What’s the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef?
The ocean is probably the last thing people think of when they visit the dry desert of Las Vegas, but the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is changing that. Housing more than 1,200 species of marine life including sharks, exotic fresh and saltwater fish, a 300-pound sea turtle and much more, Shark Reef offers the aquatic experience of a lifetime. Shark Reef is reminiscent of an ancient temple slowly sinking into the ocean. The tunnel, which houses five species of sharks and the aquarium’s largest animals, is designed to look like a sunken shipwreck and contains an 
astounding 1.3 million gallons of water. Here, visitors can witness a scuba diver’s view of these mesmerizing creatures.
Shark Reef opened in Las Vegas in 2000 and is the only accredited aquarium by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in Nevada. Popular with tourists and marine experts alike, Shark Reef is considered one of the most prestigious facilities of its kind, along with the San Diego Zoo and Sea World.
Mandalay Bay Shark Reef Details
- Hours of operation: Sunday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Last admission to the exhibit is sold one hour prior to closing.
- Cost: $18 for adults, $12 for children 5-12. Children age 4 and under are admitted free. Nevada residents with proper identification get a discount on the price of admission. For group rates are also available for parties of 20 or more, please call (702) 632-4555.
- Payment options: Cash, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover and traveler’s checks.
- Reservations: The attraction may be rented out for private functions.
- Location: Located at Mandalay Bay hotel-casino near the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Hacienda Avenue.
- Age/Height/Weight restrictions: Not applicable.