Become a PADI Mermaid Instructor in Roatan
The ocean doesn’t just need more mermaids – it needs leaders. Join the PADI Mermaid Instructor Course in Roatan and become a certified Steward of the Sea.
REGISTER TODAY!
PADI Mermaid Instructor Development Course
May 20 – 25, 2026
Ready to transform your love for mermaiding into an inspiring career? If you’re captivated by the magic of mermaiding and dream of sharing the underwater world with others, the PADI Mermaid Instructor Course is for you!
This professional-level course will take place at Sun Divers Roatan in the beautiful waters of Halfmoon Bay, offering a stunning, tropical backdrop to master your teaching skills.
A Glimpse Into Your Training
This is a one-time intensive training course. Your days will be a dynamic mix of classroom theory, dry-land workshops (breathing and stretching), and in-water training.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Refine and demonstrate mermaid skills as a teaching professional
- Develop and deliver lessons using the PADI system and student-centered methods
- Manage safety and risk in confined and open water environments
- Use role-play and scenario teaching to simulate student instruction
- Shadow and assist PADI Mermaid courses, providing real-world teaching experience with students under the supervision of your Mermaid Instructor Trainer
- Perform rescue and safety skills, including the rescue of an unresponsive mermaid diver at the surface
- Photoshoot and photography skills for mermaids to capture the beauty of mermaiding on land and in the water
- PADI AWARE instructor rating is included, you’ll truly be a ‘steward of the sea’, gaining credentials to lead and inspire conservation efforts
Professional Portfolio – Included in Every Package!
As a PADI Mermaid Instructor, your image is your brand! To help you launch your professional career, every instructor candidate receives two professional photoshoots. These are dedicated sessions with Sun Divers in-house photographer, Audrey of Seavibes Photography, and coaching from Alanna:
A Siren’s Sun-Kissed Land Shoot: Capture beautiful, on-shore poses for your website and social media
An Underwater Magic Session: High-resolution action shots in Roatan’s crystal-clear blue
Two High-Resolution Edited Images: Choose your two favorite shots (one land, one underwater – or two of your absolute favorites!) from the sessions to be professionally edited and included in your course package at no extra cost.
Want more magic? If you fall in love with your gallery (and we know you will!), additional professional photo packages will be available.
PADI Mermaid IDC Requisites
To enroll in the PADI Mermaid Instructor Course in Roatan, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold or obtain a PADI Advanced Mermaid certification (or qualifying certification from another agency)
– The Total Mermaid Transformation Package takes you through all the required certification levels.
– The Full Mermaid to Instructor Package includes the PADI Advanced Mermaid- Have completed Emergency First Response (EFR) Primary and Secondary Care or other qualifying certification within the past 24 months (or hold a current EFR instructor rating)
All candidates must provide a current medical statement signed by a physician within the last 12 months
Instructor Training Requirements
- Complete the full PADI Mermaid Instructor Course
- Complete the exam with a 75% minimum score
- Demonstrate the following waterskills:
– Swim 400 metres nonstop without swim aids
– Swim 800 metres using mask, snorkel, and fins
– Tread or float for 10 minutes without aids
– Tow another diver 100 metres while wearing a mermaid tail
Instructor Course Options
Join the Pod!
Meet Your Mermaid Trainer
Alanna Canaran is an ocean educator, science communicator, PADI mermaid instructor trainer, and PADI scuba diving instructor.
Her love of the ocean emphatically fuels her mission to bridge the gap between ocean literacy and the wider public. With a BSc in Marine Biology, Alanna understands the importance of conservation and ocean stewardship. She teaches her courses with a focus on how to be an aware diver and live with the ocean in mind.
Alanna is a TV host on Jump In, a show about women and diving on Eastlink TV. You can also see her featured on Sharks of the North on National Geographic and Disney+.
Across her roles in ocean education, community building, and instruction, Alanna’s mission is to inspire people of all ages to live with the ocean in mind, one story, dive, and ocean experience at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Scuba Diver to become a PADI Mermaid Instructor?
No, you do not need to be a scuba diver to become a PADI Mermaid Instructor. While many of our candidates come from a diving background, scuba certification is not a prerequisite. The Mermaid program is a stand-alone branch of PADI focused on breath-hold and artistic movement.
What makes this PADI Mermaid Instructor Development course unique?
Unlike standard PADI Mermaid Instructor programs, this course is led by Marine Biologist and TV Host Alanna Canaran. This course goes beyond the PADI minimums by including the PADI AWARE Instructor rating and workshops on Blue Therapy, ensuring you graduate as a well-rounded “Steward of the Sea.”
What if I’m not already a PADI Advanced Mermaid?
Don’t worry! We offer a “Total Transformation” (Zero to Hero) package that takes you through all the necessary certification levels (Mermaid and Advanced) before beginning your Instructor training.
Do I need to own my own mermaid tail?
Yes. As a professional candidate, you are expected to have your own mask, snorkel, bi fins, and mermaid tail (monofin+skin). Having your own gear allows you to master your “role-model” demonstrations in equipment you are comfortable with. Rental gear will be available upon request.
What mermaid tail do you recommend?
For tail skins, I personally love and highly recommend Cape Cali. Their tails are designed with the ocean in mind, utilizing recycled materials and stunning, high-definition prints that pop underwater. Use my discount code: BLUEMIND for 10% off.
For the instructor level, I recommend pairing your tail with a professional-grade monofin like the Linden Monofin or Mahina Mermaid. These provide the power and stability required for the 100m tow and role-model demonstrations.
Professional Tip: While silicone tails are beautiful, high-quality fabric or neoprene tails (like Cape Cali) are often better for this course because they are lighter and easier to manage during intense rescue drills. A silicone tail will slow you down and impede your rescue and safety skills during the course
What are the “PADI Fees” mentioned?
The course price covers your instructor development course with Alanna. Upon successful completion, there are separate fees paid directly to PADI for your Instructor Application to be able to teach the PADI Program. The PADI fees for 2025 are approximately $51USD + tax
What can I do once I am a PADI Mermaid Instructor?
You will be authorized to teach all levels of the PADI Mermaid program, from Discover Mermaid experiences to Advanced Mermaid certifications. With your added PADI AWARE rating, you can also lead conservation workshops and unique eco-tourism experiences.
Will I learn how to market my own business?
Absolutely. One of the four pillars of this course is “Build the Business.” We provide practical suggestions for organizing, pricing, and marketing your courses to turn your passion into a profitable career. 1 free business coaching session with your mermaid instructor trainer is included as a follow-up to the PADI Mermaid Instructor course. Additional sessions are available upon request.
