The mermaid sex position has nothing to do with how mermaids “actually” have sex, which is a good thing because we’re here to give you some very real, non-mythical advice on how to nail this position. It’s called “the mermaid” because your legs are pressed together and look like a mermaid’s tail pointing up, but the important part is that this sex position has a whole lot of benefits, whether on land or sea.
“The mermaid sex position is really great for deep penetration,” says Gigi Engle, sex expert for SKYN. Because your legs are pressed together, you’ll feel a tighter fit, so it’s especially good if you partner has a smaller penis. “It also allows for a lot of clitoral stimulation.” If you want to take it further, get creative with toys, she says. Penis rings, clitoral toys or wearable couples’ toys are great add-ons.
The position is also super easy to pull off. Just lie back with your hips at the edge of a sturdy counter, bed, or table. “For the vulva owner, you get to look really sexy while not having to do much of the heavy lifting and it’s always fun to do a lazy-girl sex position,” says Engle. The penetrating partner stands or kneels to enter, depending on their height. “The key element to make the mermaid sex position comfortable and not a workout is making sure both your genitals are at the same (or slightly different) height to facilitate penetration,” says Katherin Winnick, a sex coach at Let’s Talk Sex. If the penetrating partner is at an awkward or uncomfortable angle, strategically add a few pillows or a sex wedge to remedy the situation.
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Here are some fully land-based versions of the mermaid, including the classic version, but feel free to go as freestyle as you please.
1. The Classic Mermaid
Instead of just diving in, like a common Ursula, build up anticipation. “Before penetration, and when you are already in position, let your partner start by kissing your inner thighs and especially the area behind your knees,” recommends Winnick, as this area is an unappreciated erogenous zone. “You partner can slowly move their hands toward your feet to hold them together before sliding in.”
2. Fathoms Below
Same deal, but you (or your partner) opens and shuts your legs as they thrust, changing how tight it feels. Press your legs together tightly and hold a buzzy toy against your clit as they move to make it more epic.
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3. The Pirate’s Plunder
To play around with power and make it a little more BDSM-y, let the thruster take total control, moving your legs as they please. They can push your legs to one side, bend your knees, or hold you up higher by the ass. Your partner can slightly pinch your labia with their right index and thumb to stimulate you extra while holding your ankles with their left hand, suggests Winnick. Playful swats to the butt and/or binding ankles together optional.
4 Sex Toys That Will Give You the Best Orgasm
Lelo A Clitoral Massager That Uses Sonic Pulses for A VERY Intense Orgasm
The Lelo Sona uses mighty vibration to hit your clitoris deeeeep into the nerve endings you might not otherwise be able to reach. It’s so good, in fact, one of our editors said it gave her a “totally new type of orgasm.” Good luck resisting this one.
We-Vibe A Couple’s Vibe That’s Actually Easy to Use During Sex
This silicone clitoral vibrator might not look like much, but trust—it’s actually amazing. The cupped tip fits perfectly over your vulva, and it won’t get in the way with a partner (yes, even during intercourse). The toy also features rumbly waves (no cheap buzzy vibrations here) that are so powerful, you’ll wonder how you ever had sex without it.
Lelo A Rabbit That Does So Much More Than Vibrate
Where regs Rabbit-style vibrators (meaning: they have both internal and external stimulators) just vibrate and shake in place, the Lelo Ina Wave actually moves back and forth in a come-hither motion for a sensation so realistic, it feels like actual intercourse, but better. It’s also rechargeable and waterproof, so it’s perfect for solo bath or shower fun.
Crave A Luxe Necklace That’s Secretly a Sex Toy
This 24kt gold necklace not only looks chic, it’s also a very strong bullet vibe. It has an easy, one-button turn-on feature, and the charge lasts forever. Unsuspecting people will have no idea that it’s actually your NSFW plaything, but you’ll probably want to wear it all the time anyways because it’s so damn pretty.