Live Mermaid Shows
Watch our mermaids perform underwater alongside fish, rays and other animals inside the Mermaid Exhibit.
Learn about our mermaid shows →
Open 11 am - 4 pm
Things to Do Near Crystal River With Kids
Family Fun on Florida's Nature Coast
Add a Little Magic to Your Crystal River Adventure
Crystal River is known for springs, wildlife and outdoor adventures. When you're looking for something different to add to the day, Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter offers an indoor family experience just minutes away in Lecanto.
Indoor Attraction
A break from Florida heat or rain
Live Mermaids
Underwater performances included with admission
Marine Life
Sharks, rays, fish and more
Hands-On Fun
Interactive exhibits and touch experiences
Beyond the Springs
Looking for Things to Do Near Crystal River With Kids?
A family trip to Crystal River often starts with the outdoors. Springs, wildlife, paddling and Florida's natural beauty are a huge part of what makes this area special.
But a great family day doesn't have to stop when the boat tour ends, the afternoon heat rolls in or the weather changes. Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter gives families another way to experience the Nature Coast through animals, education, imagination and live underwater entertainment.
We're located in Lecanto, making the aquarium an easy addition to a day spent exploring Crystal River and Citrus County.
An Easy Family Stop
Something Completely Different for the Day
Mertailor isn't a traditional giant aquarium and it isn't trying to be one. Our smaller, more personal setting gives families a chance to slow down, get closer to the animals and enjoy an experience that mixes marine education with a little bit of magic.
- Indoor aquarium exhibits
- Live underwater mermaid performances
- Interactive touch tanks
- Sharks, stingrays and other marine animals
- Educational conversations with our team
- Optional animal and mermaid experiences
What Families Can Experience
More Than Just Watching Fish
Every visit brings together marine life, interaction and live performance in one indoor family experience.
Hands-On Discovery
Touch tanks and interactive areas give younger visitors opportunities to experience marine life beyond simply looking through the glass.
Explore our exhibits →
Meet the Animals
Discover sharks, stingrays, fish and other animals while learning more about the species that call our aquarium home.
Meet our animals →
Florida Weather Happens
A Family Activity That Doesn't Depend on the Weather
Florida's Nature Coast is made for outdoor adventure, but not every hour of a vacation needs to happen outside.
Whether you're looking for an afternoon break from the heat, trying to fill a rainy part of the day or simply want a change of pace after spending time on the water, the aquarium gives families an indoor activity that still feels connected to the animals and environment that make this part of Florida special.
That can make Mertailor especially easy to pair with a morning springs adventure, wildlife outing or other outdoor activity.
Build It Into Your Day
A Simple Crystal River Family Day
You don't have to choose between experiencing the Nature Coast and visiting the aquarium. Mertailor can fit naturally into the same day.
Morning
Explore the Nature Coast
Spend the morning enjoying the springs, wildlife, waterways or another outdoor Crystal River activity.
Lunch
Take a Break
Grab lunch in the Crystal River or Citrus County area before heading toward Lecanto.
Afternoon
Visit the Aquarium
Cool off indoors, explore the exhibits, meet the animals and enjoy one of our scheduled live mermaid performances.
Evening
Keep Exploring
Finish the day with dinner or another stop around Citrus County before heading home or back to your hotel.
Magic With a Purpose
We Believe Magic Can Inspire Conservation
The mermaids may be what first catches a child's imagination, but the animals are at the heart of the experience. Our goal is to use curiosity, storytelling and close-up encounters to help guests build a stronger connection with the living world around them.
Many of the animals in our care have been rescued, rehomed, transferred from other facilities or born in human care. Their stories give our team opportunities to talk with families about responsible animal care, conservation and the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems.
Plan Ahead
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter near Crystal River?
Yes. The aquarium is located in Lecanto, Florida, just minutes from the Crystal River area and easily accessible during a day exploring Citrus County and Florida's Nature Coast.
Is the aquarium indoors?
Yes. The primary aquarium experience, exhibits and mermaid performances are indoors, making Mertailor a useful option during hot or rainy Florida weather.
Are live mermaid shows included with admission?
General admission sessions are scheduled around our live underwater mermaid performances, so guests can explore the aquarium and enjoy the show during their visit.
How much time should we plan for our visit?
Visits are structured around timed admission sessions. Most families have time to explore the aquarium before watching the scheduled mermaid performance. Check our current admission page for session and show times before planning your day.
Is the aquarium good for young children?
Families with children of many ages visit the aquarium. Younger guests often especially enjoy the mermaids, touch experiences and getting close to the animals, while older children can engage more deeply with the educational side of the exhibits.
Should we reserve admission in advance?
Advance booking is recommended because admission is organized into timed sessions and walk-in availability cannot always be guaranteed.
Can we visit after a Crystal River manatee or wildlife tour?
Absolutely. An aquarium visit can work especially well as an afternoon activity after spending the morning on the water or exploring other outdoor attractions around Crystal River.
Magic Lives Beyond the Glass
Make Mertailor Part of Your Crystal River Adventure
Meet the animals, explore the aquarium and experience a live underwater mermaid show during your family's visit to Florida's Nature Coast.