North Carolina Estuarium

The North Carolina Estuarium in Washington, North Carolina is the world's first aquarium and natural science center dedicated entirely to estuary ecosystems, situated on the scenic banks of the Pamlico River. The facility features more than 200 scientific and historic exhibits exploring the ecology of North Carolina's estuaries, the Tar-Pamlico River, and the expansive Pamlico Sound, which is part of the second-largest estuary system in America. Live aquariums and terrariums display a rich variety of estuarine species organized by habitat zone — from freshwater riverine environments with bass, catfish, and turtles, to brackish mixing zones with striped bass and blue crabs, to saltwater marsh displays featuring red drum and marsh birds. A three-quarter-mile boardwalk along the Pamlico River and environmental artwork from regional artists add to the attraction's distinctive character. The Estuarium serves as a thoughtful and educational gateway to North Carolina's remarkable coastal ecosystems.