The Shark Reef Aquarium is immensely popular in Las Vegas, likely due to its subject matter and family appeal. Families still flock to Las Vegas, and the aquarium remains one of the few indoor activities that appeals to everyone. It is located inside the Mandalay Bay Casino at the far south end of the property past the convention center.
Admission at the door is fairly steep. I recommend purchased discount tickets in advance. The VIP tickets allow all-day access and line bypass. I opted to pay the extra $3 to bypass the long line and was treated to a quick and easy experience. The aquarium is done well, although it is rather small. There are several exhibits done terrarium style with some exotic animals. Underground, there is a nice touch tank, moon jelly tank, and the sharks. Most are somewhat small, but it is fun to see the hammerhead and sawfishes.
I was able to breeze through here in less than one hour including the ticket line. Families can easily spend more time watching the animals and enjoying the touch tank. The price is rather steep for the size, but the Shark Reef Aquarium remains one of the few options to go underwater in the middle of the hot desert.