The Aquarium is under construction! We're going through a 30-month transformative renovation and expansion.
At the heart of this unprecedented expansion is the largest shark habitat in North Carolina, deepening connections to the community and expanding the Aquarium to the largest in the State. The multi-year construction project will transform the experience for visitors.
Discovery Bay, a unique aquarium experience at Independence Mall in Wilmington, NC officially opened Wednesday, July 8 with a ribbon cutting! Discovery Bay is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. in the JC Penney wing of the mall across from the arcade.
This mall space features ambassador animal encounters, marine life habitats, environmental education programs and a North Carolina Aquarium Society gift shop where members receive a discount.
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Ocean Front Park
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Savard Beer & Board
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Discovery Bay @ Independence Mall
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Carolina Beach Pier
Even as NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher is closed for construction, we continue to make waves with Discovery Bay our mini aquarium at Independence Mall and in the community. See how you can catch up with us for some inspirational ways to make a difference for the planet!
Take home a 50th anniversary commemorative pint glass and support shark conservation at our 2026 Suds for Sharks.
Everyone can do something this back-to-school season and take the leap to being green all year long.
NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher Hosts Annual Back-to-School Beach Cleanup
We're eagerly seeking STEM leaders who will create curiosity-inspiring and thought-provoking exhibits that will wow children and families.
NC Aquariums Discovery Bay is now open at Independence Mall, a unique underwater world for shoppers to visit right next to their favorite shops.
Our team welcomed state leaders, community partners and donors for the official groundbreaking of a multi-year project that will transform the Aquarium for generations.
Exciting and transformative, a major renovation and expansion project is underway, marking the start of a new era for the Aquarium.
NC Aquariums are celebrating 50 years of connecting people with the wonders of aquatic life, inspiring appreciation, advancing education, and promoting conservation.
The North Carolina Aquariums are dedicated to animals in our care and in the wild. We recognize the challenges threatening species locally and globally. Our team commits resources and time to learning more and taking action through research, fieldwork, education and the daily efforts of staff.
The North Carolina Aquarium Society invites you to join in the powerful work of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Through the Living Treasures campaign, you will help the Aquariums prosper and establish new habitats, exhibits and education programs. More importantly, with your support, we can provide superior care for animals and make a difference in conservation science to save vulnerable species from extinction.
