I stopped at the Roanoke Cashie River Center near closing. I didn't see anybody inside while I was…read morethere so not sure if I was to be in there. But from what I saw it seemed like a nice museum with detailed displays of the water system; an aquarium; turtle tank; a bee hive. It looks like somewhere that would need longer to explore. They offer pontoon rides on Saturdays.

Wow...this is definitely a place you should come and if you have kids bring the kids. They have…read moresome great exhibits and a lot of different marine life here. There were several HUGE tanks that are worth just sitting on the benches they have there and watching all the sea creatures move about. I posted a number of pictures and videos, but didn't post them all because I want you to read my review and you really need to see it for yourself. The ticket price is fair and the parking is free.

I've been to some great aquariums in California (Long Beach and Monterey) so I thought this one…read morewould just be ok but I'm glad I was wrong. It is on the small side for an aquarium but the experience was still great. They have OTTERS!!!! AHHHH they were adorable and I could watch them forever. About 4 of them were very active and playful. It was special. They had a great layout and floor plan. Clean and informative exhibits. The exhibit with the sunken looking sub was amazing and had sharks ! they also had one of my favorites, Sea Horses. Loved it. I wish they had an octopus exhibit but they said they will in the future. Worth the visit.

Great aquarium for the price! It isn't huge (about 60-90 min to get through) but priced perfectly…read more There is a small touch tank, two adorable otters, a big tank with sand sharks-including one huge one with gnarly teeth and crazy looking eyes. Not a character I would want to meet in the ocean. There is also a turtle rescue section with a few rescued turtles, very helpful volunteers, and an amazing interactive turtle rescue exhibit for kids where they get to diagnose, treat and release toy turtles. Outside there is a nature walk, a pier, and a fossil hunting station for the kids. All in all a fun time!

We only spent about 1.5 hours there since it is relatively small. $15 for admission and under 2…read morecan enter for free. There is limited parking. The gift shop is large and they have lots of merchandise. While we were there, one of the staff members was in the turtle tank cleaning it, several drips coming from the ceiling, and staff was dusting the jelly fish area. I think all this need to be accomplished when patrons are not there. It was very raining the day we were there, but the gift shop did not sell any ponchos, just expensive umbrellas and towels.

Outer Banks Driftwood exceeded my expectations by miles. They have truly unique hard wood pieces…read morethat would look great in any aquarium or on someones mantel. The owner Reese was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with; I will only be buying my future driftwood from this seller. If you want the highest quality driftwood around for a fraction of the cost then this is the place to support. Can't wait to come up with an excuse to buy more! -James S

From the owner: A huge inventory of natural driftwood pulled from the waters of the Outer Banks of North Carolina…read more This is finest collection of high end driftwood on the planet. We have driftwood for your every need. Extra-Large pieces(over 100 lbs.) to pieces that fit in the palm of your hand. Small to Extra-Large decorative pieces. Hand picked Aquarium/Terrarium pieces. Planter pieces for succulents. All sizes and shapes for artists & taxidermists. Medium to Extra-Large Large pieces for furniture and landscaping. Wall mounting pieces. Driftwood Mantels and Driftwood Coffee Tables. We have the best driftwood for sale. You name it, we've got it.

He has serviced and maintained my tank now for almost a year and he always goes above and beyond…read moretaking as much time as is needed to handle the needed maintenance. He takes time to explain things and is focused on the details. He is also very reasonable for the excellent services he provides.

After 5 months of allowing the calcium to be too high in my salt tank and dozens of coral dying, he…read moredecided to break our contract (which his wife notifying me by text). He broke my glass lid and owed me money for coral frags he didn't provide and after asking numerous times for a refund of both, he continued to say he was "working on it".

