Cool Off Indoors
After a morning in the Florida sun, step inside and enjoy the rest of the day in an indoor environment.
Open 11 am - 4 pm
What to Do After a Crystal River Manatee Tour
Keep the Nature Coast Adventure Going
What to Do After a Crystal River Manatee Tour
Finished your morning on the water? Your Crystal River day doesn't have to end there. Head just minutes away to Lecanto for an indoor aquarium experience with live mermaid shows, marine animals, touch tanks and more.
Easy Afternoon Stop
Continue the day after your morning tour
Indoors
Cool off after time on the water
Live Mermaids
Underwater performances included with admission
More Wildlife
Meet sharks, rays, fish and other animals
Your Morning Is Only Part of the Day
Don't Head Back to the Hotel Yet
For many visitors, a manatee tour or springs adventure is the centerpiece of a trip to Crystal River. Those experiences often happen earlier in the day, leaving plenty of time to explore something else afterward.
Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter gives families a very different kind of experience without leaving Citrus County. After spending the morning outdoors, you can head indoors, cool off and continue discovering aquatic life in a smaller, more personal setting.
And instead of simply seeing wildlife from the water, your afternoon can include aquarium exhibits, interactive touch experiences and a live underwater mermaid performance.
An Easy Crystal River Day
Morning on the Water. Afternoon Underwater.
You don't need an elaborate itinerary. A few well-chosen experiences can create a full Nature Coast day.
Morning
Enjoy Your Manatee or Springs Experience
Start the day exploring the waterways, wildlife and natural beauty that bring visitors to Crystal River.
Midday
Lunch and Reset
Take a break, grab something to eat and get ready for a completely different kind of aquatic experience.
Afternoon
Visit the Mermaid Aquarium
Head to nearby Lecanto to explore marine exhibits, meet the animals and enjoy a scheduled live mermaid performance.
A Different Way to Experience the Water
From Manatees and Springs to Mermaids and Marine Life
Crystal River's natural waterways offer one kind of connection with the aquatic world. Mertailor offers another.
Inside the aquarium, guests can explore animals at a slower pace, ask questions, interact with touch exhibits and experience an underwater performance surrounded by marine life.
The two experiences don't compete with each other. They can complement one another and create a more varied day for families visiting Florida's Nature Coast.
- Indoor marine exhibits
- Live underwater mermaid performances
- Interactive touch experiences
- Sharks, stingrays and other animals
- Educational conversations with our team
Why It Works Well After a Tour
A Change of Pace Without Ending the Adventure
After spending part of the day on a boat or in the water, an indoor attraction can be exactly what the family needs next.
Keep Kids Engaged
Animals, touch experiences and mermaids give children something completely different to look forward to after the morning's outdoor adventure.
Discover More Aquatic Life
Continue the wildlife theme of the day while meeting sharks, stingrays, fish and other animals inside the aquarium.
Keep the Day Simple
Plan the Aquarium Around Your Morning
If you already know when your manatee or springs activity finishes, take a look at our current aquarium admission sessions and choose the time that works best for your family.
Because admission is organized around scheduled mermaid performances, advance reservations are recommended whenever possible.
That way, you can enjoy the morning without worrying about what comes next.
Traveling With Children?
Build a Full Family Day Around Crystal River
If you're planning the entire day rather than just the afternoon, our family guide has more ideas for combining outdoor Nature Coast adventures with an aquarium visit.
More Ways to Plan Your Day
Explore Our Crystal River Guides
Keep the Connection Going
We Believe Magic Can Inspire Conservation
A morning spent watching wildlife in its natural environment can create a powerful connection with the animals that share our world. We want to help continue that curiosity inside the aquarium.
Through marine exhibits, animal stories and close-up experiences, our team encourages guests to keep asking questions, learning and caring about aquatic life long after the day's adventures are over.
Planning the Afternoon
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we visit the aquarium after a Crystal River manatee tour?
Yes. Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter is located in Lecanto, making it an easy addition to a day spent exploring Crystal River and the surrounding Nature Coast.
Is the aquarium indoors?
Yes. The primary aquarium experience, exhibits and live mermaid performances take place indoors.
Should we book the aquarium before our manatee tour?
Advance booking is recommended when you already know your schedule. Aquarium admission is organized into timed sessions, and walk-in availability cannot always be guaranteed.
Are live mermaid shows included with general admission?
General admission sessions are scheduled around our live underwater mermaid performances, allowing guests to explore the aquarium and enjoy the show during the same visit.
Is the aquarium a good afternoon activity for kids?
Yes. Families with children of many ages visit the aquarium. Mermaid performances, marine animals and interactive exhibits can provide a change of pace after a morning outdoors.
What if it rains after our morning tour?
The main aquarium experience is indoors, making it a useful option if rain affects the rest of your outdoor plans.
Your Nature Coast Day Isn't Over Yet
After the Manatees, Come Meet the Mermaids
Continue your Crystal River adventure indoors with marine animals, interactive exhibits and a live underwater mermaid performance just minutes away in Lecanto.