Mer-divers
PADI Mermaid™ Courses & Photography
Welcome to Finland's First Mermaid Diving School!
Discover the enchanting world of mermaid diving at Mer-divers, Finland’s very first mermaid diving school. Whether you’re a complete beginner or aspiring to become a certified mermaid instructor, Mer-divers offers professional, safe, and unforgettable experiences for all skill levels. Teaching is available both in English and suomeksi.
In addition to the official PADI mermaid diving courses, Mer-divers provides a variety of activities for divers and the unique opportunity to capture yourself in stunning underwater fantasy photos.
Leave everyday stress and responsibilities at the surface and dive into an underwater fairytale with Mer-divers. No previous diving experience required!
I'm Anna Tomppo - your mermaid instructor
Shello! I’m so glad the tide brought you in!
I’m here to help make your mermaid dreams come true – whether you’re slipping on a tail for the very first time or dreaming of turning mermaiding into a profession.
On the Info page, you can read more about who I am, how I ended up in this magical world, and why people travel from abroad to join my courses.
See you beneath the surface!
Anna
PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer
P.S. You can follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my Youtube channel by clicking the icons below. I’ll post information about upcoming courses and services to Instagram.
Courses and Services
Mer-divers offers safe and inspiring underwater experiences for adults.
You’ll have the chance to discover what it’s like wearing a mermaid tail, build your skills through PADI Mermaid™ courses, take part in underwater photoshoots, and learn essential first aid skills. I also occasionally organize retreats and special events centered around mermaiding.
If you’re wondering what mermaiding is all about, just keep reading!
FAQ - Mermaiding
What is mermaid diving?
Mermaid diving is a combination of freediving and self-expression, and everyone can add their own flavour to it. Typically you swim and do tricks underwater while wearing a monofin and a mermaid tail. Some classic feel-good tricks include the smooth dolphin kick, bubble kisses and different turns. In mermaid diving you also study diving theory and techniques as well as safety practises and drills. With these skill sets, advanced mermaids can dive up to 10 meters deep and practise extended breathholds safely. The sport also involves other fun aspects, such as designing your own merfolk persona (also known as mersona) with a matching outfit.
What's the difference between mermaid swimming, mermaid diving and freediving?
You can learn the similarities and differences of these sports by watching the video below.
What is PADI?
PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, is the most recognized dive training organization worldwide. It operates in 186 countries and certifies over a million divers per year.
PADI Dive Instructors undergo rigorous training to ensure your mermaid certification class is fun and safe. PADI offers a pedagogically fine-tuned training system which makes learning easy.
PADI Instructors are bound by the highest quality and safety standards, and PADI oversees that instructors do adhere to these standards.
Benefits from getting certified
You may have seen videos how mermaid divers effortlessly glide through the water in exquisite tails. Beneath all the fantasy and shimmering is strong comprehension of diving theory, techniques and safety protocols.
The number one goal of a certification course is to make sure that the participant gets sufficient knowledge and skills that they can dive safely, prevent risks and act in emergencies. And of course, the course will teach you everything you need so that mermaiding will feel amazing.
Mermaid diving is an official diving sport just like scuba diving and freediving. Taking a certification course is a requirement to practise the sport on your own. Even thoug mermaiding is much younger diving discipline than scuba and freediving, the same certification rule is becoming the new standard.
By completing the diving course successfully, the participant receives a digital certification card which is proof that its holder has sufficient abilities to practise the sport according to the course level. Nowadays many events and dive trips require a certification card. Being a certified diver also gives you the possibility to get a proper diving insurance, which is a must especially if you plan to dive while abroad.
A PADI certification card will also open doors for aspiring mermaid performers as it creates trust that the performer is safety-oriented and can perform in a professional manner.
Some swimming halls may ask for your cert card if they otherwise cannot make sure that you know how to follow safe breathhold rules.
And let’s face it – who wouldn’t want to officially be a real mermaid!
Do I need to be a good swimmer?
It depends on your goals. You are very welcome to come try mermaiding even if you cannot swim at all! That’s because these mermaid experiences are held in a pool where your feet reach the bottom at all times, and your instructor will be right next to you the whole time.
On the PADI Mermaid program courses, you are required to know how to swim and float without swimming aids for some time. You can learn more about the prerequisites from the PADI courses section.
In order to become a PADI Mermaid Instructor, you must have good diving and swimming fitness.
May I participate if I have a fear of water or I'm really nervous?
Yes you may! In the Mermaid Experience there are no requirements. You can see how it feels without any pressure on your own terms.
If you are very anxious, but you would like to go for a diving certification, I recommed booking a private course with me. This way we can progress completely at your own pace.
Kasnäss Kompass magazine article about mermaiding and Anna Tomppo. 06/2025
Sukeltaja magazine article about mermaiding in open water by Anna Tomppo. 01/2024
Länsiväylässä magazine feature of Anna Tomppo 11/2023
Sukeltaja magazine mermaiding article with Anna Tomppo’s interview 01/2023