Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaelyn Warden.
Hi Kaelyn, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
15 years ago I swam in my first mermaid tail and knew I belonged underwater. Exploring the whimsical craft of underwater performances led me to dive deeper and into the SCUBA Club at Clemson University where I studied Animal & Veterinary Science. Ambitious to combine my love for animal husbandry and diving, I relocated to Florida to pursue a career in aquarium dive operations. This led to a series of incredibly inspiring experiences from rehabilitating sick or injured manatees to performing on scuba and interacting with guests.
Searching for my place in the industry I completed my PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer certification and began teaching people how to blow bubbles underwater. Throughout this journey I began performing as a mermaid at various aquariums and was delighted to see my passions cross currents. My furthest adventure as a performer took me all the way to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi where I was on the opening cast team! Upon returning to the US I completed my PADI Freedive & Mermaid Instructor certifications and continued with land or underwater mermaid performances. Always up for the challenge, I joined the USA Merlympic team and competed in Germany in 2025. I am proud of my team and myself as we placed first overall and I personally took first in the rescue challenge.
My future endeavors include more instruction, unique, and enchanting performances, and a healthy balance to navigate the tides of change.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Overall, I maintained a “go with the flow attitude” and was able to gracefully change directions as needed. Spending time working underwater always came naturally to me, and it was one of my favorite places to be. So as long as I was getting my fins wet, I could roll with any rough waters.
As a female scuba instructor, I was initially intimidated by entering a male dominated field, but I met some of the most amazing individuals along the way. I was encouraged by women before me and I have encouraged so many other women to give scuba diving a try. There is plenty of room for everyone in the ocean and I am grateful for every dive buddy. I have had the privilege to spend time underwater with.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a PADI SCUBA, Freedive, and Mermaid Instructor that also inspires a love for the sea through mermaid performances.
Due to my background, I strive to give exciting stories or ocean themed facts to students on the boat or guests in a dry performance setting. Whether I am a diver or mermaid, I can always enchant an audience by telling them some of my tales from under the sea. I also try to make spending time underwater impactful for those developing their skills or craft. As an instructor and former aquarium diver, dive safety is always a priority, and I have had opportunities recently to share my knowledge with future mermaids and divers.
As with most divers and mermaids in the industry, I aim to promote ocean conservation and I challenge those around me to practice environmentally friendly habits. Education is the first step, but it is never easy to tell someone they shouldn’t take a shell from the ocean, but pick up trash instead.
In a different realm of diving, last year I completed a skydive with my tandem instructor husband, Daniel Warden. I was grateful for the opportunity to exhibit a mermaid in the sky and had an incredible time preparing for the jump.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My first mermaid friend from the very beginning is Elora Don and she truly changed my life. She taught me how to swim in a tail, perform underwater, and on land, and inspired my move to the Sunshine State. We have swam side-by-side through so many challenges and I am grateful for every dance we’ve shared underwater.
Every dive instructor of every discipline has coached me through any questions or concerns I ever experienced underwater. Knowing how important all of my instructors have been to me, I strive to be that encouraging of a water spirit for all of my students and dive buddies. As my instructors all told me, I am always available for those in need of anything to enhance their time in the underwater world.
My husband, Daniel, has encouraged me to travel to new distances to further explore the mermaid and diving world. He has been by my side for my international performances and travel abroad, as well as my local appearances. Certified in all disciplines of diving, he is often my designated safety any time I’m in the water. He also kept me safe during our mermaid skydive!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @kaelynthemermaid
- Youtube: @kaelynthemermaid
