In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration8 days
-
LevelAll levels
-
DestinationAmerica / Mexico
-
AgeFrom 18 - 55 years
-
CO₂-Emissions134.74 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIn a group
-
Languages
French
In a few words
Want to start freediving and discover the underwater world? What better way to train than in the heart of the cenotes of the Riviera Maya.
Heading to Mexico, the cenotes, and the Riviera Maya. Three days are planned, first in a pool and then in a cenote, to improve breath-hold duration and technique. The goal is to achieve a 2-minute static apnea and a breath-hold at a depth of between 12 and 20 meters.
But performance isn't really the focus; the goal is to discover the art of the sport, have fun, and stay safe on every run. And of course, there's the immersion in Mayan culture.
The highlights
-
Introduction to and advanced training in freediving techniques
-
In the pool for the technical aspects, then in the cenotes
-
Villa with swimming pool
Photos
Sport
Level
Freediving
In figures
Apnea
- Average duration/day: 4h
Management
French
Freediving instruction is provided by Julien, a certified instructor.
Program
-
Arrival day
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Check-in at Villa Quetzal from 6pm.
Day 1 -
During the stay
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 40kmper day
- Activity Apnea
- Duration of the activity 4h per day
- Accommodation Villa
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Day 2: Technical Day of Freediving in the Pool
Theory of apnea, breathing technique, stretching and static apnea in the pool.
Day 3: Technical day in the Cenote.
Introduction to techniques in a natural environment within a magnificent cenote.
Introduction to cenotes, a geological feature of the region.
Day 4: Cenote Day - Certification
Assimilation of techniques and attempts at personal records in a cenote.
Followed by a theoretical exam on the training.
Day 5 - Snorkeling & Cenote
Departure at 8:00 AM for a day exploring cenotes, snorkeling, and relaxing in these unique locations.
Snorkeling in the mangroves of Cenote Yalku allows you to observe the marine flora and fauna of this unique setting. The Yalku site is considered a true marine nursery and a lagoon for exploring both dry and wet cenotes. The second cenote of the day is completely different, offering a comprehensive overview of these geological formations.
Day 6 - Free day and rest day.
You can take the opportunity to stroll on the Caribbean beaches or go on one of the excursions offered as paid options on site.
This day could also be an opportunity to maintain the entire program if certain weather conditions do not allow the activity to take place on the scheduled day.
Day 7 - Chichen Itza.
Departure for the transfer at 7:15 am for the visit to one of the 7 wonders of the world: Chichen Itza.
On site, a local French-speaking guide will share the history of this unique place, an emblem of Mayan civilization in Mexico, and the secrets of its architecture. After a refreshing break in a cenote and lunch at a typical Mexican restaurant, head to the colonial city of Valladolid, with its churches and pastel-colored colonial houses. Return to the hotel is scheduled for around 7:00 PM.
The schedule for this program is provided for informational purposes only.
It may be subject to modifications or adjustments, depending on technical criteria, safety requirements, or current weather conditions. In this case, only UCPA supervisors are authorized to make the necessary decision(s).
From June to September, you have the opportunity to swim with the world's largest fish: the whale shark. A unique day, an extraordinary experience accessible to all. Additional cost applies.
Days 2 to 7 -
Last day
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After an intense and emotionally rich week, your stay ends around 12:30 pm.
The morning will be an opportunity to enjoy the villa one last time or take a final stroll around town, before check-out at 12:30.
Day 8
Note
Accommodation
Located in the residential area of Playa Del Carmen, away from the noisy tourist area.
You will appreciate its location, which is more immersed in Mexican life.
This villa consists of 12 bedrooms with bathrooms and air conditioning.
It was designed specifically for UCPA with spacious rooms, a swimming pool and living areas that promote conviviality.
Access
Go to the starting point
It takes 45 minutes to reach Villa Quetzal in Playa Del Carmen from Cancun airport.
You should expect to pay around $60 per taxi ride.
One week before your stay you will receive a welcome email where you can specify your transfer needs; we optimize the pooling of transfers.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Full board
- Freediving training (3 days)
- 1 day of discovery
- The sports coaching staff
- Sports equipment
- The transfer to sports activities
The price does not include
- International return flights + Transfer between the airport and the center
- Tipping: Note that tipping is very common in Mexico (sometimes the only source of income for some workers). Depending on your satisfaction with the service, expect to tip around €50 per week.
- Drinks (sodas, alcoholic beverages)
- Personal expenses and equipment
- Insurance and optional outings/excursions
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Sports equipment necessary for the proper practice of activities.
Clothing to bring
- A pair of sneakers ,
- Flip -flops ,
- A beach towel ,
- Your swimsuit ,
- A cap ,
- A sweater for any cooler evenings.
For those who wish, nautical booties may also be useful.
For your comfort, please plan accordingly:
- A small pharmacy with a few personal medications.
- Mosquito repellent for your jungle excursions.
The sun is very present in Mexico, but sunscreens are quite frowned upon, even banned in the cenotes .
Don't hesitate to bring a long-sleeved/lycra t-shirt to protect yourself from the sun.
They traveled with us
