Shark Reef Aquarium

Reviewed by the Vegas Guide editorial team · Updated September 2026

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a 1.3-million-gallon underwater world - a shipwreck tunnel under gliding sharks, sea turtles, golden crocodiles and a stingray touch pool, with a VR experience bundled in, from $30.

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Is Shark Reef Aquarium Worth It? Review, Tickets & Tips

Shark Reef Aquarium fills the far south corner of Mandalay Bay with a 1.3-million-gallon habitat and roughly 2,000 animals. The centerpiece is the walk-through tunnel built into a sunken-shipwreck set, with sharks and rays sliding overhead; the route also passes sea turtles, a stingray touch pool and the aquarium's rare golden crocodiles, and admission now bundles a short VR experience at no extra charge.

Know the shape of the visit before you book: entry is timed to hourly slots and they're strict about it - miss your window and you're not getting in - and the last entry is 6:00 PM, so this is a daytime stop, not an after-dinner one. The aquarium sits at the far tip of the resort, a solid walk from the Strip entrance through the casino floor. Most people are through in about an hour; it's fully indoor and cold-air conditioned, which in July is half the appeal. Tickets from $30, kids 4 and under free.

Insider tipBook a weekday morning slot - the tunnel is emptiest before noon - and remember the last entry is 6:00 PM sharp. The aquarium is at the far south tip of the resort, so give yourself a 10–15 minute walk from the Strip door.

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Venue

Mandalay Bay

★★★★

Mandalay Bay is an upscale resort anchoring the south end of the Strip, built around an 11-acre beach with a wave pool and a lazy river. Add the Shark Reef Aquarium, top dining and a major arena, and it's a one-stop destination, from $69/night.

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3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Shark Reef take?

About an hour at a relaxed pace. The tunnel and the touch pool are where people linger - there's no time limit inside once you've entered your slot.

Can you visit Shark Reef in the evening?

Only just. Last entry is 6:00 PM even though the aquarium runs until 8:00, so if your plan was an after-dinner stop, it won't work. Book an afternoon slot and treat it as your escape from the heat.

Is Shark Reef good for young children?

It's one of the best kid stops on the Strip: indoor, cool, stroller-friendly, with a touch pool where they can feel a ray under staff supervision - and kids 4 and under are free.

What is the VR experience that comes with the ticket?

A short virtual-reality segment now bundled with every admission. It's included in the ticket rather than sold separately, so try it: you've already paid for it.

What animals will you actually see?

Sharks are the headliners, over the tunnel and in the big shipwreck exhibit, plus sea turtles, rays, a piranha tank and the golden crocodiles, an endangered species very few aquariums keep.

Rating

3.9

PriceFrom $30

WhereMandalay Bay

Address3950 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Timed entryTickets are for a specific hourly slot and late arrivals aren't accommodated - build the walk through the resort into your timing.

KidsChildren 4 and under enter free without a ticket; ages 5–12 pay the child rate; anyone under 18 needs an accompanying adult.

VR experienceA short VR experience is bundled with every admission - included in the price, not an upsell.

AccessibilityWheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly throughout - the whole route is flat and indoor.

Finding itIt's at the far south end of Mandalay Bay, past the casino floor toward the convention center - budget 10–15 minutes of walking from the Strip entrance.

Opening hours Daily: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Timed entry every hour; last entry 6:00 PM

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