Go Full PADI Mermaid in Roatan: Limited Time Courses & Instructor Training this May
Ever wondered what it actually feels like to move through the ocean with the effortless grace of a dolphin? Gliding, spiraling, and sinking into blue silence like you truly belong there? Welcome to the Mer-May-d Marathon, a pop up PADI Mermaid event in Roatan. This is a multi-day celebration of ocean connection, freediving, conservation and the magic of mermaiding at Sun Divers Roatan.
This event is made possible thanks to special guest instructor Alanna Canaran who has spent over 10 years helping the ocean gain new advocates through scuba diving and mermaiding. Alanna is also a passionate science communicator and ocean educator.
Whether you’ve always dreamed of becoming a mermaid or you’re simply curious about what it means to move differently in the ocean, this is your invitation into the pod.
What is the PADI Mermaid Program?
The PADI Mermaid Program is so much more than beautiful tails and underwater photos (though yes—those are part of the fun). At its core, mermaiding is a freediving-based discipline that blends:
- Breathwork and relaxation techniques
- Basic freediving skills and water confidence
- “Blue Mind” wellness: calm, clarity, and connection in aquatic environments
- Ocean awareness and conservation values
- Creative underwater movement and expression
Unlike traditional scuba diving, mermaiding is all about freedom in a single breath, building comfort in the water, and learning to move with intention, flow, and presence beneath the surface.
Who is the PADI Mermaid Course for?
The beauty of the PADI Mermaid pathway is that it truly has a place for everyone. During Mer-May-d Marathon, we’re offering experiences for:
- Complete beginners who have never tried mermaiding before
- Ocean lovers looking for a new way to connect with the water
- Freedivers and divers wanting to expand their skills
- Professionals ready to step into teaching and leadership
You don’t need to be an elite swimmer or have prior freediving experience to start – just comfort in the water and curiosity about what’s possible.
Event Schedule: Mer-May-d Marathon
May 16–27 | Recreational PADI Mermaid Courses Available
Throughout the marathon, we’ll be running a full progression of Mermaid courses:
- Discover Mermaid (your first breath underwater experience)
- Basic Mermaid
- Full Mermaid certification
This is your chance to explore the ocean in a completely new way — at your own pace, with supportive instruction and a strong community vibe.
🔗 Learn more about the PADI Mermaid course options
May 20–25 | Roatan PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course (IDC) 
Ready to go beyond the experience and become a leader in the water?
This week is dedicated to the Total Mermaid Transformation Instructor Development Course, designed to take you from passionate mermaid to certified PADI Mermaid Instructor.
Depending on your current certification level and experience, there are different entry pathways available into the program.
👉Learn more about becoming an instructor
This is where mermaiding shifts from personal practice into purpose — teaching, guiding, and inspiring others to discover the ocean for themselves.
🧹 May 25
Meet a Mermaid + Beach Cleanup + Happy Hour
We’re closing the marathon the best way we know how. By giving back to the ocean. Join us for:
- Monthly Sun Divers beach cleanup in Half Moon Bay
- Meet a Mermaid experience
- Mermaid happy hour at Sundowners
Because mermaiding isn’t just about how we move in the water. It’s about how we care for it too.
Why Mermaiding?
At its heart, mermaiding is a practice in presence.
It teaches you to slow down your breath, soften your body, and trust the water. Many people describe it as meditative – almost like entering another version of yourself underwater.
It’s also deeply connected to the idea of Blue Mind, the scientifically supported state of calm we enter when we’re near, in, or under water. In a world that moves fast and loud, mermaiding invites us to do the opposite: slow, float, listen.
And yes, it’s also just incredibly fun!
Who Should Become a Mermaid Instructor?
The Mermaid Instructor pathway isn’t just for “professional mermaids”—it’s for anyone who feels called to lead in the water, share the ocean, and create transformation through experience.
You might be a great fit if you are:
A dive professional, freediver or swim instructor
Looking to expand your teaching portfolio and offer something creative, accessible, and emotionally powerful alongside scuba or freediving courses.
An ocean lover at heart
If the ocean is already your happy place and you naturally find yourself guiding, supporting, or inspiring others in the water.
A wellness or movement instructor
Yoga teachers, breathwork facilitators, swim coaches, or anyone working in embodiment, mindfulness, or flow-based practices often find mermaiding a beautiful extension of their work.
An ocean advocate or conservation-minded educator
If you care deeply about protecting marine ecosystems and want a fun, engaging way to connect people emotionally to the ocean, this program is a powerful platform for storytelling and impact.
Someone ready for a career shift or expansion
You don’t need to have it all figured out—just a strong comfort in the water, curiosity, and a desire to bring joy, confidence, and ocean connection to others.
Join the Pod
Whether you’re curious about your first underwater breath or ready to step into teaching others, the Mer-May-d Marathon is your invitation to explore a different kind of ocean experience.
Space is limited and course spots will fill up quickly, so contact Alana at alannacanaran@gmail.com or on whatsapp at 1(902)789-8197 to join this special experience hitting Roatan’s shores next month.
