Fort Fisher Aquarium is closing permanently in 2025

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher will close its doors permanently on January 2, 2025. The aquarium, located in Kure Beach near Wilmington, has operated since 1972 and housed thousands of marine animals native to North Carolina waters. The closure is part of a larger restructuring by the North Carolina Aquarium Society, which operates three aquariums across the state.

The decision to close Fort Fisher came after years of declining attendance and rising operational costs. The facility will not reopen at a new location — this is a permanent shutdown, not a temporary closure or relocation. Staff have been notified, and the animals are being transferred to other facilities or released into appropriate habitats.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Fisher Aquarium closes permanently on January 2, 2025, and will not reopen elsewhere.
  • The aquarium's marine animals are being transferred to other facilities or released into the wild under professional supervision.
  • The other two North Carolina Aquariums — in Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke Island — remain open and operating.
  • If you have already purchased tickets or memberships, contact the aquarium directly about refunds or transfers before the closure date.

What happens to the animals

The North Carolina Aquarium Society has been working with marine biologists and other aquariums to place the animals appropriately. Fish and other marine life native to North Carolina waters are being released into the Atlantic Ocean or local waterways under controlled conditions. Animals that cannot survive in the wild — such as those with injuries or those from non-native habitats — are being transferred to other accredited aquariums and facilities.

The process began months before the January 2025 closure date to may support each animal's safety. The aquarium's staff documented the health and history of every creature to match them with suitable destinations. This approach is standard practice when aquariums close and is overseen by marine conservation professionals.

Your options if you have tickets or memberships

If you purchased tickets in advance or hold a membership to Fort Fisher Aquarium, you should contact the facility directly to discuss your options. The aquarium's phone line and website will have information about refunds or how to transfer your membership to one of the other two North Carolina Aquariums. Do not wait until late December — contact them as soon as possible to avoid delays.

Membership holders may be offered the chance to transfer their remaining membership time to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores or the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Refund policies vary depending on when your membership was purchased and how much time remains on it, so calling ahead will give you a clear answer about what you are may have access to to.

The other North Carolina Aquariums still operating

North Carolina operates two other aquariums that remain open. The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is located on Bogue Banks near Atlantic Beach and features exhibits focused on the state's coastal ecosystems. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is in Manteo and emphasizes the habitats and wildlife of the Outer Banks and sounds.

Both facilities offer similar educational programs, interactive exhibits, and marine life viewing experiences. If you were planning to visit an aquarium in North Carolina, either of these locations can provide comparable attractions. Both are operated by the same organization and maintain the same commitment to marine education and conservation.

Why Fort Fisher is closing

The North Carolina Aquarium Society cited declining visitor numbers and rising maintenance costs as the primary reasons for the closure. The building itself, while historic, required expensive repairs and upgrades to meet modern safety and animal care standards. Rather than invest in renovations at Fort Fisher, the organization decided to concentrate resources on the two remaining facilities.

This decision reflects a broader trend in the aquarium industry, where smaller or older facilities struggle to compete with larger attractions and changing visitor preferences. The closure allows the organization to maintain higher-quality exhibits and animal care at its remaining locations rather than spreading resources too thin across three sites.

Planning your last visit before January 2025

If you want to visit Fort Fisher Aquarium before it closes, plan your trip well before the end of December. The facility will likely experience higher-than-usual crowds in its final weeks, so arriving early in the day or on a weekday may mean shorter wait times. Check the aquarium's website or call ahead to confirm current hours, as they may adjust operations as the closure date approaches.

Bring a camera if you want to capture memories of the exhibits. The aquarium's location in Kure Beach also offers beach access and nearby restaurants, so you can make a full day of your visit. If you are traveling from out of state, book accommodations early, as hotels in the Wilmington area may fill up during the final weeks of operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still visit Fort Fisher Aquarium before it closes?

Yes, the aquarium remains open to visitors until January 2, 2025. Check the facility's website or call for current hours and any special events they may be hosting during their final weeks of operation.

Will Fort Fisher Aquarium reopen somewhere else?

No. This is a permanent closure. The North Carolina Aquarium Society is not planning to relocate the facility or reopen it under a different name or location.

What should I do with my membership before the closure?

Contact Fort Fisher Aquarium directly to discuss transferring your membership to Pine Knoll Shores or Roanoke Island, or to request a refund. Call or visit their website to confirm the process and important date for transfers.

Where can I see similar exhibits if I live near Kure Beach?

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, about 30 miles north, offers comparable marine exhibits and is the closest remaining facility. The Roanoke Island location is farther but also features North Carolina's coastal wildlife and ecosystems.

Are the animals being harmed by the closure?

No. Marine biologists are overseeing the transfer of all animals to appropriate facilities or back into the wild. Native species are being released into suitable habitats, and animals that cannot survive in the wild are being placed in other accredited facilities.