NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher Expansion

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher breaks ground on a major expansion, adding a 400,000-gallon shark tank, coral habitat, touch pool and more.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has officially broken ground on a major renovation and expansion project that will make it the largest aquarium in North Carolina. The multi-year upgrade is expected to deliver new exhibits, expanded educational space, and enhanced visitor experiences focused on marine life and coastal conservation.

A division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the North Carolina Aquariums connect more than a million visitors each year with the aquatic world while promoting care, stewardship, and conservation.

Groundbreaking marks the start of a multi-year project

State leaders, community partners, donors, and Aquarium staff and volunteers gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction. The renovation is being funded through a combination of state support and private fundraising led by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, the nonprofit partner of the North Carolina Aquariums.

The Aquarium temporarily closed to the public on May 26 to allow construction to begin. The project is expected to take about 30 months. During the closure, most aquatic animals will remain onsite under the care of dedicated animal care, facilities, and safety teams.

What’s coming: new shark habitat, coral exhibits, touch pool, and more

Once complete, the expanded North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will introduce new features designed to deepen public connection to marine life and conservation, including:
• A 400,000-gallon shark habitat
• A new coral habitat
• An interactive touch pool
• An expanded education center

The groundbreaking also aligns with the North Carolina Aquariums’ 50th anniversary, marking five decades of connecting people with the wonders of aquatic environments.

Discovery Bay pop-up experience coming to Wilmington

While renovations are underway, the Aquarium and the North Carolina Aquarium Society will bring Discovery Bay to Independence Mall in Wilmington. Scheduled to open in mid-June, the interactive experience will feature aquatic habitats, educational exhibits, and a retail store.

Other NC Aquariums to visit during the Fort Fisher closure

Visitors are encouraged to explore the state’s other coastal attractions during the construction period, including:
• North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
• North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
• Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head

About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is located just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. It is one of three aquariums and a pier that make up the North Carolina Aquariums.

The Aquarium’s mission is to inspire appreciation and conservation of aquatic environments. Popular features include a 235,000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat, an albino alligator, a bald eagle, a loggerhead sea turtle habitat, and Asian small-clawed otters.

Hours and admission (when open)
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
• Admission:
$12.95 ages 13–61
$10.95 children ages 3–12
$11.95 seniors (62+) and military with valid ID
$3 for NC EBT card holders (maximum of four tickets)
Free for children 2 and under, NC Aquarium Society members, and NC Zoo members