Taryn / Verdaleigh
- Mermaid Instructor and Divemaster -
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What is Mermaiding?
Mermaid diving is a world with one foot in reality and the other in fantasy. Mermaid lore originated centuries ago, yet even today, the myths tickle our imaginations. Water lovers, young and old, fantasize about living as mermaids – but unlike most such fantasies, this one we can make real – well, almost real.
Mermaid equipment and costuming let us bridge fiction and fact, opening the door to this mystical culture through mermaid diving. The PADI Mermaid Program is designed to be a rewarding and fun experience, suited to anyone with an interest in mermaid diving and basic swimming abilities. Although this experience shares techniques and equipment used in scuba and freediving, mermaid diving (or ‘mermaiding’) is its own form of diving.
The PADI Mermaid Program is designed for non-divers and divers alike, as you don’t need any prior knowledge to enroll.
Discover Mermaid
Minimum Age: 6 years old
It’s an introductory experience from PADI’s Mermaid program. No pre‑requisites.
Designed to let you try out simple mermaid diving activities in confined/shallow water (e.g. a pool or similar shallow water where you can stand).
You’ll get to use mermaid tail/monofin, mask, snorkel, etc. Often gear rental is included.
Time Commitment:
Water Skills Session: 1 hour
Cost: $100
Basic Mermaid
Minimum Age: 6 years old
From PADI’s Mermaid program, the Basic Mermaid™ course is the entry-level mermaiding training above the “Discover Mermaid” experience.
It introduces you to essential skills, knowledge, and safety in mermaid‐style underwater swimming in calm/confined water (e.g., pools)
Time Commitment:
eLearning: 1 hour
Water Skill Sessions: 1 - 2 hours
Cost: $200
Advanced Mermaid
Minimum Age: 12 years old
The PADI Advanced Mermaid course is the second level in PADI’s mermaid certification series. It builds on skills learned in the PADI Basic Mermaid and/or PADI Mermaid courses and is typically geared toward those who are serious about performance, safety, and more advanced underwater techniques.
Time Commitment:
eLearning: 2 hours
Water Skill Sessions: 4 - 6 hours
Cost: $250
