Angelia’s Mermaid Adventures
If you’ve ever watched a mermaid gracefully glide through the water and thought, “I’d love to try that,” you’re certainly not alone. This is the complete beginner’s guide to mermaid courses in Malaysia. Mermaid swimming has become one of the fastest-growing water activities around the world, and Malaysia is quickly becoming one of the best places to learn.
Whether you’re looking for a fun new hobby, an unforgettable family activity, or even a new career as a professional PADI mermaid instructor, there’s a course designed for you.
At Malaysia Mermaid Club, we’ve introduced students of all ages to the underwater world of mermaiding. One thing we hear time and time again is, “I wish I’d done this sooner.”
If you’re completely new to mermaid swimming, this guide will answer the most common questions and help you decide which PADI course is right for you.
What is a PADI Mermaid Course?
Angelia the Mermaid, Lead Mermaid Trainer at Malaysia Mermaid Club
“One of the first things I tell every new student is that being a mermaid is about much more than putting on a beautiful tail. While that’s certainly the fun part, learning to become a mermaid is really about building confidence, developing new skills and feeling completely at ease in the water.
During our PADI Mermaid courses, I teach students how to swim safely and confidently using a monofin and mermaid tail. We’ll work on the correct dolphin kick, improve your water confidence, practise breath control and, most importantly, learn the safety skills that every mermaid should know.
One of my favourite moments is seeing someone who arrives feeling a little nervous leave the pool smiling from ear to ear. You don’t need to be an amazing swimmer or have years of experience in the water. If you’re willing to learn and have a sense of adventure, I’ll guide you every step of the way.”
Why Learn Mermaid Swimming?
Everyone has their own reason for wanting to become a mermaid.
For some, it’s about ticking something off their bucket list. Others want a unique activity to enjoy with their children, while many simply love the ocean and enjoy trying new water sports.
Mermaid swimming is also fantastic exercise. Because your entire body works together using the dolphin kick, you’ll naturally strengthen your core, legs and overall fitness without feeling like you’re doing a traditional workout.
Many students also tell us they feel far more confident in the water after completing their course. Learning new skills in a relaxed and supportive environment often helps remove the anxiety some people have around swimming.
Of course, there’s also the fun side of mermaiding. Floating effortlessly underwater, taking incredible photos and making memories with friends is something you’ll never forget.
Why Learn Mermaid Swimming in Malaysia?
Malaysia is perfectly suited for mermaid training.
With warm tropical weather throughout the year, beautiful swimming pools and easy access to crystal-clear ocean water, it’s possible to train almost any month of the year.
Malaysia is also a popular holiday destination, making it easy to combine your mermaid course with a relaxing vacation.
Many of our international students spend a few extra days exploring Sabah, enjoying island trips and experiencing everything Kota Kinabalu has to offer after completing their course.
Why Kota Kinabalu is One of the Best Places to Learn
We’re lucky to call Kota Kinabalu home.
Known as the gateway to the beautiful islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the city offers calm, warm water that’s ideal for developing your mermaid skills.
Beyond the course itself, Kota Kinabalu has plenty to offer. From sunsets over the South China Sea and island-hopping adventures to fantastic seafood and family-friendly attractions, it’s easy to turn your PADI mermaid course into an unforgettable holiday.
For many students, learning to become a mermaid becomes one of the highlights of their trip to Sabah.
Which Mermaid Course is Right for You?
At Malaysia Mermaid Club, we offer a complete pathway, whether you’re taking your very first splash or planning to become a professional instructor.
PADI Basic Mermaid
This is where most people begin. The PADI Basic Mermaid course introduces you to swimming with a monofin and mermaid tail while teaching the essential safety skills needed to enjoy mermaiding confidently. It’s fun, relaxed and the perfect introduction to the underwater world.
PADI Mermaid
Once you’ve mastered the basics, the PADI Mermaid course builds on your skills with more advanced techniques, improved breath control and greater confidence underwater. By the end of the course, you’ll feel much more comfortable swimming gracefully beneath the surface while continuing to develop your mermaid abilities.
PADI Advanced Mermaid
If you’re passionate about mermaiding and want to refine your skills even further, the PADI Advanced Mermaid course takes your underwater techniques to the next level. You’ll continue developing control, efficiency and confidence while learning more challenging skills that prepare you for professional-level mermaiding.
PADI Basic Mermaid Instructor
If you’ve ever dreamed of sharing mermaiding with others, this is where your teaching journey begins. The PADI Basic Mermaid Instructor course introduces the skills and knowledge required to safely teach new students for PADI Discover Mermaid and Basic Mermaid while maintaining high training standards.
