SSI x Edges of Earth: Welcome to Weeki Wachee - Discovering Florida’s Sirens
July 18, 2024
Depending on who you talk to, Florida is known for a handful of things. For us northeasterners, Florida is one of those states that we flock to in the winter to escape the cold. Florida perhaps embodies American consumerism at its peak, between Orlando’s Disney World and the state hosting more fast food restaurant chains than anywhere else in the whole country.
But whichever version of Florida speaks to you, there is always another right around the corner waiting to be explored. And that is exactly what we were looking for as we got drawn into traversing the Sunshine State—on the hunt for the niche, unusual and spectacular. It is how we discovered Florida’s 1,000+ springs, turning the state into a hotspot for exploring unique natural wonders and rich underwater ecosystems, and the unique Weeki Wachee Spring.
Diving into the Weeki Wachee way of life
Springs are fed by underground reservoirs of water, known as aquifers, which are replenished by rainfall and surface water that seeps down through the soil and rock. The water from springs can be cold or thermal, depending on the depth of the water source and the geothermal conditions of the area. Natural springs are vital sources of fresh water for ecosystems, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal life. Some locals even believe these springs to be naturally occurring "fountains of youth."
These facts and lore are what drew us to a lesser-known destination on the map called Weeki Wachee. With a population of just 12, this unincorporated, once-city was built in the 1960s all for one deeply unsuspecting reason: mermaids. Yes, you read that correctly—people who have dedicated their lives and careers to becoming and performing as mermaids.
The Weeki Wachee River is known for its crystal clear waters, which have attracted mermaids from around the world to become professional, sought-after underwater performers.
Needing to see this to believe it, we were heading to the old-time park to experience this obscure performing art blended with sport. Back in the 1950s, there were a few options for women professionally. One of the most lucrative which would grant serious independence was to become a mermaid. Before there was a state park, which was established in 2008, there was a business operated by a man named Newton Perry.
In 1947, Perry created a theater somewhat resembling a fish tank, but it was around this all-natural spring system that connects to the river. The women who were diving at the time, now well into their 70s and 80s, swear by the spring’s natural properties that helped them maintain youth and feel a deep connection to their natural environment. In a book called, "The Mermaid Handbook," these women document what life was like becoming a career mermaid and the benefits of the profession.
It was not long until Hollywood took notice of this random pocket of the world and started to bring mermaids into mainstream culture. What was so captivating was how these women could dance to underwater choreography, manage to smile and look flawless, eat food, and drink soda underwater, all while holding their breath. Even though Perry had designed hoses that sat on either side of the aquarium at the time, which allowed the women to get some air while performing, it was impressive what they could do.
Now flash forward to December 2023, where the water is 74 °F all year round, and the women we were here to watch in the 400-seat amphitheater were wearing handcrafted, outrageously ornate mermaid tails and highly designed matching costumes.
While 74°F on the surface is a balmy and comfortable place to be, for an hour of underwater performance (in a mermaid costume, not a wetsuit) it is very cold.
But you would never have noticed while these performers flawlessly engaged in riveting underwater acrobatics and open-mouth ad-libbing with nothing more than a small breathing hose and the occasional passerby turtle. Simply put, they made it look easy and elegant.
These women were performing four times a day, which requires rigorous and highly competitive year-round training. Meeting some of the mermaids after the performance, their commitment and obsession with the craft were made very clear.
These merpeople are highly trained freedivers who specialize in single breath holds, all while keeping cool under pressure. To become a Weeki Wachee mermaid, you need to be scuba certified.
Weeki Wachee means "little spring" in native Seminole language. Yet, this spring is seriously deep, with currents coming up from a whopping 117 feet. With 100 gallons of water coming through the cave system that makes up this area, there are a lot of factors these performers need to master before they can say they are professionals.
They need to be able to reach the 20-foot mark, take hits from the free-flowing hose, and fight all the elements around them to succeed. This process is long, hard, and sometimes painful for the women who take on this role.
Understanding how water works is a part of the process of becoming a certified diver. Not to mention, if you want to take it one step further, becoming a certified mermaid is entirely a thing today, a course that SSI offers and promotes around the world, outside of the Florida area as well. All of which we had no idea about until meeting these incredible, real-life mermaids!
As part of the performance, the women talked about conserving the spring and what it takes to keep their population of mermaids safe from the pangs of climate change. The original sirens, as they are called, are the women who used to perform back in the 50s and 60s. And even they have opportunities to get back in the water and perform like they did in their younger years. And today, all of their shows revolve around a conservation narrative, having some tie back to keeping the park in its pristine condition, just as they remember it from decades ago.
The emergence of "eco-tainment," a blend of ecological awareness and entertainment, is swiftly gaining traction globally, captivating audiences by integrating conservation themes into performances in a manner that feels both natural and engaging.
In Weeki Wachee, mermaids do not just perform underwater dance routines; they weave the story of environmental preservation into their mesmerizing acts
By showcasing the beauty of underwater life and the importance of protecting their home ecosystems, these performers engage audiences in a conversation about conservation without it feeling forced or out of place.
This innovative approach to environmental education uses entertainment as a powerful tool to raise awareness about conservation efforts, making the message both accessible and impactful. And it was clear after our time in Weeki Wachee, that these mermaids were at the forefront of this critical and evolving movement.
So if you were one of those people who dreamed of becoming a mermaid when you grew up, now is your chance! You just first have to learn the power of the underwater world, get comfortable holding your breath for long periods, and trade your legs for a tail.
Embracing this path opens the door to an existence distinct from the ordinary, immersing you in a world few have the privilege to know. This is your invitation to not just fantasize about a life arguably underwater more than on land but to actively pursue an extraordinary connection with your natural world.
The mermaid movement was summed up perfectly by our dear friend, Taylor Masnjak, owner and operator of Get Up and Go Kayaking, one of the more successful sustainable tourism businesses in the area:
"Florida is one of those places where you can embrace your unique brand of weirdness - whether you are a diver, paddler, or even an aspiring mermaid. It is all about connecting with the water in whichever way you choose.
The beauty here is there is no discrimination in how you engage with the natural world; the important thing is that you do. Here is one of the few places on earth where you can truly live out your wildest mermaid dreams!"
Are you ready to join the mermaid movement?
Then check out SSI’s range of beginner and advanced mermaid courses today.
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Andi Cross is an SSI Ambassador and lead of the Edges of Earth expedition, highlighting stories of positive ocean progress and how to explore the world more consciously. To keep up with the expedition, follow the team on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and their website.