Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Whether you believe in their existence or not, the idea of mermaids has been a staple of seafaring lore for centuries.  We watched Tom Hanks fall in love with the mythical creature in “Splash” and sang along with Ariel and her seafood friends in “The Little Mermaid”.  They have become celebrated species painted on blank canvases since sirens first artfully lured sailors to their death in Greek mythology. 

There’s something mystical about a bikini-wearing fish and here are 10 destinations where you can see them live in action.

South Korea: Mermaids of Jeju

Known as haenyeo, the mermaids of Jeju Island are female divers who make an extraordinary living amid the depths of the ocean by collecting clams, seafood, and abalone with a net and weeding hoe.  Dressed in a light vest and goggles, they mark their destination in the sea before diving 20 meters below, holding their breaths two to three minutes at a time before swimming back up to the shore.  Their return to the surface is usually matched with a whistling sound that helps the mermaids release carbon dioxide and breathe in oxygen simultaneously.

So if you happen to hear this harmonious whistle beyond the sea, it is just a mermaid making her way back to land.

Las Vegas: Silverton Casino’s Mermaid Restaurant & Lounge

Las Vegas is known for its eclectic atmosphere, but did you know you can eat with a mermaid too?

At the Silverton Casino’s Mermaid Restaurant & Lounge its 117,000-gallon saltwater aquarium is home to schools of tropical fish, stingrays, sharks as well as mermaids.  Women wearing bikini tops and colorful fish tails swim in harmony with more than 4,000 aquatic creatures and entertain their guests with underwater flips and synchronized swimming techniques.

You will not want to miss out on this free swim spectacle, which is available for viewing on Thursday through Sunday.

Coney Island, NY: Mermaid Parade

On June 21^st wear your brightest under-the-sea costume as large floats and revelers dressed as Ariel, Neptune and Poseidon make their way down the streets of Coney Island celebrating the spirit of mythology.  The festival also acknowledges the creativity of individuals and prides itself for having no ethnic or sacred meaning, allowing celebrators to express themselves freely. 

So here’s your chance not only get up close to real mermaids, but party with them as they aim to create awareness of the mystique of the aquatic world.

Sacramento, CA: Dive Bar

Dive Bar brings Sacramento’s eccentric flair indoors with a 7,500-gallon aquarium that draws visitors not only wanting a drink but hoping to see a beautiful mermaid decked out in jewels swim by.  They certainly make their onlookers feel special by charismatically blowing kisses or waving to them, which only intensifies that excitement in the bar.

A charming atmosphere, large chandeliers and glorified mermaids make this bar no ordinary dive into the culture of Sacramento.

Copenhagen, Denmark: The Little Mermaid Statue

You will not have to get wet to see this mermaid.  Although this famous statue is not an underwater spectacle, her significance plays a great part in Danish history.

The fairytale of Hans Christian Andersen about a mermaid who swam to shore in hopes of seeing her prince and the ballet of the story cast a deep spell on Carl Jacobson. In tribute to his fandom, he ordered the sculptor Edvard Erikson to create a replica of the mermaid based on the body of Ellen Price who played the mystical character in the ballet.

Because price was unable to pose nude, Erikson’s wife stepped in to take her place as the model; and at 100-years old, The Little Mermaid continues to lure a myriad of tourists to the Langelinje Pier who fall in love with her irresistible charm.

 Fort Lauderdale, FL: Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel

Since the 1950s, the Wreck Bar has made a name for itself by bringing mythology to life.  Along with a unique culinary experience, the bar blows its guests’ mind with a topnotch mermaid synchronized show every Friday and Saturday night at 6:30.

So if you are in the hotel on both nights, no need to hesitate on seeing the MeduSirena Show twice because you will definitely by thrilled each time.  Just kindly grab a seat and something to eat as these colorful mermaids and aquatic views take you on a trip to the fascinating world no human has ever gone before (without fins and a bit of magic of course).

Marina Park, CA: Soter Point Ventura Marina Mermaid Statue

A mermaid playing a flute standing over 20 feet high and dressed in bronze profoundly displays the power of love and it all started with a phone call.

Sam Povar, a retired financial and employment executive wanted to make a special tribute to his deceased wife.  After he had plans in motion to restore a section of the Marina Park, he received a call from Alec Benke, a former marine engineer who wanted to donate his mermaid statue to the city, but was turned down.

Povar suggested the mermaid would make the perfect landmark in Marina Park’s west point area, which can be seen from quite a distance.  The next time you are in Marina Park, take a detour to the statue to see the diligence of two men become a stamp of love — one for the memoriam of his wife and the other for his life in America.

 Great Falls, MT: The Sip ‘N’ Dip Tiki Lounge

There are many reasons why Sip ‘n’ Dip Tiki Lounge has made its way onto GQ Magazine’s top spot as “#1 bar on earth worth flying for.” However, no trip to the bar goes without checking out its most dynamic feature: the mermaids.  Whether as an incentive to drive visitors inside its doors or just an added bonus for guests looking for a unique experience, there is something quite interesting about grabbing a bite to eat and drink while seeing a mermaid float by from the corner of your eye. 

As a prized possession of Montana, Sip ‘n’ Dip Tiki Lounge is also a spot where celebrities usually come strolling in. Who knows maybe Darryl Hannah, the mermaid from “Splash” may make an appearance — but there’s only one way to find out.

Denver, CO: Downtown Aquarium

A visit to the Downtown Aquarium is a shutterbug’s paradise and a must-see for lovers of the ocean.  Not only can you cuddle up to the aquarium’s marine life, but you'll stare inamazement as lovely women transform into the mystic animal and mingle with fish. 

As the aquarium’s most captivating attraction, this is an adventure for the entire family, providing insight into the culture of the deep blue sea as their onlookers’ oohs and aahs drastically echo throughout the entire Mystic Mermaids show.

Weeki, Wachee, FL: Weeki Wachee Springs

Weeki Wachee meaning “little spring” is the only state park of its kind.  This is because mermaids have completely taken over this small city where life of the animal/reptile outweighs that of humans.  Even its mayor was once a mermaid, but that comes as no surprise once you encounter this paradise of live mermaids, home to a mermaid villa as well as a myriad of animals including turtles and peacocks.  And if your child envisions a life as a merman or mermaid, there is a camp for that.