North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher — Attraction in Kure Beach

It was a pretty good experience overall. The aquarium is quite small, but it includes some additional features like birdwatching and eagles, which add more variety. While it’s not a traditional aquarium in the strict sense, the exhibits were decent. My favorite parts were the baby otters and the sharks. Although the otters were asleep when we visited, they were still super adorable and such a joy to see! The shark exhibit was also great and enjoyable for both kids and adults.

Parking was easy to find, and there were plenty of spaces available. However, the ticketing process could be improved since tickets can only be purchased online. Thankfully, the staff were very helpful and sorted things out for us, but I think it would be much better if they kept some tickets for on-site sales to make it more convenient for visitors.

There were plenty of staff members throughout the aquarium, especially in the later sections where almost every exhibit had someone nearby. While they didn’t seem to be actively doing much, their presence was reassuring, and it was nice to know help was always available. One of the staff told us that the sea turtles here are released back into the ocean when they’re about four to six months old. I think that’s such a wonderful initiative, as it not only helps protect marine life but also teaches kids about the importance of living in harmony with nature. It’s an educational and meaningful touch that I really appreciated.

Another nice surprise was the small playground behind the aquarium. It’s not big, but it’s a great bonus for families with young kids. The play area is simple, but it gives kids a chance to have fun and burn off some energy after exploring the aquarium. Combined with the exhibits, it makes this place especially family-friendly.

That said, the aquarium may feel a bit small and limited for teenagers, adults, or seniors, as there isn’t a lot to see, and the visit can be quite short. But for younger kids, especially toddlers and preschoolers, it’s a perfect place to learn about aquatic animals and enjoy some hands-on experiences.

Overall, it was a pleasant visit. If you’re traveling with kids or have an interest in marine life, it’s definitely worth a visit. While it can’t compare to larger aquariums in terms of size and variety, the cozy atmosphere, meaningful initiatives, and kid-friendly features make it a great spot for a relaxed...

Purchased a ticket ahead of time as instructed. Was set to arrive between times that were available. Thinking they would be reasonable as the one up in Pine Knolls is. However was instructed to wait 15 minutes after a 2 hour car ride. Annoyingly would not let you in except at your appointed time. They were “Gracious”enough to let us in 15 minutes early as they did everyone else with the same entry time. I would have booked a different time had I know they would let us in if we had an hour earlier or even half hour earlier ticket. They were letting people in late some had hour earlier tickets and others were still within their time. Would go to Pine knolls instead, they are more reasonable, or just book for the time before you arrive and come in “late”. (this was on a week day)

They have otters and other interesting fish and animals. Having Otters saved them from a completely terrible review, as I had read that some of the otter had been transported to another facility.

There was a small play area near some food vendor at the end of the inside part of the aquarium. Again Pine knolls aquarium is better, larger playground, and longer outdoor trails. The food vendor is a fairly quick with a bit of a selection and food is...

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...