Mermaids have captivated imaginations for centuries with their mystique as half-human, half-fish beings. In many cultures mermaids represent femininity, fertility and sexuality. They were thought to lure sailors to watery graves with their enchanting songs.

Today mermaids remain a popular tattoo motif, especially for women, signifying freedom, magic and the desire to escape everyday life just as mermaids swim freely in the deep blue sea. The sleek, beautiful images of mermaids are also just plain gorgeous body art. Whether getting a classic mermaid design or putting your own twist on the mythical creature, mermaid tattoos allow people to feel closer to the ocean and all its mysteries.

Mermaid tattoos can portray the mermaid sensually relaxing in the waves, gracefully swimming with a fishtail or even emerging from the water with her upper body exposed. Many modern tattoo styles have been applied to the mermaid design like watercolor, blackwork, black and gray realism and more. The placement options are endless too, with back pieces and sleeves becoming quite popular.

If you’re thinking of getting your own mermaid tattoo, be sure to scroll through the over 30+ mermaid tattoo ideas featured in this blog post. You’ll find classic designs as well as mermaids incorporated into larger underwater scenes. I’ve gathered images from the best tattoo artists around the world, so you’re sure to find the perfect mermaid to fall in love with!

1. Line Art Mermaid Tattoo

Imagine a cute mermaid tattoo right beneath your breast. She’s gracefully swimming, reaching out to delicate pink lotus flowers. It’s a beautiful masterpiece!

2. Traditional Art Mermaid Tattoo 

This mermaid has the charm of a Hawaiian girl, with gorgeous flowers adorning her surroundings and lovely black hair flowing. Give it a shot.

3. Ankle Mermaid Tattoo

A fantastic tattoo isn’t just lines and colors! How it matches your body is super vital too. This carefully planned tattoo looks perfect on your ankle, giving your skin a lively vibe. It’s like the mermaid is really diving into the deep sea!

4. Mermaid & Ship Arm Tattoo

How about a super cool arm tattoo featuring a lovely black-haired mermaid? She’s got a cute twist going on since she’s holding a special frame. Inside that frame, there’s a bright red sun and a charming ship sailing on the sea!

5. Blue Watercolor Mermaid Tattoo

This forearm tattoo is all about a beautiful mermaid. She’s in a simple, elegant outline, like a graceful drawing. Also, she’s surrounded by this lovely blue watercolor mermaid magic! Go for this stunning mermaid silhouette with a dreamy watercolor vibe.

6. Artistic Mermaid Arm Tattoo

In stories, mermaids aren’t ocean royals, but they’re quite the powerhouses! The mermaid in this incredible tattoo embodies all that: fierce, serene, and definitely not someone you want to challenge! It is quite artistic!

7. Adorable Minimalist Mermaid Tattoo

Wanna get a mermaid tattoo with a minimalist vibe? Here it is. This adorable mermaid is all about simple lines, but she’s still full of charm! She’s got the most magical hair in shades of pretty purple and pink!

8. Anchor & Mermaid Calf Tattoo 

A calf tattoo with a super cool anchor and a stunning mermaid chilling on top of it! It’s like a little piece of the sea and magic on your leg!

9. Artistic Mermaid Tattoo Design 

Here is a stunning mermaid face tattoo on the arm. It’s big and beautiful, with a gold-orange fish sitting on her head and a cool black fish below her face. The colors are so vibrant, making the whole design look super cool!

10. Black and Purple Mermaid Tattoo

Here, the mermaid and moon rock a cool black and grey vibe, and as you move towards the mermaid’s tail, a beautiful burst of colors gradually emerges. The transition from black to purple make this tattoo truly pop!

11. Bubble Shape Mermaid Tattoo

There’s this super cute bubble tattoo on the inner arm! And guess what’s inside? An adorable upside-down mermaid, making it all feel like a dream! How magical is that?

12. Skeleton Mermaid Tattoo Design

This crazy design blends traditional tattoo vibes with awesome inks and colors. The skeleton mermaid rocks long, luscious black hair, and she’s not just any mermaid because she’s rocking a scythe and flaunting fiery flames around her tail!

13. Gradient Black Mermaid Tattoo

Mermaids, those enchanting beings of the night! This tattoo features a beautiful black gradient mermaid, showing her aura of mystery. Instead of a detailed face, the tattoo elegantly outlines her silhouette, which looks amazing.

14. Medusa and Mermaid Arm Tattoo

Medusa, the snaky lady, brings together two cool ideas: warding off bad stuff and showing off girl power! We think it’s awesome mixing this mythical character with the mermaid idea on the arm. On one hand, she can attract everyone with her charm, but on the other side, she can totally freeze them like statues.

15. Male Mermaid Tattoo

If you say that you are sick of typical mermaid tattoos, you’ll love this idea! Imagine a merman with awesome muscles and rocking some rad blue ink tattoos! This design includes a mix of a skull, a bird, a heart, and a diamond. It’s a totally unique tattoo.

