A journey to Kure Beach, North Carolina is certainly a chance to relax your way, far from the hustle of life. If you’re heading this way with a passion for wildlife in place, a stop at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher just might be the highlight of your stay! Ideal for families and nature enthusiasts alike, the Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a fantastic place to connect with the natural world and get up close to everything from sharks and eels to alligators and sea turtles, too.
The next time you set your travel sights on a Kure Beach getaway, be sure to request a copy of our Free Vacation Guide ahead of time. This inviting resource is a great place to find local activities, attractions, and events to add to your getaway lineup that will work to effectively boost the fun every day you’re here!
A Top-Rated Kure Beach Destination
When you want to make sure your Kure Beach getaway includes top-rated visitor destinations on the map, the Aquarium at Fort Fisher is sure to please. Year after year, this impressive facility focused on wildlife appreciation and conservation is voted a leading regional and national attraction by visitors. The Aquarium at Fort Fisher is one of three aquariums originally established as marine science centers in 1976. They were transitioned into aquariums by 1986 and underwent massive expansion projects in the early 2000s. Today, the aquarium is owned by the State of North Carolina and administered by the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The Aquarium at Fort Fisher is one of only 238 accredited members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums which is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards at all times across conservation, animal welfare, education, and science and recreation.
An Underwater Journey That’s One-of-a-Kind
Those who take time to visit the Aquarium at Fort Fisher during their Kure Beach getaway will be treated to a comprehensive on-site tour that meanders down the Cape Fear River. The tour of the aquarium is set up to begin at the Cape Fear Conservator where you’ll encounter impressive bald eagles to admire. This area also plays host to snakes, box turtles, and tree frogs too. Of course, the highlight of this part of the tour for many guests is the chance to set their sights on the Cape Fear alligators including an albino variety by the name of Luna. Moving onward, the tour takes guests to the conservatory in the marine building which houses sea turtles, a touch tank, and incredible tropical fish and rays. Leaving this area behind, the tour ends up in the “open ocean,” where there are opportunities to get up close to everything from jellyfish and seahorses to eels and beyond.
Special Events
The Aquarium at Fort Fisher is a destination that’s always rich in educational opportunities and it also hosts a variety of community-building and charitable events throughout the year. On the second and fourth Thursday of every month, guests 21 and up are invited to drop by and attend a Sip and Paint at the Aquarium experience. This is an opportunity to find your inner artist and enjoy putting your painting skills to work while you sip delicious wine alongside family and friends between 6:30 and 8:30 pm. On the first and third Wednesday of each month, a yoga at the aquarium event is hosted from 5:30 pm until 6:30 pm, providing those looking for a sense of Zen with a tranquil underwater setting as the background for their instructor-led session. There are Great Backyard Bird Counts hosted at the aquarium in February and if you like to run your way to fun for a good cause, you can consider attending the Race for the Planet 5K hosted at the Aquarium each April.
Plan Your Aquarium Visit
You’ll need to purchase your tickets ahead of your visit to the Aquarium at Fort Fisher which is located at 900 Loggerhead Road in Kure Beach. General admission prices are $12.95 for adults 13 to 61 and $11.95 for seniors 62 and up. Children ages 3 to 12 can enjoy the aquarium for $10.95, and military members receive entrance for $11.95. Guests 2 and under can tour the facility at no cost. If you’re interested in purchasing an additional Behind the Scenes Tour, it’s ideal for those 8 and up and lasts about an hour as you enjoy exploring spaces for life support systems, animal holding, and backstage access to exhibits. This experience is $9 for members, $18 for ages 8 to 12, and $20 for those 13 and up. Parking is free at the Aquarium at Fort Fisher, and most guests typically visit for around 2 to 3 hours.
Stay Near the Aquarium at Fort Fisher
When you’re looking to make your next trip this was as convenient, luxurious, and welcoming as possible, be sure to book accommodations near the Aquarium at Fort Fisher through Victory Beach Vacations. Reach out today to learn more about our versatile property options available to book and how we can help you make it a trip to remember!
