Mermaid Swimming, Boracay (2024) - Images, Timings

Mermaid Swimming, Boracay Overview

Mermaid Swimming is one of the unique experiences that is lately gaining popularity, not just in the Philippines but all over the world. Philippines Mermaid Swimming Academy (PMSA) is a one of a kind swimming institute that schools people on how to swim like a mermaid in the azure blue sea waters. The volunteers can learn how to stay afloat or dive in deep to experience the vibrant and rich marine wildlife. The activity requires you to wear a costume like a mermaid from the waist down to the toes. And then, you are taught to swim with a tail instead of the two legs.

The idea was the brainchild of Normeth Preglo, who founded the school in partnership with her friends Anamie Saenz and Franziska Limmer. The institute works on the idea of ‘mermaiding’ (which is a word coined by PMSA), and the activity lets you have a fun fantasmatic experience. Clad in vibrant colour mermaid costumes, you can also opt for a professional photoshoot. The institute offers instructional classes and workshops before you can plunge into the sea. The activity is designed to cater to all age groups and is a must witness activity if you in Boracay.

How does Mermaid Swimming works ?

Mermaid Swimming is done in a mermaid costume which is essentially a stretchable fabric running down from the waist to the toes. The lower end of the costume is a single fin, like in a fish. The volunteers are taught how to swim with a tail using core muscles and hand movements only. The legs have little role to play as they are tightly secured within a narrow tail fin.

The classes are practical and are conducted out in the sea or the ocean, in real environment. Sometimes, depending on the choice and the groups of students, these classes can also be held in closed controlled environment like swimming pools.

Packages or Classes for Mermaid Swimming

IMSIA Level 1 and 2: Introduction to Mermaid Swimming Classes
Duration - 90 min
This is the most basic course in Mermaid Swimming Institute where the students are taught the basics of the activity - introduction to mermaiding and basic strokes in shallow sea water. The package includes the rentals of the costumes and photoshoot. You will also be given safety instructions to follow when in the sea. Maximum depth for this level is 3 m. You can even ask the instructor to come down to a venue of your choice for the classes.
IMSIA Level 3: Advanced Mermaid Swimming Lesson
Duration - 3 hours
This is the advanced learning class for mermaiding. Other than basic skills, the students are also taught specialized breathing and equalizing techniques, rescue exercises, use of snorkel gear, various underwater mermaid tricks like bubble - blowing etc. Maximum depth to be trained for this level is 10 m.
IMSIA Level 4: Mermaid Performer Course
Duration - 20 hours (4 hours a day)
To take this course, the students are required to have a PADI Certified Scuba Diver or Certified Freediver certificate, IMSIA Levels 1, 2 and 3 certificates and Water Safety Training Certification. Aside from the regular mermaiding skills, underwater training, freediving techniques, heavy weight belt diving etc., the students are also taught how to apply waterproof make-up for glamorous underwater photoshoots. And also how to make regular makeup water resistant. This package also includes a professional videoshoot.
IMSIA Level 5: Mermaid Swimming Instructor Course
Duration - 20 hours (4 hours a day)
This course allows you to take training and become a professional mermaid trainer and make your resume fancier. The degree is given by International Mermaid Swimming Instructors Association. However, you’ll need some certificates- Minimum PADI Certified Rescue Diver OR Certified Freediver, OR Water Safety Training and Swimming Instructor qualifications, IMSIA Levels 1, 2 and 3 and CPR and First Aid Certifications. Aside from the regular mermaiding skills, you will also be tutored on how to make and edit videos and photos inside water.
Speciality Course: Scuba Mermaid
Duration - 4 hours
If you are already a certified Open Water Diver, you can opt for this speciality course where you can experience life underwater. The students are facilitated with scuba diving gear and a mermaid rental, and are let out into the sea from a boat. The maximum depth for this one is 18 m.
Non Certification: Mermaid Photo Op
If you are not interested in diving or swimming in the water, then this is the thing for you. The package includes mermaid costume rentals and fittings. You will also be accompanied by a photographer who will click your fancy Instagrammable pictures. It is not permitted to swim in this package.