Tenerife: Freediving Discovery Course - Who Is This Experience Best For?

Tenerife: Freediving Discovery Course

Tenerife: Freediving Discovery Course — A Deep Breath into the Underwater World

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater or wanted to test how far your lungs and mind can stretch, the Freediving Discovery Course in Tenerife offers a practical, approachable entry. Priced at $113 per person for five hours, this experience takes place on the sunny shores of Playa de Radazul, an ideal spot for learning and practicing in open water. Led by bilingual instructors from Apnea Chikabal, the course combines a brief theory session with a hands-on sea session, perfect for those with minimal swimming skills but a curious spirit.

What we love most about this experience is its focus on personal attention—the small group limit of just four participants ensures each person receives tailored guidance, which can significantly boost confidence. Plus, the emphasis on relaxation and mindfulness makes freediving more than just a sport; it becomes a journey inward, discovering how body and mind connect beneath the waves.

A potential consideration is the depth limit of 12 meters, which might feel modest to seasoned divers but is perfectly suited for beginners. Also, travelers should be comfortable swimming at least 200 meters, as this is a prerequisite.

This course is ideal for adventure seekers, mindfulness enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the underwater world who wants a safe, structured introduction without the need for prior experience. If you’re just starting out or looking for a meaningful, low-stakes way to explore freediving, this trip fits the bill.

Key Points

Tenerife: Freediving Discovery Course - Key Points

  • Accessible for Beginners: No prior freediving experience needed; minimal swimming skills required.
  • Personalized Instruction: Small groups ensure tailored feedback and increased confidence.
  • Holistic Focus: Teaches relaxation, breathing, and mindfulness alongside technical skills.
  • Beautiful Location: Radazul Beach provides a calm, scenic setting for learning.
  • Includes Equipment & Photos: All necessary gear, insurance, snacks, and memories included.
  • Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance and pay later for maximum flexibility.
You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Tenerife Freediving Discovery Course

Tenerife: Freediving Discovery Course - In-Depth Review of the Tenerife Freediving Discovery Course

Setting the Scene: Tenerife and Radazul Beach

Tenerife, one of Spain’s most cherished islands, offers a vibrant blend of volcanic landscapes and inviting coastlines. Radazul Beach, located on the island’s eastern side, is a quieter spot with clear waters and gentle currents—ideal for a beginner’s freediving class. The calm environment reduces stress, allowing newcomers to focus on their breathing and body positioning without battling strong waves or crowds.

The experience starts promptly at the designated starting location—generally Radazul Beach—where you’ll meet your instructor, who will be fluent in English, French, or Spanish. The instructor’s approachable demeanor immediately sets a tone of reassurance, which is important for confidence-building.

The Theoretical Introduction

The first part of the day is an informative 1.5 to 2-hour session. Expect to learn about the basics of apnea (holding your breath), including how to familiarize with equipment like masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, and weightbelts. The instructor will also introduce critical safety techniques such as the kidney blow and ear compensation—methods to equalize pressure in your ears, which is key to avoiding discomfort and injury.

We appreciated the clarity of the explanations: “Theoretical session was in-depth but accessible, making complex techniques understandable even for newbies.” This part helps you grasp how freediving differs from regular swimming, emphasizing relaxation and mindfulness as core principles.

The Practical Sea Session

Following the classroom, the fun begins in the open water. Over 2 to 2.5 hours, the instructor dives with each participant, providing personalized feedback—a crucial factor that helps you build trust in your own abilities.

Expect to practice breathing techniques aimed at maximizing your breath-hold capacity, which is essential for achieving your maximum depth of around 12 meters. The instructor will guide you through body positioning in the water, kick techniques, and buoyancy adjustments—all designed to make your dives smoother and safer.

An important highlight is the kidney punch (a quick technique to help break the water’s surface at the end of a breath-hold), often described as startling but effective. Many reviews remark how “the instructor’s hands-on approach really helped me feel more secure in the water,” which is vital for beginners.

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What You’ll Experience During the Course

  • Personal Equipment Use: You’ll get to familiarize yourself with fins, masks, snorkels, wetsuits, and weights, all included in the price. Having your gear properly fitted makes a noticeable difference in comfort and confidence.
  • Breathing & Relaxation: Learning to control your breath and relax in the water often leads to longer breath-holds—some students report reaching up to 30 seconds or more during their practice.
  • Water Techniques: You’ll practice fin kick and body positioning, essential for efficient movement at depth, along with ear equalization techniques to prevent discomfort.
  • Maximum Depth: The goal is to reach up to 12 meters, but even if you don’t, the focus is on gradual progress and understanding your body’s limits safely.

The Scenic and Social Side

Besides the technical learning, the course’s location offers stunning views of Tenerife’s coastline. The small group size fosters a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, where everyone can share their experiences and doubts. The included snack and local aperitif give you time to reflect and chat, turning the day into not just a lesson but a memorable social experience.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Many who have taken the course emphasize the personalized guidance and how it boosts their confidence. One reviewer mentioned, “The instructor was attentive and patient, making me feel safe even when I was nervous.” Others appreciated the combination of theory and practice, noting how the skills learned could be applied immediately in the water.

A common theme is that this course breaks mental barriers—many participants discover they can stay under longer than they thought possible, opening up new underwater adventures.

What Makes It a Good Value?

Compared to more advanced or certification-oriented courses, this discovery session offers a solid foundation at a reasonable price. It includes all necessary gear, insurance, photos, and videos, making it well-rounded. Plus, the flexibility to extend into a full Level I certification if desired adds further value.

Practical Tips for Participants

  • Wear comfortable clothes, bring sunscreen, and a towel.
  • Be prepared to swim at least 200 meters comfortably.
  • Fill out the medical and liability forms beforehand—safety first.
  • Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced swimmer; minimal skills are enough.

Who Is This Experience Best For?

Tenerife: Freediving Discovery Course - Who Is This Experience Best For?

This course suits beginners or those curious about freediving but hesitant to commit to a full certification. It’s ideal if you want a safe, guided introduction in a beautiful setting, with the bonus of photos to remember your first breaths underwater. If you’re comfortable swimming and eager to explore a new dimension of water sports, this experience will serve as an excellent starting point.

FAQ

Tenerife: Freediving Discovery Course - FAQ

Do I need prior freediving experience? No, this course is designed for beginners with minimal swimming skills.

What is the maximum depth I can reach? The goal is around 12 meters, but depth is not the main focus; safety and comfort are paramount.

Is it suitable for children? No, it’s not suitable for children under 16 years old.

What languages are instructors available in? The instructors speak English, French, and Spanish, accommodating a broad range of visitors.

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

What should I bring? Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and water—everything else is provided.

In sum, the Tenerife Freediving Discovery Course offers a welcoming, well-paced introduction to the calming yet exhilarating world beneath the waves. Whether you’re a bit nervous or eager to push your limits, this experience will give you a taste of freedom in the water, all while surrounded by Tenerife’s stunning coastlines. It’s a perfect choice for those wanting a safe, enriching aquatic adventure that combines skill-building with mindfulness.

You can check availability for your dates here: