Experience what it is like to work as an Aquarist as you spend a few hours of your day working with our staff behind the scenes.  Learn about water quality, visit and interact with animal ambassadors, and prep food for a few animals who live in the Aquarium. Lastly, observe the fish and sharks feast in the 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit.  Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get a little "fishy."

Ages: 8 and up. Children 8-12 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 and a bag lunch are required. This program utilizes 2 sets of stairs or elevator is available.

Click "RESERVE" button to see available dates and times  

Registration closes at 12:00pm, the day prior to program, if there are no reservations.

Admission ticket IS included in the price, please check-in with the instructor out front at the Admission Gatehouse upon arrival. 

$55 per Person
$49.50 for NC Aquarium Members

Venture behind the scenes of the Aquarium’s 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit to observe one of the weekly shark feedings.  Participants will not be able to assist with the shark feeding, but can help broadcast feed the fish and watch the sharks and fish feast on their favorite food. 

Ages: 8 and up - Children 8-12 must be accompanied by a paying participating adult. We are not able to accommodate infants, even if they are in a carrier. 

Click "RESERVE" button to see available dates and times 

Closed toe shoes are required. This tour utilizes 2 sets of stairs or an elevator is available.   

Registration closes 15mins prior to program, if there are no reservations.

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

Buy tickets here. Please check in with the instructor in the lobby.

$25 per Person, Plus Regular Aquarium Admission
$22.50 for NC Aquarium Members

WELCOME TO THE NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM ON ROANOKE ISLAND!

Interested in joining our Membership program- click here to learn more about our membership program and membership benefits.

Add on an “Aquarium Explorer” activity book that will guide your visit at the aquarium. These are available for purchase at the ticket windows.

Matching IDs are required for:

-Membership Reservations

-Military Discounts

-North Carolina EBT Discounts (No other states accepted)

-NC Zoo Membership Discounts

-Other AZA reciprocal membership, click here to see participating zoos and aquariums

Refunds or exchanges must be requested at least 24 hours prior to your reservation time.

Animals and Pets are not allowed at the aquarium. We welcome any ADA qualified service animal that is trained to perform a specific task.

Take a short visit behind the 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic Exhibit.  Walk over and check out some dive equipment, learn about an out-of-sight holding area, and get an overhead view of the largest exhibit in the Aquarium.

Ages: 6 and up - Children ages 6-12 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. This tour utilizes 2 sets of stairs or an elevator is available.

Click "RESERVE" button to see available dates and times 

Registration closes 15 mins prior to program, if there are no reservations.

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

Buy tickets here. 

$20 per Person, Plus Regular Aquarium Admission
$18 for NC Aquarium Members

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 

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.

August 20 at 11am; August 21 at 11:30am; August 22 at 1pm.

September 2, 3 and 4 at 10am; September 22 at 2pm. 

October 3 & 16 at 11am; October 6 at 1pm;  October 15 at 10am.

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

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 

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