The world of mermaids has captivated people for centuries, with tales of their underwater adventures and alluring beauty filling the minds of young and old alike. While mermaids may be mythical creatures, the fascination with them has inspired a new type of world record-breaking – mermaid world records. From the longest mermaid swim to the most tails in a single performance, the Guinness World Records has documented a variety of mermaid-themed achievements.
In this article, we'll dive into some of the most impressive mermaid world records and the individuals who have made their mark in this imaginative and whimsical world. So, grab your mermaid tail and get ready to explore the underwater world of mermaid records!
Find the whole list of mermaid world records at Guinnessworldrecords.com.
1. Most expensive mermaid
The most costly counterfeit mermaid, sold as a "genuine" mermaid, is the Feejee Mermaid. This fake creature, designed to resemble a mummified mermaid, was displayed in South Africa, Britain, and America in the 1820s and 1840s. In 1822, American sea captain Samuel Barrett Eades acquired it for a price of 5,000 Spanish dollars, which would be roughly equivalent to $126,600/£110,000 in today's currency. The mermaid created a buzz on both sides of the Atlantic as it was exhibited, leading to heated discussions about the possibility of underwater humanoids among the general public and the scientific community.
In response to the growing global demand for advanced mermaid training, PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) introduced the world's first officially recognized mermaid swimming course in December 2020. The program consists of four student levels and three instructor levels, and covers a range of skills, including breath control, water safety, mermaid diving techniques, turns, somersaults, and environmental consciousness. With this innovative course, PADI aims to meet the needs of the growing community of mermaid enthusiasts around the world.
3. Most translated mermaid story
The Little Mermaid by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen holds the distinction of being the most translated mermaid story of all time. With editions published in over 100 written languages, from Abkhazian to Zulu, this beloved fairytale has reached audiences around the world. First published in Danish in 1836, the story was included in Andersen's collection of Fairytales Told for Children. The timeless tale, which was famously adapted into an animated movie by Disney in 1989, continues to captivate audiences with its enchanting tale of love and sacrifice.
4. World's largest underwater mermaid show
On 28 April 2021, Atlantis Sanya in Sanya, Hainan, China, set the record for the largest underwater mermaid show, featuring 110 participants. This landmark achievement was part of the celebrations marking the third anniversary of Atlantis Sanya.
5. Farthest monofin swim
On 7 May 2022, Miami Beach, Florida, USA, played host to an incredible feat as Miami Eco Mermaid Merle Liivand set a new world record for the farthest swim with a monofin. With onlookers watching in awe, Liivand swam a distance of 42.2 km (26.22 miles) in choppy waters, completing the feat in just 11 hours and 54 minutes. This achievement broke her own previous record and solidified her place as a world-class mermaid swimmer.
6. Largest gathering of merpeople
On 4 November 2022, a record-breaking gathering of 457 people dressed as merpeople took place in Bimini, Bahamas. The organizers created a Shore Thing event where participants could register and receive a mermaid tail, a digital photo, and bragging rights. The challenge was set with the goal of breaking the world record, as mermaids play a central role in the culture of the host location. Each ship in the gathering had its own unique mermaid, created by different artists to represent women from diverse cultures and ethnicities across the world.
World's oldest merperson
This is a record that has no yet been won. But I want to change that! I am looking for someone to break the world record for oldest person to wear a mermaid tail. If I can find the right person I would like to invite them to join me for a video in which I show them how to be a mermaid, while winning this world record. Hopefully we can get Guinness to document the whole process. Message me on Instagram or send me an email if you know someone who might be interested. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
Well that's all for this article on mermaid world records! Hope you enjoyed this read.