Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium: An Enchanting Escape

Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter in Lecanto, Florida, offers a unique blend of marine education and immersive entertainment. Visitors can explore more than 20 exhibits featuring sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, and other sea creatures, as well as interactive touch tanks. The highlight is a live mermaid performance (move over Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs) set in a stunning 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, blending fantasy with real marine life.

This attraction goes beyond typical aquariums by combining conservation messages with storytelling and hands-on experiences. Guests of all ages can engage with the ocean world through feeding sessions and educational displays, creating a meaningful connection to marine environments.

Mertailor sets itself apart by fostering a deeper understanding of ocean life while creating an enchanting, visually captivating atmosphere. It offers a rare opportunity to witness skilled mermaid performers while learning about diverse marine species in an intimate indoor setting.

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About Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter

Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter combines marine life exhibits with live mermaid performances in a unique indoor setting. It offers hands-on interactions, educational elements, and conservation-focused experiences. The attraction’s location, history, and mission form a foundation for its visitor-focused approach.

Location of Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter – Lecanto, Florida

Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is located in Lecanto, Citrus County, Florida. The aquarium is easily accessible from major routes in the region, making it convenient for car travelers.

One thing that threw me off is that the building’s sign reads “Aquarium.” I expected it to read “Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium,” and I’m not sure why it doesn’t. I also don’t recall seeing any large billboards or signage advertising the aquarium, which is unusual. Perhaps it’s by design – I am not sure.

The facility is entirely indoors, providing an all-weather environment suitable for families and groups seeking sheltered activities. On-site parking is available for guests. Accessibility accommodations ensure that visitors with mobility challenges can navigate the aquarium with relative ease. The central Florida location places it near other Gulf Coast attractions, increasing its appeal as part of a broader travel itinerary.

Founding of Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter

Eric Ducharme’s passion and vision drive Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter. Born on June 23, 1990, Eric Jonathan Ducharme—also referred to as “The Mertailor”—is an American businessman, artist, and mermaid enthusiast. Ducharme produces and markets mermaid-themed costume clothing and is best known for his elaborate, colorful custom mermaid tails. Ducharme and his business are featured in the 2023 Netflix documentary series MerPeople. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it for all mermaid fans.

Here’s an example of one of his custom Whimsy Tails:

Image Credit: Mertailor LLC

Created to blend education and entertainment, Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter opened with an emphasis on merging fantasy with ocean conservation. The founders aimed to develop a space where storytelling through mermaid performances enhances engagement with live marine life displays.

Since its inception, the aquarium has grown into a well-recognized destination in Citrus County. Its evolution involved adding diverse marine species, such as sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish, as well as scheduled interactive programs. The development reflects a continuous effort to innovate while preserving the core experience that inspired its creation.

Signature Live Mermaid Shows

Arguably, the live mermaid shows are the main attraction. Much like the shows at Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs, Mertailor’s mermaid shows take place in an underwater theater surrounded by vibrant marine life, including tropical fish, seahorses, and stingrays. The key difference is that the show at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium is in a smaller, man-made tank, whereas the one at Weeki takes place in a gigantic natural spring.

The seating area is smaller than Weeki’s, but it’s also very intimate, and the kids love it. The mermaids glide through large, 15,000-gallon tanks, offering an up-close look at how performers interact naturally with the underwater environment. The displays balance fantasy with realism, emphasizing the connection between performers and real aquatic life.

Performers wear custom-designed tails and execute graceful swimming routines that showcase precise movements and breath control. These shows often run multiple times daily and feature storytelling elements that immerse audiences in mermaid lore and ocean conservation themes. The performances are visually engaging and aim to educate visitors on marine ecosystems while entertaining them with skilled aquatic artistry.

What Did I Think of Mertailor’s Signature Live Mermaid Shows

I’m a long-time mermaid fan, so you’d be hard-pressed to hear me say I didn’t enjoy the show – I loved it. I enjoy the artistry of the show, the talent of the mermaid performers, and I have tremendous respect for the skill required to perform underwater. Watching them swim immediately makes me feel like a child. Perhaps it’s the obsession most girls have with mermaids as children?

I think the show is very well thought out, creative, and captivating. And even though it’s not as large or elaborate as Weeki, it’s just as impressive to me. If you have small children who love mermaids, they will love this show. The kids that were there when I went were so excited they were squealing – which is what it’s all about.

