
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino
Traveler rating
4.1/5
Based on 1,163 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino worth booking?
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino is a 1-hour experience in Las Vegas, United States, from $30 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.1/5 rating across 1,163 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 4.1/5 (1,163)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $30 per person
Marvel at the incredible Shark Reef Aquarium in the heart of the desert at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Explore the 14 exhibits containing exotic and endangered fish, reptiles and — of course — sharks. Enjoy up-close views of more than 100 sharks, including 30 in the 1.3 million-gallon (4.9 million-liter) main tank, one of the largest in the US. By walking through two underwater tunnels, get an even better sense of what it's like to be under the sea.
What you get
About this experience
Marvel at the incredible Shark Reef Aquarium in the heart of the desert at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Explore the 14 exhibits containing exotic and endangered fish, reptiles and — of course — sharks. Enjoy up-close views of more than 100 sharks, including 30 in the 1.3 million-gallon (4.9 million-liter) main tank, one of the largest in the US. By walking through two underwater tunnels, get an even better sense of what it's like to be under the sea.
What's included
Included
- Admission Ticket
- Box Office fee
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Parking/Valet fees
What you'll see and do
Casino at Mandalay Bay
Make your way to Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino to visit Shark Reef, an underwater odyssey in the heart of the desert.
60 minutes here
Shark Reef Aquarium
Enter the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino to witness an incredible array of aquatic and reptilian life. Shark Reef contains more than 2,000 animals in 14 exhibits, which offer visitors the chance to escape the desert heat and immerse themselves in a marine oasis. See more than 30 sharks swimming in the 1.3 million-gallon (4.9 million-liter) main tank, one of the biggest in the US. Plus, observe a multitude of other sea life including pufferfish, green sawfish, piranhas, Moray eels and jellyfish. Check out the touch pool to feel horseshoe crabs and a variety of rays and walk through two underwater tunnels for a more intimate view of the sharks and other marine life. Also included is the Undersea Explorer VR Experience, After an immersive pre-show area, take your seat in the 36-seat motion-platform theater, don your headset and be transported to the ocean depths. You'll soon be swimming with a humpback whale, diving next to a 15-foot tiger shark and more!
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Casino at Mandalay Bay
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119, United States
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Casino at Mandalay Bay · 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119, United States
Options you can book
General Admission with VR
General Admission Tickets: Reserve a specific spot to ensure your admission. Entry is for one-hour during the window selected. Undersea Explorer VR: Take an immersive, motion-based virtual reality journey with a marine biologist where you can swim with whales and sharks. Last entry is 7pm daily.
Anytime Admission with VR
Flexible Entry: Stay flexible and come at any time during aquarium hours on your selected date of entry. Limited quantities available. Undersea Explorer VR: Take an immersive, motion-based virtual reality journey with a marine biologist where you can swim with whales and sharks. Last entry is 7pm daily.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- MGM Resorts - Attractions
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants aged 0-4 are free of charge and do not require a ticket
- You may enter the attraction up to 59 minutes after the selected time on your ticket
- VR films for ages 5 and older, younger children can enter the exhibit but must be accompanied by an adult. During VR experience children under 5 will need to rotate with a guardian or parent.
- If booked same day, tickets cannot be picked up less than 2 hours after placing order
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,162 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
1,162 verified traveler reviews for Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Depressing and not worth your money!
I was excited for this experience, but was extremely disappointed by it. From the amount of money this place surely brings in, can they not do better for the animals? The enclosures are far too small for the amount of critters in each; whole schools of fish in tanks smaller than my bathroom. It’s ridiculous that in such a huge establishment, a casino no less, that they are not able to afford better conditions and bigger spaces for these creatures. Truly shameful. I will say that staff were friendly and helpful, and I feel sorry that they have to prop up this terrible experience.
via Tripadvisor
Good
Good visit. I was very pleased
via Tripadvisor
Loved it
Me and my partner loved this. We missed the turtles as it was there feeding time 😩😩 but overall worth a visit
via Tripadvisor
Great experience! The 360...
Great experience! The 360 view was an amazing experience. It feels like you’re inside the aquarium with the sharks and other sea creatures. They have an amazing assortment or different animals species
via Viator
Was not worth the price...
Was not worth the price that I paid. And then had to pay for parking. And then the guy at the petting tank was very rude.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $30 to $37
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 407
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Las Vegas.
How much does Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino cost?
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Prices start at $30 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Las Vegas usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino take?
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Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Las Vegas is not rushed.
Is Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.1/5 across 1,163 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Las Vegas, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino?
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Around 407 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Las Vegas can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Las Vegas and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Las Vegas within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Las Vegas?
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Las Vegas sells two trips at once: the Strip after dark, and the red-rock desert that starts twenty minutes past the last casino. Helicopter runs to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam half-days and Red Rock Canyon drives all leave early, while show tickets, speakeasy crawls and high-roller dining fill the evening. Outty Ranking weighs operator reliability heavily here, because the gap between a well-run desert tour and a coach-and-queue version is enormous. On Outty we rank every Las Vegas experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group: Valley of Fire Half Day Tour from Las Vegas, Small Group Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains VIP Tour, Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Stop, Breakfast, Lunch & Skywalk. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
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October to April. Summer highs above 105F make midday outdoor tours punishing. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Las Vegas?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino?
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Included: Admission Ticket; and Box Office fee. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Parking/Valet fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino?
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The experience starts at Casino at Mandalay Bay, 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119, United States. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants aged 0-4 are free of charge and do not require a ticket. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Las Vegas. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino?
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Across 1,163 reviews averaging 4.1 out of 5, recurring themes include good for families. Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
What booking options are available for Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including General Admission with VR, Anytime Admission with VR. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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