Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is home to one of the largest single aquarium tanks located anywhere in the United States. Its primary aquarium holds roughly 1.3 million gallons of water, while the entire attraction features some 1.6 million gallons of aquarium space. Throughout these tanks swim some 2,000 animals, numbering approximately 100 unique species. Favorite creatures found here include turtles, sharks, rays, and a piranha.
Money Saving Tip! Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is included on the Las Vegas Sightseeing Pass. If you are sightseeing in Las Vegas, then you can save a lot of money with a pass.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay: History
Shark Reef first opened its doors to the public in the summer of 2000. The original cost of the attraction is believed to have been upwards of $40 million. When the attraction initially became operational, it went solely by the moniker “Shark Reef.” It added the “Aquarium” to its name in 2007, and its numerous exhibits have undergone extensive renovations and conceptual evolutions in the years since. Today, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is the sole facility within the state of Nevada to have received the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ prestigious accreditation.
Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay: The Main Attraction
With a name like Shark Reef Aquarium, it’s not difficult to guess who the star of the show is here. Blacktip Reef sharks, Sand Tiger sharks, Galapagos sharks—you name a kind of shark and it’s quite possible you’ll see it swimming through the aquarium’s 1.3-million-gallon shipwreck tank.
Another popular part of Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is the touch pool. This interactive area allows you to get up close and personal with numerous marine species. On any given visit, you’re liable to be able to interact with multiple kinds of rays, horseshoe crabs, and every now and again, if you’re lucky, a baby zebra shark or two.
Even though the sharks receive top billing, there’s more to the aquarium than its name would let on. That’s because Shark Reef Aquarium is surrounded by a floor-plan designed to resemble the ruins of a “jungle temple.” This fun exhibit is where you’ll find the ever-popular Komodo dragon habitat.
One of the newest and neatest components of the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay experience is the Undersea Explorer VR Theater. This state-of-the-art theater harnesses the power of virtual reality to provide guests the chance to feel as if they’re really swimming next to whales or diving into the ocean alongside sharks.
Why You Should Go to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
As much as there is to see and do throughout the Mandalay Bay resort, you’ll want to take advantage of those attractions where the entire family can have a blast together. Shark Reef Aquarium is definitely one of those Las Vegas attractions that’s perfect for visitors of all ages. Not only does Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay contain numerous rare and exotic creatures, but the many fun, interactive exhibits and educational materials scattered throughout the attraction will captivate the little ones.
Why the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a Must-See
How can you pass up the opportunity to observe a wide variety of sharks and marine species in one of North America’s largest aquarium tanks? Plus, it’s not every day one gets to come face to face with a Komodo dragon. It has been estimated that only a few thousand of this rare, endangered species are actually alive in their natural habitats today. And if that’s not enough, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay offers several package add-ons that allow you to actually feed sharks and rays.
