LECANTO AQUARIUM FIELD GUIDE
Into the Mermaid Tank: Snorkeling with Fish, Rays and Sharks in Lecanto
A roughly 40-minute, expert-led snorkeling encounter at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter in Lecanto that places you inside a shipwrecked/coral-reef themed tank to swim with tropical fish, stingrays and sharks — this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and the rules that govern the experience.
Into the Mermaid Tank: Snorkeling with Fish, Rays and Sharks in Lecanto.
Beneath gallery lights and the hush of an aquarium gallery, Mertailor’s Mermaid Tank is a shipwrecked, coral-reef–themed enclosure where guests don snorkel gear and slip into a controlled, vibrant marine environment. The Swim with the Fish Experience pairs close-up encounters with tropical fish, stingrays and even sharks with on-deck aquarist guidance and all required equipment provided.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Mermaid Tank Immersion
Exclusive access to a shipwrecked/coral-reef–themed Mermaid Tank lets participants snorkel inside a curated ecosystem under the supervision of an expert aquarist.
Swim Among Fish, Rays and Sharks
The encounter brings swimmers into proximity with a variety of tropical marine fish as well as stingrays and sharks for a rare, up-close viewing that is staged for safety and animal care.
All Gear and Expert Guidance Provided
Snorkel, mask and vest are supplied and an aquarist leads the in-water portion, while showering facilities and a gallery viewing area are available before and after the swim.
What the day feels like
What the Swim Feels Like
The program is an intimate, guided snorkel rather than an open-water dive: after check‑in and a short briefing you don a provided mask, snorkel and vest, step down into the themed Mermaid Tank and float among fish, stingrays and sharks under the direction of an aquarist. The encounter is designed to be accessible and controlled, with facilities for rinsing before and after.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The Swim with the Fish Experience lasts approximately 40 minutes.
Bring your own swimsuit, towel and dry clothes; do not bring personal snorkel equipment (all goggles, flotation devices and vests are provided and personal gear that exceeds size limits is not permitted).
You must shower before and after the program; wetsuits are not allowed in the tank — guests must wear shorts or swim trunks (women may wear bathing suit tops but must wear swim shorts) and jewelry of any kind is prohibited.
Advanced reservations are required (walk‑ins are not accepted). Arrive and check in at least 15 minutes prior to your start time; waivers must be completed in advance.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What age can participate?
Participants must be a minimum of 8 years old and feel at ease in and around water. A parent or legal guardian must be present on the dry deck if the participant is between 8–12 years old; any participant under 18 requires a parent/legal guardian onsite and a paid adult observer.
Do I need to know how to snorkel?
Yes. All participants should be comfortable in the water and have experience using a snorkel and mask; participants should be capable of swimming unassisted (float).
What equipment is provided and can I bring my own?
All necessary snorkeling equipment, including snorkel, mask and floatation devices, is provided. Guests may not bring personal equipment into the tank to prevent contamination.
Are wetsuits or jewelry allowed?
Wetsuits are not allowed in the tank. Jewelry of any kind is not permitted during the in‑water program.
What is the cancellation or change policy?
Program fees are not eligible for refunds. You may change your date without charge if requested at least 14 days prior; changes within 14 days incur a $50 fee per booking. Cancellations and no‑shows will not be refunded or rescheduled.
When should I arrive?
You must be present and checked in 15 minutes prior to your program start time; latecomers will be unable to participate.
Are underwater cameras allowed?
Underwater recording or electronic devices are not allowed during the in‑water experience; such devices may be permitted in the gallery viewing area during your tank time.