Cast your line and learn the basics needed to catch your first fish!  Assemble tackle, bait your hook, identify fish species, and practice catch-and-release techniques.  Bring your patience as we try our luck fishing from our Soundside Pier.

Closed toe shoes are required.

Ages 5 & up - Children ages 5-13 must be accompanied by a paying participating adult.

Click "RESERVE" button to see available dates and times. *Not offered December-March

Registration closes 30 minutes prior to program, if there are no reservations.

Please note that this program may be cancelled on the day of the program due to inclement weather or air quality alerts for our area.  Participants would be notified of these cancellations and receive a full refund for their program.

Admission tickets must be purchased online prior to the date of the program.  You can purchase tickets here.

$18.00 per Person, Plus Regular Admission

$16.20 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Join an Aquarium naturalist for a fun-filled learning experience in this catch-and-release program at a nearby salt marsh.  Muck through the marsh and wade into the sound with nets and buckets in search of animal inhabitants.  You will be amazed at the abundance of life in the estuary!

Ages: 8 and up - Children ages 8-12 must be accompanied by a paying participating adult.  Closed toe water shoes are required.  We also recommend a hat, towel, sunscreen, water bottle, and dry shoes/clothes to change into afterwards.

Check back for available dates in May 2026

Registration closes 1 hour prior to program, if there are no reservations.

 *Participants will meet at the Aquarium first, and then the program is conducted offsite with Aquarium van transportation offered to and from the marsh site (except July 21, 24 & 25).  Please note that this program may be cancelled on the day of the program due to inclement weather or air quality alerts for our area.  Participants would be notified of these cancellations and receive a full refund for their program.

If you plan to tour the Aquarium before or after this program, Admission tickets must be purchased separately online prior to the date of program. Buy tickets: here.

$19.00 per Person
$17.10 for NC Aquarium Members

Explore the outdoors with NC Aquarium instructors while kayaking the waters surrounding Roanoke Island. This leisurely outing is a perfect trip for the beginner. Paddlers should expect to get a little wet as we explore the hidden parts of Roanoke Island in search of local animals, native plants, and ever-shifting shorelines. All equipment is provided, and no experience is necessary. Bring your water bottle, sunscreen, and sense of adventure to join our staff on the water!

Ages: 6 and up - Children ages 6-12 must share a kayak with a paying adult. Closed toe water shoes are required. 

Click "RESERVE" button to see available dates and times. *Check back in May 2026

Admission tickets must be purchased online prior to date of program. Buy tickets here.

Registration closes 1 hour prior to program, if there are no reservations.

Please note that this program may be cancelled on the day of the program due to inclement weather or air quality alerts for our area.  Participants would be notified of these cancellations and receive a full refund for their program.

$45 per Person
$40.50 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Before you hit the open ocean, hone your skills on flat, calm water such as the Croatan Sound. This relaxing outing is great for the beginner. Paddlers should prepare to get wet as we learn how to balance on a stand-up paddleboard. All equipment is provided, and no experience is necessary. Bring your water shoes, sunscreen, water bottle, and sense of adventure!

Ages: 8 and up - Children under 13 must be accompanied by a paying participating adult.  Closed toe water shoes are required.  

Click "RESERVE" button to see available dates and times. *Check back in May 2026

Admission tickets must be purchased online prior to date of program. Buy tickets: here.

Registration closes 1 hour prior to program, if there are no reservations.

Please note that this program may be cancelled on the day of the program due to inclement weather or air quality alerts for our area.  Participants would be notified of these cancellations and receive a full refund for their program.

$40 per Person
$36 for NC Aquarium Society Members

Come to this class prepared to test your luck crabbing. Participants will learn some basic biology of the blue crab and experience line crabbing firsthand from the Aquarium's Soundside Pier on the lower dock.

Ages 5 & up - Children ages 5-12 must be accompanied by a paying participating adult. We are not able to accommodate infants, even if they are in a carrier.

Closed toe shoes are required.

Registration closes 30 minutes prior to program, if there are no reservations.

Click "RESERVE" button to see available dates and times. *Check back in May 2026

Admission tickets must be purchased online prior to the date of the program. You can purchase tickets here.

Please note that this program may be cancelled on the day of the program due to inclement weather or air quality alerts for our area. Participants would be notified of these cancellations and receive a full refund for their program.

$18.00 per Person, Plus Regular Admission

$16.20 for NC Aquarium Society Members