ZooNorth Carolina, US

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

About

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher offers an immersive journey through North Carolina's aquatic environments, from the freshwater tributaries of the Cape Fear River to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Before its current renovation, visitors could embark on a captivating self-guided tour, beginning in the Cape Fear Conservatory where freshwater life like frogs, snakes, and the rare albino alligator, Luna, captivated audiences. The experience extended into the Marine Building, home to the impressive Cape Fear Shoals, a 235,000-gallon saltwater tank featuring majestic sand tiger sharks, graceful stingrays, and diverse schooling fish. Interactive touch tanks allowed hands-on encounters with sea stars and horseshoe crabs, while playful otters and a rescued bald eagle added to the charm. This award-winning aquarium, consistently ranked among the nation's best, is designed to inspire appreciation and conservation for aquatic life. Beyond its diverse animal collection, the aquarium provided engaging educational programs, dive shows where visitors could interact with divers in the main tank, and a popular Megalodon exhibit exploring ancient marine predators. Outdoor areas, including an Adventure Reef playground and scenic gardens, offered additional opportunities for exploration and relaxation, making it a comprehensive destination for all ages. The ongoing $65 million expansion and renovation project will dramatically transform the aquarium, creating North Carolina's largest shark habitat, an interactive touch pool, a live coral reef habitat, and a breathtaking rooftop sky deck. These upgrades aim to deepen community connections with the aquatic world, offering new, dynamic spaces that promise an even more engaging and educational experience upon its grand reopening. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher originated as a Marine Science Center, opening its doors on September 9, 1976, alongside two other state facilities. Initially established as hubs for research and education, these centers aimed to introduce the public to North Carolina's extraordinary waters and aquatic life. In 1986, the Marine Science Centers were officially renamed the North Carolina Aquariums, uniting them under a shared mission of inspiring appreciation and protection of aquatic environments. The Fort Fisher location underwent a significant transformation, closing in 1999 for major remodeling and reopening in March 2002 with substantially expanded systems, growing from 77,000 gallons to a total volume of 455,000 gallons. This expansion included the creation of the iconic Cape Fear Shoals tank. Currently, the aquarium is embarking on its most ambitious project yet, a multi-year, $65 million renovation and expansion that began in late 2025/early 2026 and will continue until approximately late 2028 or early 2029, promising to make it the largest aquarium in the state.

What to do here

Explore diverse aquatic ecosystems, from local rivers to the open ocean. Engage with interactive exhibits, watch daily dive shows, and participate in animal encounters. Outdoor areas, including the Adventure Reef playground, will continue to offer family fun.

Seasonal info

During the renovation period (roughly 2026-2028), the physical aquarium is closed. However, a satellite "Discovery Bay" experience with aquatic habitats and educational exhibits is available at Independence Mall in Wilmington during the closure.

Accessibility

The aquarium is fully wheelchair-accessible with elevators and paved trails. Free wheelchairs are available, and the facility is Sensory Inclusive Certified, offering sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones and fidget toys at Guest Services. These features are expected to be maintained or enhanced in the renovated facility.

Don't miss

Look forward to encountering the famous Luna the albino alligator and playful Asian small-clawed otters.

The expanded Cape Fear Shoals and the new largest-in-state shark habitat will be central attractions.

Other anticipated highlights include a new interactive touch pool, a live coral reef habitat, and a rooftop sky deck.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Bald Eagle

Blue Spotted Stingray

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Box Jellyfish

Seahorse

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Plan for Post-Renovation

Since the aquarium is closed, monitor its official website and social media for reopening announcements, expected in late 2028 or early 2029.

Book Tickets in Advance (Post-Renovation): Once reopened, it is highly recommended to purchase timed-entry tickets online in advance, as tickets may not be available at the door.

Consider the Ferry

For a unique and scenic approach (post-renovation), consider taking the Southport-Fort Fisher ferry, which is a fun and cost-effective ride.

Allow Ample Time

With the planned expansion, allocate at least 3-4 hours for your visit upon reopening to fully explore the new and enhanced exhibits, plus additional time for outdoor areas.

Utilize Accessibility Resources

If visiting with someone with sensory sensitivities, remember to ask for sensory bags at the Guest Services desk, which include noise-reducing headphones and fidget toys.

Parking is Free

Parking at the aquarium is typically free, which is a convenient benefit.

Frequently asked questions

: No, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is currently closed for a major renovation and expansion project. It began its closure in late 2025 or June 2026 and is expected to reopen in approximately late 2028 or early 2029.
: Upon reopening, visitors can look forward to a brand new, significantly larger shark habitat, an interactive touch pool, a live coral reef habitat, a state-of-the-art education center, and a breathtaking rooftop sky deck. These additions aim to make it the largest and most immersive aquarium in North Carolina.
: While the main aquarium is closed, a satellite "Discovery Bay" interactive experience featuring aquatic habitats, educational exhibits, and a retail store is available at Independence Mall in Wilmington.