Shark Reef Aquarium
If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas, you might be surprised to learn that there’s an underwater world waiting for you at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The Shark Reef Aquarium is home to more than 2,000 animals, including 15 different species of sharks. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the aquarium and give you all the information you need to make the most of your visit.
The Basics
The Shark Reef Aquarium is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. General admission tickets start at $25 for adults and $19 for children ages 4-12. Children under 3 get in for free. There are also various VIP experiences available, including a dive with the sharks, a sea turtle feeding, and a behind-the-scenes tour.
Exhibits
The aquarium is divided into several exhibits, each showcasing different species of marine life. The largest exhibit is the Shipwreck, which is home to several species of sharks, including sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, and nurse sharks. You can also see other creatures like green sea turtles, sawfish, and rays.
Another popular exhibit is the Touch Pool, where visitors can get up close and personal with various marine invertebrates, including sea stars and horseshoe crabs. The interactive exhibit is a great way to learn about the different creatures that inhabit the ocean.
The Sea Monsters exhibit is home to some of the more unusual creatures in the aquarium, including giant spider crabs, Japanese spider crabs, and a giant Pacific octopus. You can also see a moray eel and a venomous lionfish.
If you’re interested in learning about the conservation efforts of the aquarium, the Shark Reef Conservation area is a must-see. Here you can learn about the aquarium’s breeding programs, research efforts, and initiatives to protect endangered species.
Special Experiences
For an extra-special experience, you can book one of the VIP packages offered by the aquarium. One of the most popular experiences is the Dive with the Sharks, where visitors can actually dive into the Shipwreck exhibit and swim among the sharks. This experience is only available to certified divers.
Another popular VIP experience is the Sea Turtle Feed, where visitors can watch as the aquarium staff feeds the resident sea turtles. You can also book a Behind-the-Scenes Tour, where you’ll get a sneak peek at the inner workings of the aquarium.
Tips for Visiting
To make the most of your visit to the Shark Reef Aquarium, here are a few tips:
- Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring a camera to capture all the amazing creatures you’ll see.
- Consider booking a VIP experience for an extra-special adventure.
- Take advantage of the interactive exhibits to learn more about marine life.
Conclusion
The Shark Reef Aquarium is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Las Vegas. With so many amazing creatures to see and special experiences to be had, it’s an adventure you won’t forget. We hope this guide has given you all the information you need to plan your visit and make the most of your time at the aquarium.