Explore tidal flats and quiet backwaters as you become aware of the intricate web of life thriving in this pristine natural environment. The Aquarium provides the canoe or kayak, paddles and life vests. Ages 8 and up with a participating adult .

Paddle trips run every Wednesday from 5:00 - 7:00pm and every Saturday from 9:00 - 11:00am.

$25 non member /   $22.50 aquarium member

Take a hike with Aquarium naturalists as they guide you through this important ecosystem to discover incredible shells, plant and animal life, and other organisms that you may find at the beach. 1 1/2 hr program. Ages 5 and up. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. 

Program runs every Thursday and Sunday from 9:00-10:30am. 

$15 non member / $13.50 aquarium member

Explore the secluded salt marsh habitat surrounding the Aquarium with an Aquarium naturalist who will explain how to sample the diversity living in these important habitats.  Activities include shallow water wading, dip netting and clamming. Children 5-12 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Program will be offered starting May 1.

$15 for nonmembers, $13.50 for members

Enjoy an introduction to Stand Up Paddle boarding in a safe and sheltered environment. Aquarium staff will provide a safety introduction to the activity and supervise,  then allow participants to get comfortable and explore the calm shallow waters of the Bogue Sound on their own. Ages 12 and up.

Program will be offered starting May 7.

Enjoy a evening on the beach with an Aquarium naturalist as you soak some bait and wait for the big one to bite.  Instruction, gear, bait and fishing license provided by the Aquarium.

Ages 10 and up. Children 10-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

This program requires you to provide your own transportation to fishing location.

Program will be offered starting May 4.

$25 for nonmembers / $22.50 for members

Come enjoy an afternoon on the dock with an Aquarium naturalist as you soak some bait and wait for the big one to bite. Instruction, gear, and bait provided.

Ages 5 - 12 years old

Program will be offered starting May 5.

$25 for non-members / $22.50 for members.

Take flight with an Aquarium naturalist and visit a variety of habitats with binoculars in hand to see how many birds you can see and identify. Bring your own binoculars if you prefer, if not we can provide a pair for you to use during the program. Ages 10 and up. 

Program will be offered every Wednesday starting May 5.

$15 non member / $13.50 aquarium member

Learn all about sea turtles and the conservation work the Aquarium is involved in to help protect these iconic marine turtles.  Join Aquarium staff onsite for a introduction to a live sea turtle before you venture out to a local public beach access to visit an actual sea turtle nest and learn more about the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission's Sea Turtle Monitoring program. Ages 5 and up. Children 5-17 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

You must provide your own transportation to the beach.

Program will be offered starting June 5.

$20 for nonmembers, $18 for members