Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. While the majority of visitors come to Vegas for the nightlife, gambling, shows, dining, and shopping, there are many attractions for those looking to steer clear of smoky casinos and "adult" entertainment. One of the more unique attractions is the Dolphin Habitat at Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden located in the Mirage Hotel and Casino.
Features
The Dolphin Habitat is a 2.5 million gallon pool that seven dolphins call home. The habitat has walking areas immediately adjacent to the water's edge, making it easy to watch the dolphins swim and play. There also is an underwater viewing area where visitors can get an even closer view of the dolphins as they dart and glide through the water.
Swimming Privileges
The Dolphin Habitat has a special program called "Trainer For a Day." For a fee, you can actually enter the water with the trainers and take part in play and training sessions with the dolphins. The trainers will give you a crash course in dolphin biology; you'll learn about their habitat, which predators threaten them, their food sources, and other facts. The highlight of the program is, of course, swimming with the dolphins. You also will get a CD of pictures with you and the dolphins taken by the trainers throughout the day at no additional charge.
History
The Dolphin Habitat was designed to give the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins a healthy environment to thrive in, as well as to educate the public about dolphins and other marine life. The habitat is made up of four connected pools, an artificial coral reef system, and a sand bottom that, altogether, attempts to mimic the natural habitat of the dolphins as closely as possible.
Birthday Parties
Want to throw your child a memorable birthday? The Dolphin Habitat at Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden can do just that. The birthday party package includes a tour of the dolphin habitat, a special activity in the underwater viewing area, a photo of the child with the dolphin, and catered lunch for the birthday boy or girl and their guests. There are menus available to select the catered lunch option that best fits your nutritional goals.
Cost
Tickets in 2010 cost $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 to 12. There is no charge for kids three and under. The fee for the Trainer For A Day program is $550 including the photo CD. Fees for the birthday party packages start at $60. The habitat also has a concession area with various snack items available for purchase as you make your way around the viewing areas.
Getting There
Getting to the Mirage is quite easy. The hotel is located on the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip, and any taxi driver can get you there in a matter of minutes. If you fly into Las Vegas, you can take a taxi or opt for a shuttle ride to the hotel. Taxis are more readily available than shuttles, but may cost a few dollars more.