3960 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Phone:702-632-4555
The Mandalay Bay is perhaps the most complete mega resort in Las Vegas, from wave pools to a slew of clubs, entertainment, restaurants and gambling and much more. And while one property or another may argue the legitimacy of that claim, no one can argue that the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is not the most amazing aquarium in the state of Nevada. It is enormous and beautiful with a range of some of the most amazing sea creatures anywhere, including sharks of course. It is a “total sensory experience” designed to take visitors to an undersea ocean with some of the most amazing, and often most dangerous sea creatures in the world. The aquarium takes any who dare enter on a journey through an ancient temple as it is claimed by the sea.
There are 14 exhibits total, the largest is a 1.3 million gallon shipwreck where you experience a nearly 360 degree view of sharks and other fish as you travel through a tunnel of acrylic glass with crystal clear views of the wildlife. Another popular attraction is the Touch Pool where guests and visitors can get close and touch a huge collection of wildlife that is constantly changing including sharks, rays, and horseshoe crabs. There are more than 2,000 animals at the Shark Reef Aquarium across 100 species and 15 different species of sharks.
Shark Reef 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.”
Some of the amazing animals include:
Green Sea Turtle – A gentle giant of a turtle that can live up to 70 years. They are named of the green layer of fat that insulates them and not their shell.
Black Tip Reef Shark – From the Indo-Pacific ocean, they are named for the black tips on their fins.
Sand Tiger Shark – Found in shallow waters and around reefs, this sort of shark has so many teeth that it cannot even close its mouth.
Golden Crocodile – A bit frightening in appearance, these crocs have 60 teeth that fall out and grow back thousands of times throughout their lives.
Komodo Dragon – This is the larges species of lizard in the world, some of them growing up to 10 feet in length and over 300 pounds.
Lionfish – Its beauty is deceiving. Its brightly colored spines contain poison that can give an predator quite a surprise.