Mermaids Spotted in the Warm Waters of Fort Lauderdale Beach

 

Did you know that Christopher Columbus reported seeing mermaids when he was on his first voyage to the New World? He was sailing in the warm waters near the Dominican Republic at the time of the sighting. (FYI: You can also find deliciously warm, sun-speckled ocean waves on Fort Lauderdale Beach and an equally warm welcome at the B Ocean Resort on that beautiful beach.)

As for Chris, in reality, what Columbus thought were mermaids are generally believed to have been manatees. If you are not familiar with manatees, you should know that they are very large, very gentle, very slow-moving marine mammals who like to hang out in warm water (and who can blame them?).

Your average manatee is around 10 feet long and weighs somewhere between 800 to 1,200 pounds. It’s hard to imagine that something commonly referred to as a sea cow today could have been mistaken for a mermaid when Columbus sailed the ocean blue, but in Chris’s defense, he was not the only one to make that particular mistake.

Mermaid or Manatee?

“It might seem strange to confuse a slow-moving, blubbery sea cow with a beautiful, fish-tailed maiden. Yet it’s a common enough mistake that the scientific name for manatees and dugongs [a medium-sized cousin] is Sirenia, a name reminiscent of mythical mermaids,” experts at the Smithsonian tell us in their attempt to unravel the myth and the reality surrounding Mermaids and Manatees.

So, before you go questioning Christopher’s eyesight or wondering just how long it had been since he’d seen a woman (it was about six months), keep in mind that people at the time believed the oceans were populated by quite an interesting variety of sea monsters. In a world where people believed in the kraken, you can certainly be forgiven for believing in mermaids and sirens.

We all need to believe in something. Why not mermaids? If ever there was a time and a place for a bit of fun and whimsy, surely this must be it.

Fortunately, you can find both mermaids and manatees in South Florida!

Manatees can sometimes be spotted in the canals and waterways that have earned Fort Lauderdale the nickname of “America’s Venice.” There is only one place, however, where you can see mermaids…The historic Wreck Bar at B Ocean Resort overlooking Fort Lauderdale Beach, which lures sailors and landlubbers alike with its Mermaid Shows.

Mermaids have enchanted the waters of the world-famous Wreck Bar for decades. Now it’s your turn to discover their timeless charm!

Mermaids & Mimosas Sunday Brunch
Sundays from 11:30 am to 3 pm

 

Our lovely mermaids present family-friendly entertainment while you enjoy the signature Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas at the Wreck Bar. B sure to have your picture taken with a mermaid! Reservations are available are a must.

Looking for a memorable way to pop the question or celebrate a special occasion? The mermaids at B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale just love to help people make lasting memories with our exclusive Mermaid Experiences:

• Mermaid Wedding Proposals

If you’re ready to take the plunge, consider a personalized underwater marriage proposal, with a little help from our lovely mermaids.

• Mermaid Parties

From big birthdays to blowout bachelor parties, Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous Wreck Bar provides a festive backdrop for a celebration featuring our enchanting mermaids.

When recording the events of Jan. 9, 1493, in his log, Christopher Columbus said he saw three mermaids and described them as “not half as beautiful as they are painted.” If Chris were to see the mermaids in the marvelous Mermaid Shows at B Ocean Resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach, he might have said they were even more beautiful than any painting!

See them for yourself! B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale is conveniently located for South Florida locals as well as out of town visitors. Call us at 954-564-1000 or drop us a line at info@boceanfortlauderdale.com for more information.