Mermaid & Underwater Performance Experiences

Freedive Aotearoa offers New Zealand’s most complete SSI Mermaid and Underwater Performance pathway, combining internationally recognised training with calm instruction and some of the country’s most beautiful water.

All programs follow SSI training standards, are taught in small groups, and focus on confidence, safety, and enjoyment. You don’t need to be a diver to be a mermaid — just comfortable in the water and ready to move.

Try Mermaid (SSI – Experience)

A fun, low-pressure introduction to mermaid swimming. Perfect for kids, adults, families, and first-timers.

Location

• Pool or confined water site

• Kai Iwi Lakes (conditions permitting)

Duration

• Approx. 1–2 hours

Includes

• Mermaid tail and monofin use

• Dolphin kick basics

• Floating and gliding

• Safe breathing and recovery techniques

• Close instructor supervision

Outcome

• Non-certification experience

• Ideal as a one-off activity or pathway into certification

Mermaid Explorer (SSI Youth Program)

Designed for younger participants, focusing on water confidence, playful skills, and safe movement.

Location

• Pool or confined water

• Kai Iwi Lakes (conditions permitting)

Includes

• Age-appropriate mermaid skills

• Basic breath awareness (no breath-hold diving)

• Games and confidence-building challenges

Outcome

• SSI Explorer recognition

• Builds strong foundations for future Mermaid training

SSI Mermaid (Certification)

Learn to swim confidently and safely as a mermaid in pool or confined water environments.

Location

• Pool or confined water

• Kai Iwi Lakes

Duration

• Recommended 16–24 hours

• Minimum 3 confined-water sessions

Includes

• Efficient dolphin kick technique

• Mermaid equipment use and care

• Breath control and recovery breathing

• Buoyancy, floating, and gliding

• Buddy skills and safety procedures

Depth limit

• Up to 5 metres

Outcome

• Internationally recognised SSI Mermaid certification

• Required prerequisite for Ocean Mermaid

SSI Ocean Mermaid (Open Water Upgrade)

An upgrade for certified SSI Mermaids who want to swim in open water environments.

Location

• Confined open water sites

• Kai Iwi Lakes

• Bay of Islands coastal locations

Duration

• Recommended 16–32 hours

• Minimum 2 open-water training sessions

Includes

• Open-water entries and exits

• Environmental awareness (waves, visibility, currents)

• Surface marker buoy use

• Confident mermaid swimming in natural settings

Depth limit

• Up to 5 metres

Optional boat upgrade

• Access premium, remote locations

• +$250 boat upgrade (weather dependent)

Outcome

• SSI Ocean Mermaid certification

Underwater Dancer (SSI Specialty)

A creative specialty blending movement, flow, and breath control.

Location

• Pool or confined water

Focus

• Graceful underwater movement

• Body awareness and expression

• Safe underwater performance skills

Outcome

• SSI Underwater Dancer specialty certification

Underwater Model (SSI Specialty)

Learn how to work confidently with photographers underwater.

Location

• Pool or confined water

Focus

• Posing and facial control

• Breath timing for photography

• Safety and communication protocols

Outcome

• SSI Underwater Model specialty certification

  
  

Important Information

• Mermaid programs are not freediving

• Maximum depth for all mermaid certifications is 5 metres

• For breath-hold diving progression, we recommend SSI Basic Freediver