Newport Aquarium announced today that Mermaids will be swimming into the aquarium this fall for the first time in three years!
Select days from September 23rd to October 22nd, the magical creatures will swim, play and entertain underwater and meet visitors up close.
“Mermaids is the kind of experience that goes beyond the normal to something that is truly extraordinary,” said Rebecca Foster, Newport Aquarium’s Executive Director. “When you see the look on a child’s face when they see a real mermaid swimming underwater, it is nothing short of magic.” The mermaids will be diving underwater in the 60,000-gallon Coral Reef Tunnel surrounded by hundreds of tropical fish. There, visitors will take in their underwater acrobatics and their beautiful flowing tails. The lucky among them will also receive one of their famous bubble kisses.
The magical experience begins in Shark Ray Bay Theater where visitors will be welcomed by a mermaid on her throne. It’s the perfect photo op, while rare shark rays and a curious sea turtle swim nearby. It’s also a chance to become a part of their world while learning about the mermaids’ journey to Newport Aquarium. Coming from all around the globe, the mermaids share a mission to protect our oceans and waterways from single use plastics and they need your help.
Visitors are also invited to explore Mermaid Cove, where the mermaids have turned a corner of the aquarium into their own tropical hideaway. This special experience allows the mermaids to swim right up to meet their two-legged friends for a photo, song or story. They may even let you touch their tail as it flips playfully in the water.
Mermaids is included with General Admission and Newport Aquarium Memberships. The experience runs September 23rd to October 22nd with the mermaids not on exhibit Tuesdays and Wednesdays. With the aquarium’s Plan-Ahead-Pricing program, tickets can be found at discounted prices when purchased early here!