Aquariums

Topsail Aquarium

Name: Topsail Aquarium
Address: 106 N Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445, Surf City, NC, US
Telephone: (910) 515-9751
Rating: 4.8

★★★★☆ 4.8 (366 reviews)

📍 106 N Topsail Dr, Surf City, NC 28445

📞 (910) 515-9751

🌐 www.topsailaquarium.com

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	10 AM–5 PM
Tuesday	10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday	10 AM–5 PM
Thursday	10 AM–5 PM
Friday	10 AM–5 PM
Saturday	10 AM–2 PM
Sunday	Closed

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About Topsail Aquarium

Topsail Aquarium is an aquarium in Surf City, NC. Topsail Aquarium features Big Boris, a tarantula weighing approximately 33 pounds, making it an exceptionally large specimen for display. Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by 366 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Aquarium
Best For: All ages
Highlights: Touch tanks, shark exhibits, rescued reptile jungle room, ghost crab hunts
Admission: Walk-in general admission; $150/year membership
Special Programs: Ghost Crab Hunts, Aquarium Apprentice, birthday parties

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Topsail Aquarium features Big Boris, a tarantula weighing approximately 33 pounds, making it an exceptionally large specimen for display
⭐The aquarium offers Ghost Crab Hunts, after-dark beach hunts where children hunt for ghost crabs with free admission for accompanying parents, combining education with outdoor exploration
⭐Topsail Aquarium maintains an Aquarium Apprentice program offering week-long intensive experiences (Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm) for hands-on wildlife education at $175 per child
⭐The facility combines aquatic exhibits with a Jungle Room housing rescued reptiles including leopard geckos and tegus, plus an insects and arachnids wall featuring species such as King Scorpions
⭐Staff conduct scheduled interactive animal encounters every 30 minutes to one hour, bringing live animals out for guest interaction throughout the day

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Plan for 30 minutes to an hour to see all exhibits comfortably. This is a small, compact aquarium, so you can experience everything without feeling rushed, making it perfect for families with young children or those with limited time.
💡Interactive animal encounters happen every 30 minutes to an hour with staff bringing out different animals. Arrive early and ask staff about the encounter schedule to time your visit around these hands-on experiences, especially for young children.
💡The upstairs play area is a highlight for toddlers and young children. If visiting with kids under 5, budget time for this imaginative play space as it's frequently mentioned as a favorite feature in reviews.
💬At $150 per year for up to 6 members with unlimited access, membership pays for itself in just 2-3 visits. If you're local or planning multiple trips to the area, annual membership is a smart investment.
💡Don't miss the Ghost Crab Hunts ($20 per child, free for parents) held after dark on the beach. This unique nighttime experience combines beach exploration with wildlife observation and is mentioned as a distinctive offering not found at typical aquariums.