People are 'mermaiding' all over the world
Brandee Anthony MediaFrom fantasy photoshoots in the Maldives, to kelp forest "strolls" along California's Catalina Island and Taiwan's luxe hotel swims, swimming in a tail is different wherever you do it.
I am struggling to maintain my dignity – and my buoyancy – in Nagoya, Japan. My legs are encased in a violet-hued mermaid tail, and what I thought would be a graceful glide feels more like a splash.
"Good," says Shellina Mermaid, my instructor at Mermaid Academy Japan. "But you swim like an American, late for a meeting. Swim slower, like a Japanese mermaid." This helps; soon, I'm swimming gracefully alongside two other local merfolk.
My global mermaiding adventure may be pure whimsy, but as global tensions rise, I'm not the only one craving escape. From fantasy balls to LARPing weekends, "romantasy" travel (choosing immersive holidays inspired by fantasy literature) is one of 2026's fastest-growing travel trends, according to Booking.com. Mermaiding – swimming in natural water bodies and pools while wearing a mermaid tail – is as immersive as you can get.
"For me, [it's] about getting in the water and escaping from life for a little bit," says blogger James Barrett. "Pretending that you live in the ocean and all your problems aren't around."
The trend – which has inspired a body-positive and inclusive subculture – is spreading to the seven seas, driven by conventions like MerMagic Con and PADI-certification courses. Mermaid classes and photo shoots amid stunning aquatic scenery are thrilling ways to take your holiday beyond the earthly realm.
From the kelp forests of Catalina Island to Cornwall's mythical coasts, here are six places where travellers are nurturing their inner mermaid.
Brandee Anthony MediaThe Florida springs, US
Florida's historic Weeki Wachee Springs underwater mermaid shows – and crystal-clear waterways – have cemented its status as the world's mermaid capital. The US state's nearly 1,000 freshwater springs, mostly concentrated in its central region, have a year-round average temperature of 22C (72F) and provide a myriad of otherworldly mermaid experiences.
Safety first
Aspiring mermaids must be comfortable in the water. During a course, you'll learn how to tread water in a monofin, hold your breath for a minute and a half underwater, and do a "duck dive" that allows you to safely dive below the surface of the water.
When swimming in natural water bodies, always swim with a trained buddy and look for places where you won't disturb the natural environment. Only wear reef-safe sunscreen and avoid accessories with beads, sequins or glitter that could potentially flake or fall off.
Explore the underwater caverns of Devil's Den in Williston, the shallow, sandy bottoms of Alexander Springs and the cerulean waters of Rainbow Springs State Park. Ginnie Springs hosts an annual "Spring Splash" gathering while the four-day Mermaid Summit unfolds in venues throughout the Miami area.
Further fuelling Florida's mermaid dominance is Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter in Lecanto, just off Florida's Gulf Coast. At this immersive showroom, famed mermaid tail maker Eric Ducharme helms a one-stop shop where visitors can browse his hyper-realistic tails, watch live performances and even learn mermaid skills in the facility's deep-water tanks.
"We're trying to create an experience where you feel welcomed and loved," says Ducharme. "There's a lot of mermaids in their 40s, 50s and 60s that are swimming around in our tails. It's a magical experience."
Six Senses MaldivesThe Maldives
The Maldives are on every diver's list for a reason. The small archipelago nation, located south-west of India, has a reputation for warm, crystal-clear water and opportunities to spot whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, Napoleon Wrasse and schools of colourful fish year-round.
According to Maldivian legend, the reefs are also said to be filled with sea creatures, so why not join them? If you're just getting your fins wet, The Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, Sun Siyam Olhuveli and Six Senses Laamu resorts all host beginner-friendly certification classes that will have you gliding through prismatic reefs with otherworldly grace.
"Nobody is born a mermaid!" says Anne Hospital, Six Senses dive centre regional manager. "Just relax, go with the flow, and enjoy feeling weightless. Every class is a mix of fun, freedom and a little mermaid magic."
For mermaids longing to swim outside the resort, Surf Dive Maldives offers guided tours and mermaid photo shoots in Rasdhoo and Thoddoo, areas which are known for their spectacular wildlife. Sirens from around the world can sign up for an adventure with Sea Sick Productions where they live on a yacht and learn underwater modelling tips and tricks.
Daan VerhoevenCornwall, England
Cornwall's salt-sprayed landscape is a living tapestry of ancient folklore and modern adventure. This rugged county is famously home to the mythical, medieval Mermaid of Zennor, who was said to have disguised herself to worship at St Senara's Church.
Where did you get your tail?
Donning a tail is one of the most thrilling parts of mermaiding. Since mermaids don't come in just one shape and gender, there are an amazing variety of appendages to choose from, like the ultra-realistic tails from The Mertailor, the fairytale colours and fluke flourishes from Finfolk or custom-made tails from Merrow Fins. Whether you buy your own or simply rent one during your class, your first goal should be safety; opt for tails in scuba knit or silicone materials that won't stretch while you swim.
Modern merfolk can embrace these seafaring legends at Kynance Cove and Bude Sea Pool; two natural rock sea formations creating sheltered easy-to-swim pools perfect for both training and photo sessions.
Book a shoot with Kernow Mermaid, or perfect your fluke flips with classes at Aquacity Freediving. After a successful swim, retreat from the Atlantic breeze to grab a pint of local Zennor Mermaid ale at The Tinners Arms, a low-beamed pub adjacent to the church believed to have been visited by the legend herself.
Getty ImagesCatalina Island, US
Located just 35km (22 miles) off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island is often referred to as the "Caribbean of California".
Try a retreat
Mermaid retreats, either held on a boat or resort, are opportunities for like-minded merpeople to dive, take photos and holiday together.
Many are hosted by notable members of the community, so keep an eye on personalities like Mermaid Kat, Hannah Mermaid and Vero Beach Mermaid for upcoming offerings.
"I've had one client that's done 12 retreats with us," says Vero Beach Mermaid, aka Brandee Anthony. "It's been really fun to create spaces where you can continue to travel with us and have a built-in buddy."
But while the Mediterranean-style boardwalk of Avalon hums with day-trippers and golf carts, its turquoise-coloured waters are home to a dense underwater world where mermaids brave enough to dive into the chilly Pacific Ocean can encounter seals, a massive kelp forest and California's state fish, the shockingly orange Garibaldi.
"You can hardly tell that there is just this amazing, beautiful world sitting right below the surface," says Elaina Garcia, owner of Catalina Islands Mermaids. "[Swimming through it] is like a stroll through a forest instead of an open field."
Garcia's goal is to help mermaids explore more of the area. In addition to training classes she hosts a free monthly meetup for the rapidly expanding mermaid community. Garcia also stages photo shoots in-water, on the beach outside of Casino Point and in her newly opened storefront.
"Swimming is a learned experience that not everyone gets to have," she explains. "The photo shoots allow for others to come out and experience a connection with the ocean. There's a really magical moment when you put a mermaid tail on for the first time. Everyone feels like a goddess!"
DiveCube TaichungTaichung, Taiwan
Taichung is the birthplace of bubble tea and home to the brightly hued Rainbow Village. But since 2017, Taiwan's "City of Culture" has also become a pilgrimage site for Asia's diving community who flock to the DiveCube, a complex that features a 21m (69ft)-deep pool with 30 hotel rooms designed to overlook the water.
You don't have to stay in the hotel to book a swim, so while the centre offers scuba and freedive lessons, the pool has become a hit with local and aspiring mermaids who come here for classes. Thanks to its large windows, a pool bottom decorated with seasonal props –everything from a sunken fairytale carriage to Halloween skulls – and an artificial reef designed by the filming team behind the film Life of Pi, it's the perfect place for a photoshoot, without the unpredictability of ocean currents.
Getty ImagesLa Paz, Mexico
The sea lions of Los Islotes, located about an hour and a half outside of La Paz, Mexico might just become your new favourite dive buddies. But it takes a bit of legwork to legally mermaid in the colony; Mexican law requires snorkellers to wear a life vest, so mermaids and free divers can only visit with a certified freedive tour operator like Hipoxia Freediving or Freefall Academy – both of which can accommodate tails on their tours.
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"[There's] definitely a lot of curiosity and a lot of playfulness," says Rachel Novak, a professional aquatic performer. "It was beautiful, [and] definitely humbling, seeing creatures who are just so graceful and so elegant in the water. It was kind of a joy and a pretty special experience to be able to have that opportunity to dive with them."
The interactive nature of swimming with sea lions is definitely the main attraction, but diverscan also plan an ambitious freedive over the Fang Ming – a shipwreck now inhabited by a fascinating microworld of barnacles – or just float in the calm waters of Balandra Bay, a semi-secluded beach with calm sheltered waters that make for easy swimming.
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