Learn about manatee conservation through interactive, family-friendly exhibits
Hands-on exhibits, Wildlife
Visit Crystal River’s conservation-focused aquarium to learn about manatee protection and local ecosystems. Explore interactive, family-friendly exhibits with practical tips for stewardship.
Exhibits focus on education and conservation; optional boat tours may have separate requirements or fees. Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
All bookings are non-refundable once booked.
308 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429, United States
At Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter in Lecanto, Florida, fantasy and marine life share the same water. Professional mermaids glide through a large reef aquarium while guests watch from just inches away, close enough to see the shimmer of a silicone tail catching the light. Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter draws families, ocean enthusiasts, and the simply curious in equal measure.
Swimming with manatees in Crystal River is the headline here, and guides like Aubrey, Emmitt, Ken, Hannah, Jeff, and Captain Carlos come up again and again as the reason people leave happy. They're described as knowledgeable, fun, and genuinely passionate about the manatees and the local ecosystem. All snorkel gear and wetsuits are included, which makes showing up easy. A couple of reviewers noted that water visibility can be a real wildcard, particularly on warmer days when the water gets murky. One reviewer actually came back a second time on a cooler day and saw close to 100 manatees, so timing your visit during cooler months seems to make a noticeable difference in the experience. With a strong rating across nearly a thousand reviews and a solid crew of guides earning repeat praise, this outfit clearly delivers for most people. If you're flexible about when you go and set realistic expectations around visibility conditions, the odds of having a memorable, worthwhile trip are pretty high.
Today we got to experience swimming with manatees and it was a great experience. If you think you’re going to like it, I promise you will love it. The team did a great job finding them and allowing us to swim with them. It was a great experience even though the water wasn’t so clear but we still saw plenty of manatees. Aubrey and Aiden did a great job with the tour. Thank to both of them we got a great experience.
shay sa
May 19, 2026
Today we got to experience swimming with manatees and it was a great experience. If you think you’re going to like it, I promise you will love it. The team did a great job finding them and allowing us to swim with them. It was a great experience even though the water wasn’t so clear but we still saw plenty of manatees. Aubrey and Aiden did a great job with the tour. Thank to both of them we got a great experience.
shay sa
May 19, 2026