Lecanto, Florida: Mertailors Mermaid Aquarium Encounter

The aquarium of Eric Ducharme, who designs the mermaid tails for Weeki Wachee. Sharks, rays, seahorses, and live mermaid shows three times a day.

Address:: 4100 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL
Directions:: On the south side of FL-44/W. Gulf to Lake Hwy, a half-mile east of its stoplight intersection with FL-589/Suncoast Pkwy.
Hours:: Daily mermaid shows: 11, 1:30, 3 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:: 352-513-3278
Admission:: Adults $20.
RA Rates:: Worth a Detour

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Mermaid.

Mertailors Mermaid Aquarium Encounter

It's a fun place, with some hard-working mermaids who manage to perform what looks like underwater karaoke to a rocking soundtrack while dodging tame stingrays and sharks.

Admission includes the opportunity to pet (unmoving) starfish and (moving) stingray. Pavlov's dogs had nothing on these stingray, who lift their (heads?) out of the water in order to be petted by visitors, although they are probably looking for snacks. No word on whether the stingray are building skills to audition for parts at Seaworld, but they are pretty cute.

A selection of squawking, colorful, rescued Macaws inhabit an exhibit alongside everything from turtles to lionfish, horned sharks and large horseshoe crabs.

The mermaid tails are impressive, and Eric is happy to provide a consultation on fitting the proper tail as well as the chance to dive into the aquarium and commune with the sea life.

[Louise Foresman, 03/25/2024]