1 / 3Team E.C.C.O. & the Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO
📍 Hendersonville, NC
The Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO is a nonprofit inland aquarium in downtown Hendersonville featuring sharks, dozens of fish species, and reptiles. Live shark hand-feedings are a regular program highlight.
This place was so cool! Reasonably priced and so informative! Everyone was very helpful. Good way to spend a few hours
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for curious kids aged 5 and up with an interest in marine life or science. The live shark feeding is a memorable hands-on moment. The small-scale setting means younger children aren't overwhelmed. School groups and homeschool families can access structured educational programming—inquire directly about group visit options.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →158 Google reviews
Hope H
“This place was so cool! Reasonably priced and so informative! Everyone was very helpful. Good way to spend a few hours”
Clare Chambers
“Absolutely wonderful experience for my kids! We got to see one of the staff hand-feed sharks. There are dozens of fish and reptiles to learn about. The owner was friendly and knowledgeable. We will be back!”
Patrick Gale
“Cute small place, but theres a pet store literally right around the corner, that has more animals than they do. The staff are all friendly and knowledgeable, but theres just not alot there. Save yourself $8 and go visit fins on fifth. Its less than 50 feet away.”
Sarah Bennett
“Small but also it does NOT seem like this place is knowledgeable about the animals they are responsible for and do not know how to properly care for them or care enough to look outside their org and learn. Kind of crazy that they are a 501c.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
The Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team ECCO holds the distinction of being North Carolina's first inland aquarium. The nonprofit facility houses sharks, dozens of fish species, reptiles, and rotating marine science exhibits. Staff regularly perform live shark hand-feedings that visitors can watch up close. The organization runs a marine science internship program for high school and college students and partners with institutions including the Georgia Aquarium and the Field Museum.
