The fascinating galleries throughout this extensive complex encourage visitors of all ages to meet and mingle with their aquatic neighbors, from interactive exhibits to "touch tanks" where patrons can have personal encounters with local bamboo sharks. This all-encompassing approach to maritime education has made the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher one of Carolina Beaches' most popular local attractions, and is a fun day trip for any Coastal Carolina visitor who wants to get their feet wet in the unique and varied wildlife habitats located just offshore.
The aquarium, which was recently renovated in 2009 to make room for the new rare albino alligator inhabitants, is an extensive introduction to the local wildlife from the banks of the Cape Fear River to the hundreds of deep water species that call the Atlantic Ocean home. With such a far-reaching collection, the aquarium is smartly divided into individual "galleries" that pay homage to a certain ecosystem that is prevalent in the coastal area. This organization and dedication to representing all aspects of North Carolina's habitats has earned this aquarium several national accolades, including a spot on the Travel Channel's list of Best Aquariums in the United States, and North Carolina's own ranking of Top Ten Attractions in the state.
The first stop for visitors along their self-guided tour of the coastal region is the Cape Fear Conservatory, a collection of species that represents the abounding freshwater life. Here, visitors can wander through a tree-filled atrium, complete with ponds, streams, and swamps, where frogs, snakes, bass, catfish, and turtles are actively at play to the delight of visitors.
The next stop is the Coastal Waters Gallery, where explorers can get their hands on some of the local already-occupied seashells, including live coquina clams, sea urchins, horseshoe crabs, whelks, hermit crabs, and other critters that make a home in some of North Carolina's most beloved coastal treasures.
The offshore regions of North Carolina are introduced in detail in the almost-eerie Open Oceans Gallery, a colorful collection which includes octopus, jellyfish, corals, puffer fish, hogfish, and filefish, and the neighboring Exotic Aquatics Display features rare ocean residents, ranging from vibrant lionfish to large spiny lobsters. An accompanying 550 gallon Pacific Reef exhibit adds even more flair to the colorful scene with a variety of clownfish, cardinal fish, hawkfish, wrasses, surgeonfish, and at least a dozen other tropical residents.
Patrons will also want to pause by the renowned 235,000 gallon "Cape Fear Shoals" exhibit which features a replica of an offshore reef, as well as a number of large species that call this habitat home. Shanks, stingrays, groupers, and moray eels all methodically meander through these waters, making this exhibit a memorizing and almost scary sight.
The newest attraction, established in 2012, is the Bamboo Shark Touch Pool, where visitors can touch and feel the local sharks as they swim past in an encircled enclosure. These sharks are essentially harmless for humans, but nonetheless, it's not unusual to spot visitors of all ages nervously reaching their fingers out for a brief touch of the sharks as they skate by, and then quickly hiding their hands away.
The aquarium also features a gift shop for aquatic souvenirs, toys, books and clothes, as well as a snack bar, the appropriately named "SharkBites Snack Bar" which features a variety of food and drink options daily from March until November during the aquarium's hours of operation, (and on weekends during off-season months.)
In addition, the aquarium hosts a number of events throughout the year, which ranges from impromptu Behind the Scenes tours with the facilities caregivers to "AquaCamps" that introduce the youngest visitors to the region's most famous aquatic residents. Special programs are featured nearly all week long, and are geared towards all ages. A calendar of upcoming programs can be found online at the aquarium's website.
Local fans of the complex are also encouraged to sign up for the aquarium's unique donation plans, which include the opportunity to sponsor or even own a fish, and volunteers are always welcome to help maintain the aquarium as a fascinating and educational tool for patrons of all ages. In addition, the facilities can be rented for private events and galas, including out-of-this-world wedding receptions, corporate events, or exceptional community affairs.
The aquarium is open daily, year round, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The cost to tour the aquarium runs around $8.00 for adults, $7.00 for seniors over the age of 62, and $6.00 for children ages 3-12. Visitors should expect to spend about 2 hours to tour the facilities, and are invited to spend extra time exploring the outdoor "fossil pit," where local ancient relics can be found through a bit of careful digging, as well as the gift shop and seasonally open snack bar. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, as well as military personnel and veterans.
