Mandalay Bay Pool: Beach, Wave Pool & Moorea Beach Club

Mandalay Bay isn’t messing around when it comes to pool action. After our many sweaty Vegas trips, we’ve splashed, floated, and sunburned ourselves throughout their famous “Beach” complex. Trust me, this isn’t your neighborhood community pool with that one weird kid who never gets out to use the bathroom.

The Mandalay Bay pool complex is filled with 2,700 tons of real sand and includes four pools, exclusive adults-only pool areas, a massive million-gallon wave pool, an incredible lazy river, and some of the best cabanas money can buy.

This world-famous playground on the beach is fun for all ages!

• Open Date: March 7, 2025
• Close Date: TBA, but usually October 31, 2025
• Hours: Daily: 9am – 6pm

The Wave Pool: Surf’s Up (Sort Of)

The wave pool at Mandalay Bay is basically the closest thing to an ocean without the fish peeing in it. Every few minutes, this massive pool cranks up and creates waves big enough to make you feel like you’re at the beach, but small enough that you won’t need a lifeguard to fish you out.

The wave pool is huge, holding over 1.5 million gallons of water, and has real sand around it, which means you’ll be finding little granules in weird places for days after your visit. Consider yourself warned – you’ll be dumping sand out of your shoes like you actually went to a real beach.

The Lazy River: Exercise for the Extremely Unmotivated

Nothing says “I’m on vacation” quite like floating in circles for hours. The lazy river at Mandalay Bay lets you do exactly that, but there’s a catch – you need to either rent a tube for $20 or bring your own. Our tip? Bring an inflatable from home or buy one off-strip to save some cash – but they have to be less than 48″ wide.

Unlike the MGM’s lazy river which takes about 20 minutes per loop, Mandalay’s is shorter at roughly 5 minutes per revolution. This means you can tell yourself “just one more loop” about 30 times before you realize you’ve been floating for hours and now resemble a wrinkled prune.

The lazy river area tends to be kid central, so prepare for the occasional splash war or screaming contest. If peace and quiet is what you’re after, you might want to check out other options.

The Beach: Vegas’ Answer to Not Having an Ocean

Mandalay Bay calls their entire pool complex “The Beach,” and they’ve committed to the theme. We’re talking 11 acres of poolside paradise complete with real sand, multiple pools, and enough lounge chairs to host a small nation.

Our group always starts with big plans to try every pool, but usually ends up planted in one spot all day because, let’s face it, moving is hard when you’re busy doing nothing.

The Beach area gets packed during peak season, so showing up early is smart if you want a decent spot. Otherwise, you’ll be that awkward person walking around with your towel and belongings, giving everyone the “is this seat taken?” face for 20 minutes.

Moorea Beach Club: For Adults Who Hate Tan Lines

• Open Date: TBA (Still Closed for the Season)
• Age Requirements: 21+

Okay, so this is the one area we haven’t visited (yet), but here’s what we know: Moorea Beach Club is Mandalay’s upscale, adults-only pool area where guests can go topless. It’s separated from the main pool complex with walls and security to keep prying eyes away.

There are some specific rules here: you can be topless throughout the area except at the bar (because apparently nipples and cocktails don’t mix). And yes, you can swim topless in the pool – no need to keep putting your top on and off like some aquatic striptease.

Cost & Access: Your Wallet Will Get Wet Too

Most Vegas pools follow a tiered system of financial pain:

1. Free: If you’re staying at Mandalay Bay, basic pool access is included with your room. Congratulations on your good life choices.
2. Resort Pass: If you’re not a hotel guest, you’ll need to buy a day pass.
3. Specialty Areas: Moorea Beach Club requires an additional admission fee, even for hotel guests.

The pools generally have security checkpoints where they’ll verify you belong there, so don’t try sneaking in unless you enjoy awkward conversations with security personnel.

Prohibited Items: Dreams & Outside Drinks

Vegas pools are notorious for their strict “no outside food or beverages” policies, and Mandalay Bay is no exception. That water bottle filled with vodka? They’ve seen that trick before. Security might even smell your water bottles or lotion containers because they trust no one.

Here’s the list of No-Nos:

• Luggage
• Professional cameras
• Glass items
• Sharp objects
• Weapons
• Outside food/drinks
• Speakers
• Umbrellas
• Beach/Personal chairs
• Coolers/Ice Chests/Insulated bags
• Illegal Drugs
• Skateboards/Scooters/Hoverboards
• Refillable Waterbottles. (Must be emptied upon entry)

We noticed that bag checks vary in thoroughness. Sometimes they’ll check every pocket of your bag like they’re looking for nuclear launch codes; other times, they’re so casual you could probably bring in a small piano if you wanted to.

So, basically, just bring yourself, some sunscreen, and a good attitude.

If you’re determined to save money (in Vegas? Good luck with that), some crafty visitors recommend non-metal flasks hidden in waistbands or getting a single drink and refilling it discreetly throughout the day. We neither confirm nor deny having tested these methods.

Fancy Seating: For People Who Think Towels Are Pedestrian

When a regular lounge chair just won’t do, Mandalay Bay offers several upgraded options:

Daybeds

These are like normal beds but outdoors and more expensive. Perfect for when you want to nap in public but with slightly more dignity than sprawling on a towel. Daybeds are recommended for busy days when finding regular seating becomes a contact sport.

Cabanas, Gazebos & Bungalows

For the ultimate “I have money to burn” experience, these private areas offer shade, dedicated service, and the envious glares of regular pool-goers. We’ve walked past these multiple times, pretending we were heading there before settling on our regular lounge chairs.

Prices start at $300 and go as high as $1300 in the dead of summer for a full day.

Food & Drinks: Because Swimming Makes You Hungry

When your stomach starts growling louder than the wave machine, Mandalay Bay has you covered with several dining options:

Beach Bar & Grill (Not Yet Open for the Season)

This is your standard poolside restaurant serving up burgers, sandwiches, and other foods that taste twice as good when you’re wet and sunburned. We’ve spent many afternoons here debating whether $20 for a burger is reasonable (it isn’t, but we always pay it anyway).

Bikini Bar

• Hours: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM Daily

True to its name, this bar serves people wearing bikinis (and other clothing items). It’s your go-to for overpriced cocktails that somehow taste better because you’re drinking them in a pool. Pro tip: the first drink will seem expensive, but by the third, you won’t care anymore.

Conclusion: Worth Getting Pruney Fingers For

Mandalay Bay’s pool complex remains one of the top pool experiences on the Vegas Strip. The combination of wave pool, lazy river, and general beach vibes makes it particularly appealing for families or adults who want options beyond just sitting in water.

Our repeated visits to Mandalay’s pool have convinced us that while Vegas may be in the desert, it has somehow mastered the art of the beach day. Just remember to bring money, sunscreen, and a willingness to pay $15 for a bottle of water when dehydration starts setting in.

Is it overpriced? Absolutely. Will you still have fun? Also yes. That’s Vegas, baby.