Meet Anna Capps | Dive Instructor & Professional Mermaid

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anna Capps and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anna, what should our readers know about your business?

I’m a third generation dive professional, and grew up diving and exploring offshore South Carolina. I’ve been scuba diving for over 20 years, and have been freediving since 2016. I discovered freediving while I was working to become a safer professional mermaid performer. I immediately fell in love!

I do still offer private SCUBA instruction, but freediving has truly become my primary focus and passion. My goal is to introduce people from all backgrounds and experience levels to the world of apnea diving so they can experience the freedom and peace it provides.

I am particularly focused on creating a welcoming and empowering environment for women within this largely male-dominated growing sport. Mermaiding just happens to be the perfect gateway for that!

My business is based in the Florida Keys, but I travel across the East Coast.

I also enjoy spearfishing, and advocate for sustainable and intentional food sourcing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I have so many favorite places in the Upper Keys!

1. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary – Definitely a MUST if you’re in the Keys! This is the third largest barrier reef system in the world, and is full of color and biodiversity. It’s the pinnacle of what the Florida Keys has to offer, and there’s something new to see in the water every single day!

2. Square Grouper in Islamorada – My favorite lunch or happy hour spot. Their fish dip is my favorite in the keys and the water-side vibes are immaculate.

3. Harbor Cafe in Tavernier – This small cafe is a hidden gem. Maria and her crew make the most perfect coladas and cafe con leche (which you can get with almond milk for those of us who are lactose intolerant). The perfect post-dive pick me up!

4. Sunset paddle or sail at the Upper Keys Sailing Club – This is a member’s only club, but my home base on day’s off. Sailing, jam nights, and the best sunset views with friends a gal could only dream of.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I’m so thankful to have a group of amazing mentors and powerhouse business women in my corner! The Upper Keys chapter of Business and Professional Women is full of inspiring business owners who have acted as touchstones and sounding-boards during my business’s transition from my home state of South Carolina to here, in Florida.

I’m also incredibly blessed with a family that supports my dreams and who are forever my biggest cheerleaders. My mom and younger sisters consistently drive hours on end to see my performances, my step-mother purchases almost every new merch item I release, and I owe my first ever scuba dives to my dad.

Lastly, a special shoutout to my partner, Mark, who constantly lifts me up, both figuratively and literally (because mermaids don’t do well on land).

Website: www.freediveintoblue.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/deepbluefreediving

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freediveintoblue

Other: Deep Blue Freediving on TripAdvisor!

Image Credits
Capps Captures Jessica Bailey Photography