North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
A Pleasure Island Favorite
For years, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has been one of Pleasure Island’s most popular family attractions, introducing visitors to everything from North Carolina’s coastal habitats to fascinating marine life from around the world.
Important: Aquarium Currently Closed
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is currently closed for an extensive renovation and expansion project. The closure is expected to last several years, so the aquarium should not be included in your immediate vacation plans.
Once complete, the project will bring major updates to the aquarium and create an even better experience for future Pleasure Island visitors.
Address: 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach
Because construction timelines can change, we recommend checking the aquarium’s official website for the latest renovation updates and anticipated reopening information.
A Look at the Aquarium Experience
When open, the Fort Fisher Aquarium offers an incredible look at aquatic habitats, wildlife, and ecosystems from North Carolina and beyond.
Visitors have traditionally been able to explore exhibits featuring:
Sea turtles
Sharks and rays
Jellyfish
Coastal and open-ocean habitats
Interactive touch tanks
Coral reef ecosystems
Native North Carolina wildlife
The aquarium is also known for some particularly memorable residents including Luna, its rare albino alligator, and Maverick, a rescued bald eagle.
Another longtime favorite is Otters on the Edge, featuring playful Asian small-clawed otters that tend to steal the show, especially with younger visitors.
Planning for a Future Visit
Prior to the renovation closure, most guests spent approximately two hours exploring the aquarium, making it an easy half-day activity during a Pleasure Island vacation.
The aquarium traditionally offered free parking and required advance admission reservations during busy periods. Hours, admission prices, exhibits, and ticketing procedures are likely to change when the newly renovated aquarium opens, so older visitor information should not be relied upon when planning a future trip.
Vesta Tip
While we’re definitely going to miss having the aquarium as a rainy-day favorite for the next few years, Fort Fisher is still absolutely worth the drive south. Explore the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, hike the Basin Trail, visit the recreation area, or spend some time along one of the most beautiful undeveloped stretches of beach on Pleasure Island. And keep the aquarium on your future-trip list we can’t wait to see what the new-and-improved version brings to Kure Beach.
