Las Palmas: Survival Apnea Course

If you’re thinking about trying freediving or just want to get a taste of what it’s like to hold your breath underwater, the Las Palmas Survival Apnea Course might be worth your attention. Offered by Ocean Freediving Lanzarote, this half-day experience is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of freediving in a safe, supportive environment. It’s tailored for those who want to understand the physiology and physics behind breath-holding, while also getting some practical open water skills.

What I really like about this course is that it isn’t just about holding your breath for a few seconds — it combines theory, pool practice, and open water sessions, giving you a well-rounded introduction. Plus, with a small group limit of just four participants, you’ll get plenty of personal attention and feedback. Another aspect I appreciate is the focus on rescue skills and buddy supervision — these are crucial safety components that aren’t always emphasized enough in beginner courses.

That said, this experience isn’t a full-fledged freediving certification or deep technical course. If you’re looking to become a serious freediver or plan to dive extensively, you’ll need additional training. Also, keep in mind that this is a physical activity that requires good health — so if you have pre-existing conditions, you’ll want to read the requirements carefully. This course suits travelers curious about freediving, those who want a safe intro, or adventure lovers who enjoy a challenge in beautiful surroundings.

Key Points

• Introductory experience with a focus on safety, physiology, and open water techniques
• Small group size ensures personalized guidance and feedback
• Comprehensive schedule includes theory, pool practice, and open water sessions
• Designed by experienced surfers and freedivers for safety and learning effectiveness
• Cost-effective at $150, considering the variety of sessions and expert instruction
• Suitable for confident swimmers but not recommended for children under 10 or pregnant women

You can check availability for your dates here:

What is the Las Palmas Survival Apnea Course?

This isn’t just a casual swim session — it’s a carefully crafted 6-hour course that covers everything from the basics of breathing techniques to rescue skills in open water. Designed by experts, including big wave surfers and seasoned freedivers, the course aims to give you a meaningful introduction in a safe environment. Whether you’re considering freediving as a hobby or just want to see how long you can hold your breath, this course offers a solid starting point.

You don’t need previous experience, but you do need to be able to swim comfortably. The course combines classroom learning, pool exercises, and open water practice, making it a dynamic and engaging way to spend a day in the Canary Islands. The price of $150 includes all sessions except transportation and personal gear, so it’s quite reasonable given what’s on offer.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included in your fee are the theory session, breathing exercises, pool practice, and open water session. These components are essential because they allow you to understand both the science behind freediving and how to apply it practically. You’ll learn how to develop your breathing and breath-hold capacity, and then practice these skills in real water.

Not included are transportation, meals, drinks, and personal diving equipment. This means you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point, inside the Centro Deportivo Fariones in Puerto del Carmen. When we looked at reviews, participants appreciated the clarity of what was included and noted that this flexible arrangement works well if you’re already exploring the islands.

The Itinerary: What’s the Day Like?

The day starts at Calle Alegranza — the meeting point inside the Centro Deportivo Fariones. Once assembled, the group heads into the theory session. Here, your instructor will explain the physiology and physics of freediving, along with breathing techniques that help increase breath-hold times. This part is crucial because understanding what your body goes through helps you stay safe and motivated.

Next, you’ll move to the pool for breathing exercises. This is where you’ll learn practical skills like diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation techniques, and how to develop your lung capacity. Many reviews mention how calming and empowering this part can be, especially for first-timers.

After the pool exercises, the group transitions to the open water. Here, you’ll learn about freediving-specific equipment and safety measures. The open water session is where you’ll put into practice what you’ve learned, with guidance from your instructor. Expect to practice breath-holding, buoyancy control, and rescue skills — all vital for safe freediving. The entire schedule is designed to balance theory and practice, making sure you feel confident before wrapping up the day.

What Will You Actually Learn?

• Breathing techniques to extend your breath-hold and improve comfort underwater
• Confined water rescue and buddy supervision skills, which are essential for safety
• The physiology and physics behind freediving, helping you understand what your body experiences
• Developing open water freediving techniques such as equalization and buoyancy control
• How to self-evaluate and ensure you’re diving within safe limits

The focus is on safety and understanding, so even if you’re not planning to go deep, you’ll come away with skills that could be useful in other water activities.

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Who Is This Course Best For?

This experience is ideal for curious travelers, adventure seekers, or anyone who wants to test their breath-holding limits safely. It’s perfect if you’re new to freediving or just want a structured introduction. Because it emphasizes rescue skills and buddy supervision, it’s also suitable for those interested in water safety — though it’s not a full certification.

It’s not recommended for children under 10, pregnant women, or anyone with heart problems, due to the physical nature of breath-holding activities. Participants need to be in good physical health and comfortable swimming.

How About the Experience?

Participants generally find the course well-organized and informative. The small group size — limited to four — allows for personalized feedback, which many reviews highlight as a strong point. The instructor speaks multiple languages, including Spanish, English, and Italian, making it accessible for international visitors.

The sessions are scheduled flexibly based on availability, so it’s worth checking the current timetable. The entire day runs about five hours with breaks, making it a manageable half-day commitment. The setting in the Canary Islands offers stunning backdrops, and many find practicing open water skills in such an environment both scenic and motivating.

Price and Value

At $150 per person, this course offers a lot for the price. It incorporates theory, practical pool work, and open water experience — all crucial steps for understanding freediving safely. For travelers already exploring Lanzarote or nearby islands, it’s a cost-effective way to add an exciting water activity to your itinerary. Plus, the emphasis on safety and rescue skills adds peace of mind.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

You’ll need to bring your own hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water. Since transportation isn’t included, plan ahead to reach the meeting point at Calle Alegranza inside the Centro Deportivo Fariones. Weather can influence the open water sessions — if the sea’s rough or conditions are poor, the schedule might shift or be canceled, so stay flexible.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re intrigued by freediving but don’t want to jump right into certification classes, this Survival Apnea Course offers a solid, safe introduction. The combination of theory, practice, and rescue training provides a rounded experience that can boost your confidence in the water. The small class size and experienced instructors make it a personalized adventure, and the setting in the Canary Islands can only make it more memorable.

This course is best suited for travelers who are healthy, confident swimmers, and curious about pushing their limits in a controlled environment. It’s also a good option if you’re interested in water safety or want to add an unusual, skill-based activity to your trip.

FAQ

Can I participate if I’ve never tried freediving before?
Absolutely. The course is designed as an introduction, perfect for those new to freediving or breath-hold activities.

Is this suitable for children?
Not for children under 10, as the activities require a certain level of physical development and comfort in water.

Do I need my own diving gear?
No, personal gear isn’t included, and it’s not necessary for this beginner-level course. All equipment needed for the sessions is provided.

How physically demanding is the course?
It’s accessible to most swimmers in good health, but participants should be comfortable swimming and in good physical condition.

What if the weather is bad?
Open water sessions depend on weather conditions. If the weather isn’t suitable, the instructor may reschedule or cancel the open water part for safety reasons.

Is there a certification?
This course provides foundational skills but not a certification. It’s more about gaining knowledge and confidence in freediving and rescue skills.

All in all, the Las Palmas Survival Apnea Course offers a practical, engaging way to dip your toes into the fascinating world of freediving. If you’re up for a challenge, want to learn safety skills, or simply love being in the water, it could be a memorable part of your Canary Islands adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: