
About
The Full Story
Mermaid Nikki — lovingly known as “The Wanderlust Mermaid®️” — lives at the magical intersection of adventure, ocean dreams, and real-world purpose. A NAUI Certified Mermaid Instructor, Vice President of The Florida Springs Mermaids®️, coordinator of the beloved Spring Splash event, and the current reigning Miss Mermaid America of the Miss Mermaid USA Pageant, Nikki has become a recognizable and cherished voice within the mermaid community.
Through breathtaking underwater photography and storytelling, she invites others into the hidden world beneath the surface — especially the crystalline waters of Florida’s legendary springs. Her work captures the wonder of these natural sanctuaries and shares their beauty with those who may never have the chance to experience them firsthand.
But Mermaid Nikki’s story isn’t only about shimmering tails and underwater adventures. She has also courageously shared her personal health journey, including her diagnosis of severe endometriosis. By speaking openly about her experiences, she has inspired and supported many others navigating similar paths, proving that resilience can be just as powerful as magic.
As a passionate advocate for Florida’s springs, Nikki regularly lends her voice to conservation efforts. She has participated in peaceful protests to protect these fragile ecosystems, speaking out against bottled water corporations that exploit the springs while contributing to the global plastic crisis. For Nikki, mermaiding is more than fantasy — it is a commitment to protecting the waters she calls home.
Through The Wanderlust Mermaid Academy, Nikki has become a respected leader in mermaid education. From joyful Try Mermaiding Experiences to full NAUI Mermaid Certifications, she creates welcoming spaces for aspiring mermaids of every skill level. Whether guiding new swimmers through their first graceful dolphin kick or encouraging community during the beloved Mermaid Monday gatherings, Nikki is known for her warmth, inclusivity, and ability to help others discover the magic within themselves.
The name “The Wanderlust Mermaid®️” reflects more than a love of travel. It is also a quiet tribute to Nikki’s Gypsy heritage and her nomadic upbringing on the road with her family’s carnival concessions business — a life that taught her to embrace adventure, follow the tides wherever they lead, and find home wherever the water sparkles.
For Mermaid Nikki, life is a journey of exploration, storytelling, and protecting the waters that inspire it all. And wherever the tide carries her next, there is always another adventure waiting just beneath the surface.
