The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay has been a favorite attraction on the Las Vegas Strip since it opened more than 20 years ago! Watching more than 2000 animals exist around you is a memorable experience.
This summer the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay added a new experience for visitors, Undersea Explorer VR Experience. This new experience lets you swim with the shark and dive deep with whales, all without getting wet!
The virtual reality trip is perfect for the entire family, though the whales is a bit easier for younger kids and those who don’t do quite as well with all the motion. My kids did well with both and begged to go back over and over again.
Undersea Explorer VR Experience is included with your admission to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay.
Shark Reef Aquarium and
Undersea Explorer VR Experience
Reserve Your Entry Time! To manage capacity limits and provide for physical distancing Shark Reef Aquarium has timed ticket entry. During peak times, the aquarium may sell out of tickets, please reserve in advance for a preferred date and time. Entry time is good for the 30-minute window selected.
Admission
Adult: $29.00
Seniors (65+): $27.00
Children (ages 4 – 12): $24.00
Children (3 & under): Free
Hours
Daily 10am – 6pm
Last Admission at 5pm
A Nevada resident discount may be available at the box office, but go early as the aquarium may sell out of tickets for the day.
What to Expect
You will visit the Shark Reef first.
The touch tank is closed.
The gift shop is open.
Masks are required. Disposable masks are kindly provided at entry.
When you are finished exploring the aquarium you can then go the Undersea Explorer Virtual Reality Experience.
If you prefer a specific experience (whales or sharks) ask before you go in, your ticket only covers one. If the kids are set on experiencing the sharks, ask the greeter when that will be playing.
Once admitted there are interactive displays and photo opportunities including a selfie in the shark cage, learning about the anatomy of the humpback whale, tracking the real-time movement of sharks, and more. These fun opportunities help you prepare for your virtual adventure.
Before you enter the theatre you will be given a paper mask that goes across your forehead and just under your eyes. This thin piece of paper is just a barrier between your face and the VR helmet you will be wearing.
The seats move, but as someone who easily gets motion sick, I did just fine.
The VR experience lasts about 5 minutes and concludes your day at the Shark Reef.
The Shark Reef Aquarium opened in June 2020. In March 2003, the famed attraction became the first animal care facility in the State of Nevada to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Shark Reef Aquarium continues to hold this distinction as first and only.
Endangered and Rare Animals
While in the aquarium be sure to admire the many endangered and rare species that live there.
Endangered and threatened species include:
Komodo Dragon
Sawfish
Green Sea Turtles
Arowa
Burmese Pythons
Cownose Rays
These species are rare to see in zoos and aquariums Shark Reef Aquarium:
Black Piranha
Southern Fiddler Ray
Galapagos Shark
Grey Reef Shark
Bowmouth Guitarfish/Shark Ray
Included with Shark Reef Aquarium & Undersea Explorer package. 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.
