Mermaid Sex Position: How to Do It + 3 Variations

The Mermaid is a penetrative position built around one simple setup. The receiving partner lies on their back with their hips at the edge of a bed (or another sturdy surface), legs held together and raised straight up like a tail. The penetrating partner stands, or kneels if the height works better, at the edge, facing them, and supports their legs. Because the legs are pressed together, many people say it feels snugger than a classic missionary, and since you're face to face, eye contact comes built in. It works for any couple where one person penetrates, whether with a penis or a strap-on, and you don't have to be an acrobat to try it.

How to Do the Mermaid Position Step by Step

Pick your surface. A bed, a sturdy table or a desk all work. Ideally the receiver's hips sit at about the same height as the standing partner's hips. Check that the furniture is stable and can hold your weight before anything else happens on it.
Get the receiver in place. They lie on their back and scoot down until their bottom is right at the edge. Slide a firm pillow under the hips to tilt the pelvis up slightly and take pressure off the lower back.
Raise the legs. The receiver lifts both legs together, straight or with a soft bend at the knees, and points them toward the ceiling. The penetrating partner holds the calves or ankles, or lets the legs rest against their chest.
Line up and enter slowly. The penetrating partner steps in close. Use plenty of lubricant, since closed legs mean less room, and start shallow. Let the receiver set the depth and pace before you build any rhythm.
Use your free hands. The receiver can reach down for clitoral or genital stimulation, or hold a small vibrator there. Many people find penetration alone isn't enough to reach orgasm, so adding touch is completely normal.

3 Mermaid Variations

1. Shoulder-Rest Mermaid

The receiver rests their ankles together on one of the penetrating partner's shoulders. The standing partner no longer has to hold the legs up, so their hands are free for touching, and the receiver's thighs get a break.

2. Kneeling Mermaid

If the bed is too low to stand at, both of you can stay on the mattress. The receiver lies on their back near the end of the bed with a pillow or wedge under their hips, and the penetrating partner kneels in front of them. This version is often easier on the penetrating partner's back.

3. Open-Tail Mermaid

Partway through, the receiver lets their legs fall a little apart or bends the knees toward the chest. That changes the angle, usually allows less snug and shallower penetration, and makes it much easier to reach the clitoris or genitals with a hand or toy. It's a handy switch if the closed-leg version starts to feel like too much.

Making the Mermaid More Comfortable

Fix the height first. Most of the awkwardness in this position comes from height. A pillow under the receiver's hips lifts them, and a firm, non-slip step or bent knees can bring the standing partner level.
Bend the knees. If your hamstrings are tight, holding straight legs gets uncomfortable fast. A gentle bend is just as valid.
Protect the surface. A towel or blanket over a hard table edge saves the receiver's tailbone.
Keep lube within reach. Closed legs add friction, so reapply as often as you need to.
Use protection. Condoms (and dental dams for any oral play along the way) lower STI risk, and if pregnancy isn't the plan, sort out contraception beforehand.

When to Skip or Adapt It

Pain during penetration: because the legs are together, penetration can feel deeper or tighter. If anything hurts, stop. Then open the legs, go shallower or switch positions. Pain is a signal to listen to, not something to push through.
Pregnancy: many clinicians advise against lying flat on your back for long stretches later in pregnancy. Ask your healthcare provider what's right for you, and pick side-lying positions if you're unsure.
Back, hip or hamstring issues: the receiver can use the kneeling or open-tail variation, or rest their legs on a shoulder instead of holding them up.
Knee or back problems for the standing partner: try the kneeling version, or skip the position on days your body says no.

Talk It Through

The receiver's legs are held up, so they can't move around as freely as in some other positions. That makes check-ins extra important. Before you start, agree on a simple word or gesture that means "pause" or "stop," and make sure the penetrating partner lowers the legs right away when they hear it. During sex, short questions like "deeper or shallower?" or "want my legs down?" keep things good for both of you. Saying yes to trying the Mermaid doesn't mean saying yes to finishing in it. Either of you can change your mind at any point.