Mermaids return to Newport Aquarium to enchant guests September 28 – October 14. And for the first time ever, guests will get to explore the all new Mermaid Cove, where a mermaid can swim right up and meet them. With this new addition, guests will now have three opportunities to see and interact with mermaids throughout Newport Aquarium. Add a couple of pirates, and it’s a swashbuckling good time!
The magical mermaid experience begins in Shark Ray Bay Theater where Newport Aquarium guests will be greeted by a mermaid while she’s sitting on her throne. It’s the perfect photo opp, while ocean friends like Denver the sea turtle, Sweet Pea the shark ray, and our sand tiger sharks all swim up to the Surrounded by Sharks window to say hi.
Next stop on the journey to find mermaids is the tropical habitat of the Coral Reef. Visitors will be mesmerized when they see real-life mermaids swimming gracefully underwater, alongside cownose stingrays and other tropical fish friends in the 30-foot long, 60,000-gallon Coral Reef Tunnel.
New for 2018 – The mermaid pod has taken over Stingray Hideaway, and transformed the tropical locale into Mermaid Cove. This unique new interaction will allow a mermaid to swim, show off her glorious tail and talk to guests. With the mermaids visiting from different parts of the world, it’s the perfect spot for them to tell their new friends all about their adventures and how important ocean conservation is for them and all sea life.
“Newport Aquarium’s mermaids are a tradition families looks forward to every year,” said Eric Rose, Executive Director at Newport Aquarium. “Mermaids are ocean advocates, and help share important conservation messages like saying ‘no’ to plastic bags, and skipping single-use plastic straws.”
Daily mermaid appearances are included with regular admission, and guests can visit NewportAquarium.com for more information.
Mermaids and Pirates Party
The festivities kick off with the Mermaids and Pirates Party on Friday, Sept. 28 from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. This after-hours family-friendly costume party includes appetizers and refreshments, dancing, an adventure map and mermaid and pirate-themed activities. There’s also a special mermaid meet-and-greet and much more. Tickets can be purchased online for this signature event.
Mermaid and Pirate Breakfasts
Another add-on experience this year is the Mermaids and Pirates Breakfast on Oct. 7 and 14 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Guests can enjoy breakfast with their families in Newport Aquarium’s Riverside Room. All guests get exclusive access to meet a mermaid and pirate. After breakfast, guests will be invited into the aquarium before it opens to the public.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit NewportAquarium.com or call 800-406-FISH (3474).
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