Weeki Wachee Springs State Park
The famous mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs beckon visitors to their underwater world, but there are several other amazing attractions at this unique theme park as well. Of course you can see the mermaids perform shows several times a day, but attractions such as Buccaneer Bay water park, animal shows, and a river boat cruise combine with diving, kayaking, canoeing, to make Weeki Wachee Springs an exciting outdoor experience.
Weeki Wachee Springs is located about an hour north of Tampa, but it is well worth the trip from the Orlando area if you want to experience a Florida institution. It is situated on a natural spring where manatees, turtles, and of course mermaids live. This park has been in existence for 60 years—first as a roadside attraction and now as a Florida state park. The cool, clear, and clean water is carefully cared for by the Weeki Wachee staff, making this part of Florida an unspoiled treasure.
Watching the mermaids move about in the refreshing water will probably entice you to experience Buccaneer Bay, where you can enjoy attractions such thrilling flume rides and a lazy river ride while the little ones splash around in Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove. There is also diving for certified divers at Weeki Wachee, and although the park itself does not allow for individual diving, a list of diving shops that offer diving trips to the park is posted on the Weeki Wachee website.
Several special events keep Weeki Wachee Springs hopping year-round, because that’s how they roll in Florida! Special events include performances by former mermaids, a kids triathlon, mermaid camps for adults and kids, Wild ‘n Wicked nights in October, Winter Waterland in December, and much more.
