These Las Vegas Santas go river rafting and scuba diving

Santa Claus is, of course, super-busy this month, but he’s making time to put in appearances on the water and underwater in the Las Vegas area.

In addition to his red suit, St. Nick will don diving gear for special appearances at Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. And, on the morning of Christmas Eve, he will swap his team of reindeer for a boat during a joy-filled journey along the Colorado River.

The Rafting with Santa tour, offered by Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures, launches from just beneath Hoover Dam at 10 a.m. on Dec. 24. With a “ho, ho, ho!,� Mr. and Mrs. Claus will lead visitors on a 4 1/2-hour ride through the scenic canyon in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

In addition to a box lunch and bottled water typically provided, hot chocolate and Christmas cookies will be served at the end of the trip.

Tickets cost $92 for adults, $87 for youth ages 13 to 15, and $58 for children ages 5 to 12. Kids under 5 ride free. There’s an additional charge of $44 per person for round-trip transportation from Las Vegas-area hotels.

Info: (800) 455-3490.

Along the Strip at Mandalay Bay, Santa will add scuba gear to his usual attire for appearances inside Shark Reef’s Shipwreck tank each day at 4 p.m. from Dec. 19 to Dec. 24. Prior to the plunge, Santa will pose for pictures with the kids, starting at 10 a.m.

Entry to Santa in the Shipwreck is included with regular admission: $20 for adults and $14 for children ages 4 to 12. Kids 3 and younger can attend at no charge.

Info: (702) 632-4555.