Under-the-sea magic brought to life
Mermaids captivate audiences in renovated underwater theatre
Mermaids have long captured the imaginations of humans, first appearing in Greek mythology more than 3,000 years ago. Although humans haven’t necessarily visited Weeki Wachee Springs for that long, performing mermaids have captivated audiences since the park opened in 1947.
Weeki Wachee Springs finds its place in Florida history as one of the state’s oldest roadside attractions. In1946, U.S. navy veteran Newton Perry, who trained navy frogmen to swim underwater, saw a business opportunity and bought the land surrounding the spring.
He invented an air-hose method for breathing underwater and enlisted the help of attractive women to train as mermaids. Perry built a theatre submerged two metres below the water’s surface, and in October 1947, the first mermaid show was held.
For more than 70 years, the Weeki Wachee mermaids have continued to entertain audiences, performing with athletic prowess while battling a strong current directly above the spring boil. Modern-day mermaids currently perform The
Little Mermaid and Wonders of Weeki, which showcases the history of the park and mermaid feats of yesteryear.
The underwater theatre was closed in November 2018 for renovations and reopened Memorial Day weekend. In that time, the theatre’s benches were refinished, walls received a fresh coat of paint, electrical was fixed and new ceiling tiles were placed. Many dream of becoming a mermaid, though few actually achieve that status. Auditions for new performers are held once or twice a year, depending on the park’s needs. As many as 60 young women show up with the hopes of donning a tail for Weeki Wachee visitors.
The park also offers mermaid camps for children ages 7-14 and another for adults ages 30 and older. The camps frequently sell out, so be sure to check the Weeki Wachee website for the latest information.
When visitors aren’t enjoying the mermaids, they can splash around in Florida’s only springfed water park, Buccaneer Bay. Featuring four water slides, a lazy river and a floating dock, it gives everyone a chance to cool off in the 23 C water. Water park renovations are planned after it closes for the season at the end of September.
Other than renting tubes for the lazy river, all Buccaneer Bay features are included in the price of admission.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park also offers wildlife animal shows, although they’re currently taking place in the underwater theatre before the mermaid show while the wildlife area is under renovation.
For those wanting to explore boating opportunities, the park has 25-minute River Boat Cruises (included with admission) beginning at 10 a.m., and guests are encouraged to reserve their spots early. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available.
When Weeki Wachee visitors grow hungry, they can visit one of several snack stands for food and drinks. Bonus: there’s a Tiki Bar next to Buccaneer Bay. If you go
Location: 6131 Commercial Way in Spring Hill.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily. The mermaid shows run four times a day at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and are included in the price of admission. Each show runs twice daily, and weather could affect performances.
Fees: $13 for adults, $8 for children ages 6-12 and free for kids five and younger. Amenities: Concession stands, restaurant, handicap accessible, beach, canoe and kayak launch, gift shop, picnic pavilions, playground, water park, lazy river, shower facilities.
Activities: Boat tours, mermaid shows, wildlife show, paddling, picnicking, swimming, snorkelling, lazy river, water slides.
Natural factor: Weeki Wachee Springs is a first-magnitude spring pumping out 117 million gallons of water per day, and the bottom of the spring has never been found. Visitors might see squirrels and peacocks wandering the grounds. Manatees and turtles will sometimes pop up in the spring run. Aboard the river boat cruise, people may get a chance to view bald eagles, mullet, blue heron, wild turkey, deer and a variety of fish.
Plan your visit: Tickets can only be purchased in the park upon arrival, and the park frequently fills up, even on weekdays. Be sure to arrive early to ensure admission. Inclement weather can affect what’s open at the park, so plan your visit accordingly. What to bring: Remember to pack your sunscreen and a beach towel. Chairs, umbrellas and coolers (sans alcohol) are also allowed. What not to bring: Leave your pets, tubes, alcohol and glass bottles at home — it’s all prohibited, though a concession stand inside the park sells alcoholic beverages. Pro tips: Weeki Wachee Springs offers text alerts for when the park reaches capacity. Sign up by texting “Weeki” to 82149. Lockers are available near Buccaneer Bay, so you don’t need to bring a dry bag unless you want to keep your phone and keys with you.