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.
Adventure brief
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.
Embark on a whimsical photography tour in Avalon, California, with Catalina Island Mermaids' 'Become a Mermaid: Souvenir Photo Print' experience. This private adventure offers you the chance to transform into a shimmering mermaid and capture stunning photos against the scenic backdrop of Avalon’s coastal beauty. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers, this tour combines fun, fantasy, and professional guidance to create unforgettable keepsakes. Participants will don delightful mermaid costumes and pose in picturesque locations, ensuring a blend of magical imagery and joyful moments. The friendly photography team provides expert tips, helping you look your best whether you're splashing in shallow lagoons or lounging on the beach. The activity emphasizes creating personalized souvenirs, making it a meaningful and unique souvenir of your trip to Catalina Island. No prior photography experience is necessary—just a sense of adventure and a love for fun. Post-shoot, you'll receive professionally printed photos that make charming mementos or gifts. This experience is an excellent way to add a splash of fantasy to your beach holiday while exploring Avalon’s vibrant marine environment and stunning coastal views. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a playful getaway, this mermaid adventure guarantees a day filled with enchantment and beautiful photos to cherish forever.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Schematic
A step‑by‑step sequence from arrival to goodbye, with each moment paced to fit the 30‑minute window.
Check‑in & Meet the Photographer
Arrive at Catalina Island Mermaids to register and meet the photographer who will guide the session.
Costume Selection
Pick a mermaid tail in your size and a coordinating shell bra or themed top to wear during the shoot.
Scale Makeup & Accessories
Choose up to three scale colors, apply stick‑on pearls and final accessories while seated in the grotto.
Guided Posing & Photography
Perform three different mermaid poses under the photographer’s coaching while they take the souvenir photos.
Print Selection & Wrap
Select your favorite photo for the included 4x6 print; additional prints and digital options are available, then change out of the tail and depart.
This is a dry, non‑swimming activity; participants should wear leggings or tight‑fitting pants and socks for comfort and hygiene, and sessions are brief (up to 30 minutes) so operators may reschedule or shorten sessions if you arrive late.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-18T12:03:00.164Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.