If you like the feeling of deep penetration, consider yourself mildly flexible, and have an affinity for all things nautical, you need to know about the mermaid sex position. Now, this particular move 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 do it right. 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. The Knee Deep
If you want a deeper feel from your merman or mer-dildo, bend your knees and rest your feet against your partner's chest, recommends Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for the erotic ethical porn site FrolicMe. "This is great for deeper penetration, so it's especially helpful for those whose partners have smaller penises." Get even more stimulation with a wearable couples' vibe.
3. The Deep Sea Dive
If you want to take it even deeper, don scuba gear (optional) and bend your legs back toward your body, as if you were doing the plow pose in yoga. "This can allow your partner to go deeper inside you and hit new angles; it may be perfect for stimulation of your internal hotspots, or the A-spot (the front wall of the vagina all the way back by the cervix). For optimal internal stimulation, your partner should try moving their hips in an upward motion rather than just in and out," says Weiss. If you want to go plow-lite, just bend your knees toward your chest.
4. Motion of the Ocean
Take control of your own pleasure by setting the pace. "Rock back and forth yourself to your liking; try having your partner stay still and having only you move, so that you can show them exactly how you like it," says Weiss. Add a vibrating penis ring for extra intensity for you both.
5. 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.
SHOP NOW Lovehoney Multispeed Micro Wand Vibrator, $24.99, Lovehoney
6. 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, that one of our editors said it gave her a “totally new type of orgasm.” Good luck resisting this one.
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.
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.
This 24-karat-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 anyway because it’s so damn pretty.
Jill Hamilton is a contributor for Cosmopolitan.com and writes the blog In Bed With Married Women.
