5 Freediving Locations to Tick Off Your Bucket List in 2022

Jan, Sun 16th 2022

5 Freediving Locations to Tick Off Your Bucket List in 2022

Forget New Year’s resolutions that will, most likely, end up being forgotten. Plan a trip to go freediving instead. With amazing places like these, you won’t want to miss it.

From Europe to Central America, these are some of the best freediving locations to explore this year.

1. Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa - Cyprus

MUSAN, for short, was designed by British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor and opened recently in 2021. The underwater forest was designed by Taylor with the intention of being ecologically friendly while offering thought provoking art.

The statues are made from pH negative materials to avoid unwanted impacts on the environment. This also means that, over time, biomass and other life forms will be able to grow on and around the statues.

Located just 200 meters off the coast of Ayia Napa, the museum is accessible to snorkelers, freedivers, and scuba divers alike. Most of the statues rest approximately 10-15 meters below the surface. Snorkelers can observe from above, while freedivers are able to approach the statues for an up close and personal experience.

2. Laguna de Apoyo - Nicaragua

Laguna de Apoyo is the lowest point in Central America – no wonder it’s good for freediving. The center of the lake offers up to 200 meters of depth, with up to 60 meters accessible by a short swim from the shoreline.

During the rainy season (June – November), water conditions are glassy and close to immaculate. No waves and no current also make this the perfect place for depth training. The water temperature hovers around 28C all year, and visibility is up to 15 meters. When not diving, the relaxing atmosphere around the local hotels and restaurants makes you feel a million miles away from busy city life. So, have you booked your ticket yet?

3. Camotes Islands - Philippines

Located 63km east of Cebu City, the Camotes are still considered a hidden gem. The ferry ride takes roughly one hour, which is short enough to be convenient but long enough to keep the crowds away. This means you will essentially have the place to yourself!

With shipwrecks, caves, and coral reefs to explore, you’ll be wishing you could hold your breath for longer. On top of that, depth for training is unlimited, so you have the best of both worlds combined. Our friends at Camotes Freediving are making the most of this dreamy location, so be sure to drop by for the best tips and advice for freediving in the area.

4. Deep Dive Dubai - United Arab Emirates

This dive location will be sure to knock your fins off with a combination of depth and epic style. Deep Dive Dubai is officially the world’s deepest indoor pool at 60 meters. But it’s not just 60 meters up and down with plain walls. It’s far from that.

Beneath the surface, the pool is transformed into a sunken city complete with different rooms and levels to explore. Find everything from a pool table and library to cars and trees that climb up the walls. You’ll never want to come back to the surface after diving here!

5. The Cenotes - Mexico

How is it possible to not mention the cenotes when listing beautiful places to dive? With various depth and stellar photography opportunities, the Cenotes are a great place for fun diving, photoshoots, and training alike.

Situated around the tourist hotspots of Tulum and Playa del Carmen, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the number of freediving schools available. Luckily, our friends at Amancay Freediving have years of experience and will ensure your trip to the Cenotes is an unforgettable one.


Nicaragua’s Top Spearfishing Spots

Jan, Sun 16th 2022

Nicaragua’s Top Spearfishing Spots

Experience spearfishing Nicaragua at some of the best spots in the country.

Nicaragua has been deemed “Costa Rica 10 years ago,” and that goes for spearfishing, too.

There are bountiful places along Nicaragua’s Pacific coast for spearfishing, when you know where to look. Here are some of our top spots.

San Juan Del Sur

Besides being known for its famous Sunday Funday and surfing, San Juan also boasts great spearfishing. Being one of the more tourist-oriented towns in Nicaragua, finding a company to take you spearfishing is pretty easy.

Head down to the main road and there are plenty of companies to take you out spearfishing.

Although it’s convenient to have areas for both spearfishing and surfing in close proximity, large surf generally goes hand-in-hand with significant water movement. Before you head out with your freediving buddy, be sure to check in with the local dive shop or someone who is familiar with these conditions.

Being caught in a current, changing tide, or rough water can put both you and your buddy at risk. The more you know about where you’re freediving, the safer you will be.

Popoyo

Just a few hours north of San Juan del Sur is Popoyo, another epic surf location and spearfishing spot. If the waves aren’t good, see if you can head out for some spearfishing to catch your dinner. Most areas are accessible by boat, or are just a short swim from the shore.

El Transito

Less known is El Transito, on the Pacific Coast about an hour and a half from Managua. Just past the break, there is a reef where many people go spearfishing. The visibility is not fantastic, but it is an easy swim from the shore.

Can also check out Free Spirit Hostel for yoga, great food, and surf lessons.

(Not) Little Corn Island

Despite seeing various videos and articles scattered across the internet, it is actually illegal to spearfish on Little Corn Island. As a general reminder, please respect local law and do not go spearfishing.

Laguna de Apoyo

Okay, so there really isn’t much to catch here except for a few stray Tilapia. But, if you want to learn how to extend your breath hold, work on your diving skills, or enhance technique, this is your place. Centrally located from Managua, Popoyo, or San Juan del Sur, Freediving Nicaragua offers a variety of courses or training sessions designed to help you step up your spearfishing game.