Unleashing Your Inner Siren: The Vero Beach Mermaid Experience
For locals and visitors looking to add a touch of enchantment to their Treasure Coast adventures, a highly unique aquatic experience is making waves in Indian River County. Brandee Anthony, widely known as the Vero Beach Mermaid, has transformed a deep love for the ocean into an immersive lifestyle business that invites people of all ages to explore the water in an entirely new way.
As an elite-level PADI dive instructor and a professional photographer with over 15 years of experience, Anthony beautifully bridges the gap between aquatic safety and artistic whimsy. What began a decade ago as a creative endeavor to engage audiences during her time as a professional live streamer has evolved into a thriving local attraction. Today, she offers comprehensive, personalized experiences that range from glamorous mermaid makeovers and beachside photoshoots to specialized poolside swimming lessons.
Inside the Fantasy Mermaid Closet
The magical transformation begins on dry land, inside Anthony’s meticulously curated fantasy closet. Clients are invited to browse a vibrant collection of tropical-inspired gear to build their perfect mermaid ensemble. The extensive wardrobe features:
- Custom-crafted silicone tails, which provide a realistic look and weigh between 30 and 35 pounds each.
- Elaborate fin designs, including unique styles like the “wind trader” and the intricately detailed leafy sea dragon.
- A wide array of bespoke accessories, including mermaid crowns, bodice embellishments, and vibrant teal armbands.
With Anthony’s personalized guidance, clients piece together a customized look designed to make them feel confident and ethereal before they ever touch the water.
From Shoreline Photoshoots to Poolside Instruction
Once suited up, participants transition to the stunning shores of Vero Beach. Utilizing the natural beauty of the Florida coastline, Anthony guides clients through professional photoshoots. She coaches participants through accessible shoreline poses—such as relaxed, seated positions that let the ocean breeze catch their hair—ensuring stunning visual memories.
Beyond the glamour of the beach photoshoot, Anthony places a strong emphasis on practical aquatic skills. Moving to a controlled poolside environment, she strips back the elaborate accessories to focus on fundamental mermaid swim training. Participants learn how to navigate the water safely and effectively using their new “fluke.” The lessons cover the basics of water resistance, utilizing a specialized flex-and-push foot motion for propulsion, as well as techniques for back floating and executing fully submerged, breath-controlled dives.
The Vero Beach Mermaid experience offers a highly unique blend of professional photography and elite swim instruction, providing a safe, empowering space for adults and children alike to build water confidence and embrace aquatic play.
Empowerment Through Aquatic Play
While the experience is undeniably fun, Anthony notes that clients seek out her services for a wide variety of reasons. For some, it is a joyful bucket-list activity or an excuse to engage in lighthearted play. For others, the sessions hold deeper significance, providing a profound sense of physical empowerment and body confidence. The immersive nature of her retreats and courses has been so transformative that it has even inspired several locals to pursue professional mermaiding careers of their own.
Whether you are looking to refine your swimming skills under the watchful eye of an expert PADI instructor or simply want to capture a whimsical, unforgettable memory on the shores of Vero Beach, this unique local business proves that magic is alive and well on the Treasure Coast.
