If you’ve ever dreamed of slipping into a shimmering mermaid tail and exploring the underwater world of Magic Island Lagoon in Honolulu, this tour might just turn that fantasy into reality. For $99 per person, you’ll be transformed into a mermaid—tail and all—and guided through a playful, memorable underwater experience that’s suitable for ages 8 and up. With a typical duration of 1 hour 30 minutes, this adventure combines fun, light snorkeling, and plenty of photo opportunities. The small group size (max 10 travelers) ensures a personalized experience, led by guides known for their patience and enthusiasm.
Two things we particularly love about this tour are its inclusive nature and focus on capturing memories. First, the fact that no prior swimming experience is required makes it accessible to most, including beginners who may feel nervous in the water. Second, the complimentary photos and videos are a fantastic touch—immortalizing your mermaid moment without any extra hassle or cost.
A possible consideration? The tour depends heavily on good weather, and if conditions turn poor, it could be canceled, leaving you with a full refund or alternative date. It’s always wise to check the forecast. And, since swimwear and towels aren’t included, packing appropriately is a must.
This experience is perfect for families, water lovers, and anyone curious about trying something playful yet gentle. If you enjoy light-hearted adventures, and want a high-quality, fun activity that produces great photos, this tour is worth considering.
Key Points
- Accessible for all skill levels: No swimming experience necessary.
- Photo and video memories included: Capture your mermaid moment effortlessly.
- Small groups: Personalized attention from experienced guides.
- Ideal for families and beginners: Fun for kids 8+ and adults alike.
- Weather-dependent: Check forecast for the best experience.
- Affordable value: Unique experience at a reasonable price.
What Is the Mermaid Video Shoot and Snorkel Adventure?
This tour is designed to turn ordinary travelers into magical mermaids for a day. Starting at 1501 Ala Moana Blvd in Honolulu, the experience is a blend of guided fun poses, light snorkeling, and marine exploration in Magic Island Lagoon. For $99, you get a vibrant mermaid tail, snorkeling equipment, and professional photos and videos of your transformation and underwater antics.
The tour typically lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable addition to a day’s sightseeing. It’s organized by Try Scuba Diving-Honolulu, a reputable provider with consistent reviews and a maximum group size of 10 travelers. As many reviews highlight, the guides—like Ryan, Alex, Vanessa, and Zola—are praised for their knowledge, patience, and enthusiasm.
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The Itinerary: What Can You Expect?
The experience begins with your guide fitting you into your colorful mermaid tail—a key highlight. The moment you slip into the tail, you’ll start with some fun poses, including the classic hair-flip, all captured on video. One of the biggest perks here is the professional filming—your guide will take videos throughout the tour, which are later sent directly to your phone, so you don’t have to worry about photography.
Once posed and filmed, your guide will teach you simple swimming techniques in the tail. Don’t worry if you aren’t confident swimmers—many reviews mention beginners feeling comfortable, thanks to the attentive guides. You’ll then explore the vibrant marine life in the lagoon, with plenty of opportunities to hold a starfish or simply float and enjoy the view.
Throughout the tour, guides emphasize safety and fun, making it suitable even for those who are nervous or inexperienced in water. For children and adults alike, the gentle environment ensures a memorable, stress-free adventure.
What Makes This Tour Special?
Two standout features elevate this experience beyond a typical snorkeling outing. First, the transformation into a mermaid is genuinely enjoyable—several reviews comment on how fun and laid-back the guide Ryan, Vanessa, or Zola are during the process. One reviewer shared, “Our instructor was very helpful, knowledgeable and fun,” which speaks volumes about the guide’s role in creating a positive atmosphere.
Second, the free videos and photos are gems. Many travelers mention how they appreciated having professional footage of their mermaid moments—especially since they could then share these photos with friends or family later. One mom shared, “My 5-year-old daughter and I did the experience, and the guide was absolutely wonderful with her,” highlighting how the tour caters well to young children and families.
The Marine Environment: What Will You See?
