Shark Reef Aquarium Mandalay Bay

Looking for all-ages activities in Las Vegas? I’ve been to Vegas many times! Heck, I was even married there back in 2013! Every Vegas trip I spot dozens of advertisements for the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay! On Haylie & I’s most recent trip, we moved this excursion to the top of our to-do list since all-ages Las Vegas was exactly what we were after! Would it live up to the hype?!? Or was it a cash grab?!?? Keep on reading to find out!

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay

Shark Reef Aquarium is an exciting journey through a slowly sinking temple overcome by some of the most dangerous predators in the world. View a diverse cross-section of magnificent aquatic creatures, including 100 sharks, (15 species in all) along with exotic fish, reptiles and sea turtles. Featuring more that 2,000 animals, Shark Reef Aquarium is comprised of nearly 1.6 million gallons of water in 14 exhibits, including rare Golden Crocodiles, Piranha, a Touch Pool Experience and over 30 sharks in our 1.3 million gallon Shark Exhibit. Guests also experience two walk through tunnel exhibits giving a "diver's view" of the underwater world.

About

Conceived in the mid 1990's, Mandalay Bay was destined to be different from the moment the concept was born. Included in the initial discussions and designs was something totally different from a Las Vegas perspective - an aquarium - a full size aquarium with cutting edge technology which would prove to be an excellent platform for research, conservation and education. This addition to the property would be recognized as something quite different in the middle of Nevada's high desert.

Completed at a cost of nearly $60 million, the fully themed facility was designed with the idea of immersing the visitor into this underwater world in the desert. Since opening on June 20, 2000, Shark Reef Aquarium has inspired nearly a million visitors a year, and tens of thousands of the Las Vegas Valley's school children have had the opportunity to visit Shark Reef under the school group program.
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In March 2003, Shark Reef Aquarium became the first animal care facility in the State of Nevada to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. We continue to hold this distinction as first and only to this day.

Mission Statement

Shark Reef is dedicated to establishing and maintaining the highest standards of animal care, to providing its visitors with an entertaining and educational experience, and to the practice of meaningful research and conservation initiatives.

Price

Shark Reef Aquarium and Polar Journey Package:

Adult $25.00
Seniors (65+) $23.00
Children (Age 4-12) $19.00
Children (3 & under) Free

Nevada Resident Admission:
Adult $22.00
Children (Age 4-12) $17.00
Children (3 & under) Free

​Best Value Package:
Available at the Shark Reef Box Office.
Includes: one admission to Shark Reef and one admission to Polar Journey, once 6x9 photo and a souvenir gift.

Adult $37.00
Seniors (65+)$32.00
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Best Value for Nevada Resident:
Adult $34.00
Children (Age 4-12) $30.00
Children (3 & under) Free

*** TIP***

Check Expedia or Groupon for deals!!!

Opinion

The question on everyone’s mind!!! Was it fun?! Or a total cash grab?!?! What if I said it was both?!? Honestly, the reason I took so long to even post a Shark Reef review was that I didn’t know if I should spend my time writing out a neutral review! I can’t just spew out positives 24/7, so I figured y’all deserve to know the scoop!

I like to think of the Shark Reef as a mini version of the chain aquarium, SeaLife! While my 7 year old had a blast pointing out all of the fishes, the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is a tad bit small. You will see all that there is to see within an hour. Perfect for little ones, but if you’re older, you might leave a tad but disappointed when you walk through the aquarium thinking you must have missed a section, but nope! That was it!

However, for $20+ adults in Vegas, you get exactly what you pay for! $20 doesn’t exactly get you far in Sin City. Heck, a slice of pizza and a drink at the food court will come close to that, so to see live fish and badass sharks, the price is right for Vegas!

Would I go back?!? If someone handed me free tickets, absolutely! If I was staying at Mandalay Bay and needed to kill some time before heading to the airport? Sure, why not! If I’m ever in Vegas with kids under 10 years old, heck yeah I will take them to see the sharks. Would I pay $20 to roam the aquarium with a group of adults? Nope! I can think of other ways to spend that cash. Date night at the Shark Reef? Take your date somewhere else lol.... I think y’all get my point ;-)

Let’s Chat!

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