Express yourself underwater
Combine flowing movement, turns and poses in a playful form of underwater performance that is separate from scuba and freediving.
PADI Mermaid Course
Dive Into the Magical World of Mermaiding!
Discover the enchanting experience of mermaid diving with the PADI Mermaid Course! Whether you dream of gliding gracefully underwater or expressing your creativity in a whole new way, mermaiding is a fun, imaginative adventure suitable for all ages and genders. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your sense of wonder and get ready to become a certified PADI Mermaid!
Availability: In Stock
PADI Mermaid course • Pool-based Sydney training
Learn to Swim Like a Mermaid
Combine creative underwater movement with structured equipment, breath-hold, buddy and rescue training. Complete PADI Mermaid eLearning, then learn to use a monofin and tail across two instructor-supervised confined-water sessions.
$450 course price Currently advertised
One practical day Complete eLearning first
Two water sessions Confined-water training
Minimum age 10 Swimming requirements apply
Creativity with real water skills
Mermaiding is its own form of diving
Mermaiding combines swimming, breath-hold, a monofin and a fabric tail to create a distinctive style of underwater movement and self-expression. The PADI Mermaid course builds beyond basic skills with more dynamic turns, glides and performance elements.
Because the tail and monofin limit independent leg movement, proper fit, equipment handling, buddy procedures and problem management are essential. The course develops those skills in controlled water under direct instructor supervision.
Movement, imagination and teamwork
Why try mermaiding?
Enjoy the creative side of underwater movement while learning how to use specialised equipment responsibly.
Learn monofin movement
Develop a coordinated dolphin kick and body line instead of trying to swim in a tail without instruction.
Build safer habits
Practise direct buddy supervision, recovery, equipment removal and problem-management skills in a pool setting.
Meet your instructor
Train with Yuhan Liao
Yuhan is a PADI Mermaid Instructor, PADI Freediving Instructor and PADI scuba instructor. Her experience in underwater movement and performance supports a calm, creative approach to learning mermaid skills.
Your scheduled instructor may vary, so check the course listing if training specifically with Yuhan is important to you.
Meet YuhanFoundations and expressive skills
What you’ll learn
Progress from preparing and controlling the equipment to dynamic skills, buddy support and problem management.
Choose and inspect equipment
Review correct tail and monofin fit, equipment condition, suitable pool use and the limitations created by joined-leg swimming.
Enter, exit and remove the tail
Practise controlled entries and exits and the taught method for removing mermaid equipment when assistance or a change of movement is needed.
Dolphin kick and body line
Coordinate movement through the body and monofin for smoother surface and underwater swimming.
Turns and back glides
Develop C-shape and U-shape side turns, controlled changes of direction and a stable back glide.
Creative mermaid skills
Work on expressive skills such as a backward somersault turn, underwater handshakes and mermaid bubbles when appropriate.
Breath-hold preparation and recovery
Use calm preparation and effective recovery breathing without deliberate hyperventilation or unsupervised breath-hold practice.
Buddy supervision
Learn the direct-supervision and communication procedures used when one participant is performing an underwater skill.
Problem management and rescue
Practise the course procedures for assisting a mermaid who has an equipment, fatigue, breath-hold or responsiveness problem.
Course structure
eLearning followed by two confined-water sessions
Abyss currently schedules the practical training within one pool-based day. Complete the online knowledge development before attending.
PADI Mermaid eLearning
Allow approximately three to four hours for mermaid culture, equipment, aquatic principles, breath-hold, safety and buddy knowledge.
Foundation water skills
Confirm swimming readiness, become familiar with the equipment and practise core movement, breath-hold, buddy and problem-management skills.
Dynamic mermaid skills
Develop turns, glides and expressive skills while completing the applicable rescue, safety and performance requirements.
Performance-based training: attendance alone does not guarantee certification. The timetable and skill sequence may change with facility requirements, equipment fit, student readiness and instructor judgement.
Before you book
Age and swimming requirements
The full PADI Mermaid course has higher entry requirements than the Discover Mermaid experience or PADI Basic Mermaid course.
Minimum age 10
Participants must be at least 10 years old. A parent or guardian must complete the required paperwork for students under 18, and under-13s need parent or guardian permission to register for eLearning.
Swim 50 metres
Swim at least 50 metres continuously without using swim aids.
Float for five minutes
Remain comfortably afloat at the surface for at least five minutes without support.
Participant paperwork and health
Complete the participant forms supplied for the Mermaid program and answer health questions accurately. If an answer or course policy indicates that medical review is required, provide the requested physician approval before in-water participation. Tell Abyss if health or medication changes after completing the forms.
Training and equipment
What’s included and what to bring
Course inclusions
- PADI Mermaid eLearning
- PADI Mermaid Instructor tuition
- Two confined-water training sessions
- Use of a suitable mermaid tail and monofin during training
- PADI Mermaid certification after successful completion
Bring or confirm
- Well-fitting swimming mask and snorkel
- Swimwear, towel and a change of clothes
- Wetsuit or thermal protection if advised
- Drinking water and pool-appropriate personal items
- Correct tail and monofin sizing before course day
Confirm the current package: equipment availability and sizing can change. Check what Abyss supplies for your selected date and arrange any mask, snorkel or exposure-protection hire before attending.
Mermaid safety
Never practise breath-hold or tail swimming alone
A monofin and tail restrict independent leg movement and can make standing, climbing or changing direction more difficult. Use them only in suitable water with direct instructor or trained-buddy supervision and an agreed assistance plan.
Do not hyperventilate before an underwater skill. It can delay the urge to breathe while oxygen continues to fall, increasing the risk of loss of motor control or blackout. Follow the preparation, recovery and supervision procedures taught on the course.
Know the course scope
This level is confined-water training
The PADI Mermaid course includes knowledge development and at least two sessions in a pool or water with pool-like conditions. It does not include the open-water sessions of PADI Advanced Mermaid.
Certification does not qualify you to perform professionally, teach, supervise courses or mermaid-swim alone. Those activities require additional training, experience, planning and, where applicable, professional credentials.
Before you enrol
PADI Mermaid Course FAQs
Do I need previous diving experience?
No. The PADI Mermaid course is designed as an entry-level course. You must still meet the age and swimming requirements and be comfortable following underwater instructions.
Can a six-year-old take this course?
No. Age six applies to the PADI Discover Mermaid experience and PADI Basic Mermaid course. The full PADI Mermaid course requires participants to be at least 10.
What swimming ability is required?
You must swim at least 50 metres continuously without swim aids and remain comfortably afloat at the surface for at least five minutes.
Do I need my own mermaid tail and monofin?
Abyss currently states that a mermaid tail and monofin are provided for course use. Confirm available sizes and the complete equipment package for your selected date before booking.
Does this course include open-water mermaiding?
No. This level uses confined water. Open-water training is part of PADI Advanced Mermaid and requires the relevant certification, swimming ability and additional training.
Can I practise alone after certification?
No. Tail swimming and underwater breath-hold skills require direct supervision by a suitably trained and attentive buddy who can assist with the activity and equipment.
What if I need more time to complete a skill?
The course is performance-based. Your instructor will explain the appropriate practice or completion options if every requirement is not completed during the scheduled day. Additional training may be needed.
Is the course price still $450?
The current advertised price is $450. Confirm the current price, date, inclusions, equipment sizing and booking terms before paying.
Continue exploring
Mermaid and freediving resources
Ready to begin your Mermaid course?
Choose an available date, confirm the swimming requirements and provide accurate sizing information for the mermaid equipment. Complete the eLearning before the pool day.
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