North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island

North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is at 374 Airport Rd. (SR 1116). Exhibits reflect the theme “Waters of the Outer Banks.” The 285,000-gallon Graveyard of the Atlantic exhibit includes sharks, fishes and a 1/3-scale replica of the USS Monitor shipwreck. Other highlights are the Close Encounters touch tanks, a fossil pit and river otters and alligators in the Wetlands on the Edge gallery. The Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center offers a look into the rescue, recovery and release of sick and injured sea turtles, along with the interactive exhibit Sea Turtle Rescue.

Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.