Most people first see mermaiding online.
Someone gliding effortlessly through crystal-clear water with a colorful tail, looking completely graceful and relaxed underwater. And usually the first reaction is either: “That looks amazing” or “There is no way I could do that.”
But the funny thing is, once people actually try mermaiding for themselves, they often realize it is much less intimidating — and much more magical — than they expected.
At Divine Divers Gili Meno, we see it all the time. Guests arrive thinking mermaiding is just for children, influencers, or professional performers. Then an hour later they are underwater smiling through their mask because they suddenly understand the feeling everyone talks about.
Because mermaiding is not really about pretending to be a mermaid.
It is about how the water feels around you.
So… What Actually Is Mermaiding?
Mermaiding is swimming with a monofin (and somtimes also a mermaid tail) using a dolphin-like movement underwater.
Instead of kicking your legs separately like normal swimming or scuba diving, both legs move together in one smooth motion. At first it feels slightly awkward — almost like your body is trying to learn a new language.
Then suddenly something clicks.
You stop fighting the water so much. Your movements become smoother. Slower. More relaxed.
And honestly, that is usually the moment people fall in love with it.
There is something strangely peaceful about gliding underwater without tanks, bubbles, or heavy equipment. It feels quiet and weightless in a completely different way than scuba diving.
It Is Not Just About Photos
Of course, the photos are beautiful.
Swimming through tropical water with a colourful mermaid fin definitely creates those dreamlike “mermaid” moments people love sharing online. But once people get in the water, they usually realize the experience itself matters much more than the pictures.
Mermaiding feels playful in a way many adults have forgotten.
Somewhere between work, schedules, stress, and everyday life, most people stop doing things simply because they are fun. Mermaiding brings that feeling back surprisingly quickly.
You laugh a lot while learning.
You swallow some water.
You accidentally spin sideways at least once.
And then eventually you relax enough to just enjoy being underwater.
Why People Feel So Calm Underwater
One thing many people do not expect is how calming mermaiding feels mentally.
Because your movement becomes slower and more controlled, your breathing naturally slows down too. You become very aware of your body, your movement, and the water around you.
For a little while, everything above the surface disappears.
No phones. No noise. No rushing.
Just sunlight through blue water and the sound of your own breath.
Places like Gili Meno make this feeling even stronger. Warm tropical water, calm ocean conditions, and incredible visibility create an environment where people feel comfortable very quickly — even beginners.
Is Mermaiding Difficult?
Honestly? Not nearly as difficult as it looks.
You do not need to be an athlete or professional freediver to enjoy mermaiding. Basic swimming confidence is usually enough to begin learning safely.
Most beginners struggle for about ten minutes before suddenly figuring out the movement.
After that, it becomes surprisingly natural.
Children often learn extremely quickly because they are less afraid of looking silly. Adults usually take slightly longer because they overthink everything at first.
But once people relax, progress happens fast.
Mermaiding at Divine Divers Gili Meno
At Divine Divers Gili Meno, mermaiding is approached as something fun, relaxed, and accessible for everyone.
There is no pressure to perform or look perfect underwater. The goal is simply to enjoy the experience, feel comfortable in the ocean, and try something different during your time in the Gili Islands.
And honestly, there are few better places to try it than the Gili Islands.
Floating above coral reefs, swimming past turtles, and gliding through crystal-clear tropical water feels almost unreal the first time you experience it.
More Than Just a Trend
At first glance, mermaiding can look like a social media trend or holiday activity.
But underneath the tail, it is really about reconnecting with something simple: movement, playfulness, and the feeling of freedom underwater.
And maybe that is why so many people end up loving it more than they expected.
