Real Mermaids Make a Splash at Mystic Aquarium This November
At a Glance
What: Mermaids at Mystic
When: November 6–8, 13–15, and 20–22, 2026 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
Time: 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT
Admission: Mermaid underwater viewing included with general aquarium admission
Age: Family-friendly
Activities: Live underwater mermaid performances, aquarium exhibits, and optional VIP experiences
VIP Experience: Under the Sea VIP, available for an additional charge
Tickets: General admission and limited daily VIP tickets available through Mystic Aquarium
Event Description
Mermaids at Mystic brings a little underwater magic to Mystic Aquarium for three weekends in November, beginning Friday, November 6. Visitors can watch live mermaids swim through one of the aquarium’s habitats, creating an unusual encounter that combines the wonder of marine life with a little storybook fantasy. The underwater viewing experience is included with regular aquarium admission, making it part of a day exploring the aquarium’s exhibits.
Back by popular demand, the mermaids will appear Friday through Sunday on November 6–8, 13–15, and 20–22. Families can enjoy the underwater performances with general admission or purchase an upgraded VIP experience featuring additional activities, special access, and opportunities to meet the mermaids.
Mermaids Beneath the Surface
Imagine standing in front of an aquarium viewing window, watching fish move through the water, when a mermaid suddenly glides into view.
With a colorful tail trailing behind her, she swims through the habitat, bringing a familiar fantasy to life in an unexpected setting.
That’s the attraction behind Mermaids at Mystic.
Rather than watching performers on a stage, visitors see them underwater, where their movements become part of the aquatic environment.
The performances offer children a chance to experience something they’ve probably only encountered in books or movies.
For parents, it’s also an opportunity to see the expressions on their children’s faces when a mermaid appears on the other side of the glass.
The underwater viewing experience is included with regular admission, so families don’t need to purchase a separate mermaid ticket to enjoy it.
Go Beyond the Glass With Under the Sea VIP
Families looking for a more personal encounter can upgrade to Mystic Aquarium’s Under the Sea VIP Experience.
The premium package includes a mermaid meet-and-greet in the Milne Center, giving guests an opportunity to meet the performers outside the water.
Visitors will also enjoy exclusive photo opportunities and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Milne Center.
A touch tank experience adds a hands-on connection to marine life, while a campus-wide mermaid scavenger hunt encourages guests to explore the aquarium in search of clues.
Participants who complete the scavenger hunt receive a swag bag prize.
The VIP experience also includes a mermaid-inspired temporary tattoo and access to a special lounge with drinks, snacks, and crafts.
A Few Extra Perks for VIP Guests
The upgraded experience includes several conveniences designed to make the visit easier.
VIP guests receive a separate entrance into Mystic Aquarium and can enter anytime between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
They also receive priority access to the diving mermaid experience in the Main Gallery, allowing them to skip the regular viewing line.
With a full lineup of activities, the VIP package offers families an opportunity to turn a mermaid sighting into a larger themed adventure.
VIP tickets are limited each day, so advance reservations are recommended for anyone interested in the upgraded experience.
Three Weekends of Underwater Wonder
Mermaids at Mystic will take place across three consecutive November weekends:
November 6–8: Friday through Sunday
November 13–15: Friday through Sunday
November 20–22: Friday through Sunday
The event gives families several opportunities to plan a visit before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Those attending with general admission can enjoy the mermaid underwater viewing along with Mystic Aquarium’s regular exhibits.
Visitors who purchase the Under the Sea VIP Experience can take part in the additional activities and special encounters included with that package.
Whether you’re visiting with a child who dreams of meeting a mermaid or simply looking for something different to do on a fall weekend, Mystic Aquarium is offering a chance to experience a little fantasy beneath the surface.
Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.