Do I need to know how to swim?

Basic swimming ability or comfort in water is recommended for this snorkeling experience, but expert guides will assist you throughout.

Is the experience suitable for children?

Yes, children accompanied by adults can participate, but minimum age and supervision policies apply—check with the operator.

What marine species will I see?

You’ll encounter tropical fish, stingrays, and non-aggressive sharks in the Mermaid Tank's controlled environment.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, all necessary snorkeling equipment is included with the experience for your convenience.

Can I bring a waterproof camera?

You are welcome to bring waterproof cameras or GoPros to capture your underwater adventure.

How long is the total experience?

Typically, the swim with the fish experience lasts between 1 and 2 hours, including preparation and briefing time.

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

Located in Lecanto, Florida, the Swim with the Fish Experience offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in a colorful underwater world without leaving the mainland. Set in the Mermaid Tank, this adventure invites you to snorkel alongside vibrant tropical fish, graceful stingrays, and even curious sharks in a carefully controlled environment. This isn’t just a swim—it’s a close-up, personal encounter with marine wildlife that most travelers only see behind glass.

Lecanto, a peaceful town in central Florida, is gaining recognition for this unique aquatic offering. The Mermaid Tank is an expansive, clear-water habitat designed to mimic natural ocean conditions, giving participants an authentic feel of Florida’s marine ecosystems. Expert instructors provide all necessary snorkeling gear and guidance, making it accessible even to those new to snorkeling or aquatic life encounters. The controlled setting maximizes safety while preserving the thrill of swimming alongside such diverse sea creatures.

What sets this experience apart is its combination of education and adventure. Beyond the splash and excitement, you’ll gain insight into the lives and behaviors of species that play vital roles in Florida’s coastal environments. The presence of stingrays and various tropical fish showcases the richness of local marine biodiversity. Sharks, often misunderstood and feared, become fascinating and approachable in this setting, promoting awareness and conservation.

The Swim with the Fish Experience shines as a standout attraction in the Lecanto outdoor recreation scene because it provides a hands-on, interactive way to engage with wildlife in a way that’s rarely available inland. Unlike open ocean diving or snorkeling that require travel to distant reefs, this experience is conveniently located, family-friendly, and perfect for curious travelers of all ages.

Visitors often stay in nearby Inverness, a charming town just a short drive from Lecanto that offers accommodations, dining, and other outdoor activities along the Withlacoochee State Trail and nearby springs. Combining this swim with local exploration creates a well-rounded Florida adventure focused on nature and discovery.

Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a first-timer eager to dip your toes into marine exploration, the Swim with the Fish Experience is designed to thrill and inform. Prepare to glide alongside colorful fish, feel the gentle brush of rays beneath you, and encounter the sleek silhouettes of sharks in an environment that celebrates the beauty and importance of Florida’s marine habitats.

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.