Shark Reef Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay
Ancient temples and oceans exist in Las Vegas. The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay provides visitors with a true oceanic wonderland experience. More than just an average aquarium, it is the only predator-based exhibit in North America housing more than 1,200 different species in a 1.6 million gallon seawater aquarium.
Upon entering The Shark Reef, guests are treated to a rare sight of five golden crocodiles—only a dozen remain in the world—and the only ones of that species living in the Western Hemisphere. Beyond the crocs lies many rare species making their home in the huge tank, including the Red-Tail Catfish, which can eat an entire duck in one gulp.
The next stop at the aquarium features the deadly Piranha exhibit. The Black Piranha, the largest of the four species housed in the Reef, can grow to exceed the length of a grown man's hand, and can eat a 100-pound animal in less than a minute. If the timing is right, visitors to Shark Reef can witness the feeding of these fish, which if not fed on time will devour each other.
The second leg of the journey, visitors are treated to a true hands-on-experience at the 'touch' pool where the likes of Southern Rays, Port Jackson Sharks, and Horseshoe Crabs are available to pet.
The heart of the Shark Reef, disguised as a sunken treasure ship, follows the pool. Considered the highlight of the experience, the shark exhibit gives viewers a chance to view 15 different types of sharks, and get an idea of the ocean floor really looks like. The aquarium turns into a tunnel as onlookers are surrounded by glass on all sides, allowing 360-degree views of sharks, manta rays and many other species gliding by.
More than just a good time can be had at the Shark Reef Las Vegas. The experience also features an environmental education aspect. The 16 naturalists on staff enlighten visitors about the Reef's conservation efforts and more. It conserves water by filtering 2 million gallons of saltwater every hour. The exhibit also uses only man-made coral since real coral is an endangered species. For a true educational experience, audio wands are provided giving details on each exhibit. Guided tours lasting 30 minutes are available every half hour for a modest fee from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
The Shark Reef is located inside of Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino, a quick drive from ONE Las Vegas and is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The last guests are admitted at 10:00 p.m. For more information, call (702) 632-4555 or visit www.mandalaybay.com/entertainment/sharkreef.aspx.
Thanks for your interest and if you have any questions or comments feel free to call or write us:
Phone: (702) 444-4321
Email: info@one-lasvegas.com
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