I have to say that my wife and I set about visiting every local fish store we could find over a…read moreyear ago and wasn't impressed by any store we found at the time or owner(s) as much as we were impressed by Bruce and his store Sea Critters Depot. At the time I was thinking and wanting to get a salt water tank and even a reef tank, but thought it was just going to be impossible and really hard to do on my own as I just hadn't found a store or someone to help until I met Bruce. Bruce was so nice and patiently answered all my questions even though he knew I wasn't going to buy a thing that day and I didn't. I came back for a couple more weekends answering questions and didn't buy a thing and Bruce was kind and took the time to answer any question I came up with. Another thing that impressed me about how Bruce does business is that all those really expensive salt water fish you don't want to take home and die are put through quarantine by Bruce in his store for two weeks before he will let you buy them. Bruce doesn't have to do this and so far to date after being in this hobby for over a year Bruce is the only store that I've found that does this. Bruce is even nice enough to let you write your name on the tank for the fish you want in quarantine so you can pick the fish up after the quarantine is over. That way he doesn't sell you a sick fish and you know that as long as you do the right thing your fish will live a long time after you take the fish home. And this has been my experience. Every fish I've gotten has thrived in my tank. Another thing that impressed me that no other store I've been in does is that Bruce puts cards out on the tanks that shows a picture of the fish, the name of the fish, the price, and most important of all to someone with a reef tank is he tells you if the fish is reef safe, reef safe with caution, or not reef safe. So you know up front before you get excited to get a fish that it is safe for your reef tank or not. And for those that are safe with caution Bruce will gladly explain what you have to look out for and his experience with the fish. Bruce will tell you based on his considerable experience with the fish in reef tanks exactly how he expects they will behave and it's up to you to listen to his advice as he will let you buy it if you want the animal, but he certainly warns you first about what problems you may experience. I know I've not purchased fish based on what he's told me. And I've bought fish based on what he's told me and I watched to make sure I wouldn't have a problem since I know ahead of time that the fish might not be the best fit. You really can't go wrong buying from Bruce.

The owner is so helpful. I just started my saltwater tank and he gave great advice. Without his…read moreadvice, I would have made major mistakes.

Nice & clean, knowledgeable workers and healthy fish…read more No pressure, so it's great to browse and get info before stocking.

Best aquarium supply store !! The fish are beautiful and incredible! They carry fish that have been…read moreon my wishlist and fish I've never even heard of. I highly recommend! Aquarium plants, shrimp, fish, spiders, lizards, turtles, etc

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!

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.

Excellent selection of very fresh fish. I bought a large piece of Grouper and grilled it at home…read more Fresh, never frozen. A delicious meal.

Port City Saltwater has been the only saltwater fish store in the area that has actually been able…read moreto get stuff in when I asked for it. Whether it be a special fish, salt, supplement, or odd piece of equipment they have hooked it up big time.

The fish store has a huge display of discus varieties in all colors and patterns. I like going…read morethere to see what I like, with a suggestion or two from the owner and then pick out one or so for my tropical fish tank. I like this so much better than looking at one on line, where you see but sometimes you don't get. owner is very nice and this place is tops.

Amazing Discus quality and exceptional shipping service. I have purchased Discus from MBD in…read moreDecember of 2023 and recently in July of 2024 and the Discus are healthy. Discus from may December order starting paring up within 3 months and now I have fry. Thanks MBD keep up the great work.

The Treasure Cove Gift Shop inside the Fort Fisher Aquarium is a great gift shop with a wide…read morevariety of products from tv shirts to books to toys to knick knacks. The staff are friendly and helpful. It is a great way to end your visit at the aquarium.

This review is for the aquarium during Covid (March 2021). We were a family of 6 (4 adults and 2…read morechildren). We purchased our tickets online ahead of time since you cannot purchase at the door. The process was pretty easy and when I arrived at the front kiosk window I asked Amy if we could have our tickets printed since the email said so. She was not the most welcoming and curtly told me to hold up my phone to the glass to scan each ticket from the generated PDF. We were then instructed to wear our masks and stay 6 feet apart from other guests. The welcome could have been a bit more courteous since this is the first touch point of the aquarium. The exhibits are clustered by type - freshwater fish, otter (not on display), albino alligator and snakes in the first area, then we saw horseshoe crabs, stingrays, turtles and a touch area where you could reach in and touch the stingray and sea urchins and other animals. The big fish aquarium was cylindrical and all the sharks and big fish swam in circles over two levels. You can get a group photo taken as well and purchase a framed photo for $30 plus on the way out. There is a bald eagle named Maverick from Wisconsin that was injured and cannot fly. The displays are nicely done and dark with a variety of fish. There are signs to show high touch areas. I don't know how much is cleaned or disinfected so bring your own wipes or sanitizer or don't touch the glass. All in all it was a nice visit for the family. I don't know what other aquariums North Carolina offers yet Fort Fisher has a nice variety of fish, turtles, and other sea life.

They just happen to be closed at the time I had to visit. Possibly nice inside. I also had to set…read morethis business up on Yelp. I hope to see more about this place since it is a stand alone unique business and the only shop like it in the area within 30 minutes or more. Deserving of way more attention than I assume it is getting.

Very organize and knowledgeable owner! Best coral in JVille. Has a variety of coral and fish! A…read moremust visit if you are looking for healthy coral.

From the owner: Open by appointment only. Reef Headz is collocated in the Headz Up Barber shop. Reef Headz is…read moreJacksonville, NC only coral specialist shop. There are not only corals and reefing gear. There are Invertebrates, Crustaceans, Mollusks, Bivalves, fish, and captive bred and raised designer clownfish. The owner has been officially serving the Coral community for over four years at the time of opening and has been in the hobby for over 30 years. Let’s build a reef.

We always stop in while in down to get goodies for our boil. They always have the best selection…read moreand is always so clean. The staff is great including their cutest furry four legged employee.

Stopped in to pick up some shrimp for dinner. We first noticed how clean the place was inside and…read morethe lack of fishy smell that some other places have. The fish were all covered when we arrived, but an employee quickly uncovered them so we could see the fresh catch. Ended up getting 2.5 pounds of peeled, deveined shrimp at what we felt was a very reasonable price. Pros: 1.) Good prices. Their prices for shrimp and other catch all seemed very reasonable. 2.) Good service. Employees were very attentive. Cons: 1.) Cocktail sauce. We love a spicy cocktail sauce, and the "spicy" one they recommended was hardly spicy at all. Very minor critique, but we love places that make their own and they only have premade brands. Would definitely stop in again to try out some of the other seafood they offer!