Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino is a captivating aquarium destination in Las Vegas, Nevada. Featuring over 2,000 marine creatures, the facility boasts a massive 1.3 million gallon main tank and immersive underwater tunnels. Beyond the stunning exhibits, Shark Reef prioritizes conservation and education, making it a valuable resource for visitors seeking to explore the wonders of the ocean. With its diverse array of species and unique experiences, this aquarium offers a refreshing escape from the city’s typical attractions.

Key Points

• Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is a predator-based aquarium with 2,000 animals, including over 100 sharks and a 1.3 million-gallon main tank.
• The aquarium offers unique viewing experiences through underwater tunnels and interactive exhibits like the Touchpool with stingrays and horseshoe crabs.
• It is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with free admission for infants and a VR experience suitable for children aged 5 and older.
• Visitors can expect to encounter various dangerous aquatic predators, such as Galapagos sharks, grey reef sharks, and zebra sharks.
• The aquarium is involved in conservation and education efforts, hosting programs and collaborating with groups to raise awareness about endangered marine life.

Overview and Features

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, located in Las Vegas, is North America’s only predator-based aquarium.

Home to 2,000 animals, including sawfish, giant rays, endangered green sea turtles, piranha, jellyfish, and over 100 sharks, with 30 in the 1.3-million-gallon main tank, one of the largest in the US.

Two underwater tunnels provide a unique viewing experience.

The aquarium also includes Sea Monsters Revealed, the largest exhibit of preserved sea creatures, and a new VR Experience suitable for all ages.

Admission and Accessibility

Admission ticket to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay includes the box office fee, hotel pickup/drop-off, and parking/valet fees.

Located at the Casino at Mandalay Bay, the aquarium is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Infants aged 0-4 can enter free of charge.

The VR experience is suitable for ages 5 and older, with younger children required to be accompanied by an adult.

Operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, with last entry at 7:00 PM.

Visitors can book their tickets in advance, with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Exhibits and Experiences

Offering 14 exhibits focused on dangerous aquatic predators, Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay features an array of captivating marine life.

Visitors can encounter:

• Galapagos sharks, grey reef sharks, and zebra sharks
• Endangered sea turtles, stingrays, and sawfish
• An interactive Touchpool exhibit with stingrays and horseshoe crabs
• Other notable species like golden crocodiles, Komodo dragons, Burmese pythons, and tropical fish

The highlight of the experience is the immersive underwater tunnels, providing a unique perspective of these predators in their natural habitat.

Interactive exhibits and the new VR experience further enhance the visitor’s exploration of the ocean’s wonders.

Visitor Experience and Reviews

Based on the 1,002 reviews, visitors to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay generally enjoyed the close encounters with the various species, the immersive VR experience, and the overall cleanliness and well-maintained condition of the facility.

While some visitors noted the aquarium’s size as smaller than expected, many found it worth the visit.

Highlights included the underwater tunnels that provided an immersive viewing experience and the interactive exhibits that allowed visitors to get up close with stingrays and horseshoe crabs.

Pricing and Booking Information

Admission prices for Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay start from $29.75 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.

Tickets can be reserved with flexibility for later payment, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The pricing and booking features include:

• Admission prices start from $29.75 per person
• Lowest price guarantee
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
• Flexible ticket reservation with later payment

Visitors can easily plan their visit to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay with these convenient pricing and booking options.

Unique Underwater Viewing Tunnels

The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay features two underwater tunnels that provide visitors with a unique and immersive viewing experience.

Visitors can walk through these acrylic-enclosed tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and other marine life swimming overhead and around them.

The tunnels offer an up-close encounter with the predators, allowing guests to observe their natural behaviors and movements from just a few feet away.

This one-of-a-kind feature adds to the excitement and educational value of the aquarium, making it a must-see attraction for those visiting the Las Vegas Strip.

Conservation and Education Efforts

Beyond the captivating underwater displays, the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay also serves as an important hub for conservation and education efforts.

The aquarium partners with various organizations to support marine life preservation and promote environmental stewardship. Notable initiatives include:

• Hosting educational programs and tours for students of all ages to learn about aquatic ecosystems and sustainable practices.

• Participating in research projects to study the behaviors and habitats of endangered species like green sea turtles.

• Collaborating with conservation groups to raise awareness and funds for ocean conservation efforts.

• Showcasing the plight of vulnerable marine life to inspire visitors to take action and make a difference.

Planning Your Visit to Shark Reef

Visitors planning a trip to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay will find a well-organized and convenient experience. The aquarium is located within the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, making it easily accessible.

Admission tickets include hotel pickup, parking, and access to the various exhibits. The facility is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, and infants under 4 can enter for free.

The VR experience is suitable for ages 5 and up, with younger children requiring adult supervision. Tickets can be booked in advance, with flexible payment options and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Aquarium Have a Gift Shop?

The aquarium does have a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, educational materials, and merchandise related to the featured marine life and aquatic predators. The gift shop offers a variety of items for all ages.

What Types of Food Options Are Available?

The aquarium offers several dining options, including a casual cafe serving light meals and snacks. Visitors can also find a variety of food and beverage choices at the nearby Mandalay Bay resort facilities.

Can Visitors Touch or Feed the Animals?

Visitors can interact with certain animals at the aquarium’s interactive Touchpool exhibit, where they can gently touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs. However, direct feeding of the animals is not allowed for the safety of both visitors and the creatures.

How Often Are the Exhibits Cleaned and Maintained?

The exhibits are regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals. Thorough cleaning and monitoring of water quality are essential for providing a healthy and vibrant environment for the aquatic creatures on display.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?

Shark Reef offers various discounts and promotions to make the experience more accessible. Visitors can take advantage of package deals, discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel, as well as combo tickets for additional attractions.

The Sum Up

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay offers a captivating aquatic experience, featuring over 2,000 diverse marine species and immersive underwater tunnels. With a focus on conservation and education, the attraction provides visitors of all ages an opportunity to explore the wonders of the ocean and learn about the importance of protecting its delicate ecosystems.