Another difference from Weeki’s show is that Mertailor’s tank features massive stingrays and sharks. They glide along past the mermaids as if they are not even in the water with them.

Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Showtimes: Make sure you check showtimes in advance just to be sure:

Session 1: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Mermaid Show at 12:00 PM)
Session 2: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM (Mermaid Show at 1:30 PM)
Session 3: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Mermaid Show at 3:00 PM)

Aquarium Hours: Open daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Aquatic Exhibits and Marine Life At Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium

Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter features a variety of aquariums showcasing marine species from different environments. Visitors can engage with many creatures up close as they observe their behavior in specially designed habitats. The facility also emphasizes marine conservation and education through its exhibits and programs.

Featured Aquariums

Additional tanks replicate environments such as coral reefs and kelp forests, providing homes for colorful fish, invertebrates, and small sharks. The indoor setup maintains water quality and lighting to mimic natural conditions, promoting healthy marine ecosystems within the facility.

Species Highlights

Species featured at the aquarium range from stingrays and small sharks to vibrant reef fish and resilient starfish. The stingrays often draw attention for their size and the tactile experience guests have in the touch pools. Small sharks offer a unique glimpse into their behavior outside the ocean’s depths. In addition to aquatic life, rescued macaws are housed in an aviary, adding a diverse element to the exhibits.

The Mertailor aquarium is not the largest or flashiest. In fact, it’s relatively small. However, one thing that makes it special is that you can interact with many of the animals. For example, you can feed the stingrays, or if you are brave, you can swim with them.

Become a Mermaid Experience

Anyone who wants to swim like a mermaid in an actual aquarium setting can do so with the Discover Mermaid Experience. As they explore the underwater world alongside tropical marine life, participants receive guidance from qualified mermaid instructors. Beginners, curious swimmers, or those who have tried mermaiding but haven’t completed a certification course will find this experience ideal.

Wear the lovely mermaid tail and monofin provided for your session, but they are not yours to keep. Mertailor does sell mermaid tails that you can take home with you, but the one used in the Become a Mermaid Experience is lent to you.

You swim in the unique aquarium setting under the supervision of our qualified mermaid instructors, who are there to protect you and assist you in moving through the water with grace.

As of 2026, this experience costs $225 for children and $250 for adults.

Conservation Efforts

Mertailor actively supports marine conservation through education and hands-on experiences that foster awareness of ocean ecosystems. The facility promotes responsible interaction with marine life, encouraging visitors to respect and protect aquatic environments.

The aquarium works with local organizations to assist in animal rescue and rehabilitation when possible. They also prioritize sustainability in their operations, using environmentally conscious practices to minimize their impact while maintaining exhibit health.

Guest Activities and Educational Programs

Visitors at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter take part in interactive experiences designed to deepen their understanding of marine life. These activities blend education with hands-on learning, catering to diverse interests and age groups.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Behind-the-scenes tours offer insight into aquarium operations and animal care. Guests see how staff maintain the 15,000-gallon saltwater aquarium and learn about the daily routines required to sustain sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish.

These tours highlight the aquarium’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation. Visitors learn about water quality management, feeding practices, and habitat design, deepening their appreciation of marine ecosystems.

Dining and Shopping

The aquarium offers a small café with light snacks and refreshments suitable for families and individuals. Options generally include sandwiches, beverages, and quick bites to keep guests energized during their visit.

A gift shop provides marine-themed merchandise, including apparel, toys, and educational materials. Items reflect the aquatic and mermaid themes, allowing visitors to take home souvenirs.

Both dining and shopping locations are conveniently located near the aquarium’s main entrance and exit.

Plan Your Visit To Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter

Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is located in Lecanto, Florida, just minutes from Crystal River. It offers a unique indoor setting that combines marine life exhibits with live mermaid performances.

Expect to spend about 90 minutes exploring over 20 exhibits, including interactive touch tanks featuring stingrays and starfish. The facility is designed to be both educational and entertaining for guests of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Closing Thoughts

Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter isn’t a full-day out; the exhibits and show take about 2 hours. Regardless, it’s a wonderful place to see mermaids perform live, and it is equally educational for kids. Small children will absolutely love Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium – it’s a very hands-on experience and well worth the minimal cost.

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