Camden Adventure Aquarium is making waves once again with the return of its mermaids experience.
Set to run every Friday through Sunday from Feb. 20 to March 15, this annual festival brings visitors into South Jersey's own "Mer-World" to see “real-life” mermaids diving among its collection of sandbar, sand tiger and nurse sharks. The underwater experience happens in the Shark Realm, and guests can interact and take photos with the mystical creatures in front of a movie-screen-sized window while they’re in the 550,000-gallon exhibit.
Otherwise, at the newly reimagined Enchanted Grotto, guests can meet a mermaid on land and capture a professional photo. For a more laid-back encounter, the Mermaid Beach Club lets visitors wave to mermaids lounging among the venue’s rays at Stingray Beach.
Every half hour, the Aquarium’s Rotunda also comes alive with a mesmerizing mermaid-themed light show. Plus, young collectors—and the young at heart—can also take home a piece of the festival through this year’s Mermaid Trading Cards (available from each mermaid they meet), with bonus cards sprinkled throughout the event.
Guests can also snap a few memorable photos at themed spots throughout the Aquarium, while indulging in a variety of mermaid-inspired treats like the Mermaid Fishbowl and Mermaid Treasure Cookies. For Gold and Platinum members, Adventure Aquarium will additionally offer an exclusive early-access event on Friday, Feb. 20, from 9:30 to 10 a.m. in the Currents Ballroom, featuring a special story time with surprises and priority viewing of the first official mermaid dive.
The Festival will run during typical Adventure Aquarium hours and is included with admission. As a release notes, to guarantee entry, guests are strongly encouraged to make advance reservations, as high demand is anticipated, and sellouts are likely. Those looking to enjoy this event and more can also consider becoming members for unlimited, year-round access to Adventure Aquarium’s collection of aquatic species and events.
Tickets are available online at adventureaquarium.com
