Holy cow, it is hot. With summer just barely begun and temperatures soaring into the 90s daily, it’s been sweltering and sticky throughout Florida. Don’t get me wrong, our family is spending plenty of (sweaty) time outdoors, but sometimes you just need a break from the heat.
In Lecanto, a tiny town just outside of Crystal River on the west coast, a unique underwater oasis that combines the magic of the sea and something even more magical – air conditioning – awaits.
Just over 75 years ago, Weeki Wachee Springs laid claim to the title of Mermaid Capital of the World with the original underwater mermaid show right in the natural spring. To this day, the shows still go on and guests are invited to swim in the fresh cool water just outside the show area. It’s here where one of the world’s largest mermaid outfitters, Eric Ducharme – AKA the Mertailor, got his start at just 16 years old as the youngest merman at the springs and went on to become a legend in the mer-community.
Years later, he fulfilled his lifelong dream and combined his fin-crafting skills with his fin-flipping skills and the magic of Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter was born. This unique experience, which opened in 2020 with the help of one of the OG Weeki Wachee mermaids, was recently featured on Netflix’s newest documentary, “MerPeople.” The documentary follows the lives of several “merms” living out their dreams and seeking to live in a community of like-minded indiFINduals. Mertailor houses Eric’s production of fantasy tails, ranging from “Guppy” tails for kiddos all the way to high-end silicone tails, as well as a sprawling aquarium and Eric’s own choreographed mermaid show.
Here you’ll find not only several local Florida species highlighted, but many tropical oddities as well. A winding path leads you from tank to tank, with dim mood lighting setting the underwater scene. Avery, a lifelong mermaid herself, which she may have inherited from me, and lover of all animals, was thrilled to come face-to-face with creatures like eels, sharks and rays. She danced and sang with a flock of rescued macaws and parrots, then it was on to the touch tanks where she parked herself for most of our visit.
She has several pet snails at home in her aquarium, so the chance to touch a real life giant sea snail was almost more than she could bear. Alongside the snails were huge squishy starfish and prickly sea urchins. Nearby, a larger tank swirled with manta and sting rays gliding beneath eager little hands.
Four times a day, the largest tank comes to life as the watery stage is set for a glittering 20-minute mermaid show. Grab your seat early as they fill up quickly! Kids are invited to sit up front and center on the floor, giving them the perfect view as two mermaids (and if you’re lucky, even Eric himself!) dive in. Avery’s face lit up as the mermaids flipped among the fish, swirled with the sharks and rays and blew underwater kisses to modern mermaid/ocean-themed pop songs.
Since this is a smaller tank than the likes of Weeki Wachee, it offers a more intimate experience and allows the mermaids to interact with the audience. Avery squealed with delight as one of the mermaids returned her wave hello and blew her a kiss. After the show, guests are invited to take their photo with the mermaids inside the tank.
If you get the chance, be sure to watch “MerPeople,” as the documentary follows Eric’s journey to open this special spot and the details of his process to find the perfect mermaids from all over the country. Avery’s back home now, flipping her fins (pictured right) in the bathtub and getting ready for her audition!
MERTAILOR’S MERMAID AQUARIUM ENCOUNTER
4100 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto 34461
(352) 513-3278
MermaidAquariumEncounter.com
Open Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 4 PM
Mermaid Shows: 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM and 4 PM
Admission: $17.50/adult; $12.50/child ages 4 – 12;
discounts for seniors and veterans
