Become a Mermaid
Dive Into the World of Mermaiding
At Appalachian Mermaid Society (AMS), we empower you to share in the wonder with our comprehensive range of programs. Whether you're looking to earn your PADI Mermaid certification, join the mermaid community, or capture stunning underwater memories with a professional photography session, we have something for everyone. Join us and start your underwater journey today!
Get Your PADI Mermaid Certification
The Appalachian Mermaid Society believes mermaiding is for everyone - and that includes you! However, to take part in mermaiding safely, we strongly encourage everyone to become a PADI certified mermaid - and you can get your PADI certification through AMS!
PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, one of the world’s largest recreational scuba-diving training organizations, offers three PADI Mermaid Freediving levels of certification:
PADI Discover Mermaid - introductory experience (not a certification); for ages 6 and up
PADI Basic Mermaid - a beginner certification focused on fundamental mermaid swimming skills
PADI Mermaid - complete mermaid certification, making you ready for confined water (pools) experiences as a mermaid
PADI Advanced Mermaid - built to certify individuals for more advanced Mermaid skills allowing for safe open-water experiences
Through AMS, you can earn your PADI certification so that you can safely partake in the hobby and experience of mermaiding. The Appalachian Mermaid Society works with two different dive shops - Blue Planet DC located in Washington DC and Blue Marble Divers located in Hagerstown MD.
Reach out to us through our Contact Us page for more information or visit our partner dive shops to learn more and see other available offers.
Looking to Join Our Pod?
Here at the Appalachian Mermaid Society, we are proud to be the host of our very own community ‘mermaid pod’, where mermaids all through out the Appalachian area can join in to participate in both online dialogue and in-person mermaid community events. Whether you’re looking for other mermaids to swim with in your area or interested in discussing mermaid fashion and art, the AMS Pod is here for you! By joining, you are agreeing to abide by pod rules, which promote unity, understanding and acceptance of others, and safe mermaiding practices. For more information or to join the pod, reach out to us via our Contact Us page.
Underwater Photography Opportunities
As the home of the tank Nautilus, AMS is proud to offer exclusive opportunities for underwater photography sessions for both merfolk and landlubbers alike! And if you’re new to taking photos underwater? No problem! We also offer professional modeling courses and performance-based workshops designed to help you master the art of the underwater photography.
Next Underwater Photography Opportunities:
Coming Soon