AVALON PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Slip Into the Grotto: Transformative Mermaid Portraits in Avalon
A 30-minute, dry costume-and-photo experience in Avalon where Catalina Island Mermaids outfits you in a tail, applies scale makeup and pearl gems, and produces a professional 4x6 souvenir print.
Slip Into the Grotto: Transformative Mermaid Portraits in Avalon.
In a tucked, underwater‑themed grotto in Avalon, Catalina Island Mermaids stages a brief, theatrical transformation: you don a shimmering tail and shell top, choose scale colors and accessories, receive pearl gem accents and professional posing guidance, and leave with a high-quality 4x6 souvenir photo—no swimming required.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Costume, Makeup and Final Flourish
Choose from a range of mermaid tails and shell tops, pick up to three scale colors for makeup, add stick-on pearl gems and hair accessories to complete a tailored, photogenic look.
Professional Souvenir 4x6 Print
Pose in three guided mermaid positions while a photographer captures the moment, then select a favorite for a complimentary 4x6 print with additional prints and a digital gallery available as add-ons.
An Enchanting Grotto in Avalon
The scene is a designed, underwater‑themed grotto that doubles as a dry studio—perfect for family keepsakes, solo portraits, or social media content without ever entering the water.
What the day feels like
What the Half‑Hour Feels Like
From check‑in to the final print, the flow is compact and theatrical: meet your photographer, pick a tail and top, sit for multi‑color scale application and pearl gem accents, then perform three coached poses while the pro shoots. You choose the print to take home; while it prints (about five minutes) you may shoot your own photos or, for kids, explore a treasure chest before changing back into street clothes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits—and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The full session runs up to 30 minutes from check‑in to receiving your printed souvenir photo.
Wear leggings or tight‑fitting pants and bring socks (required); also bring a sense of adventure and a phone if you plan to take your own photos or videos during the printing wait.
Check in at Catalina Island Mermaids, 128F Sumner, Avalon, CA 90704 to begin your session.
One 4x6 souvenir print is included; additional prints are available on site for $10 each and a digital gallery can be purchased on site for $45.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need a reservation, or can I walk in?
Both walk‑ins and reservations are welcome, but availability is limited and advance booking is recommended.
Can I bring my own mermaid tail or top?
Yes—you're welcome to bring your own tail or top, though the operator provides a variety of tails and shell tops to use.
How long does the experience last?
The entire experience takes up to 30 minutes from check‑in to receiving your printed souvenir photo.
What should I wear?
Wear leggings or tight‑fitting pants for comfort under the mermaid tail; socks are required for hygiene and ease of slipping into the tail.
Is this experience suitable for kids?
Yes; the activity is suitable for all ages—kids also receive a treasure from the treasure chest during the printing wait.
Do I need to be able to swim?
No—this is a dry experience and does not require swimming.