





Aquariums
Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter
📍 4100 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461🌐 www.mermaidaquariumencounter.com
🕐 Hours
| Monday | 11 AM–4 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–4 PM |
Quick Facts
- Type
- Aquarium
- Location
- Lecanto, FL (near Crystal River)
- Best For
- All ages
- Highlights
- Live mermaid shows, stingray encounters, interactive touch tanks
- Admission
- $12.50 children, $17.50 adults
💡 Did You Know?
- Mertailor's features live mermaid performances by the founder Eric multiple times daily (12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM), with the founder himself swimming in the tank during special events
- The aquarium primarily houses rescued and rehabilitated animals rather than wild-caught specimens, emphasizing conservation and animal welfare
- Visitors can participate in guided mermaiding introductions and hands-on stingray encounters as part of the general admission experience, combining education with interactive entertainment
- The venue maintains a 4.8-star rating across 1,081 reviews with 'friendly staff' mentioned 285 times and 'mermaid show' mentioned 317 times, indicating exceptional visitor satisfaction with core attractions
💬 What Visitors Say
- Arrive at least 1 hour before your chosen mermaid show time (12:00 PM, 1:30 PM, or 3:00 PM) to fully explore the aquarium exhibits, touch tanks, and complete the complimentary age-appropriate scavenger hunt before the show starts. Book online in advance as walk-up tickets are not guaranteed and sales close at capacity.
- The venue is smaller in appearance than expected but packed with activities—don't be fooled by the building's exterior. Plan for 2-3 hours to experience all exhibits, interactive touch tanks with stingrays, the mermaid show, and family photo opportunities without feeling rushed.
- Young children (toddlers and crawlers) will find interactive elements throughout, including wall-mounted busy boards and age-appropriate activities. The venue has clean, accommodating bathrooms and staff are exceptionally knowledgeable and family-friendly, making it ideal for multi-generational visits.
- Don't miss the stingray feeding experience in the touch tanks—reviews consistently highlight this as a memorable interactive moment, especially for children. The stingrays are mostly rescues and rehabs, adding an educational conservation angle to the encounter.
- Consider membership if visiting more than once—special events and exclusive mermaid experiences are available to members only, and the $12.50-$17.50 general admission can add up quickly for families planning repeat visits.
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