Radazul: Mermaid Experience and Photo Shoot

The best part of this mermaid experience in Tenerife is that you do not simply put on a tail and pose at the shore. You learn how to move with a monofin, control your breathing, descend safely, and hold a graceful position underwater before the camera comes out. Then you swim among fish, reefs, starfish, and sunken ships while your instructor stays close.

I like the small group limit of five, which gives you more personal attention than a large water activity. I also like that the package includes a water-resistant mermaid or merman look, snorkeling equipment, and more than 70 high-format photos and videos sent by email or file transfer the same day or by the following day.

The main thing to consider is that Radazul parking can be difficult, so arrive about 15 minutes early. The location can also change to Abades, with advance notice, and that may affect your transport plans. This activity is for swimmers, not people who are uncomfortable in the water.

Key points to know before booking

• You learn the mermaid skills first: Training covers monofin swimming, breathing, descending, surfacing, and staying underwater longer.
• The group is limited to five: That matters when you need help with the tail, posing, or breathing technique.
• The photo package is generous: You receive more than 70 photos and videos in high format by email or transfer.
• The setting is more than a pool: The session can include fish, corals, starfish, reefs, and sunken ships.
• Natalie and Andres guide the experience: Natalie provides water instruction, while Andres is an experienced underwater photographer.
• You need to be a swimmer: Children under five and non-swimmers cannot take part, though land-based photos may be possible for people afraid of water.

Learning to swim with a mermaid tail

You meet at Radazul beach, in front of the Macaronesian Divers center. The experience lasts about three hours, but the time is not spent rushing straight into photographs. The early part is practical, and that is important because a mermaid tail changes the way you move through the water.

You try on the monofin costume with help from the instructor. Instead of kicking your legs separately, you move in a single flowing motion. At first, this can feel unusual. The training gives you time to become comfortable with the equipment before you are asked to pose or swim farther from shore.

The instruction also covers breathing techniques and what to watch for underwater. You practice descending and surfacing, then work on staying below the surface for longer periods. You do not need professional free-diving experience, but you do need to listen carefully and make a genuine physical effort.

That point matters. The tail does not do all the work for you. Your comfort and the quality of the photos depend partly on how willing you are to swim, control your body, and repeat a movement when needed. The instructor helps with technique, but you still need enough strength and confidence to move through the water.

A small group makes the training easier

With a maximum of five participants, the session has a personal feel. You are not lost in a crowd waiting for a quick photograph. The instructor can watch how you handle the tail, correct your posture, and help you get used to breathing and surfacing.

Natalie is described as an experienced instructor who works patiently with adults and children. That makes this a good choice for families with young swimmers, although children under five are not allowed. An 11-year-old participant was able to take part with close guidance, showing why careful instruction matters for children who already swim but may not know how to use a monofin.

The small group also helps if you are nervous about being photographed. You have time to understand the movements instead of trying to look graceful while still working out how the costume functions. I would still tell you to expect some effort. This is a water activity with a photo shoot, not a passive costume session.

Choosing a tail and preparing your look

The experience includes a mermaid or merman costume, plus water-resistant makeup. There is a selection of tails, so you can choose a look that suits your style. The included makeup helps the finished images feel more like a fantasy portrait rather than an ordinary swim session.

Bring your own swimwear and towel. Sandals are also useful for walking around the beach. A bikini is not included, and a silicone tail is not included either. The wording around the tail can be confusing, so check exactly which costume option is supplied when you book. The included mermaid costume and the separate silicone-tail exclusion may refer to different equipment choices.

Remove glasses before going underwater. Contact lenses are allowed. Any makeup or jewelry you bring should be fully waterproof, since ordinary products can run or become uncomfortable during the session.

From practice to the underwater photo shoot

Once you are comfortable with the tail, the session moves to the photo shoot. You swim through the sea while the photographer captures poses around marine life and underwater features. The setting can include colorful reefs, fish, starfish, and sunken ships.

The sunken ships give the pictures a more unusual background than a standard beach portrait. You can pose near them and use the underwater surroundings to create a mythical scene. The reefs and fish add color, while starfish provide smaller details for close shots.

You have time to explore at your own pace, but you are not left to manage the water alone. The instructor follows you and helps you stay safe. This is especially useful when you are concentrating on a pose, holding your breath, or trying to move smoothly with the tail.

