AquariumNevada, US

The Mirage Aquarium

The Mirage Aquarium once offered a tranquil escape into the underwater world, right behind the front desk of The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.

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About

The Mirage Aquarium once offered a tranquil escape into the underwater world, right behind the front desk of The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas. This impressive 20,000-gallon saltwater tank was a stunning 53 feet long, eight feet from top to bottom, and six feet from front to back, crafted with four-inch thick acrylic for optimal viewing. Designed to captivate guests and provide a calming atmosphere upon arrival, it featured an intricately detailed artificial coral reef, a conscious decision made to preserve natural ocean reefs. Visitors could immerse themselves in the vibrant spectacle of over 1,000 coral reef animals, representing 60 diverse species, swimming gracefully through the simulated habitat. The aquarium housed approximately 450 fish from 85 different species, carefully selected for their adaptability and compatibility within the ecosystem. It offered a continuous, complimentary viewing experience, making it a popular and accessible attraction for hotel guests and visitors alike. The meticulously managed environment was maintained by The Mirage's in-house aquarists, who were often seen diving into the tank in the early mornings to clean and care for the habitat, a sight that often fascinated onlookers. Beyond being a simple display, The Mirage Aquarium served as a dynamic underwater tableau that brought the beauty of marine life to the heart of the desert. Its striking visuals, combined with the diverse collection of exotic fish, created a memorable and relaxing experience, offering a momentary respite from the bustling energy of the Las Vegas Strip. The exhibit was celebrated for its advanced design and commitment to simulating a natural coral reef without impacting living ecosystems. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

The Mirage Aquarium was an integral part of The Mirage Hotel since its opening in 1989. The $1.2 million aquarium tank was strategically placed behind the check-in stand, conceived to entertain and relax guests as they waited to check in. Over its 35-year history, the aquarium became an iconic attraction, frequently featured in television and media. It underwent a two-month transformation, which included updating its filtration and life support systems, enhancing visibility, and introducing new, brighter artificial corals reminiscent of tropical locales like Australia's Great Barrier Reef. The old reef system was even donated to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. In December 2011, it was ranked as the 7th best hotel aquarium in the world by Sherman's Travel. However, with The Mirage Hotel's permanent closure on July 17, 2024, the renowned aquarium also closed, and its extensive collection of marine life was successfully relocated to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay.

What to do here

Observe the wide variety of angelfish, pufferfish, tangs, and other exotic sea creatures swimming amidst the artificial coral.

Seasonal info

As an indoor attraction, the aquarium was not significantly affected by external weather or animal activity, offering a consistent experience year-round.

Accessibility

The Mirage Hotel was generally wheelchair accessible. The aquarium, being a large viewing window behind the front desk, was accessible to all hotel guests and visitors.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: While some could view it in a minute, visitors could easily spend 15 minutes to an hour watching the diverse fish and enjoying the serene environment, particularly if they were not in a rush.
Best time to visit: The aquarium was viewable 24 hours a day and was free. Early mornings were often recommended for a quieter experience and the chance to see aquarists cleaning the tank. Midweek visits (Mondays through Thursdays) generally offered fewer crowds than weekends.
Location: Nevada, US
Species in this guide: 11

Best for

Families With Young Children (historically Free And Engaging)Casual Sightseers And Hotel Guests (historically Convenient And Relaxing)Marine Life Enthusiasts (historically Home To A Diverse Array Of Fish)Anyone Seeking A Moment Of Tranquility Amidst The Las Vegas Bustle (historically Calming)

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

The main highlight was the expansive 20,000-gallon saltwater tank itself, with its vibrant artificial coral reef habitat and diverse collection of exotic fish.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Angelfish

Pufferfish

Butterflyfish

Bat

Rabbit

Coral

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Go Early (Historically)

To avoid crowds and potentially witness the aquarists cleaning the tank, visiting in the early morning hours was ideal.

Take Your Time (Historically)

While it could be viewed quickly, allowing ample time to observe the diverse species offered a more rewarding experience.

Combine with Other Mirage Attractions (Historically): The aquarium was often visited alongside other free Mirage attractions like the tropical rainforest atrium.

No Cost for Viewing (Historically)

As the aquarium was free and always open, it was a great no-cost activity in Las Vegas.

Look for Specific Species (Historically): Keep an eye out for the angelfish, puffer fish, and various tangs that were popular residents.

Frequently asked questions

: No, The Mirage Aquarium is permanently closed. The Mirage Hotel itself closed its doors on July 17, 2024.
: The fish and other marine life from The Mirage Aquarium were successfully relocated to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, another prominent public aquarium in Las Vegas.
: Historically, The Mirage Aquarium housed over 1,000 coral reef animals, representing 60 diverse species, including angelfish, puffer fish, tangs, butterflyfish, triggerfish, snappers, trevally, surgeonfish, batfish, monos, and rabbitfish. The habitat featured an artificial coral reef.