Diving in the Nevada desert? You bet.

Las Vegas may not be the first destination that comes to mind when people think about scuba diving but then again, this is Vegas and these are no ordinary scuba diving opportunities we’re talking about.

Mandalay Bay is offering dive certified guests to climb into their 1.3 million gallon shark tank and Shipwreck Exhibit. For $650 (or $1000 per couple) you can swim around with the Sandtiger, Sandbar and White Tip Reef Sharks for 45 minutes. The price includes a guided tour of the aquarium, equipment orientation, dive experience, video, and up to four admissions for guests to view your fun. Certified divers click here for request form.

If that whole shark thing freaks you out, perhaps you’d prefer getting up close and personal with the aquatic acrobats of Le Reve at Wynn Las Vegas. All that peace of mind will cost you, but you get more, too. The Diver’s Dream Package includes two nights in a resort room at Wynn or Encore, certified SCUBA training session, VIP indulgence ticket package to the show, private backstage tour, SD and the chance to dive during a show. This experience will set you back $2,000 ($3,000 for two). For more information call 702-770-SWIM (7946).

IANAD (I Am Not a Diver), so drop us a comment if you check out one of these deals and let us know how it went.

Casino Lounges

Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Must be 21 or older.

Aliante Station – ETA Lounge – David Ritz, 7 pm
Bellagio – Baccarat Bar – Bruce Zarka, 4:15 pm-8:30 pm
Bellagio – Baccarat Bar – Ray Glover, 8:45 pm-1 am
Bellagio – Fontana Lounge – Dark through July 16
Bellagio – Petrossian Bar – Marta, 10 am-2:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian Bar – Whitney Phoenix, 3 pm-7:45 pm
Bellagio – Petrossian Bar – David Osborne, 8 pm-12:45 am
Boulder Station – Kixx Bar – Van de Guzman, 7 pm-midnight
Boulder Station – Railhead – Swing Dance Party with Jerry Tiffe, 2 pm-4 pm
New York-New York – Bar at Times Square- Dueling Pianos, 8 pm-2 am ($10 cover)
The Palazzo – Salute Lounge – Dueling Pianos, 5:30 pm – 1:30 am
Palace Station – Jack’s – Evenflow, 7 pm-11 pm
Rampart Casino – Round Bar – Jamariha, 7 pm-11 pm
South Point – Showroom – Deftal Salsero Nights with the Michito Sanchez Salsa Orchestra and DJ GC – Salsa dance lessons at 9 pm, dance competition at 9 pm and live music at 10 pm. ($10 cover includes dance lessons)
Texas Station – South Padre – La Nueva 103.5 presents “Live Mix” with Jesus “Chuy” Espiricueta and DJ Lee mixing the top Mexican hits. 20 pm-2 am, Doors at  pm ($5 cover at the door)

More Live Music & DJs

Cover charges vary.

Cheyenne Saloon – (N Rancho & Cheyenne) – C.J. Ramone
Wasted Space – Hard Rock – Bobby Long with He is We, Trouble Over Tokyo and John Zito Band

Today’s Freebies

The Summer of the 70s celebration continues on Fremont Street with Platinum Rockstars and their tributes to Foreigner, Boston, Van Halen and Led Zeppelin on the 3rd Street Stage from 9 pm until midnight. The Fremont Street Fever disco-themed stage show takes place at 9:15 pm, 10:15 pm and 11:15 pm on the 1st Street Stage. Admission is free.

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The weekly Rock ‘n Roll Wine Lounge takes place at Lavo at the Palazzo with Barefoot Bubbly Brut (CA) and Barefoot Bubbly Muscato Spumante (CA) pouring at the tasting station and open bar featuring Reggae Rhapsody Wine Blend and The Grotto Red Blend from 6 pm-8 pm. A DJ spins alternative, indie, reggae and hip-hop. Click here for RSVP (required to attend). Check in with host upon arrival for wrist band.

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Rock Naked at Little Darlings (1514 Western Ave) with tattoo and piercing giveaways from Mastermind Tattoo and live music by A Grand Omen.

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Celebrate Original Sin Thursday at Foundation Room at the House of Blues with complimentary admission for service industry workers. Doors open at 10 pm.

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Frankie’s Tiki Room presents the Graveyard Double Feature at 4 am (Fri) with “The Dead Pool” and “The Wrecking Crew”.  Popcorn and admission are free.

Poolin’ Around

The Summer Concert Series continues at VooDoo Beach at the Rio with a performance by Hoobastank. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the show starts at 6 pm. Click here to print free ticket.

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Go Cool by the Pool on the 3rd floor pool deck at the Las Vegas Hilton from 4 pm-8 pm with 2-for-1 drink specials, $2 shrimp cocktails, $3 cerviche. Daily drawing at 7 pm. Live entertainment by Bert Lynch, 5:30-8 pm. Admission is free.

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Encore Beach Club hosts Dip & Dance – The Thursday Night Pool Party. Ladies in swim attire welcome to champagne open bar from 11 pm until midnight.

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Liquid Pool Lounge at Aria presents Tequila and Turntables industry swim party with $5 Patron shots, $3 Coronas, $15 Corona buckets and half off appetizers.

Special Nightlife Events

Mr. Freeze presents the Grand Finals of the I Am Hip-Hop Thursday Nights – The Ultimate B-Boy/Girl Competition at Revolution Lounge at Mirage. 10 pm.

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Godskitchen at Vanity Nightclub at the HardRock features Danny Howells with resident DJs Tony Arzadon and Nathan Scott.

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Gabe Saporta (of Cobra Starship) performs at Haze Nightclub at Aria.

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Rock your 80s wear and hit Less Than Zero at Ghostbar at the Palms. Mark Stylz provides the tunes. 10 pm.

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Babes (5901 Emerald Ave) is launching their summer dance contest with $900 in cash and prizes up for grabs. Open to all ladies 18 and over.