Current admission prices at Shark Reef Aquarium

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay charges $29.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 enter free. These are the standard walk-up prices at the ticket counter. Online advance purchase prices are sometimes lower — typically $2 to $5 off — and you can check the aquarium's official website or third-party ticket vendors like Ticketmaster for current discounts.

Prices do not include Nevada sales tax, which will be added at purchase. If you are staying at Mandalay Bay or another MGM Resorts property, ask the front desk whether your room package includes aquarium admission, as some packages bundle it in. Annual passes are also available and cost around $99 for adults if you plan to visit more than three times in a year.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult admission is $29.99 and child admission (ages 3–12) is $19.99 at the ticket window, with children under 3 free.
  • Buying tickets online in advance usually saves $2 to $5 per ticket compared to walk-up prices.
  • The aquarium is located inside Mandalay Bay casino on the Las Vegas Strip and is open daily, though hours vary by season.
  • Your visit typically lasts 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on how long you spend at each tank and exhibit.
  • The aquarium features over 2,000 animals including sharks, rays, sea turtles, and jellyfish in a 1.3-million-gallon habitat.

What you see during your visit

Shark Reef is a walk-through aquarium with a moving walkway through a 124-foot acrylic tunnel. Sharks, rays, and groupers swim around and above you as you move through. The tunnel is the centerpiece, but there are also separate tank exhibits with sea turtles, jellyfish, and smaller reef fish. The whole space is indoors and climate-controlled, so it is comfortable year-round.

The aquarium does not have shows or scheduled feeding times that you need to plan around — you move through at your own pace. Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours inside, depending on whether you read the information plaques and how long you linger at each section. There is no time limit, so you can move quickly or spend as long as you want.

How to reach Shark Reef and parking

Shark Reef is located inside Mandalay Bay, at 3950 Las Vegas Boulevard South on the Strip. If you are driving, Mandalay Bay has a large parking garage. Self-parking is free for hotel guests and for visitors who validate their parking ticket inside the casino or at the aquarium. If you do not validate, standard self-parking rates explore (usually $15 to $20 for the first few hours). Valet parking is also available at standard rates.

If you are using the Las Vegas monorail, the Mandalay Bay station is one of the stops. From the station, follow signs to the casino floor and then to the aquarium entrance, which is near the casino's main level. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can drop you at the main entrance on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Hours and best times to visit

Shark Reef is open daily, but hours change by season. During peak tourist seasons (summer and holidays), it typically opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m. During slower periods, hours may be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. or 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Check the Mandalay Bay website or call ahead at the aquarium's direct line to confirm hours for your visit date.

The aquarium is least crowded on weekday mornings between 10 a.m. and noon, especially on weekdays outside of summer and school holidays. Weekends and late afternoons tend to be busier. If you dislike crowds, plan your visit for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning. There is no reservation system — you straightforward buy a ticket and enter.

What to bring and what to know before you go

Wear comfortable walking shoes because you will be on your feet the entire time, even though the moving tunnel does some of the work for you. The aquarium is indoors and air-conditioned, so bring a light jacket if you are sensitive to cold. Bring a camera or phone if you want to take photos — photography is allowed throughout the aquarium.

The aquarium does not allow outside food or drink, but there is a small snack bar inside where you can buy bottled water, soda, and light snacks at typical casino prices (higher than outside). There are no lockers or bag storage, so travel light. If you have questions about specific animals or exhibits, staff members are stationed throughout and can answer questions.

Discounts and package deals

Online ticket vendors sometimes offer discounts, especially if you book several days in advance. Groupon occasionally has deals for Shark Reef, though availability varies. Some Las Vegas tour companies bundle aquarium admission with other attractions or offer combo tickets. Check the official Mandalay Bay website first, then compare prices on Ticketmaster and other major ticket sites.

If you are a Nevada resident, ask at the ticket counter whether resident discounts are available — some attractions offer them, though Shark Reef does not always. Military discounts are sometimes available as well. Your best savings usually come from buying online at least a day or two before your visit rather than waiting for the ticket window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take photos and videos inside the aquarium?

Yes, personal photography and video are allowed throughout Shark Reef. You can use your phone or camera freely. The lighting is designed to be good for viewing, though some areas are dimmer than others, so a phone with a good camera will work fine.

Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible. The moving tunnel has a separate lane for wheelchairs and mobility devices, and all exhibits are viewable from a wheelchair. Accessible restrooms are available. If you need information, staff can help you navigate the space.

How long does it take to go through the aquarium?

Most people spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours inside. If you move quickly and do not read the information plaques, you can finish in 30 to 40 minutes. If you stop at every tank and read all the descriptions, you might spend 2 hours. There is no time limit, so go at your own pace.

Can I bring my child in a stroller?

Yes, strollers are allowed. The moving tunnel has space for strollers, and the rest of the aquarium is flat and straightforward to navigate with a stroller. However, it can get crowded during peak times, so a stroller may be harder to maneuver then.

What if I want to see the sharks fed?

Shark Reef does not have scheduled public feeding times or demonstrations. The animals are fed on a regular schedule, but it happens behind the scenes. You will see the sharks and other animals swimming and interacting naturally throughout your visit, but there are no special feeding events to plan around.