Las Palmas: Survival Apnea Course

Taking a freediving course can be a game-changer for anyone interested in exploring the underwater world with confidence and safety. The Las Palmas Survival Apnea Course offered by Ocean Freediving Lanzarote in the Canary Islands stands out as an engaging, practical introduction to breath-hold diving, blending theory with hands-on skills. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to refine your open water techniques, this six-hour experience promises a rundown paired with real-world rescue skills.

What makes this course particularly appealing are three aspects: its small group size of just four participants, the knowledgeable multilingual instructors, and the mix of theoretical learning and practical sessions in both pool and open water settings. You’ll get personalized attention, which is crucial when learning a skill that depends on safety, physiology, and technique.

However, it’s worth noting that this experience is quite physically demanding and requires participants to be able to swim comfortably. Also, transportation to Calle Alegranza isn’t included, so planning your arrival is up to you. This course is best suited for adventurous travelers, water enthusiasts, or anyone curious about freediving who values safety and proper technique over just trying it on a whim.

Good To Know

• Small group setting enhances personalized instruction and safety.
• Comprehensive curriculum covers physiology, physics, rescue, and open water techniques.
• Practical sessions in pool and open water build confidence and skills.
• Multilingual instructors cater to a diverse group.
• Focus on safety includes buddy supervision and rescue skills.
• Affordable price offers great value for a full-day, skill-building experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What is the Las Palmas Survival Apnea Course?

This course is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of freediving—a sport that combines breath-holding, physiology, and technique to explore underwater environments without scuba gear. It’s not just about holding your breath; it’s about understanding what your body undergoes during apnea and how to do it safely.

Led by Ocean Freediving Lanzarote, a provider with a reputation for quality instruction, the course emphasizes rescue skills and buddy supervision, which are essential for anyone interested in freediving at a serious level or simply enjoying water activities responsibly.

The cost of $150 per person is quite reasonable given the full-day itinerary, inclusive of theory, pool, and open water sessions. You’ll learn from instructors fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian, making it accessible for a broad international audience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point at Calle Alegranza

All activities begin at the Centro Deportivo Fariones inside Calle Alegranza. Meeting here ensures a central location and easy access, but note that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to make your own arrangements. The initial meet-up sets a relaxed but focused tone for the day, with instructors providing a brief overview before diving into the theory.

Theory Session – Laying the Foundation

The day kicks off with a theory session—a crucial part of understanding how and why freediving works. You’ll learn about physiology, like what happens to oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in your body, and physics, such as pressure changes underwater.

Participants often mention that this part is particularly enlightening: “We loved the way the instructor explained the physiology—making it easy to understand, even if you’re not a science buff.” Expect discussions on how to develop your breathing techniques, which are fundamental for increasing breath-hold time and comfort.

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Pool Session – Practicing Breathing Techniques

After the theory, you’ll move to the pool for breathing exercises. This is where everything starts to click—learning how to relax, slow down your breathing, and develop lung capacity. The small class size means you get personalized feedback, which is vital since breath-hold techniques are highly individual.

A reviewer commented, “The pool session was a game-changer—I finally understood how to stay calm underwater.” Expect to practice breathing control, lung packing, and relaxation techniques that will serve you in open water.

Open Water Preparation – Equipment and Physiology

Next, you’ll learn about the specific equipment used in freediving and how it contributes to safety and performance. You’ll also explore physiology and physics in a practical context, understanding how pressure affects your body and how to manage equalization—key skills for deeper dives.

This segment is especially valued for contextualizing what you’ll experience during the open water session. The instructors make sure everyone understands how to apply these principles safely.

Open Water Session – Putting Skills into Practice

The culmination of the day is an open water session, where you’ll practice your newly acquired skills in a real environment. This part allows you to test your breath-hold, apply rescue techniques, and practice buddy supervision under the watchful eyes of your instructors.