PADI Mermaid Instructor
The PADI Mermaid Instructor course allows you to become a fully qualified instructor capable of teaching the complete range of mermaid courses. Many instructors go on to teach at dive centres, resorts, swimming schools and special events, helping inspire the next generation of mermaids.
Underwater Dance
One of our most unique courses is Underwater Dance. There are only two PADI Instructors in Malaysia with this qualification, and our very own Angelia the Mermaid is qualified to teach PADI Underwater Dance. This distinctive speciality focuses on graceful movement, artistic expression and fluid underwater performance. Whether you’re interested in underwater modelling, photography or simply improving your confidence and style underwater, this course is both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
| COURSE | DURATION | SUITABLE FOR |
| PADI Discover Mermaid | 2-3 Hours | No experience needed to try |
| PADI Basic Mermaid | 1 Day | Complete beginners |
| PADI Mermaid | 2 Days | Beginners wanting a full certification |
| PADI Advanced Mermaid | 2 Days | Certified mermaids who want to go into the ocean |
| PADI Basic Mermaid Instructor | 3 Days | For someone that wants to teach PADI Discover Mermaid and the PADI Basic Mermaid course |
| PADI Mermaid Instructor | 4 Days | A mermaid wanting to teach the full range of PADI Mermaid courses |
| Underwater Dance | 2 Days | Someone wanting to perform in a performance tank |
Do I Need to Be a Good Swimmer?
This is probably the question we’re asked most often. The simple answer is no, you don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer.
However, you do need to feel comfortable in the water and meet the swimming requirements for the course you’re taking.
Our instructors will guide you through each skill at a pace that’s comfortable for you. Nobody expects beginners to master everything immediately, and that’s exactly why professional instruction is so valuable.
You’ll quickly discover that confidence grows naturally as your skills improve.
Is Mermaid Swimming Safe?
Absolutely, when it’s taught properly. Safety is the foundation of every course we teach.
Students learn how to use their equipment correctly, understand safe breathing techniques, develop good buddy awareness and recognise situations where wearing a mermaid tail may not be appropriate.
Learning through a recognised training programme means you’ll develop good habits from the very beginning, making mermaiding safer and far more enjoyable.
Angelia’s Tip
One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “What if I’ve never worn a mermaid tail before?”
My answer is always the same, don’t worry! Almost every student feels a little nervous at the beginning, but those nerves usually disappear within the first few minutes in the water. Seeing that moment when someone realises they can glide through the water in a mermaid tail is one of my favourite parts of teaching.
My advice is simple: come with an open mind, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and remember that everyone starts somewhere. Mermaid courses are designed to build your confidence step by step, so there’s no pressure to get everything perfect straight away. The most important thing is to relax, have fun and enjoy the experience.
Meet Your Mermaid Trainer
Every great course starts with a passionate instructor.
Leading our training is Angelia the Mermaid, whose enthusiasm for mermaiding has inspired countless students to discover a whole new world beneath the surface.
Angelia believes learning should always be enjoyable. Her relaxed teaching style helps students feel comfortable from the moment they arrive, whether they’re children trying mermaiding for the first time or adults finally achieving a lifelong dream.
Watching students leave with huge smiles after mastering a new skill is one of the most rewarding parts of what she does.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old do I need to be?
Minimum ages vary depending on the course, but we offer programmes suitable for both children and adults. The absolute minimum age is 6 years old.
Can adults learn to become mermaids?
Absolutely. Many of our students are adults looking for a unique hobby or a fun experience to share with family and friends.
Do I need my own mermaid tail?
No. Equipment is available during training, so you don’t need to purchase anything before your course. We do strongly recommend you purchase your own equipment, so you are familiar with the equipment that you’ll use during and after your training.
How long does a course take?
Course lengths vary depending on the certification level, but we’ll always explain the schedule before you book. You can learn to mermaid in just two hours, but to get a license for mermaiding, you should allow for at least a minimum of one day.
Can I become a professional PADI Mermaid Instructor?
Yes. Our PADI instructor pathway allows you to progress from beginner all the way to teaching mermaid courses professionally.
Ready to Start Your Mermaid Journey?
Every mermaid starts somewhere.
Whether you’ve always dreamed of swimming like a mermaid, want to try something completely different, or hope to become a professional instructor one day, there’s never been a better time to begin.
At Malaysia Mermaid Club, we’re passionate about helping people discover the magic of mermaiding in a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment.
If you’re ready to take the first step, we’d love to welcome you to one of our PADI courses in Kota Kinabalu and help you begin your own mermaid adventure. Contact us now to book your PADI Mermaid Course.
