For anyone who is familiar with Weeki Wachee Springs, there is likely an association with mermaids, whether they realize it or not. Why? Because Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has offered a mermaid attraction since the 1940s that people visit from all over to watch. What’s been dubbed the City of Live Mermaids, Weeki Wachee, Florida still dazzles and delights with this one-of-a-kind show the whole family can enjoy.

Tucked away inside Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is a one-of-a-kind attraction that was born out of Old Florida roadside charm.

Flickr Steven Martin

Weeki Wachee became the ultimate tourist destination in Florida since opening in 1947, primarily because of the live mermaid shows.

Flickr Robin Wendell

These shows include live “mermaids” who swim and dance in a theater that was built 30-feet below the famed spring’s surface - underwater.

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As history goes, a former Navy man named Newton Perry invented a way for people to breathe underwater and taught a few girls who wanted to perform while being fully submerged.

Flickr Robin Wendell

Fast-forward almost a century later, mermaids are still using this technique to put on a show! But it certainly isn’t easy, by any means. It takes rigorous training to be able to perform safely. Candidates from across the globe train to become one of the live mermaids in Weeki Wachee.

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Today, the mermaids perform using free-flowing oxygen tubes, plus tons of props and costumes. Guests will be treated to synchronized song and dance as the mermaids handle the 170 million gallons of water pumped from the aquifers daily!

Flickr Robin Wendell

Many have said it was the mermaids which put the small town of Weeki Wachee on the map all those years ago.

TripAdvisor Herb S

While the state park is now a sprawling 500+ acres of space with even a waterpark attached, many tourists still swing by to catch a mermaid show that isn’t like anything else in the world.

TripAdvisor Sissy L

To find out where Weeki Wachee Springs is in Florida click here.

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Have you ever been to the City of Live Mermaids in Florida before? Were you able to catch the live mermaid show? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you’re looking for more information about how to visit Weeki Wachee, Florida, then visit the Weeki Wachee Springs website.

Flickr Steven Martin

Flickr Robin Wendell

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Flickr Rain0975

TripAdvisor Herb S

TripAdvisor Sissy L

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Address: Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, 6131 Commercial Way, Spring Hill, FL 34606, USA