Housing more than 2,000 animals including sharks, exotic fresh and saltwater fish, massive sea turtles and much more. Shark Reef offers the aquatic experience of a lifetime. The ocean is probably the last thing people think of when they visit the dry desert of Las Vegas, but the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay changes that.

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. Here, visitors can witness a scuba diver's view of these mesmerizing creatures, including nurse sharks and Sandtiger sharks measuring up to nine feet long, and sandbar sharks that measure more than six feet in length.

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, sharks and horseshoe crabs at the touch pool. (currently only available for viewing)

Also at the Shark Reef is an eight-foot-long Komodo dragon, the largest species in the lizard family. This particular Komodo lives within an environment similar to its habitat, complete with sand, heat-regulating boulders, and a pool.

Shark Reef's naturalists are available to answer any questions visitors may have.

Sharks:Blacktip reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, bonnethead sharks, nurse sharks, sand tiger sharks, sandbar sharks, zebra sharks, coral cat sharks, and Galapagos shark.

Tropical and Fresh Water Fish:Several species of angelfish, puffer fish and tang fish, and venomous tropical fish including lionfish and foxface.

Reptiles: Golden crocodiles, green sea turtles and Komodo dragon.

Marine Invertebrates, Rays: California round, blue-spotted masked stingrays, bowmouth guitarfish, green sawfish and Pacific sea nettle jellies