The ocean is probably the last thing people think of when they visit the dry desert of Las Vegas, but the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is changing that.

Housing more than 1,200 species of marine life including sharks, exotic fresh and saltwater fish, a 300-pound sea turtle and much more, Shark Reef offers the aquatic experience of a lifetime.

The only accredited aquarium by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association in Nevada, Shark Reef is popular with tourists and marine experts alike. Only 10 percent of aquariums are accredited nationwide, making it one of the most prestigious facilities of its kind, along with the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. 

Shark Reef is reminiscent of an ancient temple slowly sinking into the ocean. The tunnel, which houses five species of sharks and the aquarium's largest animals, is designed to look like a sunken shipwreck and contains 1.3 million gallons of water. Here, visitors can witness a scuba diver's view of these mesmerizing creatures, including nurse sharks and tiger-striped sharks measuring up to nine feet long, and two tiger sharks that measure more than six feet in length. 

Since the sharks at the Shark Reef are fed on a daily basis, the surrounding animals are in no danger. Sharks are fed three times a week, which is more than they would probably eat in the wild. In fact, the half-inch Blue Damsel, the tiniest fish at the Shark Reef, shares the same tank with these gigantic creatures.

When divers swim in to clean these tanks, they wear a stainless steel mesh, similar to what knights wore long ago. The metal helps keep the animals away so the humans don't look like food.

In addition to the shark tunnel, guests can experience exhibits featuring crocodiles, freshwater fish, piranhas and much more. 

Since many of us aren't planning to pet a piranha anytime soon, visitors can enjoy getting a "hands-on" experience with various stingrays, eels and crabs at the touch pool. 

Also at the Shark Reef is an eight-foot-long Komodo dragon, the largest species in the lizard family. Classified as an endangered species, there are only 3,000 to 5,000 that live in the wild. At Shark Reef, this particular Komodo lives within an environment similar to its habitat, complete with sand, boulders and a pool.

The Shark Reef is also home to colorful catfish, saw fish, beautifully patterned black-and-white potato cod fish and spiky mine urchins. The mine urchins do not move much, but visitors may catch a group of them munching on a "cookie," a nutritious wafer created specifically for their diet.

Visitors can also see a live female bowmouth guitarfish. Better known as a shark ray, this animal is considered a vulnerable species and very little is known about it. The 5-foot, 90-pound shark ray is one of only a dozen featured in aquariums throughout the United States. 

For those who want an in-depth, personal enrichment about the animals, audio wands are available in Spanish, English and Japanese. In addition, Shark Reef's naturalists are available to answer any questions visitors may have.

Guests can also take part of the sea with them long after they leave Shark Reef. Located at the end of the exhibit, Shark Reef's gift shop features an assortment of figurines, picture frames, trinkets and souvenir photos for those who took one right before the tour.

MANDALAY BAY SHARK REEF DETAILS

• Hours of operation:
  Main Hours
  Monday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  Thursday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  Friday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  Saturday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Cost:
  $18 for adults, $12 for children 5-12. Children age 4 and under are admitted free. Nevada residents with proper identification get a discount. Stingray Feed Experience costs $50 per adult and $40 for children (ages 5-12). Sea Turtle Feed Experience and Shark Feed Experience each cost $70 per person and include admission to Shark Reef Aquarium. Participants in the feeding programs can purchase a guided tour for an additional $25.
• Payment options:
  Cash, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover and traveler's checks.
• Reservations:
  The attraction may be rented out for private functions.
• Location:
  Located at Mandalay Bay hotel-casino near the intersection of the Vegas Strip and Hacienda Avenue.
• Age/Height/Weight restrictions:
  The Stingray Feed Experience is open to those 5 years of age and older. The Sea Turtle Feed and Shark Feed experiences are open to those 13 years of age and older.
• Type:
  Aquarium