Las Palmas: Survival Apnea Course offers an intriguing blend of education and adventure for those curious about freediving and breath-hold techniques. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Canary Islands, this 6-hour experience dives into the essentials of underwater survival, physiology, and open water freediving. It’s designed by leading big wave surfers and freedivers, ensuring that you get expert insights in a practical, hands-on format.
What I really appreciate about this experience is how accessible it is for beginners. The course emphasizes building confidence in the water and understanding your body’s responses. Plus, I like the small-group setup—limited to just 4 participants—which means plenty of personalized attention and the chance to ask questions. Another big plus is the combination of theory, pool practice, and open water sessions, making it a well-rounded introduction.
A potential consideration is that participants need to be comfortable swimmers and in good health, so it’s not for non-swimmers or those with certain health conditions. Also, transportation to the meeting point isn’t included, so you’ll want to plan how to get to Centro Deportivo Fariones. But for those seeking an authentic, skill-building experience in freediving, this course hits a lot of high notes.
Key points / Takeaways
- Small Group Size: Limited to 4 participants, ensuring personalized guidance.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers theory, breathing techniques, rescue skills, and open water practice.
- Expert Instructors: Led by experienced guides who focus on safety and technique.
- Location Flexibility: Starts at a central meeting point in Las Palmas, with sessions in pool and open water.
- Focus on Safety: Includes rescue and buddy supervision training—crucial for freediving confidence.
- Good for Beginners: No prior experience needed, but swimmers and healthy individuals will get the most out of it.
An In-Depth Look at the Las Palmas Survival Apnea Course
If you’re contemplating a day of breathing control, water confidence, and an introduction to the art of freediving, this course could be a rewarding choice. I’ll walk you through what it’s really like, why it might appeal, and some practical considerations to help you decide if it’s right for you.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Puerto Del Carmen.
Starting Point: The Meeting at Centro Deportivo Fariones
Your adventure begins at the centrally located Centro Deportivo Fariones in Las Palmas. This spot is convenient and easily accessible for most travelers staying in the region. The meeting point’s simplicity means you won’t need complicated directions, though you’ll need to arrange your own transport. The activity runs for about 6 hours, with specific starting times depending on availability—so planning ahead is wise.
The Learning Flow: From Theory to Open Water
The course kicks off with a theory session, where your instructor will explain the physics and physiology behind freediving. I love that this part demystifies what happens to the body underwater, helping you understand why holding your breath feels different in various situations. Expect to learn about breathing techniques and how to develop them safely—essential skills for safely extending your breath-hold.
Next, you’ll transition to the pool, a controlled environment to practice your breathing and relaxation techniques. This hands-on session makes the theory tangible—an excellent way to build confidence before venturing into open water. Many reviews highlighted how guides like “Juan” or “Maria” provide clear, encouraging coaching that boosts your comfort in the water.
Moving Into Open Water: Practical Freediving Skills
After mastering the basics in the pool, you’ll head to the open water. Here’s where the magic of real freediving begins: you’ll learn about freediving-specific equipment, such as masks, snorkels, and fins, as well as how the body reacts physiologically when you hold your breath for longer periods.
The open water session isn’t just about holding your breath—it’s focused on techniques for efficient, safe freediving and rescue skills. You’ll practice buddy supervision, learning how to assist a fellow freediver if needed, and self-evaluation techniques—skills that are valuable whether you pursue freediving further or simply want to feel safer in open water.
Why It’s a Value-Added Experience
For $145, this course packs in a lot. You get theory, pool practice, and open water sessions—a complete introduction that would be hard to match elsewhere at this price point. Plus, the small group size ensures personalized feedback, making it easier to grasp techniques and ask questions.
Who Will Love It?
This course is perfect for beginners or curious swimmers interested in understanding the basics of breath-hold diving. It’s especially suited for those who prefer a structured, safety-conscious environment. If you’re a big wave surfer, snorkeler, or just love the water and want to push your limits safely, you’ll find this experience both fun and informative.
Considerations Before Booking
While the course offers excellent value, keep in mind that participants need to be able to swim comfortably and be in good health. It’s not suitable for children under age 10, pregnant women, or anyone with heart issues or pre-existing health concerns. Also, transportation isn’t included, so plan accordingly.
Weather can impact the open water session—bad weather might lead to rescheduling. This is a natural part of outdoor water activities, so flexibility is a good idea. Lastly, you’ll need to bring essentials like a hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and water—items that will keep you comfortable during the day.
Why Choose This Experience?
If you’re eager to explore freediving but want to start with a safe, guided introduction, this course is a top candidate. The focus on rescue skills and buddy supervision sets it apart from casual snorkeling or scuba courses, emphasizing safety and self-awareness. The expertise of Ocean Freediving Lanzarote’s guides ensures you’re in good hands, whether you’re looking to get comfortable holding your breath or just want to learn more about your body’s response in water.
It’s also a fantastic way to spend a half-day in the Canary Islands, with a mix of classroom learning, practical water skills, and open water experience. The small group environment fosters a relaxed, engaging atmosphere—ideal if you prefer personalized attention over large, generic tours.
Who Should Skip It?
If you’re not comfortable swimming or have health issues that preclude breath-hold activities, this might not be suitable. Likewise, if your main goal is advanced freediving or scuba diving, you might want to look for more intensive courses.
Final Thoughts
This Las Palmas Survival Apnea Course offers a well-structured, beginner-friendly introduction to freediving, emphasizing safety, technique, and understanding. For a modest price, you gain practical skills, valuable knowledge, and a new respect for what your body can do underwater. It’s a good choice if you’re curious about breath-hold diving, want to learn in a safe environment, and enjoy small-group settings.
Overall, it’s an engaging, educational experience that balances fun and safety—making it worth considering if you’re visiting the Canary Islands and looking to add a memorable water activity to your trip.
FAQs
Is this course suitable for non-swimmers?
No, participants must be able to swim comfortably to ensure safety and effective learning.
How long does the entire course last?
The full experience takes approximately 6 hours, including theory, pool, and open water sessions.
Are transportation and meals included?
No, transportation to the meeting point and meals are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transport and bring water and snacks if desired.
What should I bring for the course?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water to stay comfortable during the sessions.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Rescheduling depends on availability.
Is the activity suitable for children under 10?
No, the activity is not suitable for children under 10 years old, nor for pregnant women, or individuals with certain health issues.
What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak Spanish, English, and Italian, making communication accessible for most travelers.
In essence, if you’re looking for a safe, instructive, and fun introduction to apnea and freediving, this course offers a valuable experience. You’ll leave with new skills, a better understanding of your body, and the thrill of holding your breath in open water—all set in the beautiful Canary Islands.