The North Carolina aquariums will be opening soon along the Outer Banks so mark your calendars!
The North Carolina aquariums, like all government-run and operated businesses have been closed due to the COVID situation but they will be opening soon.
On Thursday, it was announced that all of the aquariums will be opening on September 14th, which is Monday. Not sure why they would give up the weekend unless it is simply too soon to get things reorganized. Tickets are on sale now, however.
The NC Aquariums consist of three OBX (Outer Banks) locations. Pine Knoll, Roanoke Island, and Fort Fisher. Fort Fisher is just south of Wilmington on the lower end of the OBX with Pine Knoll located on the island stretch between Bogue Sound and the Atlantic. Follow route 58 through Emerald Isle and Indian Beach towards Moorehead City.
To reach Roanoke, you need to go further north. It is located on the Manteo island just west of Nags Head on route 64.
The aquariums announced that all annual memberships will be extended due to the health shutdown. Memberships are unique as they also provide you with discounts and sometimes free access to other zoos and aquariums around the United States. If you are interested check out their website for more information on the opening, restrictions that may be in place, and of course the membership.
Each aquarium is unique in and of itself. The Outer Banks system of islands is a rather diverse ecological system that changes from north to south. Each of the aquariums focuses on the local wildlife that will vary depending on where you are at in NC.
It is a shame that the summer was wasted but it is finally nice to see that museums and such are opening!