The Shark Reef Aquarium at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino is home to an astonishing array of weird and wonderful marine creatures, such as sharks, giant rays, piranhas, jellyfish and endangered sea turtles. Over 2,000 species of animal are kept under one roof, including a terrifying Komodo dragon and a rare golden crocodile. The Shark Reef Aquarium makes a welcome change from the glitz, glamour and madness of Las Vegas, and is perfect for families with children.
With 14 permanent exhibits set in nearly 9000 square metres, the aquarium features a popular, hands-on exhibit called the touch pool, where you can interact with some of the more friendly creatures, including sea slugs and crabs. Look above you and beside you as you walk along the enormous acrylic tunnel packed with marine life from all over the world.
If you want to get your heart racing, then look no further than the aquarium’s Dive with Sharks Program, where you can swim with over 30 sharks, including reef, sand tiger and sandbar sharks. You will dive in the 4.9-million-litre Shipwreck Exhibit, along with fish, rays, sea turtles and, of course, sharks. Bear in mind that you must already have your diving certification if you want to participate. If you can’t dive, you will still have plenty to keep you occupied and plenty of sea creatures to spot, including the deadly lionfish, the 45-kilogram Pacific octopus and brightly coloured parrotfish in the Caribbean Reef display.
The Shark Reef Aquarium works hard to promote ocean conservation and preservation, using recycled water and imitation coral in order that the real reefs remain in their natural habitat.
The Shark Reef Aquarium is situated in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino at the southern edge of the Strip. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s a good idea to visit in the evening. You can get to the this attraction by public bus, shuttle bus and monorail.
