Get ready for an extraordinary adventure with the Stingray Encounter in a captivating Mermaid Tank in Lecanto, Florida! Dive into the shallow waters and come face-to-face with graceful Cownose Rays, guided by expert aquarists. This is your chance to connect with these fascinating creatures and learn all about their behavior and habitats.

During this 30-40 minute experience, you'll have exclusive access to the Mermaid Tank, where you can sit or wade on a shallow platform as stingrays glide by. The knowledgeable aquarists will share intriguing facts about these rays, ensuring you leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of these marine animals. With trimmed barbs for safety, you can focus on the fun, making this a perfect activity for families and marine life enthusiasts alike.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: Participants must be a minimum of 7 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 7-12 years old. If a participant is under 18 years old, a paid adult observer is required.
• Weight: Swim vests are suitable for guests with a waist measurement of 60 inches or less and a weight of up to 400lbs.
• Health limitations: Participants must be in good physical health and comfortable in and around the water.
• Physical limitations: Participants should have the physical capability to swim unassisted (float), navigate stairs, ladders, and slopes at the entry and exit points.
• Experience level: All participants should be comfortable in the water.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: All participants must pay to participate, children included.
• Pets: Not allowed.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: Approximately 30-40 minutes.
• What’s included:
  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes access and journey into the Mermaid Tank.
  • Seated and/or wading tank time on the shallow platform with guidance from aquarist staff.
  • Educational session with aquarist staff about the resident stingrays.
  • Opportunity to interact with and get splashed by multiple stingrays.
  • Showering facilities before and after the encounter.
• Who will be present: An expert aquarist will guide participants; other guests may also join.
• Spectators: No spectators are allowed; everyone must have a reservation.
• Photo/ video: Underwater recording or electronic devices are not allowed during the experience, but may be allowed in the gallery viewing area.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: This is an indoor experience.
• Arrival: Plan to arrive and check in 15 minutes prior to the start time.
• What to wear: Swim trunks or shorts; women may wear bathing suit tops but must also wear swim shorts.
• What to bring:
  • Swimsuit, towel, and dry clothes.
  • Shower before the encounter to remove lotions, oils, and suntan products.
  • No personal snorkeling gear, wetsuits, or jewelry.
• Restrooms/ lockers/ changing rooms: Showering facilities are available to rinse off before and after the encounter.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• Waivers must be completed before in-water activities. Failure to do so will result in non-refundable cancellation.
• The provider retains the right to adjust, cancel, or reschedule programs without prior notification.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 14 days before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 14 days in advance means losing the value of your experience.