Learn. Love. Protect.
Topsail Touch-Tank Aquarium is Topsail’s very own interactive experience for all ages. Come and adventure with us today! No reservations needed, open year-round!
Our Exhibits
Local Marine Life
Dive right into our local marine tanks! Here you will find local Rays, Bamboo Sharks, Horseshoe Crabs, as well as many different species of fish and invertebrates. From our Shark tank to our Lagoon, you are able to see, touch, and study wildlife that is swimming alongside of you in the ocean!
Reptiles + Bugs
Over the years, we have rescued over 25 reptiles and arachnids. From Tarantulas to Tegus, we have lots to see and touch in our full-on Jungle Room! We also have a kid’s zone with bug studies and other 6-legged findings!
What is Topsail Touch Tank Aquarium?
It all started with our camps. For years, we took children out into the field to learn about our local flora and fauna of Topsail Island. When we would find something really cool, we would bring it back to our lab to study and monitor that animal. After getting so many people interested in seeing those tanks, we decided to open up to the public in the Summer of 2019.
Since then, we have grown into an amazing experience for all ages. Our touch tanks are on a catch, study, and release basis. That means, any animal that is caught, studied, and healthy will go right back to their homes in the ocean. We don’t want any animal to live in captivity if it doesn’t need to be here. Thats why you’ll see our exhibits change every few weeks with our constant catch and release programs.
We are set to change the way the public views touch tanks. Here, animals are meticulously cared for and nourished. We vowed to be the best stewards of our oceans, while still being an amazing resource for education and conservation
