So much has changed since the beginning of 2020 due to Coronavirus in the US. In June, the NC Aquarium system closed all their facilities to help stop the spread of disease. Although some facilities have since reopened, the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island remains closed to the public. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t keep in touch with all the animals while you're waiting for it to open again! In order to continue to provide educational lessons for the public, the Aquarium has created a series of awesome virtual programs!
Virtual Tours
Behind-The-Scenes Tour: One of the most exciting tours visitors can reserve are the Behind-The-Scenes Tours in which Aquarium staff will give virtual tours of parts of the exhibits that visitors don’t usually get to see. Tours are perfect for any age and cost $18/person. Tours will be we conducted on August 19th at 1:00 PM, August 21st at 11:00 AM and August 24th at 1:00 PM.
Quarantine Tour: This is the perfect tour for the marine lover stuck at home! This tour is specifically designed to teach visitors about the intake process for the Aquarium and is good for all age groups. Reservations are $18/person and tours will be conducted at 1:00 PM on August 12th, 17th, 25th, and 28th.
Shark Exhibit Tour: If you can’t get enough of Shark Week, you’ll love this virtual tour of the 285,000-gallon tank that doubles as the home for everyone’s favorite sea creature. Get a first-hand look at the shark feeding process! This tour is open to all ages and costs $18/person. Tours are open August 11th at 1:00 PM, August 14th at 3:00 PM, August 18th at 10:00 AM, August 20th at 1:00 PM, August 26th at 9:00 AM, August 27th at 1:00 PM, and August 31st at 9:30 AM.
All tours are run through Zoom and require advance registration. Tours are about 20-30 minutes long depending on the individual tour topic. NC Aquarium Society Members may be eligible for a discount on all tour reservations. Reservations can be made online at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island’s Website.
Virtual Educational Series
This series is the perfect way to get a first-hand look at all of your favorite animals at the Aquarium! Through August 31st, you will have the chance to sit through an online 20-30-minute session to learn all about different marine creatures. Sessions are $10 each so it’s easy to register for more than one!
- August 17: Eels (9:30 AM)
- August 18: Otters (2:00 PM)
- August 19: Marine Mammals (9:30 AM)
- August 20: Squid Anatomy (11 AM)
- August 24: Lionfish (9:30 AM)
- August 25: Invertebrates (11 AM)
- August 26: Jellyfish (1 PM)
- August 27: Sharks (11 AM)
- August 28: Alligators (11 AM)
- August 31: Box Turtles (1 PM)
All sessions are run through Zoom and require advance registration. Animal topics subject to change based on availability. Reservations can be made online at the NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island’s Website.
Aquarium Animal Cameos
Have you ever wanted to have an owl, sea turtle, possum or river otter stop in for a surprise? Be the hit of your next birthday, party, or other event when you meet one of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors! An educator will give you an introduction to the animal and then you and your guests will have an opportunity to ask questions! Sessions are $25 and open to all ages. Advance registration is required, and sessions are run through Zoom. Animal cameos can be scheduled by contacting the Education Curator.
If you’re still missing the Aquarium, click here for our virtual walkthrough!
About the Author: Jessie has been coming to the Outer Banks since she was just 5 years old. She loved it here so much that she finally relocated in 2018. Now her mission is to show the world that the Outer Banks is an incredible place that everyone should experience. When she isn't working, you can find Jessie hanging out with her friends, chilling at home with a good book, or discovering a new Outer Banks adventure.
