Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay is one of the best family-friendly breaks from the Strip heat—an indoor walk-through aquarium with sharks, rays, and a signature underwater tunnel vibe. It’s located inside Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino at 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119.

This guide gives you the exact planning details: hours, last admission, ticket types, timed entry rules, and step-by-step routes from The Strip and LAS.

📍 Location & Entry Info

  • Where: Mandalay Bay (south end of the Strip)
  • Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119
  • Inside the resort: Follow signs for Shark Reef Aquarium (it’s not outdoors—plan a few minutes to walk through the property).

⏱️ Hours, Last Admission, Box Office

🐠 Aquarium hours (official)

  • Daily: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Last admission: 7:00 PM

🎟️ Box office hours

  • Daily: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM

✅ Best time to go: mornings (10–11:30) for lighter crowds, or late afternoon if you’re pairing it with Mandalay Bay/Luxor/Excalibur plans.

💳 Tickets & Pricing (Timed Entry vs Anytime)

Shark Reef uses timed ticket entry to manage capacity. Your entry time is valid for the one-hour window you select. During peak times, tickets can sell out—reserve in advance if you want a specific time.

Timed Entry Pricing (Aquarium + Undersea Explorer VR)

  • Adult: $29
  • Senior (65+): $27
  • Child (ages 5–12): $24
  • Child (4 & under): Free

Anytime Tickets (more flexible)

  • Adult: $36
  • Senior (65+): $34
  • Child (ages 5–12): $31
  • Child (4 & under): Free

Nevada resident discount

  • $3 off adult or child admissions (not available online; buy at the box office with NV ID; subject to availability).

🎮 Undersea Explorer VR (what to know)

  • The ticket listing includes the Undersea Explorer VR experience.
  • VR films are for ages 5+; younger kids can still enter the aquarium but can’t do the VR.

✅ Tip for families: If you have kids under 5, plan “swap turns” for VR so one adult stays with them while others ride (the venue explicitly notes younger children may need to rotate with a parent/guardian).

👨‍👩‍👧 Family rules (don’t get surprised at the door)

  • Children 12 & under must be accompanied by a paid adult.
  • Children 4 & under are free (no ticket required).

⭐ What to do inside (quick plan)

✅ If you have 60–90 minutes

  • Walk the main exhibits + tunnel
  • Add the VR experience (if your group is 5+)

✅ If you have 2 hours

  • Go slower, re-watch shark passes in the tunnel
  • Browse gift shop + take photos in quieter corners

📌 Typical visit feel: “cool indoor attraction” that’s great mid-day when the Strip is hot.

🚇🚌 How to Get There (The Strip → Shark Reef)

Option A: 🚌 RTC Deuce (simple + tourist-friendly)

The Deuce on The Strip runs 24/7 and lists Mandalay Bay as a stop.

✅ Best for: budget travel, late nights, no parking stress
⚠️ Tip: During big events (like F1 week), RTC can run modified schedules/routing—always check before you go.

Option B: 🚝 Monorail + short connection

The Las Vegas Monorail runs from MGM Grand to SAHARA.
From the monorail corridor, you can move south via resort-to-resort connections (see tram below).

Option C: 🚋 FREE Mandalay Bay–Luxor–Excalibur Tram

There’s a complimentary tram connecting Mandalay Bay – Luxor – Excalibur, useful if you’re already nearby and want to reduce walking.
Hours published for the tram (example listing):

  • Mon–Fri: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
  • Sat–Sun: 11:00 AM – 12:30 AM

✅ Best for: moving around the south Strip cluster without paying fares.

✈️ Airport Connections: LAS → Shark Reef Aquarium (Step-by-Step)

Harry Reid International Airport public bus info (official):

  • Route 108, Route 109, and CX stop at Terminal 1 (Ground Level Zero / Level Zero)
  • CX also serves Terminal 3

Best “no confusion” public transit route

  1. From LAS, go to the bus stop at Terminal 1 Level Zero (or CX at Terminal 3).
  2. Take Route 109 toward South Strip Transit Terminal (SSTT). The route PDF shows Harry Reid Airport Terminal 1 (Zero Level) and S. Strip Transit Terminal (SSTT) on the same line.
  3. At SSTT, transfer to Deuce (northbound) and get off at Mandalay Bay.
  4. Walk inside Mandalay Bay and follow signs to Shark Reef Aquarium.

✅ Best for: saving money
⚠️ If you land very late, rideshare/taxi may be faster and less stressful.

✅ Practical tips (save time + avoid mistakes)

✅ Book ahead for peak times (timed entry can sell out).
✅ Know the cutoff: last admission is 7:00 PM even though it closes at 8.
⚠️ Don’t assume toddlers can do VR: VR films are 5+.
✅ If you’re staying mid/upper Strip, plan Deuce one way and monorail/tram the other to reduce walking.

FAQ

What are Shark Reef Aquarium hours?
Daily 10:00 AM–8:00 PM, last admission 7:00 PM.

How much are tickets?
Timed entry: Adult $29, Senior $27, Child 5–12 $24, 4 & under free. Anytime: Adult $36, Senior $34, Child $31.

Is there a kids rule?
Yes—children 12 & under must be with a paid adult, and 4 & under are free.

What’s the easiest way from the airport by transit?
Use airport routes 108/109/CX to reach the Strip area, then connect to Deuce for Mandalay Bay.

Conclusion

Shark Reef Aquarium is a smart Vegas stop when you want something indoors, family-friendly, and easy to plan: consistent daily hours, clear last admission, and simple access via Deuce (24/7) to Mandalay Bay. Book timed entry in advance for peak days, and you’ll avoid the most common “sold out / wrong time” problems.

Categorized in:

AMERICABlogUSA