The quality of your images will depend partly on your own effort. You may need to repeat a pose, adjust your body position, or swim back into place. If you relax and follow the instructions, the photos can look far more natural than a quick snapshot taken from the shore.

What you receive for the $63 price

At $63 per person, the value comes from combining instruction, costume use, makeup, equipment, and a sizable photo package. You are not paying only for access to the water. You are also paying for an instructor-led session and underwater photography.

The more than 70 photos and videos are supplied in high format by email or file transfer, usually the same day or by the following day. That is a useful feature if you want to share the experience soon after your holiday. It also means you do not need to arrange a separate underwater photographer.

The price makes the most sense if you care about the final images. If you mainly want to try a tail for a few minutes, a shorter photo session might suit you better. Here, the training takes time, and the experience asks you to swim and practice. The reward is a larger collection of images and a better chance of getting several poses you like.

You can also book another session if you want more time with the tail. One participant found that two sessions allowed more time to get used to the equipment and produced more photos. That may be useful if you want a full day around the area or if your first attempt feels like practice rather than a polished performance.

Radazul, Abades, and the meeting point

The stated meeting point is Radazul beach, in front of Macaronesian Divers. Parking may take time, so arriving 15 minutes early is sensible. You do not want to begin the session stressed because you are still looking for a space.

The location has changed to Abades for some bookings. You should watch for any update from the provider before setting out, since Abades may require a different route or transport plan. One participant had to adjust plans after the location changed, though advance notice was provided.

The activity ends where it begins. Towels are not provided, so bring one for changing and drying afterward. Sandals make the beachside parts easier, especially while moving between the water and the meeting point.

The instructor can speak German, Spanish, and English. That gives you a useful choice during safety training and helps you ask questions about breathing, movement, and posing in the language you understand best.

Who will enjoy this most

This experience suits adults, families, couples, and friends who want something more unusual than standard snorkeling. It also works well for people who love fantasy photography but have never tried mermaiding before. The training is designed for beginners as well as people who already have experience with underwater movement.

Families should check that every child can swim and is comfortable following instructions. Children under five cannot join. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, and it is not a good choice if you are hoping to stay completely dry.

People who feel unsure about their body or age should not assume the photos will be unflattering. The water, costume, poses, and photographer create a different kind of portrait from a typical beach picture. You can also ask about a land-based photo shoot if fear of water makes the sea session unsuitable.

Professional swimmers may enjoy the creative challenge, though the session is aimed at a broad range of abilities. You can focus on more controlled movement and polished poses, while beginners can concentrate on feeling safe and learning the basics.

What the experience does not promise

You should not book this expecting a formal scuba session. Snorkeling gear is included, but the activity centers on mermaid swimming, breath control, and photography. Some participants later chose an introductory scuba experience, but that is a separate activity.

You also should not expect every image to look perfect. Underwater photography depends on your movement, comfort, light, water conditions, and ability to hold a pose. The large number of photos helps, but you may still find that some images are stronger than others.

The location is another variable. Radazul is the planned meeting place, but Abades may be used instead. If you have a tightly timed day, confirm the location before booking transport or making other plans.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Tenerife schedule is still changing.

My advice on booking

I would book this if you want a playful but skill-based experience, especially if good underwater photographs matter to you. The combination of a small group, patient instruction, costume, makeup, and more than 70 delivered images gives the $63 price real value.

You should skip it if you are a non-swimmer, dislike breath-hold activities, or want a quick photo without training. If you are nervous about the sea, ask about the land-based photo option. For everyone else, arrive early, bring swimwear and a towel, confirm the meeting location, and give yourself time to learn the tail before worrying about looking like a mythical creature.

FAQ

How long does the Radazul mermaid experience last?

The experience lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $63 per person.

Where do I meet the instructor?

Meet at Radazul beach, in front of the Macaronesian Divers diving center. The location may sometimes change to Abades, so check for updates before you go.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to five participants.

Which languages are available?

Instruction is available in German, Spanish, and English.

Are photos included?

Yes. Underwater photos are included, along with more than 70 photos and videos delivered in high format by email or file transfer, usually the same day or by the following day.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sandals. You must supply your own bikini if you want to wear one.

Can non-swimmers join?

No. The experience is not suitable for non-swimmers. Glasses must be removed underwater, though contact lenses are allowed.

Can children participate?

Children under five cannot participate. The activity can suit older children who swim and can follow the instructor’s guidance.