Mermaid Ocean Swimming Lesson in Maui

If you’ve ever dreamt of channeling your inner mermaid or merman, this mermaid ocean swimming lesson in Maui might just be the highlight of your trip. While I haven’t personally tried it (yet), I’ve gathered plenty of details to help you decide if it’s worth adding to your Maui itinerary. This tour, offered by Maui Mermaid School, has earned a perfect 5-star rating from 88 reviews, and every participant seems enchanted by the experience.

What really draws us in are the personalized instruction and the calm, shallow water setting—which makes the whole adventure safe, fun, and accessible for a wide range of ages. Plus, the inclusion of free underwater photos means you’ll have keepsakes to remember your mermaid moment forever. The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s not suitable for anyone who isn’t comfortable swimming in open water or who might prefer a more vigorous water activity.

This experience suits anyone looking for a playful, memorable activity—families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a taste of the fantasy and beauty Maui has to offer. It’s especially perfect if you love marine environments, photos, or simply want to add a splash of whimsy to your trip.

Key Points

• Custom instruction ensures you learn at your own pace, regardless of age or experience.
• The calm waters of Makena Bay provide a safe, disturbance-free environment for all skill levels.
• The tour includes professional guidance with CPR/First Aid Certified instructors, adding safety and reassurance.
• Underwater photos offer a fun, lasting memory of your mermaid adventure.
• The experience is family-friendly for children over 6 who can swim comfortably.
• Booking in advance (average 38 days ahead) helps secure your spot for this popular activity.

What to Expect from the Mermaid Ocean Swimming Lesson

Imagine slipping into a shimmering mermaid tail and gliding through the gentle waves of Maui’s Makena Bay. That’s exactly what awaits you during this 1 hour 30-minute private lesson. The focus is on making you feel comfortable, confident, and above all, having fun. The tour is designed to be accessible for both children and adults, with the tail sizes catered to different ages and body types—from child sizes 6, 8, and 10, to adult XS through XL.

Your instructor will give personalized tips on how to perfect your mermaid techniques, whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with some swimming experience. You’ll practice in shallow water, which means no rough waves to worry about—just a calm, safe environment for splashy fun. The instructor’s patience and guidance help ensure everyone feels relaxed and excited to try new tricks.

Following your instruction, you’ll get a chance to pose for underwater photos, capturing the magic of your mermaid moment. These photos are included at no extra charge, so you can focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about taking your own shots. Many reviews mention how the instructor’s kindness and enthusiasm made the whole session a joy, with one noting, “She was so kind, patient, and made us feel so comfortable.”

The Itinerary: How a Typical Mermaid Lesson Looks

The starting point for this tour is the meeting spot at 5110 Makena Rd in Kihei. After a quick check-in, your instructor will review safety instructions and demonstrate how to don your mermaid tail and monofin—the essential gear that turns you into a real-life mermaid or merman. The tails are available in various sizes, ensuring a snug fit for both kids and adults, and the neoprene socks inside the foot pockets make wearing the monofin more comfortable.

Once suited up, you’ll wade into the calm waters of Makena Bay. This shallow, undisturbed location is ideal for practicing your newfound mermaid skills. Your instructor will guide you through basic techniques, including how to swim smoothly and perhaps even some tricks to elevate your mermaid mojo. The focus is on gentle instruction and allowing you to move at your own pace.

After about an hour of splashing, practicing, and perhaps some playful poses, your instructor will facilitate an underwater photo shoot. Many reviews highlight how special these photos are—”great pictures and videos” was a common refrain—making it a perfect souvenir. Once done, you’ll rinse off and return your gear, feeling both accomplished and enchanted.

The entire session wraps up back at the meeting point, leaving you with plenty of free time to continue exploring Maui or relax and relive your mermaid memories.

Why the Reviews Speak Volumes

Participants consistently describe the experience as magical and unforgettable. One reviewer mentioned, “This was a highlight of our trip,” emphasizing how much fun the whole family had. Kids and adults alike praise the encouraging attitude of the instructors—particularly one named Aqua, who is lauded for her patience and kindness. Multiple reviews highlight how the instructors made even nervous participants feel at ease, which is key for enjoying a water activity with strangers.

The underwater photos also get high marks, with visitors saying they’re “beautiful” and “memorable.” Lili, a reviewer, noted how her daughter was “thrilled,” and others mentioned the photos as a lasting keepsake of their Maui adventure.

Some reviews mention the importance of swimming comfort—since the tour takes place in the ocean, participants should feel confident swimming in open water. Fortunately, the shallow water setting minimizes risks, but non-swimmers or those uncomfortable in the water might find the experience less suitable.

Pricing and Value

At $149 per person, this activity is definitely on the premium side, but it’s not just about the gear or the lesson itself—it’s about the memorable experience and the professional guidance you receive. The fact that instruction is private makes it feel personalized, and the underwater photos are a lovely bonus included in the price.

Compared to other Maui excursions, this isn’t a typical tour—no crowds, no hustle—just a dedicated session in a peaceful bay. For those craving something whimsical, fun, and unique, many find this price well worth it, especially considering how many positive reviews mention how special and “magical” the experience feels.

It’s worth noting that the tour is booked on average 38 days in advance, which speaks to how popular it is—best to plan early if you’re set on doing this during your Maui trip.

Is This Experience Right for You?

If you’re someone who loves marine life, playful activities, or simply want a unique story to tell, this mermaid lesson could be perfect. It’s especially well-suited for those comfortable swimming in open water and willing to try something a bit different. Families with children over 6 who can swim confidently also seem to have a fantastic time, often highlighting how much their kids loved it.

However, if you’re not comfortable swimming in the ocean or prefer more active, high-energy water sports, this might not be the best choice. It’s about capturing the joy of that “mermaid moment,” not intense swimming or snorkeling.

FAQs

Do I need to be a strong swimmer to participate?
You should be comfortable swimming in open water, as the activity takes place in shallow, calm waters. The instructor will guide you, but confidence in the water is important.

Are the tails suitable for children?
Yes, the tour offers child-sized tails in sizes 6, 8, and 10, making it accessible for kids over 6 who can swim comfortably.

How long does the experience last?
The lesson itself is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. You’ll spend roughly two hours in the water including instruction, photo shoot, and gear preparation.

What about the photos?
All participants receive a free digital underwater photo package, which is a big hit among guests. It’s a wonderful way to remember your mermaid day.

Is it safe?
Yes, all tours are led by CPR/First Aid certified instructors, and the activity takes place in shallow, protected waters. Still, you should be comfortable swimming and in good physical shape.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled activity. If canceled earlier, you’ll receive a full refund.

The Mermaid Ocean Swimming Lesson in Maui offers an enchanting blend of fun, skill-building, and stunning scenery. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys playful water activities, loves marine life, or wants a special photo opportunity. The calm, shallow bay ensures safety and comfort, while the personal instruction makes it accessible to a wide range of ages and swimming abilities.

The experience is a chance to step into a fantasy and come away with lasting memories, all in the beautiful setting of Maui. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, beautiful activity that’s a bit different from the usual snorkeling or beaches, this might be just the adventure you need. It’s genuinely a fun, memorable highlight—especially if you’re a fan of mermaids or just looking to add a touch of magic to your trip.

In summary, this tour is best suited for those who want a unique, relaxed, and visually stunning activity. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with family, love marine environments, or simply want a memorable story to share. The combination of personalized instruction, calm waters, and included photos makes it a well-rounded, enjoyable experience that many guests keep talking about long after their trip ends.