Shark Reef Aquarium Las Vegas
Dive into an underwater world at Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef Aquarium, featuring sharks, rays, turtles, and a simulated shipwreck.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Shark Reef Aquarium Las Vegas
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into an underwater world at Mandalay Bay's Shark Reef Aquarium, featuring sharks, rays, turtles, and a simulated shipwreck.
"Easily one of the coolest experiences I’ve had in Vegas."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry, especially during peak times, by booking tickets in advance online.
💰 Check for Local Deals
Nevada residents can often snag discounted tickets on Tuesdays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shark Tunnel
Main Aquarium Exhibit
Walk through a mesmerizing tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays swimming overhead. A truly immersive experience!
Touch Pool
Interactive Exhibit
Gently touch stingrays and other marine life in this hands-on, educational encounter. Fun for all ages!
Jellyfish Exhibit
Aquatic Displays
Marvel at the ethereal beauty of pulsating jellyfish in their captivating, otherworldly display.
Reptile Habitat
Desert Reptile Area
Discover a surprising collection of desert reptiles, adding a unique twist to the aquatic wonders.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Ticket Tips & Local Deals
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry, especially during peak times, by booking tickets in advance online.
💰 Check for Local Deals
Nevada residents can often snag discounted tickets on Tuesdays. 
🚶♀️ Take Your Time
The aquarium is relatively small, so savor the experience and don't rush.
📸 Avoid Selfie Blocks
Be mindful of others; avoid blocking views with excessive selfies.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Secure your entry, especially during peak times, by booking tickets in advance online.
💰 Check for Local Deals
Nevada residents can often snag discounted tickets on Tuesdays.
🚶♀️ Take Your Time
The aquarium is relatively small, so savor the experience and don't rush.
📸 Avoid Selfie Blocks
Be mindful of others; avoid blocking views with excessive selfies.
🤝 Pet the Rays!
Don't miss the chance to interact with stingrays in the touch pool.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Shark Reef Aquarium to be a well-done, albeit compact, attraction. The immersive shark tunnel and interactive touch pool are frequently praised, offering unique experiences. While some note its size, most agree it's a worthwhile visit, especially for families and those seeking a cool escape from the Vegas heat.
"This was a cool place to visit if you’re anywhere by the Mandalay! The staff are very knowledgeable and happy to talk with you about the animals, there’s also a touch pool where you can touch the sting rays which was fun. The shark tunnel was a great way to see the sharks and a few of the bigger fish, especially since it’s set in a shipwreck area. The only thing that let this down was it was quite small for a $29 per person entry, you do get around pretty fast."
B
"I had a lot of fun with this! Located at the very southern edge of the strip in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, it can be quite the trek to get here. The staff isn’t the best, but I liked the experience.
This is VERY well themed and perfectly conveys the theme of the resort. The aquarium is educational and has a lot! I liked the shark aquarium and the Komodo Dragon the best. Overall, I would recommend if you want a relaxing thing to do in the strip."
Landon Bellamy
"We have visited twice before, and visited for a third time this past trip. We enjoyed it like we previously had. We used my Vegas rewards to get discounted tickets and anyone visiting should explore this option if they're able. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable and answered any questions we had.
With this being our third visit, I'm not sure if we'll come back. Nothing against it, as it's an affordable activity to do and stay out of the heat, but it's relatively small and can be seen completely in less than a half hour, but for those who've never been here, I can honestly recommend this place for those with younger kids"
Matthew Russell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shark Reef Aquarium is located within the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. You can reach it by car, taxi, rideshare, or by using the Las Vegas Monorail to the MGM Grand station and then walking or taking a short taxi/rideshare.
Yes, Mandalay Bay offers paid parking for visitors. Valet and self-parking options are available. Consider ride-sharing or the monorail if you want to avoid parking fees.
Absolutely! The Shark Reef Aquarium is open to all visitors, not just hotel guests. You'll need to purchase a ticket to enter.
For convenience, taxis, rideshares, or the Las Vegas Monorail are popular choices. If driving, be prepared for resort parking fees.
Yes, the aquarium is designed to be accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, with smooth pathways throughout.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission tickets are typically around $30. However, look out for special promotions like $10 Tuesdays for Nevada locals (ages 5+) through August 26th.
Yes, you can usually purchase tickets at the door, but it's recommended to buy them online in advance, especially during busy periods, to guarantee entry and potentially avoid sell-outs.
Yes, Las Vegas locals can often get discounted admission, particularly on Tuesdays with a valid Nevada ID.
The aquarium is generally open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with last admission at 7:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours.
Children under 5 years old are typically free. For those 5 and older, a ticket is required, though special local discounts may apply.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that the aquarium can be explored in about 1 to 1.5 hours. It's a relatively compact experience, but well worth taking your time.
You'll encounter a variety of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, jellyfish, and a diverse collection of fish. There's also a desert reptile exhibit.
Yes, there's a popular touch pool where you can interact with stingrays and other small marine creatures. +1
The aquarium features a simulated shipwreck environment, creating an immersive backdrop for many of the marine exhibits, including the shark tunnel.
Yes, it's a great family-friendly attraction. Kids enjoy the touch pool, the shark tunnel, and the variety of colorful fish.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, flash photography is usually discouraged to avoid disturbing the animals.
The shark tunnel offers incredible photo opportunities with sharks swimming above. The jellyfish exhibit and the touch pool also make for memorable shots.
While personal cameras and phones are fine, large professional equipment or tripods might be restricted. It's best to check with staff if you have specific needs.
The aquarium has dim, atmospheric lighting to enhance the exhibits. This can be challenging for photography, so a camera with good low-light performance or a phone with a strong night mode is beneficial.
Many visitors highlight the shark tunnel and the touch pool as prime spots for capturing unique photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the largest crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for little ones. Keep an eye out for local discount days if you're a Nevada resident, making the visit even more budget-friendly. The aquarium is stroller-friendly, making navigation easy with young children.
+1💑 Couples & Date Nights
Combine your visit with a nice dinner at one of Mandalay Bay's restaurants or enjoy the vibrant Vegas nightlife afterward. The aquarium is also a great escape from the heat, making it a perfect daytime activity for couples exploring the Strip.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Exhibits
The main attraction is undoubtedly the shark tunnel, where you walk beneath a mesmerizing array of sharks and rays, offering a unique perspective of these magnificent creatures. Beyond the sharks, the aquarium houses a rich variety of marine life, including vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and a stunning collection of jellyfish that pulse with an otherworldly glow.
+1Adding to the experience is the interactive touch pool, allowing guests to gently feel stingrays and other small sea creatures. For those interested in terrestrial life, a desert reptile exhibit showcases a surprising collection of snakes, lizards, and other creatures native to arid environments, providing a well-rounded natural history experience.
Shark Feeding Experiences
These specialized experiences often require separate booking and may have age restrictions. They provide a more intimate and dynamic encounter with the aquarium's residents, making for a memorable part of your visit. Check the official Shark Reef Aquarium website for availability and details on how to book these special programs.
Photography Tips for the Aquarium
Key areas for stunning photos include the shark tunnel, where you can get dramatic shots of sharks swimming overhead, and the jellyfish exhibit, known for its ethereal beauty. The touch pool also offers great opportunities for candid shots of interaction. Remember to be patient and wait for the perfect moment, as marine life can be unpredictable.
+1While personal devices are welcome, be mindful of others trying to enjoy the exhibits. Avoid using tripods or excessive lighting that could disrupt the viewing experience for fellow guests. Focus on capturing the wonder and unique perspectives the aquarium offers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit