The Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a wide range of amenities and attractions. One of the most popular attractions at the resort is the Shark Reef Aquarium, a unique and fascinating experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with a variety of marine life. But one question that many people have is: is the aquarium at Mandalay Bay free?
In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide a comprehensive overview of the Shark Reef Aquarium, including its history, features, and admission prices. We’ll also discuss the various packages and promotions that are available, as well as some tips and tricks for making the most of your visit.
A Brief History of the Shark Reef Aquarium
The Shark Reef Aquarium was opened in 2000 as a unique attraction at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The aquarium was designed to resemble a sunken ship, with a variety of marine life swimming around and through the wreckage. The aquarium was created by a team of experts from the Mandalay Bay’s parent company, MGM Mirage, in collaboration with the Atlantis Casino Resort in the Bahamas.
The aquarium was originally designed to be a small, 1.3 million gallon tank, but it was later expanded to its current size of 5.5 million gallons. The aquarium is home to over 2,000 animals, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The aquarium is also home to a variety of interactive exhibits and activities, including a touch pool and a virtual reality experience.
Features of the Shark Reef Aquarium
The Shark Reef Aquarium is a unique and fascinating attraction that offers a variety of features and exhibits. Some of the highlights include: (See Also: How to Lower Phosphate in Aquarium? Easy Steps)
- A 1.3 million gallon tank filled with a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish.
- A sunken ship exhibit, where visitors can walk through a simulated shipwreck and get up close and personal with marine life.
- A touch pool, where visitors can touch and interact with a variety of marine animals, including starfish and sea urchins.
- A virtual reality experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in an underwater world and interact with marine life.
- A variety of interactive exhibits and activities, including a scavenger hunt and a marine life trivia game.
Admission Prices and Packages
The admission prices for the Shark Reef Aquarium vary depending on the time of day and the type of ticket purchased. Here are the current admission prices:
| Time of Day | Adult Admission | Child Admission (ages 5-12) |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime (9am-5pm) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Nighttime (5pm-10pm) | $30.00 | $22.00 |
The aquarium also offers a variety of packages and promotions, including:
- A family package, which includes admission for two adults and two children, as well as a souvenir photo.
- A VIP package, which includes admission for two adults, a private tour guide, and a souvenir photo.
- A special promotion for military personnel and their families, which includes discounted admission and a free souvenir photo.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting the Shark Reef Aquarium
Here are a few tips and tricks for making the most of your visit to the Shark Reef Aquarium:
- Plan your visit during the daytime, when the aquarium is less crowded and the lighting is better for photography.
- Arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of your visit.
- Take your time and enjoy the exhibits at your own pace. There’s no need to rush through the aquarium.
- Bring a camera to capture the unique and fascinating marine life on display.
- Don’t forget to check out the interactive exhibits and activities, such as the touch pool and virtual reality experience.
Is the Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Free?
Unfortunately, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is not free. Admission prices vary depending on the time of day and the type of ticket purchased, as outlined above. However, the aquarium does offer a variety of packages and promotions that can help make your visit more affordable.
Recap and Conclusion
In conclusion, the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is a unique and fascinating attraction that offers a variety of features and exhibits. While admission prices may vary, the aquarium does offer a variety of packages and promotions that can help make your visit more affordable. By following the tips and tricks outlined above, you can make the most of your visit and have a memorable experience at the Shark Reef Aquarium. (See Also: What Time Does the Long Beach Aquarium Close? Plan Your Visit)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Shark Reef Aquarium suitable for children?
A: Yes, the Shark Reef Aquarium is suitable for children of all ages. The aquarium offers a variety of interactive exhibits and activities, including a touch pool and virtual reality experience, that are designed to be fun and educational for kids.
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks into the aquarium?
A: No, food and drinks are not allowed inside the aquarium. However, the aquarium does offer a variety of snack and beverage options, including a café and a snack bar.
Q: Can I take photos inside the aquarium?
A: Yes, photography is allowed inside the aquarium, but please be respectful of the marine life and other visitors. Flash photography is not allowed, and tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted.
Q: Can I touch the marine animals in the touch pool?
A: Yes, the touch pool is designed to be interactive, and visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with the marine animals on display. However, please be gentle and respectful of the animals, and do not touch any animals that are not part of the touch pool exhibit. (See Also: How to Treat Wood for Aquarium? A Step-by-Step Guide)
Q: Can I bring my service animal into the aquarium?
A: Yes, service animals are welcome in the aquarium. Please let the aquarium staff know if you are bringing a service animal with you, and they will provide you with a special access pass to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.