Booking

School Groups

Create a unique and exciting experience for your students or group, as you dive into the world of wonder and water with the Aquarium’s education programs. Journey from “North Carolina’s Mountains to the Sea” to be immersed in fun and learning with the Aquarium’s most interesting animals.There are a variety of engaging learning opportunities for your group. Students can explore the Aquarium on a teacher-led tour, participate in a live animal program in the Big Rock Theater, research exhibits and species with interactive scavenger hunts, or become scientists through hands-on classroom activities or outdoor field experiences.

PINE KNOLL SHORES

School Programs for PINE KNOLL SHORES near Atlantic Beach. Please check the location to make sure it is the Aquarium you intend to visit.

Teacher Led Tours

NC Schools - Teacher-Led Tour

Welcome to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores! Plan an unforgettable field trip to the Aquarium, 

where students dive into the world of wonder and water with a wide array of educational exhibits and programs.
Request

Education Programs

Alligator Tales

Behind the toothy smile of this large wetland animal is a huge creature with armored skin and an incredible diet. Come see our live alligators that are uniquely adapted for survival.

$2 per student
Grades Pre-K-12, maximum 150
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Jammin' Jellies

Float on in to discover the wonder of these misunderstood ocean drifters. The featured guest of this presentation is one of the Aquarium’s moon jellies. The discussion includes the life cycle and structure of this jammin’ jellyfish!

$2 per student
Grades 2-12, maximum 150
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Sea Turtle Trails

Sea turtles are some of the oldest, most intriguing and fascinating reptiles on the planet. Explore the life history and adaptations of these threatened and endangered species.

$2 per student
Grades Pre-K-12, maximum 150
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Slithering Serpents

Don’t be afraid! Come and learn the basics of these misunderstood creatures, and replace fear with fascination. A live snake tells the story of these amazing legless reptiles.

$2 per student
Grades Pre-K-12, maximum 150
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Swamp Symphony

Educators help explore ectothermic friends by presenting live amphibians, life history facts, and the unique traits of a few of these important species.

$2 per student
Grades K-8, minimum 50
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Special Activity Programs - Extra Fees Apply

InsideMollusks - Squid Dissection

What do squid, mussels and snails have in common? They’re all mollusks! Through scientific observations and squid dissection, students discover the special characteristics of the phylum Mollusca.

Approximately 1.5 hours

Grades 3 and up, maximum 25 participants


Price: $6.00
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Fascinating Fish-Fish Dissection

Fins, gills and scales – oh my! Students become fish adaptation “experts” as they learn how fishes have diversified according to various ocean habitats. An external investigation of fish shape, color and unique characteristics provides clues to identify where fishes live and how they survive.

Approximately 1.5 hours

Grades 3 and up, maximum 25 participants


Prices range from $6.00 to $18.00
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Shark Survivor - Outswim, Outsense, Outsmart

How do sharks survive challenges of nature and those presented by humans? The Aquarium's live shark displays provide an ideal living classroom for students to explore the challenges sharks face and how they have adapted to survive for more than 400 million years. Students tour shark exhibits to observe live shark behavior and adaptations, and touch models to discover sharks’ unique design.

Approximately 1.5 hours

Grades 1 and up, maximum 25 participants


Price: $6.00
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Wonderful Water

Introduce your group to the wonders of water! Students learn about the water cycle and the importance of clean water through hands-on water testing and animal explorations. Participants test the pH and salinity of several Aquarium exhibits to determine what types of wildlife survive in each environment.

Approximately 1.5 hours

Grades 3 and up, maximum 25 participants


Price: $6.00
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Winging It - Birds in Flight

Note: Special Admission ticket required for this activity.

Meet some of the Aquarium’s newest residents and get a “bird’s-eye view.” Limited space.

Price: $2.00
Request

Barrier Island Exploration

Bring your old shoes and gear up for discovery on a trek through the maritime forest to the salt marsh and shallow waters of Bogue Sound. Explore the creatures that inhabitat this fragile system and why they are so important and need our protection.

Approximately 2 hours

Ages 8 and up, maximum 30 participants


Prices range from $4.00 to $5.00
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Beachcomber's Biology

Take a hike down the beach to discover the importance of protecting this fragile habitat. Students learn the value of dune management and habitat protection as they discuss seashells, sea turtles and ocean waves.

Approximately 2 hours

Ages 8 and up, maximum 30 participants


Price: $5.00
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Canoe the Marsh

Explore protected marsh habitats and the diversity of coastal nurseries with an Aquarium naturalist. See migratory birds that depend upon these flyways for survival. Paddle through tidal flats and quiet backwaters and become aware of the intricate web of life thriving in this pristine environment. Boats and equipment are provided.

Approximately 2 hours

Ages 12 and up, maximum 20 participants


Price: $15.00
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Behind the Scenes Tour: At a Glance

Participants visit the Aquarium’s food preparation areas, animal holding areas and husbandry laboratories. The program features a spectacular view of the Living Shipwreck from above. Closed-toe shoes are required.

45 minutes

Ages 6 and up, maximum 15 participants


Price: $5.00
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Behind the Scenes Tour: Close Encounters

This comprehensive tour includes a close up of food preparation areas, labs, animal holding areas, and a spectacular view of the Living Shipwreck from above. Participants also enjoy hands-on husbandry experience and assisting staff in food preparation and broadcast feeding the fishes in our largest tank! Closed-toe shoes are required.

Approximately 1.5 hours

Ages 8 and up, maximum 15 participants


Price: $10.00
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Test Info