In the middle of the desert, there’s still plenty of water flowing through Las Vegas. Spectacular fountains, aquariums and water-themed productions are among the most celebrated of the city’s attractions. So what better way to get your creativity flowing than by visiting some of these famed oases?
While you may not be installing an elaborate musical fountain system à la the Bellagio any time soon, you never know when inspiration will strike. To help you find your muse, here is a map of the attractions making a big splash in Sin City.
Mandalay Bay Shark Reef
Home to more than 2,000 ocean creatures, including sharks, giant rays and piranha, the 1.6-million-gallon Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay is North America’s sole predator-based exhibit. Want a closer look? Ask about the new “Dive With Sharks” program that lets hotel guests who are certified divers get up close and personal with more than 30 sharks, such as the sandtiger, white tip and sandbar species. While at Mandalay, also check out the 14-foot-high, 12,200-gallon, saltwater aquarium in the hotel lobby — then mosey out to Mandalay Bay Beach to view still more water attractions. Location: 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; www.mandalaybay.com
Liquidity Bar
A state-of-the art projection system is the secret behind the ever-changing water patterns on the walls of Luxor’s sleek Liquidity Bar. Deep blues and purples infuse the venue’s three separate lounges, giving you that underwater feeling whether you’re dancing to the live DJ’s spins, mixing with the crowd, or just finding a secluded spot to enjoy one of Liquidity’s signature drinks: Vixen, Love Potion or Liquid Lust. Location: 3900 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; www.luxor.com
The Fountains of Bellagio
This intricate water and light spectacular set on the 8 acres of Lake Bellagio is not only an iconic attraction on the Strip — it’s the second largest musical fountain system in the world. With water reaching heights of 240 feet, the 1,000 dancing fountains created by WET Design arc and swell to a medley of opera, classical and show tunes — a choreographic interpretation you won’t want to miss. While at Bellagio, be sure to also explore the waterfeatures at the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Location: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; www.bellagio.com
“O” at the Bellagio
A 1.5-million-gallon pool takes center stage in this jaw-dropping production featuring acrobats, synchronized swimmers, Olympic divers and the quirky, dreamy humor signature to the Cirque du Soleil franchise. Performers reach dizzying heights on rings, trapezes and aerial frames in this often surreal production, where acrobats in zebra costumes balance precariously over the water in one act, and high divers take a 60-foot plunge in another. Location: 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; www.cirquedusoleil.com
Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
This education and research facility at the Mirage is home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, nearly all of whom were born on site. The 2.5-million-gallon habitat features four connected pools with an artificial coral reef system and a sandy bottom. Visitors can take advantage of guided educational tours or opt for the “Trainer for a Day” program for a chance to train, feed and play with these magnificent creatures. Location: 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; www.miragehabitat.com
Mirage Volcano
Before the Bellagio fountains came along, the Mirage Volcano was the first free outdoor attraction on the Strip. Fire jets spout gas flames 12 feet high over the casino’s 3-acre lagoon, creating a stunning contrast between fire and water. Reimagined and reopened last December, the hourly volcano show features more advanced pyrotechnics set to new music by Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart and tabla player Zakir Hussain. Location: 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; www.mirage.com
The Grand Canal at the Venetian
The quarter-mile-long indoor canal at the Venetian gives an authentic European feel to the casino’s Grand Canal Shoppes, which feature outdoor façades set beneath a painted fresco of the sky. Hire a gondolier to serenade you during a ride down the winding canal, or stay ashore to enjoy the performers along the banks. Location: 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S.; www.venetian.com
The Sirens of Treasure Island
Pirates meet pyrotechnics in this free show in front of the Treasure Island Resort and Casino. During the 18-minute production, scantily clad sirens tempt rebel pirates with song, dance, swordplay and high dives into the lagoon. Warning: Adult themes may not be suitable for children. Location: 3300 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; www.treasureisland.com
The Aquarium at Silverton Hotel/Casino
A few miles south of the Strip at the Silverton Hotel/Casino, staff marine biologists don microphones along with their breathing masks to educate visitors about saltwater creatures from inside the 117,000-gallon reef aquarium. Touted as one of the “best free attractions in Las Vegas,” the Silverton aquarium houses stingrays, sharks and more than 4,000 tropical fish. Performers dressed as mermaids also appear in the tank throughout the day. Location: 3333 Blue Diamond Rd.; www.silvertoncasino.com
Lake Las Vegas
One of Nevada’s best-kept secrets is Lake Las Vegas, a resort destination just 17 miles from the Strip built at a 320-acre manmade lake. Browse the shops and waterfront dining options at MonteLago Village, or enjoy kayaking, fishing or a gondola ride as you take in the Tuscan-inspired architecture — including the Ritz Carlton’s bridge of suites styled after Italy’s Ponte Vecchio. Location: Information Center, 1605 Lake Las Vegas Pkwy., Henderson, NV 89011 www.lakelasvegas.com
