North Carolina is rich with the most unique attractions and is known for its family-friendly activities. Visitors are drawn again to this American state year after year to connect with each other again. They enjoy visiting the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, beholding the beauty of the magical waterfalls, heading to the splendid Biltmore Estate in Asheville, and hitting the beaches of the Outer Banks. However, many don't know about the marvelous aquariums in North Carolina that they should experience when visiting the state. From the official North Carolina Aquariums to the smaller, independent ones, these places offer a unique glimpse of the state's exotic species, local coastline, and more. However, there's one particular aquarium that beats them all, and that is the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island.
Learn The Basics About NC Aquarium At Roanoke Island
People visiting the waterfront in downtown Manteo will be glad to check the 68,000 square foot North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island, which boasts more than ten exciting and interactive exhibits about the marine life native to the coastal region in the state. People will also be amazed by the fun gift shop there. Rehabilitation efforts and sea turtles rescue are some other activities in which the aquarium supports the local beach community in the area. Moreover, the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island hosts important educational events all year round.
- Location: 374 Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954.
- Opening hours: The North Carolina Museum on Roanoke Island opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, people can purchase their tickets at 4:30 PM at the latest.
- Cost: People who want to visit the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island expect to pay an entrance fee of $12.95 per person. Children aged between 3 and 12 will pay $10.95. Seniors aged 61 and more, as well as military personnel, expect to pay $11.95. Children aged two years and under will be admitted to the aquarium for free. Moreover, people have a chance to get a discounted ticket if they are members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. There's also a way to get to the aquarium for free, and that is on Veterans Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Here Are The Most Popular Activities And Exhibits To Enjoy At NC Aquarium At Roanoke Island
Visitors to the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island will be happy to be entertained and learn more about the marine life of the coastal region native to the state by checking the ten engaging and exciting exhibits offered at the aquarium. These include For the Birds, which was introduced in 2019 and features a wide range of native bird species, such as woodpeckers, herons, osprey, and many more. Another fascinating exhibit is Seven Rivers which features snakes and wild alligators. People will also see some amphibians that are indigenous to the area surrounding the Outer Banks' west side, Albemarle Sound. Furry friends that can be located in the OBX wetlands will be met at the Wild Wetlands exhibit. These include beavers, river otters, and turtles.
People who want to learn about the beach's best practices and be educated about the current initiatives will enjoy seeing the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) center. Another exhibit will guide people through a sunken sea ship where they will learn about marine life living off NC's coast and find hidden treasures. This exhibit is the Sea Treasures. Visitors to the North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island will also enjoy getting up close and personal with starfish, stingrays, and several other invertebrates that can be found along the floor of the ocean. This interactive touch experience is made possible through the Sea Senses exhibit.
Other exhibits worth visiting at the aquarium include Delicate Drifters, Ironclad Sanctuary, Graveyard of the Atlantic Exhibit, Soundside Pier, and Shark Dive Program.
You Must Attend These Aquarium Events At The North Carolina Museum At Roanoke Island
Every week, people will have the chance to attend a special event at the North Carolina Museum at Roanoke Island, with some events being free of charge and others for a small fee. Those interested in learning efficient fishing etiquette and techniques should attend the What's The Catch? event, where they will learn how to identify various fish species, assemble tackle, practice safe catch-and-release, and bait a hook. Stand-Up Paddle boarding is another event worth attending where people will enjoy the intro class that will help them find their bearing on open water. This experience is best for children and first-timers. Moreover, all the equipment is offered by the aquarium.
Shark Bites will allow visitors of the aquarium to witness a live shark feeding show and see the famous Graveyard of the Atlantic tank, which features 285,000 gallons. People attending the event will also have the chance to participate in one of the weekly feedings of the tanks, and they will be allowed to get an up-close look at the feast of the shark. Marine life enthusiasts will particularly enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event!