Where Do Mermaids Live?
For centuries they have captured the hearts of sailors… luring them deep into the ocean’s abyss. But where do mermaids live?
Their myths have inspired many a tale, all of them depicting a different home. In The Little Mermaid, our fintastic friends come from Atlantica, an underwater haven found deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean. In Splash, Madison and Alan swim away from New York, but where do they go? In Nickelodeon’s H2O: Just Add Water, Cleo, Emma and Rikki gravitate to the magical Mako Island in Australia.
After stealing thingimabobs from shipwrecks and singing seductive lullabies to sailors while combing their long, beautiful hair, where do mermaids return to? We’re happy to say we’ve found the biggest mermaid cove on earth and beyond.
There is a place in Florida, USA, where mermaids come out of hiding and perform for us humans… Introducing Weeki Wachee Springs – an underwater world that’ll take your breath away!
Weeki Wachee Springs - the Only City of Live Mermaids
Dazzling visitors since 1947, the park has earned a unique reputation as the ‘only city of live mermaids.’ It’s one of Florida’s most legendary family destinations, inviting holidaymakers to step away from everyday life and embrace the magical underwater world of mermaids.
The park opens a whole new world to visitors, inviting them to a submerged Mermaid Theater to discover the mysteries of the deep. The theatre seats up to 400 people and makes spectators feel as if they’re in the mysterious flowing spring too.
That’s where you’ll watch spectacular sea shows inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s tales. These performances have even captivated many celebrities, like the legendary Elvis Presley!
Mermaid bootcamp
The mermaids you see performing are all professionals - but it’s not all fin and games! To become a mermaid, each cast member undertakes rigorous training and learns expert swimming and breathing techniques. After this, routines are perfected to create a stunning performance. It’s truly mesmerising, unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere, and is what makes Weeki Wachee Springs so special.
Many of the mermaids are college students, but ‘Legendary Sirens’ (retired professional mermaids) return regularly for sold-out reunion shows from time to time. These older mermaids also teach the ‘Currents’ (new professional mermaids) and share their top tricks and siren secrets so they can the perfect mermaid performance.
Further adventures at Weeki Wachee Springs
The park is open every day of the year - even Christmas Day - with seasonal activities running throughout. Buccaneer Bay is a waterpark located inside Weeki Wachee Springs, showcasing four thrilling waterslides. You can sit back, relax, and float in an inner tube across a natural river, or take in some sun on a white sand beach. And when you’re ready to cool down, the crystal-clear spring waters are ideal for snorkeling.
Those who are more adventurous can even go on a boat ride to discover Florida’s wildlife. As part of their show offerings, you’ll get up close and personal with alligators, snakes, exotic birds, and more.
For your own mystic mermaid experience, you can rent a kayak or canoe and embark on a paddling adventure. These excursions are both relaxing and exciting - it’s the perfect opportunity to surround yourself in natural beauty.
Mermaid costumes
As you can see from the images above, the park pays close attention to every detail, including their costumes. A local seamstress sews their everyday performance tails, however, for big photoshoots and events, they invest in tails made by former Weeki Wachee Springs cast member, Eric Ducharme.
Ducharme owns his own tail-making company called the Mertailor, creating beautiful tails from silicone and tailoring them to the wearer.
Mermaids in media
In 2017, the cast was featured in the film The Spring, which was shown at the Tribeca Film Festival. It was made by seven female filmmakers who visited Weeki Wachee Springs. The film follows the cast’s magical transformation, proving mermaiding is more than just a job - it’s a craft.
Tail Mail
Wherever you are, any student under 17 can write to the world-famous mermaids. It’s part of an effort to promote education and encourage literacy.
All you have to do is write your questions about the environment, or anything mermaid related, in a handwritten letter and send it to Weeki Wachee Springs. Each writer will receive an autographed photo, as well as a video response on social media.
Junior mermaids
Weeki Wachee Springs is a place full of real-life fairy tales, wows-a-minute, and dreams coming true every day – some say it’s even better than Disneyworld.
Whoever your favorite mermaid may be, Weeki Wachee Springs is where you’ll find her modern-day persona. You’ll also discover princes, sea life, and fellow mermen. And at their two-day mermaid camps, aspiring sirens can learn the daily responsibilities of merfolk, how to pamper properly, and even participate in a performance.
Have you been to Weeki Wachee Springs? If so, let us know in the comments section below.
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And to learn more about Weeki Wachee Springs, go to WeekiWachee.com.
