easy
90 minutes
Participants should be comfortable floating and swimming unassisted; general good health is required.
Step into Florida’s aquatic world with Mertailor’s Mermaid Swimming Experience in Lecanto. Swim with stingrays and tropical fish, learn tail-swimming skills, and earn your mermaid certificate in this immersive 90-minute adventure.
Have You Dreamt of Becoming a Mermaid or Merman?
Experience the enchanting PADI Discover Mermaid Course at Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium in Lecanto, Florida. Swim gracefully with tropical fish and playful stingrays while wearing stunning mermaid tails. Guided by expert instructors, this 90-minute adventure includes a behind-the-scenes tour, a mermaid photo shoot, and a certificate of completion. Unleash your inner mermaid!
Embark on an unforgettable mermaid adventure at Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter in Lecanto, Florida! Dive into our captivating underwater realm with the PADI Mermaid Course. Swim alongside tropical fish, playful stingrays, and graceful sharks while donning stunning mermaid tails and gear. Led by expert PADI-certified mermaid instructors, this immersive experience guarantees safety and unforgettable memories. Unleash your inner mermaid with Mertailor and create shimmering memories forever.
Required Forms MUST be completed before your inwater activities:
Click This Link To Download Waivers
• 30-minute guided swim in the mesmerizing Mermaid Tank
• Behind-the-scenes tour of the Mertailor facility
• Instruction on using a mermaid tail and provision of necessary equipment
• Expert guidance from mermaid instructors
• Interaction with tropical marine life
• Mermaid Photo Shoot (Out of water)
• Certificate of Completion
• Showering facilities available for comfort
Your Mermaid Encounter will last approximately 90 minutes.
Advanced Reservations Required. Walk-in Not Available
Adult: $250 per participant 18+ Years Old
Teen: $225 per participant 13-17 Years Old
Child: $195 per participant 9-12 Years Old
Prices Include Aquarium Admission for Participant.
Prices Do Not Include Sales Tax or Booking Fees
Age Requirements
• Participants must be a minimum of 9 years old and feel at ease in and around water. A parent or legal guardian must be present on our dry deck if participant is between 9-12 years old. If a participant is under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian must be present. Additionally, for all participants under 18 years old, a paid adult observer is required.
Safety Requirements
• Participant must be in good physical health and comfortable in and around the water.
• Participants engaging in any of our in-water programs should have the physical capability to swim unassisted (float), navigate stairs, ladders, and slopes at the entry and exit points. Swimmers needing assistance with dressing must arrange for their own support.
What to Bring
• All necessary equipment, including goggles, mermaid tails, and monofins are provided. To prevent tank contamination, guests MAY NOT bring their own equipment.
• Participants should bring their own swimsuit, towel, and dry clothes.
• Participants must shower beforehand to remove lotions, oils, and suntan products. This helps maintain a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for all participants and our marine habitats. You will be required to shower before and after your in-water program.
• Jewelry of any kind IS NOT permitted in the tank.
• Outside mermaid tails are prohibited for this experience. You may bring accessories or tops. Such items will be subject to staff approval prior to use in the tank. At the discretion of our staff, Items that may compromise the marine environment or the safety of the resident marine life will not be permitted in the tank.
• Underwater recording or electronic devices ARE NOT allowed during this experience, but these devices may be allowed in the gallery viewing area during your tank time.
Arrival Time
You must be present and checked in Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter 15 minutes prior to your program's start time. Waivers will be required to be filled out prior to your encounter.
Latecomers will be unable to participate in the program. Prompt arrival is encouraged.
Given the animal care requirements, Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter retains the authority to adjust, cancel, or reschedule programs without prior notification. Every effort will be made to accommodate guests for rescheduling purposes.
Cancellation and Change Policy
The program fee is not eligible for refunds. However, you can change the date of your visit without any additional charge if the change is requested at least 14 days before your originally scheduled visit.
If you change your dates within 14 days of your original visit, a fee of $50 per booking will be applied. To modify your reservation, please get in touch with Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter at (352) 513-3278.
Cancellations and no-shows will not be refunded or rescheduled.
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to complete mandatory waivers and get fitted for your tail.
Bring a swimsuit that fits snugly under the mermaid tail to ease movement and comfort during your swim.
Remove all jewelry and refrain from applying lotions or oils before your swim to protect the aquarium’s water quality and marine life.
Make sure you are comfortable swimming unassisted and can manage stairs and ladders at the entry and exit points.
Lecanto is part of Citrus County, an area historically inhabited by indigenous Timucua people and now known for its natural springs and outdoor recreation.
Mertailor emphasizes water quality and marine habitat protection by enforcing pre-swim showers and restricting outside equipment to preserve ecosystem health.
Functionally fitted swimwear enhances comfort under a mermaid tail.
summer specific
Bring a towel for drying off post-swim in provided shower facilities.
Keeps hair managed during swimming and helps maintain clear visibility.
Useful for walking comfortably on wet surfaces around the aquarium.