Adventure Collective
Dive into Adventure: Swim with Tropical Fish, Stingrays, and Sharks in Florida - Inverness

Dive into Adventure: Swim with Tropical Fish, Stingrays, and Sharks in Florida

Lecantoeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1–2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for people in average physical health with basic swimming or snorkeling comfort.

Overview

Dive into a unique underwater adventure in Lecanto, Florida, where you can snorkel with tropical fish, stingrays, and sharks in the Mermaid Tank. Discover close encounters with marine life in a safe, guided setting perfect for all experience levels.

Lecanto, Florida

Swim with the Fish Experience

Do You Want to Swim with the Fishies?

Aquarium

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About This Adventure

Experience the thrill of snorkeling in the enchanting Mermaid Tank, where you can swim with tropical fish, stingrays, and sharks! With expert guidance and all gear provided, this unforgettable adventure immerses you in a vibrant underwater ecosystem. Join us for a unique encounter that connects you with marine life like never before.

Engage with a variety of species of marine life!

Dive into the excitement of snorkeling in our shipwrecked/coral reef themed Mermaid Tank, where you can swim alongside tropical fish, playful stingrays, and even sharks! With all necessary gear provided, including snorkel, mask, and vest, it's an adventure you won't forget. Join us at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter for an extraordinary experience. Immerse yourself in our vibrant ecosystem, connect with marine life, and witness the wonders of the underwater world.

Required Forms MUST be completed before your inwater activities:

Click This Link To Download Waivers

All participants should be comfortable in the water and have experience using a snorkel and mask.

Your Swim with the Fish Experience Includes:

• Exclusive access to our mesmerizing Mermaid Tank.

• The use of snorkeling equipment for a safe swimming experience.

• Guidance from one of our expert aquarists during your in-water Snorkeling Encounter.

• A once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with a variety of tropical marine fish, stingrays, and sharks!

• Showering facilities are available to rinse off before and after your encounter.

Advanced Reservations Required. Walk-in Not Available

Pricing:

Child/Adult: $95.00 per participant Ages 7+ Must Know How to Swim! Your experience will last approximately 40 minutes.

Includes Aquarium Admission of Participant Prices Do Not Include Sales Tax or Booking Fees

Participant Requirements

Age Requirements

• Participants must be a minimum of 8 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 8-12 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.

• Our swim vests are suitable for guests with a waist measurement of 60 inches or less, and a weight of up to 400lbs. Please note that guests are not permitted to bring personal gear that surpasses these size limits.

What to Bring

• All necessary equipment, including goggles, floatation devices, and swim vests 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.

• Wet suits ARE NOT allowed in the tank. All guests must wear shorts or swim trunks. Women may wear bathing suit tops but a swim short must be worn during your swim.

• Jewelry of any kind IS NOT 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 right 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.

Adventure Tips

Stay Close to Your Guide

Follow the expert instructor’s directions carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable swim with the marine animals.

Bring a Waterproof Camera

Capture your underwater moments but make sure your device is secure and water-resistant.

Avoid Touching Wildlife

Respect the animals’ space to protect their wellbeing and ensure a natural experience for everyone.

Check Weather Conditions

Although indoors, outdoor weather can affect travel—plan your visit on clear days for the best overall experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Florida garfish
  • River otter

History

Lecanto sits near the historic Citrus County, an area known for its fishing heritage and proximity to vital freshwater springs important to indigenous peoples.

Conservation

The Mermaid Tank experience actively promotes marine species education and supports sustainable practices to protect Florida’s local aquatic environments.

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Adventure Hotspots in Inverness

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Snorkel Mask and Fins

Essential

Provided, but bring your own mask for comfort if preferred.

Waterproof Camera

Optional for capturing vibrant underwater scenes.

Swimsuit

Essential

Wear comfortable swimwear suitable for water activities in warm weather.

summer specific

Light Towel and Change of Clothes

Essential

Helpful for drying off and staying comfortable after the swim.