If you think mermaids only live in fairy tales, think again. On the sunny shores of Catalina Island, Mermaid Madison is very real—and she’s making quite the splash.
Visitors to Avalon can catch a glimpse of Madison’s shimmering tail as part of the Mermaid Undersea Tour, a whimsical, family-friendly adventure where the magic of mermaids meets the wonder of Catalina’s marine life. From flipping her fin in a burst of bubbles to leading curious swimmers through kelp beds and colorful reefs, Madison isn’t just a performer—she’s a guide, teacher, and champion for the sea.
But there’s more to Madison than just seashell crowns and tail flips. When she’s not enchanting families on the water, she’s hard at work behind the scenes as the co-founder of the Avalon Ocean Club, a youth-focused nonprofit she launched to help local kids gain confidence in the ocean.
“The non-profit I co-founded [is the] “NAC Avalon Ocean Club,” said Madison.” We have the goal to get the kids of Catalina Island water safe and hopefully inspire a lifelong love for the ocean. We focus on ocean skills [and] personal and career development for the youth of Avalon. You can learn more about the work us through this https://giving.classy.org/campaign/690742/donate”
With over a decade of experience as a lifeguard, PADI Divemaster, EMT, and ocean sports instructor, Madison brings serious skill to her playful mermaid persona. Her tours aren’t just about fantasy—they’re about fostering respect and love for the sea. Active swimmers can dive, race, and play alongside her, while first-timers can take it slow, all under her watchful (and very experienced) eye.
Through Avalon Ocean Club, Madison helps local youth develop the skills they need to thrive in and around the ocean. The club fills a critical gap on Catalina, where structured ocean programs for island kids are limited. With programs covering everything from wave reading and boogie boarding to CPR, first aid, and nutrition, Avalon Ocean Club aims to foster leadership, resilience, and respect for nature.
Together with her co-founder Dempsey—another seasoned Southern California lifeguard—Madison is not only creating safe, fun, educational programs for kids but also building a pathway for the next generation of ocean professionals. The duo’s Ocean Club Cadets program trains future lifeguards and swim instructors, giving Avalon’s youth the tools to become leaders in ocean safety and maritime careers.
But it all begins with that first splash—and that’s where Mermaid Madison’s Undersea Tour shines. Families can join her for an unforgettable swim, where children and grown-ups alike can experience the magic of Catalina’s clear waters while learning about marine life, ocean safety, and the importance of protecting the environment.
“I believe engaging with the ocean is one of the best ways to nurture lifelong healthy habits,” Madison says. “When kids feel comfortable and confident in the water, they also start to care deeply about protecting it—and that’s what this is really about.”
So next time you visit Catalina Island, keep an eye out for a flash of a mermaid’s tail near Avalon—and know that behind the glitter and giggles is a lifeguard, educator, and ocean advocate working hard to make waves of a different kind.
To learn more about Madison’s tours or the Avalon Ocean Club’s programs, just follow the fins—you’ll find adventure, education, and a whole lot of heart waiting beneath the surface. For more information, please visit https://www.madisonthemermaid.com/.
