The Mirage, Las Vegas

The Mirage Volcano erupts

Two attractions we’d recommend here. The volcano outside “erupts” with fire, water and light every night on the hour from 8pm. At the rear of the hotel though is Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden which is a sort of mini animal park. To be honest, we thought the big cat cages were on the small side, but it was the dolphins that we will remember for a long time to come. This is the closest we have ever been to them and they have lots of pools to swim in. While we were there, they had a fantastic time chasing each other and jumping of their own accord for the crowds. There are no “shows” as these are not “performing” animals, but at most times of the day the trainers are interacting with the dolphins, so there’s plenty to see. We’ve also tried out and would recommend the “Trainer for a Day” experience, which has to be booked well in advance. This is an extract from our free Las Vegas City Guide.

The dolphins at the Mirage Dolphin Habitat

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE LAS VEGAS MIRAGE

Visiting the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat costs $15 for adults (2010 price) and it’s open 11am to 5.30pm weekdays and 10am to 5.30pm weekends and holidays. You can get free entry with the Las Vegas Power Pass. The “Trainer for a Day” experience is very expensive ($550 in 2010), but you do get top spend quite a bit of time in the water with the dolphins.

Whilst you’re at the Mirage, check out the huge aquarium behind the front desk – it’s 53 feet long and crammed with vibrant coloured salt water fish. At last count the hotel says there are almost 1000 of them! Also take a quick stroll through the indoor atrium which is supposed to represent a lush indoor rain forest. It’s all placed under a glass dome and has palm trees and tropical flower arrangements which are looked after by 4 full time gardeners. Both the aquarium and the atrium are free to visit.