North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
About
Coastal Carolina Aquarium With Albino Alligator
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher sits on the Cape Fear River 20 miles south of Wilmington. Indoor exhibits showcase coastal NC marine life with a 235,000-gallon ocean tank, touch tanks, and the famous albino alligator Luna.
What Kids Can Do
Touch tanks let kids hold horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and stingrays. The Cape Fear Conservatory has a freshwater swamp habitat with Luna the albino alligator, plus venomous snake displays. Coastal Waters Gallery features a 235,000-gallon Atlantic Ocean tank with sharks, sea turtles, and reef fish. River otter family on view daily. Dive shows in the main tank twice daily plus daily otter and alligator feedings [marked: dive show and feeding schedule posted at the entrance - times shift seasonally].
What's Included
Admission $14.95 adults, $13.95 kids 3-12, free under 3. All exhibits, dives shows, and feedings included. Behind-the-scenes tours, summer camps, and birthday parties priced separately.
Experience
Plan 2-3 hours. Almost entirely indoor - great rainy/hot-day option. Stroller and wheelchair accessible throughout. About 20 miles south of Wilmington in Kure Beach. Free parking on-site. Open daily 9am-5pm year-round.