Description

The PADI Mermaid™ course includes knowledge development and at least two water skill sessions that develop more dynamic mermaid skills beyond Basic Mermaid™, including many skills that make mermaiding an underwater self-expressive art, separate from other types of diving. (Note that the PADI Mermaid course includes Basic Mermaid, so you can start with PADI Mermaid – there is no need to take Basic Mermaid separately.)

To enroll in a PADI Mermaid course, you must be at least ten years old. You need to be able to swim at least 50m/160ft without swim aids, able to float comfortably at the surface for at least 5 mins and in good physical health. As an entry-level mermaid diving course, no prior experience with diving of any kind is required.

Instructor with students at a table in a thatch hut.

Academic

The PADI Mermaid course has two phases:

  • Knowledge development through independent study with the PADI Mermaid eLearning (or your instructor may conduct class sessions if not available in your language).
  • Two confined water sessions to learn and prepare for mermaiding, rescue/problem management skills and the conduct of mermaid dives. You also learn mermaid skills, such as dolphin (butterfly) kicks, C-shape and U-shape side turns, and some skills distinct to mermaid diving, including backward somersault turn, underwater handshaking mermaid bubbles, and back glides.

Available Languages

The PADI Mermaid eLearning is currently available in English, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Thai, Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Melayu.

Equipment

In the PADI Mermaid course, you will use a monofin (i.e. mermaid tail), mask, snorkel and fins. You may also use a wetsuit and weight belt. Using gear designed specifically for mermaiding is best; however, in this beginner course, you may be able to use snorkeling equipment you already own. If you are a freediver, some of your gear (e.g. mask, fins, and snorkel) is also mermaiding gear.

Check with your PADI Mermaid Center for advice and specifics regarding the gear you'll use, as well as other course details.

Getting Started

Contact your local PADI Mermaid Center or PADI Mermaid Instructor and start learning at your own pace with PADI Mermaid eLearning.

To take your mermaid diving into open water, enroll into the PADI Advanced Mermaid course today.