Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, United States
Las Vegas, United States

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino

Outty Ranking 63 4.1 · 1,163 traveler reviews1 hoursFrom $30
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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

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

    1. 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

    2. 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

    Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, photo 2Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, photo 3Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, photo 4Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, photo 5Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, photo 6Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, photo 7

    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 mentions

    Reviewers 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.

    5 star
    615
    4 star
    258
    3 star
    146
    2 star
    73
    1 star
    70
    Sort
    A2194ORlindsayr · October 2026

    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

    Pioneer55766402622 · October 2026

    Good

    Good visit. I was very pleased

    via Tripadvisor

    ceea86 · September 2026

    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

    Eric_L · September 2026

    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

    Dawn_S · September 2026

    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.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)36
    Review evidence (18% weight)85
    Booking momentum (14% weight)83
    Value for money (12% weight)77
    Listing quality (10% weight)75
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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