What is There to Do In Jacksonville North Carolina

1 Roosevelt Boulevard Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium. If your looking to take a trip with the family to an aquarium be sure to visit Pine Knoll Shores. Below are some of the questions you ask yourself when visiting the aquarium with family or large groups and hopefully you will find the answer to many of these:

1) How long does it take to tour the Aquarium?

It can take approximately 2 hours to tour the Aquarium. If you plan on participating in any programs or event, please allow yourself some additional time.

2) When is the best time to visit?

For a less crowded experience, fall and winter months are excellent times to visit the Aquarium.

3) What types of disability access do you have?

All entrances, exits, exhibits and restrooms are wheel chair accessible. The Aquarium has several wheel chairs.  Pocketalker personal amplifiers are available to assist our guests free of charge. Inquire about availability with our visitor services staff.

4) Where do we park?

From March through May, many school groups visit and buses often fill the parking areas. Parking areas can also fill to capacity during peak summer months. During these times, and on rainy summer days, expect to park in our over flow parking lot.

5) Do you allow photography and videotaping at the Aquarium?

All types of photography are permitted at the Aquarium. A tip for taking photos inside the Aquarium is not to aim the camera straight at the tank. The flash will cause a light spot in your picture. Instead, position yourself so the camera is at a 45-degree angle to the window.

6) Are food and drink allowed in the Aquarium?

No. The Aquarium does not allow food or drink inside the building to ensure our animal’s health and safety. Snack and soft drink machines are available outside the Aquarium exit doors, as well as having a vendor on-site that offers a variety of food/drink options. We ask that all visitors eat outside while enjoying the wonderful weather.

7) Who do I contact if I have lost something at the Aquarium?

Lost and found inquiries can be made with our Visitor Services Coordinator at 252-473-3494, ext. 225. The Aquarium keeps found items for 30 days before donating them to local charities.

8) What type of payment does the Aquarium accept? Is ID required?

The Aquariums accepts cash, traveler’s checks, master card and visa as payment for admission fees. The Aquariums do check ID for the safety of our visitors so please bring your id with you during your visit.

9) How do I get there?

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is located off of Airport Rd., approximately 3 miles North of Manteo. The Aquarium is adjacent to the Dare County Regional Airport. For directions from a specific location, call toll free 1-800-832-3474 ext. 4.

10) How do I register for programs?

To register for a program, please call our registrar at 252-473-3494 ext. 232.  If the registrar does not answer right away please leave a message and they will call you back as soon as they can.

11) Do you provide strollers? Coat racks?

The Aquarium does not have a coat room or provide strollers.

12) Can my family get a group rate?

Group rates are for out of state school groups and for civic organizations. They are not available for large family groups.

13) How do I find out what activities are going on during the time I will be visiting?

To find out what programming, events, etc. that will be occurring during your visit please visit our calendar. If you have further questions, please call 252-473-3494.

14) When do you feed the sharks?

The sharks are fed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. However, due to the method we use to feed our sharks visitors are not able to view a feeding unless they go behind the scenes. If you are interested in seeing a shark feeding, consider signing up for our special activities program, Snack with the Sharks.

15) I’m planning a school group visit, how do I register; pay and what are the policies regarding chaperones, etc.?

School group reservations should be made at least two weeks in advance with our Aquarium Registrar at 252-473-3494 ext. 232. Registered NC students and school personnel are admitted free. All non-staff chaperones will receive ½ regular admission fees. Registered out of state school groups will receive a 15% discount off regular admission prices. Group payments are expected at the time of arrival and in the form a single transaction. All group members must check in with our admissions staff and enter together in order to qualify for our group discounts.

16) Are pets allowed into the Aquarium? What is the Aquarium’s pet policy?

Pets are not allowed into the Aquarium in order to ensure the health and safety of our animals. Also, the Aquarium discourages bringing animals to the Aquarium and leaving them in cars. Our weather is frequently hot and humid and animals in cars do not handle this well. If you have brought your pet with you on vacation we highly recommend leaving it at your house while you enjoy the Aquarium.