The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a beloved coastal aquarium nestled along the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, offering visitors a journey through aquatic habitats from the Smoky Mountains to the open Atlantic. The facility houses more than 4,000 animals across 50 exhibits, with highlights including the Living Shipwreck — a 306,000-gallon saltwater tank built around a replica of the World War II German submarine U-352 — home to sandbar sharks, a sand tiger shark, a nurse shark, and a green sea turtle. The Loggerhead Odyssey exhibit traces the remarkable life journey of loggerhead sea turtles, while playful river otters, American bald eagles, and a Tidal Touch Pool featuring invertebrates and skate and ray encounters add to the experience. Daily live animal programs, stingray touch pools, and diver interaction shows make this aquarium a cherished destination for families visiting North Carolina's coast.
