The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher allows for the rental of the Entire Aquarium with a diverse use of rooms and can accommodate a very large event. Imagine the flexibility of your guest being able to stroll in the entire aquarium during your special event. The Entire Aquarium includes the magnificent Upper and Lower Cape Fear Shoals, the enchanting Cape Fear Conservatory, the mysterious Exotic Aquatics Gallery and the fun and tropical deck and garden.


The Entire Aquarium can accommodate up to 2000 strolling guests or 350 seated guests and there is no minimum.

This area combines the upper and lower level Cape Fear Shoals exhibit. You will be able to utilize the upper mezzanine for a ceremony or for food set-up: buffet style stations or dining tables. The lower level Cape Fear Shoals could be set up for a reception, seated dinner, dancing, beverages, etc. Upon entering the facility, your guests can enjoy a self-guided tour of the facility as they make their way to the upper and lower levels. Located off the lower level is the garden deck which is available for guests to enjoy a beautiful sunset or simply an enchanting place to sit and relax with great company. Once the event commences, guests will need to stay in the rented area and exit from the lower level garden boardwalk. 


The Upper Mezzanine and Lower Cape Fear Shoals can accommodate up to 1500 strolling guests or 350 seated guests and there is no minimum.

The Cape Fear Conservatory contains the flora and fauna found in the Cape Fear River Basin. Nearly ¾ of an acre, the Conservatory's glass roof, sloping brick walkways and low-level lighting make an enchanted setting for corporate parties, receptions, family reunions, and other functions. The Conservatory is especially nice during fall and spring months. Guests can mingle amongst the alligators, quail, turtles and more or dine in our newly renovated lobby with its beautiful waterfall feature and low-level lighting with an extended seating space utilizing the covered outdoor plaza. Once the event commences, guests will need to stay in the rented area and exit from the front of the building. Note: Renters are advised there may be free-roaming quail, song birds and wood ducks in the Conservatory. Potential renters with concerns are encouraged to obtain more details and explore options with the Events Coordinator.

The Cape Fear Conservatory can accommodate up to 200 strolling guests or 80 seated guests and there is no minimum.

This venue allows access to all galleries on the lower level including a floor view of the 235,000 gallon Cape Fear Shoals exhibit. Access to the deck and garden is also allowed. 


The Lower Cape Fear Shoals can accommodate up to 150 seated guests and there is no minimum.

The Exotic Aquatics Gallery, Deck and Garden contains live coral, vibrant tropical fish such as the famed Disney “Nemo,” gigantic lobsters, poison dart frogs, bamboo shark, lionfish and more. In addition, this option contains the outdoor deck and lovely garden. For a more intimate group setting, this option has a variety of functionality such as dancing on the deck or strolling through the beautiful garden. This space can accommodate anything from a romantic dinner for two, or up to a social event of 70 with the opportunity for a small garden ceremony. Once the event commences, guests will need to stay in the rented area and exit from the boardwalk. Not available on Saturdays!

The Exotic Aquatics can accommodate up to 70 seated guests and there is no minimum.

This venue nestled next to our Cape Fear Shoals exhibit featuring grouper, sharks and other fishes. It is the perfect location for an intimate wedding ceremony. Guests will enter through the front lobby and be directed to the Eel Cave on the lower level of the Marine Building. This venue is only available during business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Moray Eel Cave can accommodate up to 25 seated guests and there is no minimum.

Base Fee: $500
Two hour event (Set up and clean up time is part of the five hours)
Extra Hours: No additional hours available.

The Conference Room is the ideal setting for a daytime corporate meeting or a round table discussion. A/V equipment is available with rentals by submission of our A/V contract.

The Conference Room can accommodate up to 16 seated guests and there is no minimum.

Base Fee: $50/hr.
Set up and clean up time is included as part of the rental.
Participation Fee: $7/person

The Oceans classroom is available for daytime rentals. The classroom is an ideal setting for small groups to have a retreat, discussion, or more intimate presentation and is equipped with tables and chairs. A/V equipment is available with rentals by submission of our A/V contract.

The Oceans Classroom can accommodate up to 40 seated guests and there is no minimum.

Base Fee: $100/hr.
Set up and clean up time is included as part of the rental.
Participation Fee: $7/person.

The Science Discovery classroom is available for daytime rentals. The classroom is an ideal setting for small groups to have a retreat, discussion, or more intimate presentation and is equipped with tables and chairs. A/V equipment is available with rentals by submission of our A/V contract.

The Science Discovery Classroom can accommodate up to 20 seated guests and there is no minimum.

Base Fee: $100/hr.
Set up and clean up time is included as part of the rental.
Participation Fee: $7/person.

The Fresh Water Wonders classroom is available for daytime rentals. The classroom is an ideal setting for small groups to have a retreat, discussion, or more intimate presentation and is equipped with tables and chairs. A/V equipment is available with rentals by submission of our A/V contract.

The Fresh Water Wonders Classroom can accommodate up to 20 seated guests and there is no minimum.

Base Fee: $100/hr.
Set up and clean up time is included as part of the rental.
Participation Fee: $7/person.

The Auditorium is the perfect setting for a daytime conference, show, or multimedia presentation depending on availability. The Auditorium is fully equipped with a floor-to-ceiling projection screen, internet-connected computer with presentation software, LCD projector, 35 mm slide projector, DVD player, VCR, seven wireless microphones, spotlight, theater lighting and surround sound audio system. The Aquarium’s A/V equipment is available with rentals by submission of our A/V contract. Location: The Auditorium is located adjacent to the Cape Fear Shoals exhibit on the lower level of the Marine Building

The Auditorium can accommodate up to 125 seated guests and there is no minimum.

Base Fee: $300/hr.
Set up and clean up time is included as part of the rental.
Participation Fee: $7/person.

The Auditorium is also available for after-hour rentals. This option allows for a great screen presentation area and small dining area providing diverse functionality. The Auditorium is fully equipped with a floor-to-ceiling projection screen, internet-connected computer with presentation software, LCD projector, 35 mm slide projector, DVD player, VCR, seven wireless microphones, spotlight, theater lighting and surround sound audio system. The Aquarium’s A/V equipment is available with rentals by submission of our A/V contract. Hours: The Aquarium offers our auditorium for after-hour events twelve months out of the year, starting at 5 p.m. daily, subject to availability and with a minimum of a two-hour rental required. Rental determined per hour. If banquet seating is requested in the auditorium, rental hours must include a one hour set up and one-half hour clean up. Please inquire about additional set up needs (ie: tables and chairs) Location: The Auditorium is located adjacent to the Cape Fear Shoals exhibit on the lower level of the Marine Building

The Auditorium can accommodate up to 125 seated guests or approximately 80 seated guests and there is no minimum.

Base Fee: $350/hr.
Set up and clean up time is included as part of the rental.

The Aquarium has a beautiful Crystal Spadefish Centerpiece available for rent to integrate the theme of the aquarium into your event. The event staff will be responsible for set up and break down of this item and will need to know the location of the centerpiece in your layout.