If you’re browsing for a unique, fun-filled activity in Honolulu that blends fantasy with real underwater exploration, the Mermaid Video Shoot and Snorkel Adventure might catch your eye. While we haven’t done it ourselves, we’ve gathered enough details to give you a thorough look at what this experience is all about. It’s a playful, lighthearted tour designed for those who want to feel like they’re part of a fairy tale — with a good dose of adventure thrown in.
What immediately appeals to us are the opportunity to transform into a mermaid with a colorful tail and the complimentary photos and videos that document your magical moments. The fact that no prior snorkeling experience is needed makes it accessible for most people, especially those who might be a little nervous about the water but still want to enjoy the underwater world.
On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this activity is quite short — about an hour and a half — which might not satisfy those looking for a full-day adventure. Also, while it’s suitable for most ages 8 and up, very young children or non-swimmers might find it less appealing or a bit intimidating, despite the instructor’s helpful guidance.
In short, this tour is perfect for travelers seeking a novel way to enjoy Honolulu’s marine environment, especially if you’re after fun pictures and a memorable experience that’s more playful than rigorous.
Key Points

- Transform into a mermaid with a vibrant tail and learn fun poses, including the iconic hair-flip.
- Explore Magic Island Lagoon’s marine life in a safe, guided environment.
- Complimentary photos and videos capture your mermaid moments to keep forever.
- No snorkeling experience needed, making it accessible for beginners.
- Group size is limited to 10 people, ensuring personalized attention.
- Suitable for ages 8+, but very young children may need extra encouragement or assistance.
What to Expect from the Mermaid Video Shoot and Snorkel Adventure
When you sign up for this experience, the first thing you’ll notice is the promise of transformation. The guide will help you don your bright, colorful mermaid tail — a fun, eye-catching piece that sets the tone for a whimsical adventure. Whether you’re a confident swimmer or not, the guide’s friendly approach and careful instructions help make the entire process approachable. As one reviewer put it, “The guide was very helpful, knowledgeable, and fun,” which is exactly what you want when trying something new.
Once suited up, you’ll start with some mermaid poses, including the popular hair-flip maneuver, which are not only playful but also are captured on video. Imagine yourself striking a graceful pose, tail shimmering in the sunlight, and knowing you’re creating memories you’ll want to revisit. Many guests have expressed how much they appreciated the professional and laid-back attitude of the instructors, like Ryan, who put effort into making sure everyone felt comfortable and got great shots.
Next, you’ll learn the basics of swimming in the tail. This part is especially important because it sets the stage for your exploration of the lagoon’s underwater world. According to reviews, the guides teach in a relaxed manner, ensuring you get the hang of it without stress. For many, this is a highlight — holding a starfish, trying out swimming in the tail, or just floating around while marveling at the vibrant marine life.
The actual snorkeling adventure is relatively gentle and concise, making it ideal for those who want a taste of the underwater scene without committing to an extensive dive. The lagoon itself is described as vibrant and lively, filled with colorful fish and other marine creatures. The guided nature of the tour means you can focus on enjoying the sights rather than stressing about navigation.
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The Photos and Videos: A Highlight

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the complimentary photos and videos. Throughout the experience, your guide will take short clips and shots of you in your mermaid fins, capturing your joy and the scenic backdrop. Many reviews note how these photos are high quality and fun to look back on, with some guests appreciating that they can download them directly to their phones after the tour.
Having a professional record of your mermaid transformation adds to the value. As Esther G mentioned, the instructor “really put the work in to get great shots,” and the footage was part of what made this activity so enjoyable. If you’re someone who loves sharing your travels on social media, these images will definitely come in handy.
Meeting Point, Duration, and Practical Aspects

The tour starts at 1501 Ala Moana Blvd, a location near public transportation, which simplifies logistics. The entire experience lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, including the instructional part, the pose session, the swimming lesson, and the snorkel exploration. The group is small, with a maximum of 10 travelers, allowing for personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere.
For the price of $99 per person, this experience offers a good balance of value and fun. The fee covers the mermaid tail, the use of snorkeling equipment, and the professional photos and videos. Keep in mind you’ll need to bring your swimwear and towel, as these are not included.
The tour is confirmed immediately upon booking, and most travelers can participate, with special considerations made for service animals. If weather conditions turn unfavorable, the activity can be canceled for a full refund or rescheduled, which adds a layer of security in case of Hawaii’s unpredictable weather.
What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently describe this experience as “fantastic,” “magical,” and “so much fun.” Deborah B shared how much she enjoyed it, praising the guide’s enthusiasm and the quality of the videos. Anita P loved that her 5-year-old daughter could join and that the guide was especially good with kids. Multiple guests mentioned how helpful and laid-back the instructors were, making the whole experience accessible even for those nervous about water or swimming.
Some reviews highlighted how tricky swimming in the tail can be — a fair point, given that it requires some coordination — but everyone appreciated the safety-conscious approach. One reviewer emphasized that you don’t need to be a confident swimmer, as the guide’s help makes it manageable.
Guests also appreciated the opportunity to hold starfish, snorkel gently, and take home a collection of fun photos, which many said made the experience well worth the price.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

This activity is ideal for adventurers of all ages 8 and up, especially those who enjoy playful, photo-worthy experiences. It’s perfect for travelers looking for something memorable and visually striking without the commitment of a lengthy snorkeling trip or dive. Families with kids who are comfortable in the water will find this especially appealing, as will anyone wanting a lighthearted way to explore Hawaii’s marine environment.
If you’re a fan of unique photo opportunities and don’t mind a bit of light physical activity, you’ll probably find this a charming addition to your Honolulu itinerary. However, if you’re seeking a full-day underwater adventure or are concerned about swimming in a tail, you might want to consider other options.
The Mermaid Video Shoot and Snorkel Adventure offers a fun, manageable, and memorable way to connect with the ocean and capture some fantastic memories. It’s a playful experience that balances professional guidance with the joy of pretending to be a mermaid in one of Hawaii’s most scenic spots.
Mermaid Video shoot and Snorkel Adventure
“You can say that I am a beginner because I cant swim. But that didnt stop me from swimming in the ocean. The guide was very helpful, knowledgeable …”
FAQ

Do I need to be a good swimmer to join this tour?
No, you don’t need to be a swimmer. The guide is helpful and will teach you how to swim in the tail, making it suitable even for beginners or those a bit nervous about water.
What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a colorful mermaid tail, snorkeling equipment, and, most notably, free videos and photos of your mermaid moments, which are downloaded to your phone after the experience.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 1501 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, and ends back at the same meeting point. The entire activity lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Is this experience suitable for children?
Yes, it’s recommended for ages 8 and up. Many reviews mention kids having a great time, especially if they’re comfortable in the water.
What should I bring?
You’ll need to bring your swimwear and towel. The tour provides the mermaid tail and snorkeling gear, so just come prepared to get in the water.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours in advance. The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is this a small-group experience?
Yes, the tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, which helps ensure personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
Whether you’re looking to fulfill a childhood fantasy or just want a fun, memorable experience in Honolulu, this Mermaid Video Shoot and Snorkel Adventure delivers on both counts. With friendly guides, engaging activities, and fantastic photo keepsakes, it’s a playful way to enjoy Hawaii’s underwater charm.
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