While the primary focus is on the fun of being a mermaid, the underwater exploration is a significant part of the adventure. The Magic Island Lagoon provides a safe and calm environment with vibrant fish and marine life visible close to the surface. The lagoon’s calm waters make snorkeling accessible even to beginners, which is a major advantage.
Travelers have reported holding starfish, seeing schools of colorful fish, and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the lagoon. The shallow waters and gentle currents, combined with attentive guides, create an ideal setting for a relaxed nature experience.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Tour
- Arrive early to allow time for fitting into your tail and preparing.
- Pack swimwear and a towel, as these aren’t included.
- Bring a waterproof phone case or small dry bag to store your phone after videos are downloaded.
- Check the weather forecast—canceled tours due to poor weather are fully refundable or rescheduled.
- Wear sunscreen and bring a hat if you’re sensitive to the sun.
- Be prepared for some giggles—expect to spend a fair amount of time trying to stay afloat in a tail, which several reviews mention as both challenging and hilarious.
Authentic Traveler Experiences
Many reviews echo the excitement and ease of participation. One happy traveler said, “You can say I am a beginner because I can’t swim. But that didn’t stop me from swimming in the ocean,” highlighting how beginner-friendly the tour is. Another reviewer raved about the enthusiasm of guide Alex and how much fun they had laughing at themselves while trying to stay afloat.
The photos seem to be a highlight for many, with travelers expressing gratitude for the great shots taken by guides like Vanessa and Zola. One said, “The pictures were great, and our instructor/photographer was amazing,” emphasizing the value of having professional-quality photos without extra cost.
Cost and Value
At $99, this tour offers a unique blend of entertainment, education, and memorable photo opportunities—a package that’s often hard to find in more traditional snorkeling experiences. Considering the small group size and personalized attention, the price seems reasonable, especially given the high-quality guides and the professional videos included.
Compared to other water activities in Honolulu, this experience emphasizes fun and accessibility over strenuous adventure, making it a particularly good value for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone curious about trying something playful and light.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This is a fantastic choice for families with kids 8 and up, especially if you’re seeking a low-pressure, memorable experience. It also suits adults who want a fun, visually impressive activity that’s less about technical snorkeling and more about creating unforgettable moments. If you’re nervous about water or swimming, the reviews reassure that guides are helpful and safety is prioritized.
However, if you’re looking for a longer or more intense snorkeling trip, or if you prefer more advanced marine exploration, this may not be your ideal option. But for a light-hearted, fun-filled activity with plenty of photo ops, it’s hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to swim? No, you don’t need to be a strong swimmer. Many reviews mention that beginners and non-swimmers feel comfortable, thanks to attentive guides and calm lagoon waters.
What is included in the price? Your fee covers the mermaid tail, snorkeling equipment, and professional videos and photos of your experience.
Are there age restrictions? Yes, the tour is suitable for ages 8 and up, making it family-friendly.
What should I bring? Pack swimwear and a towel. You may also want a waterproof phone case to keep your photos safe.
What if the weather is bad? Tours are weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a full refund or rescheduling.
How long does the tour last? Expect approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, which includes fitting, posing, snorkeling, and photo sessions.
Where do I meet? The activity starts and ends at 1501 Ala Moana Blvd, very near public transportation options, making it easy to access.
Final Thoughts
This Mermaid Video Shoot and Snorkel Adventure combines playfulness, safety, and memorable photography into a surprisingly accessible experience. It’s especially ideal for families, water-curious travelers, or anyone wanting a lighthearted, visually stunning activity in Honolulu. The guides’ knowledge and patience shine through in the reviews, ensuring even first-timers feel comfortable and confident.
While it’s weather-dependent, the experience offers great value—professional videos and photos, a gentle lagoon environment, and a chance to act out your mermaid dreams. It’s a perfect addition to a Hawaii vacation for those who want to add a splash of magic to their trip.
In summary, if you’re looking for a fun, inclusive, and photo-worthy activity that caters to all ages and skill levels, this tour checks all boxes. It’s a chance to create lasting memories, try something playful, and leave with fantastic photos of your mermaid adventure. Highly recommended for families, water lovers, and those young at heart.
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