ATTN: This aquarium welcomes all, but I'd say this is designed primarily for children. They will…read moreenjoy it as our nephews (under 4 yo)had a grand time! PARKING We drove past this place and initially thought the lot behind the building was for the aquarium, but it was a private lot reserved for 2 restaurants in the area. We found a paid public lot nearby for $5/hour, with two options between the aquarium building. TICKETS $10 per person and FREE for kids under 2. No reservations needed. SERVICE The staff are very friendly and welcoming. They give quick instructions to all visitors to flag them down with any questions -- simply look for someone in a blue Topsail Aquarium shirt. AQUARIUM SPECIES A lot of aquamarine creatures and reptiles, etc. I appreciate the hand wash station, which was instructed to be used before touching any of the animals. Staff members were attentive and reminded everyone to touch with two fingers. There was a staff member walking around with a yellow python, which was cool. Overall, it's an enjoyable experience for both kids and adults. I'd estimate the visit lasts no more than 45-60 minutes. The exhibits are quite small.

We had a good visit but this may not be the spot for everyone. The staff was welcoming and engaging…read moreand they also recognized neurodivergence in our child and backed off when she was anxious. That said it's a small space and could be crowded easily. The upstairs is also very small and a little run down. This is a good rainy day activity or a quick activity to get out of the heat. That said if cost is an issue, I'd save your money.

Stopped in to take a look around and was greeted by the most friendly employees! Although I was…read morejust going to browse they were still super kind and informative. They seem to really love what they do, and the vibes are immaculate.

This store has always caught my eye, so I decided to stop by. The owners were immediately so…read morewelcoming and eager to help me with whatever I needed. They truly care about educating customers and showing you the fish they have to offer. I was so pleasantly surprised by Coastal Reef, and would encourage anyone to stop by-even if it's just to browse or meet the staff. You can see the dedication and passion for the aquariums from just a quick stop by. Highly encourage Coastal Reef for all your salt water needs!

You have to reserve a time for your tour before arriving…read more Once you get there you have a staff member that will guide you through the facility and the tours are in an assembly type manner so the next group is next to yours with their own staff member and so on, there were about 5 different tour groups going on when we went so it can be difficult to hear with all the different groups. But the information that they provided was so interesting and I really learned a lot about the sea turtles they have rescued. I also loved hearing of each of the turtles they currently have and their different personalities. I wouldn't recommend the tours for small kids since there is a lot of talking. At the end is a gift shop with a bunch of cool things you can buy.

I was so excited to go here because I love sea turtles and the conservation efforts this place…read moredoes! The work and love that goes into what every staff member does is impressive. You have to make reservations because they sell out fast but there's plenty of time slots to choose from. Honestly even tho there are back to back tour groups going I never felt rushed. I came by myself and stayed toward the back of the group. Our tour guide was Margo and she was very sweet and answered all questions the adults and kids had! She took time to explain things and was very informative. I learned so much I didn't know . Then we moved into the room with the turtles. They are so well taken care of. We came when they were feeding some of turtles and that was pretty cool! There are signs on tanks that tell you names of the turtles. You can adopt a turtle and donate to the care and upkeep it takes to house and give them the medical care they need. Then as the tour ends you exit thru the gift shop! I had to pick a few little things so I got stickers and a magnet! I had a great time and I highly recommend going ... I'll definitely be back!!!

This is our nightly happy hour when we are staying on Ocracoke. The owners and staff are super…read morefriendly and, like the rest of the island, it feels like your own neighborhood bar, even if you're just a tourist. * Blanche de Bruxelles on draft (we did a blind Belgian Wit beer tasting in Brussels a few years back and it came in second place out of more than a dozen beers) * This amazing Left-Hand Brewing company Peanut Butter Milk Stout - it sounds so stupid but it's an amazing beer. * Nice wines by the glass including a Sokol Blosser Pinot Gris. We also got a great smoked fish dip with some crackers, though the food is mostly DIY (they will give you a knife and cutting board). The one thing I will add is that if you buy anything but draft beer or by-the-glass wine you will likely find the prices usurious.

Nice little spot to get a quick drink and stop for a break on a hot day. They have a surprisingly…read morebroad selection of drink options available, and the staff are really friendly. Outdoor space is spacious and great to sit for a bit, or you can take shelter from the heat indoors and sit at their bar. Also dog friendly on the patio, which is always fun!