Participants have noted that the open water session helps solidify their confidence. It’s an excellent opportunity to see how the techniques work outside of a controlled environment, with some reviewers saying, “It was reassuring to have the instructor right beside me, guiding me through the process.”

What’s Included and What to Bring

Included in the price are theory, breathing, pool, and open water sessions. This comprehensive package offers incredible value, especially considering the focus on safety and skill development.

You are advised to bring essentials such as a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water. Since the activity is physically demanding, comfortable clothing and sun protection are recommended. Note that personal diving equipment isn’t included, so you won’t need to bring gear unless you prefer your own.

While transportation isn’t included, the location inside the Centro Deportivo Fariones makes it accessible from most parts of Puerto del Carmen. You’ll need to arrange your own travel to the meeting point.

The Experience in Practice

From practical accounts, many find this course to be more than just a lesson—it’s an eye-opener about what their bodies can do and how to do it safely. The small group size of four means instructors can tailor the experience, offering tailored feedback and ensuring safety at all times.

The course’s design by leading big wave surfers and freedivers hints at the focus on rescue and safety, which is often highlighted as a key benefit in reviews. The emphasis on buddy supervision means participants leave not only with technical skills but also with a mindset geared toward responsible freediving.

Participants also appreciated the multilingual instruction, making the experience accessible for diverse travelers and avoiding communication barriers.

Why This Course Offers Good Value

At $150, this course provides a well-rounded introduction to freediving that combines theory, practical skills, and safety training. It’s a full-day commitment but tailored to ensure you gain confidence and knowledge that could last a lifetime. The inclusion of open water and pool sessions makes sure that your learning isn’t just theoretical but grounded in real experience.

Compared to other water-based activities, this course’s focus on rescue and buddy supervision adds a layer of safety that’s often overlooked elsewhere. For anyone serious about safely exploring the underwater world—whether for recreation, fitness, or future diving pursuits—this program offers a solid foundation.

Who Would Benefit Most?

This experience is perfect for adventure travelers, water lovers, or those curious about freediving but unsure where to start. It’s especially valuable for anyone who enjoys learning new skills in a safe, small-group environment. The course is also suitable for those who want to understand their physical limits or improve water confidence.

However, it’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or people with heart problems or mobility issues, given the physical nature of the activities. Participants must be able to swim and be in good health.

FAQs

Is transportation to the activity location included?
No, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to Calle Alegranza at the Centro Deportivo Fariones.

What should I bring for the course?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water. Personal diving equipment isn’t necessary unless you prefer your own.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this course suitable for non-swimmers?
No, participants must be able to swim comfortably to safely participate.

What languages are available for instruction?
Instructors speak Spanish, English, and Italian, making the course accessible to a broad audience.

How long does the course last?
The activity is designed for six hours, but check availability for specific start times.

Will I get certification?
The description doesn’t specify certification, but you’ll gain valuable skills and knowledge applicable to future freediving.

What kind of rescue skills will I learn?
The course covers confined water rescue techniques and buddy supervision, emphasizing safety in open water.

Is this suitable for pregnant women or children?
No, the activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women or children under 10 years old.

Final Thoughts

The Las Palmas Survival Apnea Course offers a thoughtful, practical approach to freediving that emphasizes safety, technique, and understanding your body. With a small group environment, expert instructors, and a mix of theory and hands-on practice, it’s a fantastic choice for those eager to explore underwater breath-hold diving confidently.

This experience will appeal most to adventurous travelers and water enthusiasts who want a solid grounding in freediving fundamentals before venturing further. While it’s physically demanding, the focus on safety and personalized feedback makes it a worthwhile investment for anyone curious about taking their water skills to the next level.

If you’re looking for an authentic, comprehensive, and safety-conscious introduction to freediving in the Canary Islands, this course is worth considering. It promises not only new skills but also a deeper appreciation for what your body can achieve underwater.

You can check if your dates are available here: