What is the minimum age to attend?

This preview event is restricted to guests 21 and older; please bring valid ID.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes; the program is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible.

Are food and drinks included?

Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments are provided as part of the after-hours reception.

Can I photograph the performance and exhibits?

Photography is allowed, but avoid flash against tanks and follow any staff guidance during performances.

How do I learn about Habitat Sponsorship opportunities?

Information about the Habitat Sponsorship Program will be presented during the event; inquire with staff or partners at the reception for next steps.

After-Hours Mermaids & Marine Conservation at Mertailor’s Aquarium in Lecanto, Florida | Theater | Events

Q: Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?

The program fee is not eligible for refunds.

Adventure Brief

Preview The Little Mermaid amid tanks and reptile displays at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter on June 25th. An intimate, after-hours two-hour event that combines live performance, hors d’oeuvres, and the launch of a Habitat Sponsorship Program supporting local marine education.

2 hours

easy

From $95.20

At Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter in Lecanto, Florida, the water takes center stage for an evening where theater and conservation meet. On June 25th from 6–8 PM the venue opens after hours for an exclusive preview of a new underwater production of The Little Mermaid, hosted in partnership with the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce and Discover Crystal River Partners in Tourism. This is part performance, part fundraiser, and entirely staged inside a living exhibit that includes marine and reptile displays. The setting is an aquarium rather than a proscenium, so you watch actors and costumed performers move alongside tanks thick with life: reef-style displays, schooling fish, and enclosures that highlight local freshwater and brackish species. Reptile exhibits add unexpected texture—scaled silhouettes and slow, deliberate motion set against glass and blue light. The event’s after-hours format makes the tanks feel like living backdrops, and the lighting and sound design are built to read on camera and in person. Beyond the show, the evening introduces Mertailor’s Habitat Sponsorship Program, a tangible chance to support the maintenance and expansion of exhibits that educate visitors about local waterways and species. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments are served, and the social atmosphere is deliberately relaxed, designed for networking with other supporters and business partners. Tickets are limited and the program fee is not eligible for refunds, so plan accordingly. Accessibility is straightforward: the venue is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, and the experience is limited to adults 21 and over for this particular preview. Expect a compact, curated experience rather than a full-day visit—this is an intimate, two-hour event that prioritizes atmosphere and connection over marathon exhibit crawling. Why this matters for visitors: Lecanto sits in Citrus County on the Gulf Coast of Florida, a short drive from Crystal River and its famed spring-fed waterways. Pairing a live preview like this with a daytime outing to see manatees or spring vents makes for a layered trip—culture one night, nature the next. For anyone tracing Florida’s coastal ecosystems or local arts programming, Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter offers a rare hybrid: a conservation-forward venue that stages original storytelling in direct conversation with living marine systems. If you’re in the area and want a single, memorable evening that mixes performance, marine life, and community support, this after-hours preview is a standout way to see how a small aquarium is expanding its reach into arts and habitat stewardship. Reserve early, bring photo etiquette (no flash against tanks), and consider pairing the evening with a guided kayak tour of Crystal River springs the following morning to translate aquarium learning into field observation with native wildlife. The venue’s compact scale makes every donation and attendance count toward tangible habitat care and outreach programs.

About Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter

Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter in Lecanto, Florida operates a family-friendly aquarium and hands-on encounter center focused on themed mermaid experiences and interactive marine life sessions. The venue offers a range of guided attractions: Stingray Encounter, Experienced Mermaid Tank Dive, Discover Mermaid Swimming Experience (a PADI Discover Mermaid Course), Swim with the Fish Experience, and Aquarium General Admission. Each experience includes expert aquarist guidance, safety briefings, and equipment provided where applicable.

Visitors engage directly with Cownose Rays, tropical fish, and small sharks in shallow, controlled environments designed for education and enjoyment. The Discover Mermaid Swimming Experience includes a 90-minute session, a behind-the-scenes tour, a mermaid photo shoot, and a certificate of completion. The Experienced Mermaid Tank Dive and Swim with the Fish Experience permit snorkeling or swimming in performance tanks while wearing mermaid tails or snorkel gear under instructor supervision.

Mertailor's focuses on hands-on learning about marine species and responsible handling practices suitable for families and participants of varied ages. The venue emphasizes safety and staff-led instruction during all encounters. Aquarium General Admission provides access to viewing exhibits and marine displays for those not participating in guided encounters.

Located in Lecanto, Florida, the facility serves local residents and visiting families seeking immersive aquatic activities and themed mermaid programming. Information about reservations, age restrictions, pricing, and specific safety guidelines is available through Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter's official booking channels. Staff conduct safety briefings and provide sanitation and equipment instructions before each hands-on encounter to ensure participant comfort and answer participant questions promptly.