Discover The NC Aquarium near Beaufort NC
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a captivating experience for all ages. Just a short 25-minute drive from Beaufort, it’s one of the many local attractions that makes this part of North Carolina so appealing. Whether you’re a resident or are purchasing one of our beautiful Beaufort NC homes at Beau Coast West, the aquarium offers a delightful experience with an engaging mix of information and entertainment.
One of the aquarium’s standout features is its dedication to showcasing the state’s unique ecosystems. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour that follows the path of a single drop of water from the mountains to the sea. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of native species, including river otters, alligators, sea turtles, sharks, and other marine life. The Mountain to the Sea theme emphasizes the intricate connections between inland rivers and the ocean, showcasing the state’s extensive natural beauty.
The NC Aquarium offers hands-on activities and educational programs that make learning about the ocean fun and interactive for everyone. Kids will love the Living Shipwreck exhibit, where a 306,000-gallon tank is home to a replica of a sunken German U-boat, now home to vibrant sea life, including sharks, sea turtles, and colorful schools of fish. The touch tank is always a hit, where children and adults can gently feel stingrays, sea stars, and horseshoe crabs for a unique experience.
The shark feeding sessions are always a crowd favorite, giving visitors a chance to witness these incredible creatures up close. The daily dive shows also provide an exciting opportunity to watch divers feed the aquarium’s inhabitants while learning about conservation efforts.
In fact, conservation is an important part of the NC Aquarium as seen in the aquarium’s inspiring sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation program. Visitors can learn about the rehabilitation efforts that go into rescuing injured sea turtles, many of which are later released back into the wild.
Special events such as Behind the Scenes tours give visitors the chance to see how the aquarium operates and cares for its diverse marine population. To expand your knowledge, the aquarium regularly hosts events for adults and children, with a range of talks, workshops, and even summer camps for young ocean explorers.
Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend outing or a chance to learn more about our beautiful coast, the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers a unique and enriching experience. A visit to the aquarium will give you a new outlook on the rich marine environment that is such a key part of life along North Carolina’s coast. If you’re dreaming of calling one of the Beaufort NC homes your own, contact Beau Coast West today to help you find your ideal coastal home.
