Shark reef is the latest aquarium to open its attraction to divers. The designated dive area, called the Shipwreck Exhibit, is a 1.3 million-gallon aquarium with more than 30 sharks, plus rays, sawfish, green sea turtles and schools of fish. Only certified divers are allowed in. Limited reservations are available for Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
The $650-per-person price includes up to four admissions for the diver’s guests to view the dive and join the behind-the-scenes guided tour. All equipment, including a chain maille, is provided but divers may bring their own mask, which is dipped in chlorine before the dive. The experience is a one-tank dive that lasts for about 45 minutes. Locker rooms, showers, shampoo/body wash, towels, snack and a bottle of water will also be provided. Each diver needs to bring a swimsuit.
Depths to: 22 feet (7 m).
Water temperature: 74-78 degrees Fahrenheit (23-25 degrees Celsius).
Aquatic life: Seven species of sharks: sandtiger, 7-9 feet (2-3 m) in length; sandbar,
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m); gray reef, 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m); Galapagos, 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m); nurse, 7-9 feet (2-3 m); white tip reef, 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m); and zebra, 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m). There are also Southern stingrays, green sawfish and various species of bony fish.
Fees: $650 for one diver and $1,000 for two divers.
On-site amenities: The aquarium is in the heart of Las Vegas.
More info:.
Getting there: Mandalay Bay is located in the south end of the Las Vegas Strip
about 2 miles (3.2 km) from McCarran International Airport.
