Construction for "Oceans Revealed: Power of the Planet" Underway at North Carolina Aquarium - Roanoke Island

By Buster Nunemaker

Roanoke Island, NC - The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island presents the aquatic environments of coastal Carolina through its theme “Waters of the Outer Banks.” The aquarium’s variety of exhibits promise to educate and entertain visitors. Journey through coastal freshwaters; see largemouth and river otters and the American alligator.

Explore saltwater habitats from grass flats to Gulf Stream waters. Gently stroke a stingray or a hermit crab at the touch tanks. Watch hundreds of fishes flash by the 35-foot long viewing window of the 285,000-gallon “Graveyard of the Atlantic” tank. Sharks and other fishes cruise by only inches away. History buffs will marvel at the one-third-scale replica of the USS Monitor. Step into “Storms,” and take an inside, personal look at the Outer Banks hurricanes and nor’easters. See our new exhibit Oceans Revealed: Power of the Planet, opening spring of 2009. Learn about how the earth affects our lives with real time imagery on a 6’ sphere.

 Over 1 million people visit the North Carolina Aquariums each year, and there’s much to see and do at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. The aquarium includes indoor and outdoor exhibits, auditorium, classrooms, meeting rooms, and a gift shop. A wide variety of free programs and activities year-round, daily programs include marine life videos, live animal programs, audience participation games and demonstrations and more. Live animal programs in the aquarium auditorium may feature alligators, sea turtles, or snakes. Animals in selected exhibits are fed daily.

Hours of Operation: Daily, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Open until 9 p.m. Thursdays in July

Admission Fees: $8 adults; $7 ages 62 and older; $6 children (6-17); children 5 and under are free. Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Free: Registered North Carolina School Groups, North Carolina Aquarium Society Members
Discounts: Registered Tour Groups

About the Facilities.

* Gift Shop
* Picnic facilities
* Free parking
* Nature trails
* Public restrooms
* Motor coach parking
* Exhibits
* Live animals

Handicap Accessibility: Site is fully accessible.

About the Programs:

Major Program Areas: Maritime, Ecology/Environmental Education

Education Resources:
* On-site interpretive programs
* Self-guided exhibits
* Hands-on activities
* Off-site/outreach activities
* Computer interactive exhibits
* Classroom resources
* Materials via web site

School Tour Requirements:
* No maximum group size limits
* Group reservations required
* Registered NC school groups free
* 1-1.5 hour tour
* Curriculum-based tours, pre-K-12

Contact: Wendie Paramore, Librarian and Registrar
252-473-3494 ext. 232
Wendie.Paramore@ncmail.net