visit and the grandchildren had a blast! .

We love this place! It's a rather small Aquarium compared to others, good varieties of animals though. Great for kids! With it's beautiful location and walking trails outside it makes it one of our favorites! We take the ferry from Southport, NC across to Fort Fisher. Only takes about 25 minutes. And it's only $7 to take your car/truck on the ferry. No reservations needed an advance for the ferry, but you do need them in advance for the Aquarium. The prices are amazing with only like $13 for adults for tickets to the Aquarium! Lots to do over there with seeing the Fort and driving down to Kure beach! Check out all the local stops to get something to eat, very good!