The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs | The New York Times

In a town with a population of four, "live mermaids" perform three or four daily shows for an entrance fee of just $13.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Want more from The New York Times?

Whether it's reporting on conflicts abroad and political divisions at home, or covering the latest style trends and scientific developments, New York Times video journalists provide a revealing and unforgettable view of the world. It's all the news that's fit to watch. On YouTube.

The Mermaids of Weeki Wachee Springs

[jjjasmine]

I live about 10 minutes from here. I remember my aunt's taking me to see the mermaids and how magical it was. I recently was able to take my niece and her face when she first saw them will be a memory I treasure forever ❤️ it really is a beautiful show and park!

[catnipnbone]

I loved this place and I wanted to be a mermaid too. As a child, it was magical, especially if you love the water. What a great job! I hope you stay open forever! It's also great that you have all shapes and sizes of mermaids now. Watching this video brought back some wonderful happy memories. Thank you, New York Times and Weeki Wachee Mermaids. :)

[shunbun]

Here because of Netflix’s MerPeople! 😊

[tamisweetie]

I keep watching this over and over... makes me cry every time. "Every reason to be a mermaid..." Miss Barbara is so wise and in-tune with the water's wavelength, it touches my heart dearly to hear her words. ♡

[deniseatthelake]

What incredible athletes these women are...I love to swim but I could never do this! Mermaids we love you!

[heatherclark]

I have been there, so has Elvis and these people are very brave . I can’t even imagine doing this. Loved it

[Kevin-ocjb]

They're only paid like $13/hour. Unbelievable for the talent/training it takes.

[yooperpackrat]

Saw the shows this past winter they do a great job, well worth the time and money.

[MsKTMvalley]

I went there when I was a kid. I remember it was cold and rainy. It's cool NY times has a piece on it 5 years later. :)

[atmicwerewlf]

First time I went to Weeki Wachovia was in 90/91…it’s beautiful on film, but you HAVE to go to Weeki Wachee to see the Mermaids live and in person!! 🌊 🧜‍♀️ 🐟 🐚 🧜‍♀️ 🐚 🦈 🧜‍♀️ 🐚 🦦 🧜‍♀️ 🌊

[jamesholmes]

Saw this at WW today. I must say, it's certainly a feat of engineering, beauty and all manner of other things. Worth seeing!

[thedukeofswellington]

I love visiting/vacationing on the west coast of Florida...its still very undeveloped in a lot if places...much less hectic and crowded then say Daytona/Cocoa/Flagler. My favorite place is Anna Maria Island...im going this summer and i hope to retire there or maybe even get a transfer. I remember seeing the mermaids the first time i thought it was crazy!

[Daehawk]

I could swear I was there in the early 80s when I was like 12 or 13.

[tomsimpson]

Wish I could go there I miss Florida. Makes me depressed I can't go there

[mingthemerciless]

Tim Dillon's schizophrenic mother brought me here

[june]

Im here after the wait wait don't tell me episode where they talk about this

[yarimarramos]

Muy teacher Ms.winslow showed us your video

[chriswalls]

Pretty neat I think they should build a bigger park reopen it with more

[AMiniaturist]

i wonder why they don't use silicone tails

[hannahlovesyou]

You all look pretty and I want to be a mermaid and this is Olivia