FISH TALES: Underwater discovery

New Shark Reef program offers in-depth tours

Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay always has prided itself on being much more than a walk-through experience. A visitor is immersed in a rainforest and virtual sunken temple that is inhabited by various sea creatures. But now visitors will have the chance to ask questions about their favorite fish.

Tricia Pettitt, education coordinator for the Shark Reef, said the display has always given tours to large groups. For every season they have been offered, the tours have been totally booked by local schools. As of Aug. 4, every first and third Wednesday, the program entitled Tours & Tales now offers expanded educational services to smaller groups.

"We've been doing morning education programs since we opened in 2000," she said. "We had some interest from guests, and we received calls asking for tours for adults. Parents want to bring their teenagers through, and our education programs are for school groups up to 30. So it wasn't really geared toward a smaller audience. We decided to develop some presentations that answered questions from people and gave more in-depth information about reptiles and sharks."

September's tours are scheduled to dispel stereotypes and myths about creatures from the deep. Besides being a recreational pastime for visitors, Pettitt said the tour offers tips on conservation.

"It's a great program for students to come through," Pettitt said. "We still try to promote our conservation message with the kids, and we want to inspire them as well."

The typical Shark Reef experience (for locals) does not involve a guided tour and costs $10.95 per person. Pettitt said the $24.95 Tours & Tales experience that runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on scheduled days includes a souvenir photo and is well worth the extra fee.

"In the new tour you get the guided tour, and that takes about an hour which you normally wouldn't get and then you go," she said. "You also get to visit a classroom which you wouldn't go to. There are items there for people to look at and touch, such as shark skin and shark jaws. It's really cool because normal guests don't get to see that stuff."

Those interested can call 632-4555.


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