Shellebrations Merling School
Splash into mermaid magic with Shellebrations Merling School, a 30 minute beginner mermaid class designed for swimmers ages 6–99. Held in shallow water at the historic Texas Pool and taught by certified PADI, PFI, and SDI mermaid instructors, this fun and supportive session introduces students to monofin use, body waves, dolphin kicks, buoyancy, and underwater confidence. Monofins and tail skins (up to Adult M) are provided. Perfect for first-time mermaids and repeat students building confidence and pro-fish-iency—no prior mermaid experience required! Class can be retaken multiple times for skill building. Repeat students and Texas Pool members receive a 20% class discount.
Ages: 6 – 99 years
e-Learning: N/A
Prerequisites: Participants must be in good physical health and be able to swim comfortably without floatation devices.
Estimated Class Duration: 30 minutes
Equipment: Monofin and tail skin are included in this course up to adult size Medium. Students must supply their own mask/goggles.
Cost: $75
Certification: Shellebrations Merling certification earned upon successful completion.
PADI Basic Mermaid
The PADI Basic Mermaid™ course is a fun and family-friendly way to dive into the magical world of mermaiding alone or together with a merfriend! This experience combines online eLearning with a 90 minute pool session where both kids and adults learn mermaid basics, safety skills, underwater movement, and mermaid culture in a safe, supportive environment. Open to participants ages 8 and up who can swim 25 meters without assistance, surface float for 3 minutes, and be in good health. No previous diving or mermaid experience is required. It’s the perfect way for families and individuals to learn, play, and make unforgettable underwater memories!
Ages: 8 – 99 years
e-Learning: Included in price, and MUST be completed prior to course.
Prerequisites: Participants must be in good physical health, able to float on their back for 3 minutes, and be able to swim 25 meters
comfortably without floatation devices.
Estimated Class Duration: 90 minutes
Equipment: Students must supply the following: Mask, J snorkel, bifins, and weight belt. Monofin, tail skin, and dive weight rentals are included up to adult size Medium.
Cost: $175
Certification: PADI Basic Mermaid certification earned upon successful completion.
PADI Mermaid
Take mermaiding to the next level with the PADI Mermaid™ course, an immersive experience designed for confident swimmers ready to turn mermaiding into an underwater art form. Open to ages 10 and up, this course includes online eLearning plus two confined water sessions (4 hours total) where participants develop dynamic mermaid skills like dolphin kicks, graceful turns, underwater bubble tricks, and flowing mermaid movements. The PADI Mermaid course includes all Basic Mermaid training, so there’s no need to take Basic Mermaid separately. Participants must be able to swim 50 meters and float comfortably for 5 minutes. Perfect for families, friends, teens, and adults who want to express creativity underwater while building skill, confidence, and unforgettable memories.
Ages: 10 – 99 years
e-Learning: Included in price, and MUST be completed prior to course.
Prerequisites: Participants must be in good physical health, able to float on their back for 5 minutes, and be able to swim 50 meters comfortably without floatation devices.
Estimated Class Duration: 240 minutes (4 hours)
Equipment: Students must supply the following: Mask, J snorkel, bifins, weight belt, Monofin, and tail skin. Dive weights will be provided by Shellebrations for use during class.
Cost: $350
Certification: PADI Mermaid certification earned upon successful completion.
Shellebrations Performance Mermaid
The Shellebrations Performance Mermaid course is a 3-hour advanced mermaid skills class held in confined water designed for confident merfolk ready to take their abilities to the next level. This immersive experience focuses on breath control, advanced skill combinations, bubble tricks, and coordinated team skills, helping participants refine their technique and expression underwater. Ideal for anyone ages 12+ (8+ with instructor and parental consent) interested in advanced mermaiding or performing arts, this course is perfect for those dreaming of becoming confident, graceful performing merfolk. Participants must be able swim at least 80 meters without swim aids, able to float comfortably at the surface for at least 10 minutes, and be in good physical health.
Ages: 12 – 99 years
e-Learning: N/A
Prerequisites: PADI Mermaid, PFI Aquatic Mermaid, or qualifying certification from another training organization. Participants must be in good physical health, able to float on their back for 10 minutes, and be able to swim 80 meters comfortably without floatation devices.
Estimated Class Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
Equipment: Students must supply the following: Mask, J snorkel, bifins, weight belt, Monofin, and tail skin. Dive weights will be provided by Shellebrations for use during class.
Cost: $350
Certification: Shellebrations Performance Mermaid certification and ID card are earned upon successful completion.