Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

About

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay brings the ocean to the desert. Located at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, this 95,000-square-foot attraction houses more than 2,000 animals across 14 exhibits, including sharks, giant rays, sea turtles, piranha, and a rare golden crocodile. It's one of the few places in the country where you can walk through an underwater tunnel while sharks glide overhead.

The journey begins in a freshwater environment and gradually transitions to a full ocean experience. Along the way, you'll encounter jellyfish drifting in illuminated tanks, exotic reptiles, and a hands-on touch pool where you can gently interact with rays and horseshoe crabs. The iconic shipwreck tunnel, surrounded by 1.3 million gallons of seawater, is the highlight for most visitors.

For those looking for something extra, a virtual reality experience transports guests into underwater worlds alongside whale sharks and other marine giants. The VR experience is available for ages 5 and older. Younger children can enter the exhibit area but will need to take turns with a parent or guardian during the VR portion.

Shark Reef is open daily, with tickets available online or at the door. Children 4 and under get in free, and child pricing applies for ages 5 through 12. Nevada residents can access discounted admission rates. Plan for about 60 to 90 minutes to explore the full aquarium at a comfortable pace.

The aquarium sits inside the Mandalay Bay Resort, so visitors also have easy access to dining, restrooms, and other resort amenities before or after their visit. Paid parking is available in the Mandalay Bay garage, with the aquarium entrance accessible from the resort's lower level.

Accessibility

Shark Reef Aquarium is wheelchair accessible. The exhibit pathways accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices, allowing guests to move through all major displays including the underwater tunnel. Guests who need mobility assistance can rent wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or bicycles on-site. Bicycle rentals start at $15 for the first hour, with additional hours at $10 each.

The main entrance to Mandalay Bay is ADA-compliant, with accessible parking available near the entrance. However, some visitors have noted that doors between the parking structure and the aquarium building may not have automatic openers or ADA push buttons, so guests with limited hand strength may want to bring a companion or ask staff for help at those transition points.

The aquarium's indoor setting means all pathways are flat, climate-controlled, and protected from weather. Lighting is dimmed in many exhibit areas to enhance the viewing experience, which may be a consideration for visitors with low vision. The touch pool area is positioned at a height that may be reachable from a seated position, though this can vary.

Restrooms within Mandalay Bay include accessible stalls. The resort's main facilities are nearby and well-marked. Service animals are generally permitted, though guests should confirm current policies before visiting.

For the most current details on sensory accommodations, assistive listening devices, or other specific accessibility needs, contact Shark Reef Aquarium or Mandalay Bay guest services directly before your visit.

More accessible places in Nevada

• National Atomic Testing Museum (Las Vegas)
• Springs Preserve (Las Vegas)
• The STRAT Skypod (Las Vegas)
• Mob Museum (Las Vegas)
• The Venetian Resort (Las Vegas)
• Area15 (Las Vegas)