16. Minimal Mermaid Ankle Tattoo

In the magical mermaid realm, it seems like our little mermaid friend might just be a teenager! With a comb and mirror in hand, she’s on an exciting journey to embrace her real beauty.

17. Mermaid Tail and Geometric Shapes Tattoo 

If you’re a fan of geometric tattoos, you’re going to adore this one! There is a rectangular canvas, brought to life with serene sea waves and a majestic mermaid tail. The tail is beautifully painted using delicate watercolor inks.

18. Mermaid & Sun Tattoo Arm Tattoo 

Here is a beautiful traditional tattoo created with bold lines and vibrant colors. It features a mermaid holding the sun in her hands, and it’s located on the upper arm. Isn’t it so cute?

19. Crescent Moon & Mermaid Tattoo

This back shoulder will adore you. The crescent moon and the mermaid are like besties, both symbols of femininity! By tossing in some feathers, this moon and mermaid tattoo can totally remind you to be gentle with yourself and your dreams.

20. Cute Cartoon Mermaid Tattoo

How about a cartoon mermaid? She is wearing a golden top and a flowing red cloak-like cover which flows from her waist down. Her hair is braided on both sides and styled into a bun.

21. Floral Mermaid Tattoo Design 

This awesome mermaid tattoo is on the side of the thigh and it’s so magical! Her hair is swaying in the water, and there are cute fishies swimming around her. What’s really eye-catching is the lovely flowers blooming from her tail!

22. Black Ink Mermaid Tattoo Behind the Ear

Stunning tattoo alert! Check out this awesome mermaid! It’s tucked right behind the ear and the mermaid appears to be gracefully swimming through the person’s noggin, heading upwards.

23. Mermaid Ariel Portrait Tattoo

If you wanna turn your back of thigh into a piece of art, we have a great design for you! There is a portrait of Ariel in this tattoo. Her vibrant colors are absolutely stunning. Just below her upper body, you’ll find adorable ornaments like two lovely pink flowers and some sparkling jewels.

24. Side Rib Mermaid Tattoo 

Awesome black neo traditional mermaid tattoo placed on the side rib, it’s quite big! The design extends gracefully down to the upper thigh, and there are adorable koi fish accompanying the mermaid on both sides. So cool!

25. Capricorn Mermaid Tattoo Design

Capricorns are like super determined, hardworking, and love doing things their own way. They’re just like mermaids! So, if you’re thinking about getting a Capricorn tattoo, this design could be super cool for inspiration! Inside an ornamental circle, there is a mermaid with horns standing inside.

26. Blackwork Mermaid Forearm Tattoo

The tattoo shows a black mermaid swimming gracefully, surrounded by bubbly friends. She’s looking upwards and tilting her head as if she’s exploring the underwater world with wonder!

27. Quirky Reverse Mermaid Tattoo

It’s like art on skin! You’re thinking of an engraving and etching style tattoo on your leg. But here’s the twist: it’s a reverse mermaid! Instead of a fish tail, the person has human legs standing, and for the upper part, it’s a fish body! Super creative and unique! Just imagine the design coming to life on your skin!

28. Detailed Floral Mermaid Tattoo

Is she finding her inner peace, or is she conjuring fierce lightning? We’ll never know. The mermaid strikes a tranquil Namaste pose and she looks amazing with fine lines. Also, beautiful flowers emerge from her hair.

29. Ariel Mermaid Ankle Tattoo

How about an adorable mermaid tattoo on the ankle? It’s drawn with delicate lines and highlights her vibrant red hair. This is an awesome idea for all the fans of this cartoon!

30. Sagittarius Mermaid Tattoo Design

How about an archer mermaid tattoo? It is placed on the side of the thigh. It’s like a match made in astrology heaven for Sagittarius gals! So, it’s like an awesome combo of a bow-and-arrow expert and a magical mermaid. Go for it, Sagittarius queen!

31. Neo Traditional Art Mermaid Tattoo

Here is a cool leg tattoo! It’s on one side of the leg and it’s all about a Neo-traditional mermaid. You can see her face and hands. She’s got octopus tentacles in her hair and she’s holding a sea shell with her hands. Super artsy and underwater vibes!

32. Dreamcatcher & Mermaid Underboob Tattoo

Wanna try an underboob tattoo? If your answer is yes, this dreamy tattoo is for you. It has a dream catcher with three feathers that are dancing in the breeze! On top of that, there’s a stunning mermaid who’s looking over her shoulder, showing off her long, curly brown hair and her awesome body!

I hope you enjoyed exploring the wide variety of mermaid tattoo designs. These enchanting creatures make for gorgeous body art that will surely get compliments. If you found a design you love, take the image to your tattoo artist and get your own magical mermaid permanently inked. Dive into the oceanic world of mermaids – they’re always there to remind you to embrace your inner magic and free spirit. Thank you for visiting and enjoy your new mermaid tattoo!