Shark Reef Aquarium

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a unique bay attraction that is home to more than 1,200 species of marine life, among them sharks, rare fish species, and other aquatic animals.

This is an exciting opportunity to view, dive, and experience some of the exotic species that you may otherwise only find in the wild and provides you a glimpse of their ecosystem and how they live.

Shark Reef Aquarium, Discount Tickets & Hours, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

This full-size aquarium uses state-of-the-art technology that has made it an excellent center for education, preservation, and research. Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime when you immerse yourself in this underwater world that lies in sharp contrast with the harsh desert landscape that Nevada is known for. It is little wonder that the aquarium attracts more than a million visitors each year.

Start at the exhibits where you will come across different sections that highlight the different animal species. From the Golden Crocodile exhibit that features a giant 12,000-gallon freshwater tank with the peculiar Golden Crocodile to the Komodo Dragon and Burmese Pythons. The latter share the exhibit with Asian Arrowanas and Turtles found in the freshwater tank.

Wind up your tour of the exhibits when you visit the Caribbean Reef, which is a spectacular paradise that is home to different fish species – many of which have vibrant colors for that tropical touch. The Touchpool exhibit will also be worth your time as it allows you to come up close with the horseshoe crabs and stingrays.

Check out the Piranhas Exhibit too, where you will learn that the piranha actually has teeth that are sharper than those of a shark! Other interesting exhibits worth checking out include venomous fish, Octopus, and Shipwreck.

There are lots of activities to enjoy, from feeding the animals to diving with them and watching how they interact in their natural habitats. Book for a session with the Stingray Feed and enjoy the touch pool session that lets you feed these amazing creatures.

Alternatively, sign up for the Shark Feed and learn more about how these giant fish eat. This session typically involves the guidance of an aquarist who will enlighten you on the process of food preparation, the different types of foods used, the feeding sessions as well as myths and truths about the sharks. It is an insightful one-hour program that includes photos of the remarkable experience.

Take part in the sea turtle feed, which a 45-minute feeding program that lets you get up close with some of the gentlest aqua creatures. This is also the chance to feed the sea turtles with help from the Shark Reef Aquarists. Add to this a guided tour that takes you through the exhibits with exclusive access to behind the scenes areas at the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef.

Want to take this experience to the next level? Then sign up for the ‘Dive with the Sharks’ program, which is a thrilling experience that allows you to dive underwater with more than 30 exotic sharks. Some of the sharks to look out for include the Sandbar, Sandtiger, as well as the White Tip Reef Sharks. This program is also inclusive of an orientation session, guidance by a dive guide, showers, and dress rooms – all totaling to between three and four hours.

Shark Reef Aquarium is open between 10am and 8pm From Sundays to Thursdays (last admission at 7pm), and between 10am and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays (last admission at 9pm). The aquarium is located at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip.

With fourteen mind-blowing exhibits created solely for dangerous predators of the underwater, you will need a whole day to get around and immerse yourself in the deep blue world of Shark Reef Aquarium.