See Sharks, Play Poolside Blackjack, or Attend Free Night Swim
The Tank at Golden Nugget Las Vegas is a multilevel Downtown pool complex built around a 200,000-gallon shark aquarium. Tropical landscaping, aquarium windows, poolside gaming, cabanas, bars, and the adults-only Hideout surround one of the most recognizable resort pools in Las Vegas.
Ordinary daytime swimming is not free for the general public. However, there are two ways adults may enter without purchasing standard daytime pool admission: attend the seasonal free Night Swim event or enter specifically to play at the poolside gaming tables while they are operating.
These limited-access opportunities make The Tank an unusual addition to the city’s free things to do in Las Vegas. Swimming, cabanas, daybeds, drinks, food, hotel rooms, parking, and other resort amenities may still cost extra.
Important 2026 update: Repairs and enhancements are underway on the shark aquarium. Some sharks have temporarily moved to Mandalay Bay, and the transparent waterslide is closed for the 2026 pool season. Other pool areas, bars, reserved seating, and poolside gaming remain available subject to daily operations.
Last reviewed: July 20, 2026. Aquarium repairs, shark visibility, Night Swim dates, gaming-table hours, pool admission, day passes, weather closures, and access procedures can change.
Golden Nugget Shark Tank Pool Quick Facts
- Free Public Experience: Seasonal Night Swim on selected Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Gaming-Only Access: Adults age 21 and older may ask to enter specifically to gamble at the poolside tables while they are operating.
- 2026 Night Swim Season: May 22 through September 5.
- Night Swim Hours: Friday and Saturday from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
- Night Swim Admission: Free and open to the public. A hotel stay is not required.
- Night Swim Age Requirement: 21+ with valid government-issued photo identification.
- Daytime Pool Access: Included for registered Golden Nugget hotel guests. Non-hotel guests may purchase day passes when available.
- Aquarium Size: Approximately 200,000 gallons.
- Current Waterslide Status: Closed for the 2026 pool season.
- Current Shark Status: Some sharks have temporarily moved to Mandalay Bay during aquarium repairs.
- Location: Golden Nugget Las Vegas in Downtown Las Vegas.
- Address: 129 E. Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101
- Phone: (702) 385-7111
- What Costs Extra: Daytime non-guest pool access, hotel rooms, cabanas, daybeds, reserved seating, food, drinks, gambling, and parking.
- Parking: Golden Nugget has paid self-parking and valet parking. Review the Las Vegas parking fees guide before visiting.
Current 2026 Aquarium and Waterslide Repairs
The transparent waterslide that normally passes through the shark aquarium is closed for the entire 2026 pool season. Do not plan a visit specifically to ride the slide.
Some of The Tank’s sharks have moved temporarily to Mandalay Bay while aquarium repairs are completed. Golden Nugget does not currently guarantee the number or species of sharks visible on a particular day.
The resort continues to operate other pool areas, H2O Poolside Bar, The Hideout, reserved seating, food and beverage service, and selected live table games, subject to daily conditions.
Golden Nugget has not announced a firm public completion date for the repair project. Review the official Tank and Hideout pool page shortly before visiting.
Exactly What Can Be Experienced for Free?
Regular daytime swimming and recreational pool use are not generally free for non-hotel guests. Registered Golden Nugget guests receive pool access with a valid room key, while other visitors normally need a purchased day pass or qualifying reservation to swim or use the pool facilities.
There are two limited ways members of the public may enter without purchasing ordinary daytime pool admission:
Adults age 21 and older may attend the published Friday and Saturday Night Swim events without paying an admission charge or staying at the hotel.
Adults age 21 and older who want to play at the poolside table games may tell the employee checking room keys that they are entering to gamble. This provides access for the gaming purpose while the tables are operating, not complimentary swimming or general recreational use of the pool.
Gaming-only entry does not include a free day pass, lounge chair, daybed, cabana, access to restricted pool areas, or use of the swimming facilities. Entry remains subject to identification checks, gaming-table availability, capacity, safety requirements, and instructions from Golden Nugget employees.
Free Night Swim at The Tank
Dates: May 22 through September 5, 2026
Days: Friday and Saturday
Hours: 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Admission: Free and open to the public
Age: 21+ with valid photo identification
Hotel Stay: Not required
Night Swim transforms the pool deck into an evening event with rotating live bands or DJs, cocktails, food service, outdoor gaming, and views of the illuminated pool complex.