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher has plenty of reasons to embrace its newfound title as one of the best North Carolina attractions. From touch tanks that allow patrons to get up close and personal with harmless but nonetheless intimidating sharks, to extensive tropical displays that showcase the deep sea waters in all their vibrant glory, the aquarium is a "wow"-worthy attraction that will leave visitors of all ages spellbound. Containing some of the best examples of local and worldly wildlife in the state, it's crystal clear that the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort is a must-see attraction for any Carolina Beach visitor.
For families travelling to the beach, or fishermen carrying tackle/coolers, a beach cart can be the best purchase of your vacation. These carts feature extra-wide wheels to move across soft sand, even when loaded. Carts are often built for specific scenarios, so think about the gear you’d be putting on your cart before making a decision.
One of Kure Beach’s newest pubic parks is already becoming one of its most popular, thanks to a prime location along the oceanfront, and a host of concerts, shows, and special events that have all been held within its borders. The Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion is home to the town’s largest public green space, and is perched along the oceanfront, inviting visitors to stop by and admire the scene. Fun for big community-wide events and everyday visitors alike, this park is charming both the visitors and locals of Kure Beach.
“Namastay at Terrace” is a five bedroom, three and a half bathroom duplex that will have you wishing you could just stay forever. This elegantly designed and decorated property offers a deck on each level and a massive rooftop terrace with impressive vistas of the ocean and the canal. You don't have to choose sunrise or sunset, as you'll be appreciating both! Upgraded amenities such as a private elevator and Tesla/ EV (universal charger) are available for your comfort!There is one king bedroom with en suite bath, two queen bedrooms, one bedroom with full size bunk beds and one bedroom with two twin sized bunk beds. There ample space for dining with seating for eight at the table and eight more at the bar counter. The living area is ideal for gathering and watching a movie or catching the big game.As much as you will savor the inside, this home really beckons you to be outside. With furnished decks on every level, and a spectacular rooftop terrace, you'll be spending nearly all of your time soaking in the striking scenery. Imagine beautiful sunrises over the Atlantic, where you might get lucky enough to catch a pod of dolphins playing in the early morning. Then, after a amazing day at the beach you'll come home in time to catch the sun slipping away over the harbor basin filled with sailboats and fishing vessels.The storage room below includes a few fun amenities to utilize during your stay. The fenced in yard makes a nice play area for the little ones, or a central grilling station for the flame inspired chef of the family. Centrally located between the Boardwalk and the Fishing Pier, you may never need to drive once you arrive. You'll appreciate the Thursday Nighttime fireworks, Movies at the Lake on Sundays, and our famed Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. If you still want more, take a short drive down to Fort Fisher for some exploration of the battlefield and a leisurely visit to the NC Aquarium. For the adventurous, you can drive out onto the beach at Freeman Park, if you bring your 4x4 car. No trip to Carolina Beach would be complete without sampling at least one of the world famed Britt's Donuts.Bryant Real Estate is proud to assure our guests that we have upheld the vitally important new NC legislation known as Weston’s Law. Working with the owner, we have had the elevator in this home tested and certified as compliant. We hope that you will enjoy this conveniences knowing that it is a kid safe and completely conforms to State regulations.Occupancy: 12Stay Requirements: Any Turn Day. Minimum two nighttime stay.Linens Configuration: 1 King, 2 Queen, 1 Full Bunk Bed (suitable for 2 guests only, upper bunk for kid), 2 Twin Bunk BedsParking: Parking for four cars.Pet Policy: No family pets allowed. Prohibited: Family Animals, Smoking, RV’s, Boats, Boat Trailers, Mail and Packages are not able to be sent to the rental. Featured Conveniences: Keyless Entry, Outdoor Shower, EV Charger, Elevator, Beach Equipment, Sound View, Ocean View, Grille, Rooftop Sun Deck, Fenced Yard. Property Security: For the security of our guests and the safety of our home, we have exterior security cameras located to view driveway, back porch, rooftop and first floor door (doorbell camera). Cancellation Policy: Full refund within 24 hours of booking, cancellations at 31+ days before check-in will receive a full refund after a $350 cancellation fee is deducted, cancellations at 15-30 days before check-in will receive a 50% refund of monies paid less a $350 cancellation fee and less than 15 days prior to arrival is not subject to a refund. All policies are subject to possible additional refund based on re-rental, excluding non-returnable cancellation costs and travel insurance (if applicable).Bryant Real Estate, established in 1952, is a professional operated firm that is licensed in North Carolina and hired by the property owner to manage “C232 – Namastay at Terrace” as a vacation rental.
- Carolina Beach
- 5 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 12