Shark Reef Aquarium, A Mom's Review

If you’ve never been to Vegas or if you’ve lived here for a while, you’ve most likely heard someone mention the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. Being born and raised here, the aquarium is apart of almost every kid’s childhood – whether you went on a school field trip or took family visiting from out of town there.

Now, let me preface this by noting that the aquarium is SO much more expensive nowadays. But none the less, your kid’s won’t be disappointed! Here’s my review of The Shark Reef Aquarium from a local mom’s perspective.

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Everything You Need to Know About the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay

Situated at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, the Shark Reef Aquarium offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

One of the highlights of the Shark Reef is its vast collection of sharks. Get ready to encounter various shark species, including majestic predators like the Sand Tiger Shark, Nurse Shark, and even the fearsome Tiger Shark.

In addition to the sharks, the aquarium boasts a diverse range of marine life from around the world. Discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful tropical fish, exotic sea turtles gracefully swimming by, and mesmerizing jellyfish gracefully floating through the water. Explore the interactive touch pool, where you can gently touch and learn about marine invertebrates like starfish and horseshoe crabs.

The Shark Reef Aquarium offers a walk-through tunnel, where you can observe the marine life from a unique perspective. Watch in awe as enormous rays gracefully soar above you and schools of fish dart around, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

Location

The Shark Reef Aquarium is located in Mandalay Bay.

3950 S Las Vegas Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89119

Parking

Park in the convention center self-parking garage.

Nevada Residents with ID are free for up to 3 hours.

Hours

Shark Reef Aquarium is open daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last Admission 7:00 PM)

Cost

Regular Admission Prices:

Adult (13+): $29.00
Seniors (65+): $27.00
Children (ages 5 – 12): $24.00
Children (4 & under): Free

Anytime Pricing:

Adult (13+): $36.00
Seniors (65+): $34.00
Children (ages 5 – 12): $31.00
Children (4 & under): Free

Nevada Resident Admission:
Nevada residents can enjoy a discount of $3.00 off adult or child admissions and combos. Discounted tickets can only be purchased at the Shark Reef Box Office with a government-issued Nevada ID (that tickets are subject to availability and may sell out in advance, I recommend buying at least a day in advance in person if going this route – specifically on a weekend or school break).

$10 Tuesdays Summer 2025

Nevada residents can enjoy $10 admission to Shark Reef Aquarium every Tuesday this summer. Subject to availability; offer is only available for in-person same day purchases at the box office.

Dates: June 24 – August 26

Ages: Valid for ages 5 and up

Must show valid Nevada-issued ID
Admission does not include Undersea Explorer VR Theater

Attractions Bundle: 2-for-$55 (Now through Sept. 1)

For visitors seeking even more adventure and entertainment, MGM Resorts is offering a limited-time bundle that includes two attractions for $55, including Shark Reef Aquarium. Other participating experiences include Bob Marley Hope Road the Experience; BODIES…The Exhibition; Tutankhamun: The Exhibition; The Big Apple Coaster; and Max Flight. This offer is only available for in-person purchases at any MGM Resorts box office.

Our Experience

Overall, our visit to the Shark Reef Aquarium was a truly wonderful experience. Depending on the age of your kiddos and number of children you have with you, you’ll spend between 45 minutes to 1.5/2 hours at the aquarium. It combined fun, education, and environmental awareness in a way that engaged both children and adults alike.

My almost 2 year old at the time was enthralled (and he was FREE), so that is a plus.

If you’re looking for a fun and enriching family outing in Las Vegas, I highly recommend a trip to this captivating underwater world.

Tips for Your Visit

Buy Your Tickets In-Person or Go with a Group

The best rates are either with a Nevada ID or via a group discount.

You will need a minimum of 20 people who will be purchasing tickets (does not include 4 and under) and payment will need to be done in one transaction. This is a great option for homeschool families or family reunions.

Parking

If you are a Nevada Resident (and even if you are not), the best place to park is the self-parking garage at the convention center. It will look like a deserted parking lot, but it is the closest to the Shark Reef Aquarium.

Park on the first level and take the elevator to the convention floor. Walk through the convention doors outside down the sidewalk past the empty parking lot into the Mandalay Bay – which has the big Shark Aquarium main entrance.

Walk right there and it will bring you right to it! If not, you’ll be walking in a full circle down convention and through the resort before getting there.

Bring a Snack / Water

There is nothing worse that a hangry child right when you are entering the Shark Reef Aquarium. Bring a snack and water so you have it just in case. We brought our stroller with us which was helpful to carry everything.

Gift Shop

Before leaving, we made a quick stop at the gift shop, which offered a wide array of marine-themed merchandise.

From adorable plush toys to educational books, there was something to suit every child’s interest and budget.

Personally, we skipped any souvenirs as most were marketed at full retail or overpriced, but we do always opt for the penny coin press machine and have a fun book to store all our pressed pennies in.

Homeschool / Special Occasions / Group Rates

Here is some really good information regarding homeschool offerings, special occasions, and group rates. Note these prices and details can change at anytime and the info linked below is from Fall 2024.

MAINSTREAM SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS (September – May) – for public, private, charter, and magnet schools.
SEA SCOUTS (Year Round) – for Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Cub Scouts.
HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM (August – May)
UNDERWATER PROPOSALS (Year Round) – must be requested 3 days in advance.

Common FAQ’s for Teacher/Group Rates

Do you offer teacher discounts for General Admission tickets? No, this program was discontinued in 2020 and is no longer available.
What are the rates for private and charter school field trips? Rates will be dependent on the program and number of attendees. You will receive an initial quote when reserving a program.
I already reserved a Guided School Tour in the morning. Can I add more students/chaperones later? If you have not reached your maximum headcount for the day (60 students with a 1:6 chaperone ratio), you may add more. You may not exceed the maximum number. If you paid by check or cash, there is no partial refund for last-minute changes.
Can I book an educational program for college students? Yes! We have an Adult Education program specific to higher education (college, universities, professional schools, or private companies and organizations). Someone from our team will reach out with more details if you submitted this inquiry.
We need to cancel our school field trip. Can I get a refund? To receive a full refund, you must cancel 48 hours in advance. There is no refund for individual no-shows.
Is the Dive With Sharks program available for booking? This program was paused in 2020. We hope to have our Dive With Sharks program return soon. Please see our website, Facebook, or Twitter for updates.
Can I book a birthday party for my child? As of 2020, we no longer offer birthday parties at Shark Reef Aquarium. You are welcome to visit us on your special day at your leisure with general admission tickets.

Have You Been to the Shark Reef Aquarium?

So, if you’ve been, what did you think? I definitely think this is a fun activity, especially for tourists, but I wouldn’t go on a regular basis because of the cost.

You can also check out different experiences the Shark Reef Aquarium offers during holidays like: