How to Turn Your Mermaid Passion Into a Dream Career

Hey fellow ocean dreamer,

If you're here, I’m guessing you've felt it too—that pull of the deep. That moment when you slip into your tail, glide through the water, and feel like you belong there more than on land. Maybe mermaiding started as a hobby, just a fun escape from reality, but now… something in you is craving more.

I see it all the time in the MerMapp community. One day, you’re twirling in your living room with a plastic tiara; the next, you're wondering, Could I actually make this my job? Maybe you’re an ocean lover, a freediver seeking a new challenge, or a synchronized swimmer tired of the same routines. Whatever brought you here, let me tell you—mermaiding can be more than just a dream. It can be your career.

And no, I don’t mean you have to run away and join an aquarium show (unless you want to, of course). There are so many ways to make mermaiding a part of your profession. So let’s talk about how to turn your passion into something real—without losing the magic along the way.

Is There Really a Career in Mermaiding?

Look, we love all mermaids here—whether you splash around in your backyard pool or book gigs at high-end venues. But if you want to make mermaiding your profession, there are a few key differences:

1. Professional Mermaids Invest in Skills & Safety

Being a strong, safe swimmer is non-negotiable. Many professional mermaids get:
✅ Freediving or scuba certifications
✅ CPR & first aid training
✅ Some kind of performer insurance (even on dry land!)
✅ Experience in water performance & choreography

One performer I interviewed said, "If you can’t swim with confidence in waves, strong currents, or deep water, you need more training before you take paid gigs. Safety always comes first."

2. They Treat It Like a Business

A pro mermaid doesn’t just show up and splash—they:
✅ Use contracts (no contract = no payment security!)
✅ Have set rates (no underpricing!)
✅ Build a brand (social media, website, portfolio)

3. They Use Quality Equipment

A $30 tail from Amazon is great for fun, but pro mermaids invest in durable, professional-grade tails and gear. Careful - that does not mean you need to get the prettiest and most expensive silicone tail.

One person that is regularly hiring mermaids herself summarized all of this quite nicely: “I don’t care if you’ve got a certification from a specific mermaid program or if you’ve got the prettiest silicone tail. However, I won’t hire anyone that doesn’t have their CPR and lifeguard certification, that doesn’t have an insurance, fails to send me a contract to collaborate or offers their services for free or super low rates! It’s how I spot if they’re serious or not”

Let’s dive deeper into the job of a Mermaid Performer…

How Do You Actually Start?

Okay, so you know you want to take things to the next level. Here’s what to do right now:

🛠️ Step 1: Get Skilled & Certified

Start with freediving lessons, safety courses, underwater performance training, and get familiarized with different insurance options. This is what will set you apart from the hobbyists.

💼 Step 2: Build Your Professional Profile

• Decide what type of mermaid work you want to do.

• Create a portfolio (photos, videos, social media presence).

• Get professional photos in a high-quality tail (your tail is part of your branding).

🤝 Step 3: Network & Get Booked

This is where MerMapp comes in.

🔹 Find job opportunities in the mermaid industry
🔹 Connect with professionals to learn & collaborate
🔹 Discover service providers (tail makers, photographers, marketers)
🔹 Learn business & safety tips from experienced pros

There’s obviously more to this. The good news: You don’t have to figure this all out alone. The mermaid world is big, beautiful, and waiting for you to dive in and we from MerMapp will continue to post helpful blogs and resources.

Absolutely. And not just one, but many.

Most people picture professional mermaids as performers, flipping their tails at pool parties and wowing kids at events. That’s one path, but mermaiding has expanded way beyond that.

Here are just a few of the real mermaid careers out there:

🧜‍♀️ Mermaid Performer

The classic. You bring joy, magic, and a touch of the impossible to events, aquariums, festivals, and even corporate gigs. But being a pro means more than just looking cute in a tail. You need:

• Freediving or synchronized swimming skills (people expect you to actually look graceful underwater—no flailing!)

• Strong lungs (and a good strategy for surfacing without breaking character)

• Water safety knowledge (nobody wants a mermaid mishap)

• Performance skills (storytelling, character work, and audience interaction)

🎭 Mermaid Instructor

Not everyone wants to perform, but plenty of people want to learn. Mermaid instructors teach kids and adults how to swim like a pro, run fitness classes, or even coach aspiring performers. Some mermaids specialize in freediving techniques to improve breath-holding and efficiency underwater.

📸 Underwater Photographer & Videographer

The mermaid world lives on social media, which means stunning visuals are a must. If you have an eye for capturing magic underwater, there’s a huge market for:

• Professional mermaid photoshoots

• Creative underwater filmmaking

• Content creation for brands and influencers

👗 Costume Designer & Tail Maker

If you love the art of mermaiding but don’t want to be in the water, this might be your calling. High-quality silicone and fabric tails, accessories, and costumes are in high demand.

🛟 Safety Diver for Mermaid Performers

Did you know professional mermaid performers at aquariums always need to have a dedicated safety diver behind the scenes? If you have scuba experience, you can be that person—keeping mermaids safe while they entertain.

🎤 Social Media & Marketing Manager

Many mermaids want to grow their brand but don’t know how to navigate the online ocean - or really don't like spending the time in front of the computer, selling themselves. If you love creating engaging content and know your way around algorithms, there’s a real business in helping mermaids market themselves.

🎟️ Event Organizer

Want to throw the ultimate mermaid experience? Mermaiding conventions, retreats, and festivals are growing. Whether it’s organizing talent, coordinating sponsors, or creating themed underwater experiences, this is a huge opportunity.

💡 The best part? You don’t have to pick just one. Many professionals mix and match roles to create their own unique mermaid career!

Final Splash: Is This the Right Path for You?

Turning mermaiding into a career isn’t for everyone. But if you feel that deep-sea calling, if you dream of making a life that lets you work with the ocean, entertain, educate, or create—it’s worth exploring.

You don’t have to commit overnight. Dip a fin in. Try a few things. See where the waves take you.

And when you're ready to take that next step? MerMapp is here to help you make it happen.

👉 Join the MerMapp community today and start making mer-magic a reality! 🧜‍♀️✨

What separates a Hobbyist From a Pro?