About Mermaid Sandy – Portland Mermaid Performer & Face Painter

Photo by Nest & Love Photography

Mermaid Sandy, also known as the Cascade Mermaid, is a professional mermaid performer and PADI-certified mermaid instructor based in the Pacific Northwest. She appears at events and teaches mermaid classes throughout Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, and Southern California.

With a lifelong passion for the arts, Sandy spent years working behind the scenes in theater and later discovered her love for teaching while in college. As a dance instructor in her human form, she honed her skills in movement, creativity, and performance. Mermaiding has allowed her to blend her love of the arts, teaching, and fantasy into one magical career. Now, she brings the dream of becoming a mermaid to life for kids and adults alike through immersive performances and classes.

Certifications held:

  • PADI Mermaid Instructor
  • PADI Open Water Diver
  • PADI Emergency First Responser
  • AHA Basic Life Support
  • AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support

How did I become a Mermaid?

I’ve always wanted to be a magical creature. One day, while walking along the beach, I found a single shimmering scale in the sand. The moment I touched it—poof!—my legs transformed into a mermaid tail! Ever since, I’ve been living a double life: mermaid when I wear my enchanted scale necklace, and human when I take it off.

The real story? A little less sparkly, but just as magical. I was taking a break from teaching Argentine tango and found myself on Maui working toward my scuba certification. While I was there, I discovered a mermaid instructor at the dive shop and signed up for a basic mermaid course. It had been nearly six years since I’d last gone swimming, so diving back in was a little terrifying—but I took to it like a fish to water (pun absolutely intended).

That first taste of mermaiding stuck with me. The following summer, I trained with Brandee Anthony, the Vero Beach Mermaid, and became a certified PADI Mermaid Instructor myself. Now, I perform all over the Pacific Northwest and can often be found swimming at Harmon Swim Center with the Oregon Mers pod.

Beyond the water, I’ve added land-based party services like face painting, fairy hair, glitter tattoos, and bubble shows to bring even more joy to the community. I feel incredibly lucky to have discovered this world—and even more blessed to be supported in making these magical dreams a reality.

Want to bring a little magic to your next celebration?
Let’s make a splash—book me today!