Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay showing a hotel and a pool
You may be in the middle of the desert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get up close and personal with some of world’s most exotic marine creatures.

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.

Popular places to visit


Top Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel Deals

Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
3.5 out of 5
3850 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
Luxor Hotel and Casino
Luxor Hotel and Casino
3.5 out of 5
3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Luxor Hotel and Casino
Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino
Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino
4.5 out of 5
3950 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
4 out of 5
3799 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino
Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino
4 out of 5
3655 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Paris Las Vegas Resort & Casino
The Mirage Hotel & Casino
The Mirage Hotel & Casino
4.5 out of 5
3400 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
The Mirage Hotel & Casino
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas
5 out of 5
3960 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas
Delano Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay
Delano Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay
5 out of 5
3940 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV
Delano Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay
Park MGM Las Vegas
Park MGM Las Vegas
4 out of 5
3770 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV
Park MGM Las Vegas
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.