If you’re looking for something delightfully touristy to do while you’re in Vegas (other than shop, eat and gamble,) I definitely recommend giving the Shark Aquarium a try. This place is really fun for people of any age. It takes at least an hour to get through the entire aquarium and really enjoy yourself, so plan accordingly.
I’m typically more a fan of outdoor-style trips than Vegas trips, so I demanded that we visit this shark aquarium on my last stay. Even those who are more city types really enjoyed themselves. The cost to get in is only $18 per person, which is relatively cheap in Vegas for an hour or more’s worth of entertainment. It’s all the way at the back of the Mandalay Bay, so if you’re trying to avoid walking through the casino, ask the cab driver to drop you off in the back, at the entrance by the aquarium.
In addition to being full of some amazing sharks, the Shark Aquarium boasts several other different types of predators. The place is actually dedicated solely to predatory species, and it’s one of the only aquariums in the world that focuses on predators. Of course there’s a tank of piranhas and a crocodile, but you’ll also find a full grown komodo dragon. You know, kind of like the little ones people hold on the street and offer pictures with? Well, the big one is about five feet long!
The atmosphere inside is a nice distraction from the wild city atmosphere of Vegas. It looks and sounds a bit like a jungle, so you’ll feel like you’ve been transported away if only for an hour or two. It’s a nice escape out of the city without going too far, and it’s an especially cool attraction if you’re traveling with children.
