Is Mandalay Bay Aquarium Worth It? PHOTOS! (Shark Reef Aquarium)
There’s so much more to Las Vegas than its glamorous nightlife and glittering casinos. The city is also home to several attractions suitable for both families and adventurers, one of the most notable being the Mandalay Bay Aquarium (aka Shark Reef).
Visiting Mandalay Bay Aquarium is a popular attraction for many Las Vegas visitors. Shark Reef is reasonably priced and provides an opportunity to see over 2,000 different marine animals you won’t find at your local aquarium, making the experience well worth the price of admission.
In this article, I’ll provide information on the Mandalay Bay Aquarium, including the current price of admission, what to expect when you visit, how to get there, and why I feel the exhibit is well worth it. I’ll also include some food and dining options you’ll find near the attraction. Let’s get started!
Don’t miss out! Get your tickets to Mandalay Bay Aquarium online at Vegas.com or Viator.com before they sell out.
Mandalay Bay Aquarium: Ticket Prices and What To Expect
Las Vegas is known for many things, but sadly, reasonably priced experiences aren’t one of them. However, the Mandalay Bay Aquarium is priced well for the experience it offers.
Ticket Prices
Admission tickets range from $24 to $41 based on who is attending (child, senior, or adult) and what type of ticket you’d like to purchase (timed entrance or anytime tickets). Children aged 4 and under are admitted free of charge and don’t require an entry ticket.
| Shark Reef Admission (Timed Entry) | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $29 |
| Seniors (age 65+) | $27 |
| Children (ages 5 to 12) | $24 |
| Children (4 & under) | Free |
In addition to the regular entry fees, you can upgrade your ticket to what they call the Shark Reef Best Value Package. On top of regular admission, you’ll also receive a souvenir photo and gift. The prices for this package are as follows:
| Shark Reef Best Value Package | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $41 |
| Children (ages 5 to 12) | $36 |
It’s worth mentioning that if you’re staying at Mandalay Bay, you can sometimes avail of a guest’s discount. For more information, check out my article discussing whether the aquarium is free for guests staying at Mandalay Bay.
A ticket to the Mandalay Bay Aquarium gains you access to the facility for a self-guided tour of the aquarium. You can stay for as long as you’d like, giving you the freedom to browse at your leisure.
There’s more than enough to see with just the self-guided tour. However, suppose you desire a more hands-on experience. In that case, the aquarium does offer an opportunity for visitors to feed some of the animals, such as sharks, turtles, and sting rays, at an additional cost. Tickets for these activities cost $65 and $99, respectively.
Timed Entrance vs. Anytime Tickets (Shark Reef)
There are two primary types of admission tickets for the aquarium: Timed Entrance and Anytime Tickets.
- Timed Entrance tickets allow visitors to reserve a specific time and date to visit the aquarium. It’s the ideal option during peak times, when tickets at the door may sell out. Timed entrance tickets can be utilized for the hour window selected, and because the timing is so specific, these tickets are a bit cheaper than their more flexible alternative, Anytime Tickets.
- Anytime Tickets can be used anytime during normal business hours on your selected day of entry. While these tickets are a bit more expensive (they add $7 to all ticket prices listed above), many visitors without set plans find it easier to have to choose only a day to visit instead of both a date and window of entry. You can get anytime tickets here.
How To Purchase Mandalay Bay Aquarium Tickets
Tickets can be purchased either in-person at the box office or online ahead of time. I highly recommend purchasing tickets online ahead of time due to the popularity of the aquarium; space is limited, and the aquarium often reaches full capacity. By purchasing tickets in advance online, you can guarantee both entry and an expedited check-in process.
Like many experiences in Las Vegas, you may come across vendors selling entry into the Mandalay Bay Aquarium. However, I recommend purchasing tickets from either Vegas.com or Viator.com to ensure authenticity.
Hours of Operation
The aquarium is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.. If you’re planning to visit on a holiday, be sure to call ahead to verify operating hours, as they are likely to be limited. While the aquarium is open until 8:00 p.m., keep in mind that the last admission is at 7:00 p.m..
Aquarium Location
The aquarium is located south of the lobby, adjacent to the Mandalay Bay Food Court and South Convention Center. There are numerous signs within the resort, which do a great job of helping guests locate the aquarium.
Finding the aquarium is quite simple whether you decide to walk, drive, or rideshare. If you’re more of a visual person or want a general idea of where you’re going before your visit, here’s a map of the Mandalay Bay resort showing where you can find Shark Reef.
What To Expect During Your Visit To Mandalay Bay Aquarium
Located in the Mandalay Bay Resort, The Mandalay Bay Aquarium is an impressive exhibit of aquatic animals that boasts a 105,000-square-foot (0.97-hectare) facility. Due to the nature of the attraction, it’s recommended that visitors wear comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes.
(Personal note: Every time I’ve visited Shark Reef, I’ve found it to be rather warm and humid inside, so for comfort’s sake, this is not the place to be overdressed.)
Shark Reef Aquarium houses over 2,000 animals, many of which are considered rare. You can expect to see animals such as:
- Several species of shark
- Piranhas
- Komodo Dragons
- Jellyfish
- Stingrays
- Crocodiles
What sets the Mandalay Bay Aquarium apart from the rest is its focus on predator marine life. It’s the only aquarium of its kind in North America, so expect to see a number of predatory animals you won’t find at your local aquarium.
In terms of the experience itself, be prepared for a self-guided exploration of the facility. There are several different exhibits and activities inside the aquarium, including:
- Two underwater tunnels allow you to experience the animals from a diver’s perspective
- Jellyfish tank
- Stingray touch pool
- The massive Shipwreck exhibit, a 1.3 million gallon tank brimming with sharks and other marine animals