Shark Reef Aquarium

What lurks beneath the shimmering lights of Mandalay Bay? Here at the Shark Reef Aquarium, an ancient temple, seemingly sinking into the depths, beckons you. Shark Reef Aquarium opened its doors on June 20, 2000. It cost a whopping $40 million to build. This marvel, designed with the expertise of the Vancouver Aquarium, boasts Nevada’s first and only AZA-accredited facility. Shark Reef Aquarium houses over 2,000 animals and more than 100 species. It isn’t just sharks. You’ll encounter rays, fish, reptiles, and even mesmerizing jellyfish pulsing with ethereal light. The main tank holds 1,300,000 gallons of water. It’s one of the largest in North America and home to endangered and threatened species. Imagine yourself walking through a transparent tunnel. Sharks glide overhead, their shadows dancing on the seabed below. Galapagos sharks, blacktip reef sharks, and the formidable sand tiger sharks circle in this underwater kingdom. Look for the green sawfish. Marvel at the rescued green sea turtles gracefully navigating their watery domain. Shark Reef Aquarium also plays a crucial role in conservation. It houses the Devils Hole pupfish. This tiny fish, relocated from its endangered habitat, finds refuge within these walls. In 2001, Shark Reef Aquarium became the first in North America to exhibit a great hammerhead shark in a closed system. This majestic creature, flown from Florida, captivated visitors for years. Shark Reef Aquarium continues to evolve. In 2020, it unveiled a state-of-the-art virtual reality theater. Here, you can experience the thrill of swimming with humpback whales or diving with tiger sharks. The aquarium also participates in the “Adopt-a-Cove” program. This program helps keep Lake Mead clean. Shark Reef Aquarium is a testament to human ingenuity. It brings the wonders of the ocean to the heart of the desert.