The aquarium features 'Graveyard of the Atlantic,' a dedicated exhibit showcasing shipwrecks and the marine life that inhabits them along the coast.
The STAR center allows visitors to view real-time veterinary care for rehabilitated sea turtles being prepared for release.
The facility maintains a 'Wild Wetlands' exhibit that houses American alligators, providing an up-close look at one of the few places these reptiles inhabit in North Carolina.
Its ocean tank is one of the largest in the state, designed to house sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, and large schools of Atlantic fish.
The aquarium is situated on the edge of the Roanoke Sound, directly influencing the local coastal habitat monitoring programs.
The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island focuses on the diverse ecosystems of the Outer Banks, featuring a massive 285,000-gallon ocean tank that simulates the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The facility houses a wide variety of local marine life, including rescued sea turtles, river otters, and various shark species. Interactive stingray touch pools and alligator encounters provide hands-on educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. The aquarium operates a Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) center where guests can observe the ongoing medical care and recovery efforts for stranded turtles. Large-scale educational displays highlight the unique coastal environment, including salt marshes and sound waters. The facility is fully integrated into the local environmental landscape, emphasizing conservation through active field research and public engagement. It serves as a primary hub for marine science advocacy in eastern North Carolina.
The clear acrylic tunnel in the ocean tank exhibit allows for immersive photos surrounded by sharks and sea turtles.
Check the daily program board upon arrival to catch the scheduled animal feedings and biologist talks.
Visit the outdoor deck overlooking the Roanoke Sound for prime bird-watching and scenic views of the wetlands.
Book your timed-entry reservation online in advance to guarantee access, especially during peak summer months.
Avoid arriving without a pre-booked entry reservation during holiday weekends, as capacity limits are strictly enforced.
Open daily year-round, except for major winter holidays.
No flash photography in animal exhibit areas; maintain a quiet demeanor near rehabilitation tanks to minimize animal stress.