Friday Night Swim events may also offer a view of Downtown fireworks on selected dates. Fireworks, live entertainment, and other activities may be delayed, changed, or canceled because of weather, operational conditions, private events, or government restrictions.
Free admission does not guarantee entry after the pool deck reaches capacity. Holiday weekends, major Downtown events, and nights with popular performers may attract larger crowds.
The transparent shark-tank waterslide remains closed during the 2026 Night Swim season. Swimming access and the availability of individual pool areas depend on current repair and event operations.
Review the official Night Swim schedule before visiting.
Poolside Blackjack and Table Games
Golden Nugget currently offers live table games on The Tank pool deck. Poolside blackjack allows eligible guests to gamble outdoors while overlooking the pool and aquarium complex.
Adults age 21 and older who are not registered hotel guests may tell the employee checking room keys that they are entering specifically to play at the gaming tables. A room key or recreational day pass is not normally required solely for gaming access while the tables are operating.
Gaming-only access does not include:
- Swimming or recreational pool use
- Use of the waterslide when it reopens
- Complimentary lounge chairs or daybeds
- Reserved cabanas or premium seating
- Access to The Hideout unless separately authorized
- Food, drinks, or other resort amenities
Poolside gambling is not free. Players must make real wagers, satisfy the posted table minimums, and follow all casino rules. The number of operating tables, available games, hours, and minimum bets can change.
A table may be closed even while the pool is open. Call Golden Nugget or ask a casino employee before making a dedicated trip solely to play poolside blackjack.
Daytime Pool Access for Hotel Guests and Visitors
Registered Hotel Guests
Registered Golden Nugget hotel guests currently receive access to The Tank pool complex with a valid room key. Included pool access does not mean that hotel accommodations, reserved seating, food, or drinks are free.
Non-Hotel Guests
Non-hotel guests may purchase daytime pool passes when available. Prices and availability vary according to the date, season, demand, capacity, repair work, private functions, and hotel occupancy.
A day pass should not be assumed available during weekends, holidays, major events, or periods of high demand. Contact Golden Nugget and ask for Cabana Reservations before traveling specifically for daytime swimming.
Reserved Seating
Cabanas, daybeds, chaise lounges, Jacuzzi loveseats, gazebos, fire pits, and other reserved seating options may be purchased separately.
Reservations can include different capacity limits, minimum-spend requirements, check-in times, cancellation terms, and pool-access conditions. Review the current terms before paying.
Check current cabana and seating availability.
What to Expect at The Tank Pool Complex
The Tank is a $30 million tropical pool complex centered around a 200,000-gallon aquarium containing sharks and other marine life. Large viewing panels allow pool users to see into the aquarium from the surrounding deck and water.
The complex includes:
- A main swimming pool
- The shark aquarium
- A Jacuzzi
- Private cabanas and daybeds
- H2O Poolside Bar
- Poolside food and beverage service
- Live casino table games
- The adults-only Hideout pool
The sharks do not swim in the same water as hotel guests. Thick aquarium walls separate the marine habitat from the recreational pool areas.
The transparent waterslide historically carried riders through an enclosed tube inside the aquarium. That experience is unavailable during the 2026 repair season.
The exact marine life visible changes because of veterinary care, habitat management, repairs, and temporary relocation. Older videos and photographs may show more sharks or different species than visitors currently see.
The Hideout Adults-Only Pool
The Hideout is a separate 21+ pool area above the main Tank complex. It is designed for adults seeking a more secluded atmosphere than the primary pool deck.
Features may include:
- A separate swimming area
- Infinity-edge views
- A dedicated bar
- Private cabanas
- Daybeds and reserved lounge furniture
Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Access depends on the visitor’s hotel-guest status, day pass, reservation, special-event admission, and current resort policies.
Gaming-only entry to The Tank does not automatically include access to The Hideout.
How to Find The Tank at Golden Nugget
Golden Nugget is located beneath the Fremont Street Experience canopy at 129 E. Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas.
Enter the resort and follow signs for The Tank, H2O Pool, The Hideout, or the hotel elevators. Daytime pool access is controlled, so visitors may need to present a room key, day pass, reservation, event eligibility, or valid identification.
Adults entering specifically to use the poolside gaming tables should tell the employee checking room keys that they are going to gamble. Follow all employee instructions and remain within the areas permitted under that access.
During Night Swim, the resort may use a dedicated entrance, queue, or identification checkpoint rather than the regular daytime pool entrance.
Fremont Street road closures and pedestrian-only areas can affect rideshare pickup and drop-off. Confirm the location displayed in the app and review the Las Vegas Ride Share Guide before traveling.
Tips Before Visiting The Tank
- Check the repair update: The waterslide is closed for 2026, and some sharks have temporarily moved to Mandalay Bay.
- Know your access type: Hotel-guest access, purchased day passes, free Night Swim, and gaming-only access have different rules.
- Bring valid identification: Night Swim, The Hideout, and poolside gambling are limited to adults age 21 and older.
- State your gaming purpose: Non-hotel guests entering to play at the poolside tables should tell the room-key attendant that they are going to gamble.
- Do not use gaming access as a pool pass: It does not include swimming, seating, cabanas, or recreational use of the pool.
- Confirm that tables are open: Poolside blackjack may not operate during every pool hour.
- Arrive early for Night Swim: Free admission does not guarantee entry after the pool deck reaches capacity.
- Check the weather: High wind, lightning, rain, extreme heat, poor air quality, or maintenance can affect pool operations.
- Follow current bag and beverage rules: Outside food, drinks, coolers, glass containers, and certain personal items may be prohibited.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Swimwear may be required on the pool deck, while cover-ups and footwear may be required when moving through the casino.
- Use responsible gaming limits: Poolside blackjack requires real wagers and is not part of the free entertainment.
- Keep expectations current: Older promotional images may show the waterslide operating and the aquarium with its full shark population.
See The Tank Pool and Shark Aquarium
This video shows The Tank under earlier operating conditions. The shark population, waterslide, pool access, and surrounding areas may differ during the current repair project.
Golden Nugget Shark Tank Pool FAQ
Q: Is Golden Nugget’s Shark Tank Pool free?
A: Ordinary daytime swimming is not generally free for non-hotel guests. Registered hotel guests receive included pool access, non-guests may purchase day passes, and the seasonal Night Swim event is free to the public.
Q: Can non-hotel guests enter to play poolside blackjack?
A: Yes. When the poolside gaming tables are operating, adults age 21 and older may tell the room-key attendant that they are entering specifically to gamble.
Q: Does gaming-only access include swimming?
A: No. It does not provide a recreational pool pass, complimentary seating, access to cabanas, or general use of the swimming facilities.
Q: Is poolside blackjack free?
A: There is no standard pool-admission charge when entering solely to gamble under the current procedure, but players must wager real money and meet the posted table minimums.
Q: Can someone enter for gaming and then use the pool?
A: No. Gaming-only access is limited to the gaming purpose. Swimming and other amenities require the applicable hotel-guest, day-pass, reservation, or event access.
Q: When is free Night Swim?
A: The published 2026 season runs Fridays and Saturdays from May 22 through September 5, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Q: Is a Golden Nugget hotel stay required for Night Swim?
A: No. The 2026 event is open to the public without a hotel reservation.
Q: How old must visitors be for Night Swim?
A: All Night Swim attendees must be at least 21 years old and should bring valid government-issued identification.
Q: Is the shark waterslide open?
A: No. Golden Nugget states that the waterslide is closed for the 2026 pool season while aquarium repairs are underway.
Q: Are all of the sharks still at Golden Nugget?
A: No. Some sharks have temporarily moved to Mandalay Bay during the repair project.
Q: Can visitors still see sharks?
A: The aquarium remains part of the pool complex, but the number and species visible are not guaranteed during the repairs.
Q: Can non-hotel guests swim during the day?
A: Day passes may be purchased when available. Prices and availability vary by date, season, demand, capacity, and current pool operations.
Q: Is The Hideout included with gaming access?
A: No. Access to the 21+ Hideout depends on current hotel, day-pass, reservation, and event policies.
Q: Are food and drinks free during Night Swim?
A: No. Event admission is free, but food, beverages, reserved seating, cabanas, and other purchases cost extra.
Q: Is The Tank suitable for children?
A: Children may be able to use the main daytime pool under current hotel-guest or day-pass policies. Night Swim, The Hideout, and poolside gambling are restricted to guests age 21 and older.
Q: Is The Tank worth a special trip during repairs?
A: Free Night Swim and poolside gaming may still appeal to adults. Visitors primarily interested in the waterslide or the full shark collection may prefer to wait for a future repair update.
