Blackfin Freediving

Blackfin Freediving is a specialised training centre located in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. Since its establishment in 2015, the school has built a reputation centred on technical expertise and an artistic approach to the underwater world. The founder, Pepe Salcedo, is an oceanographer, freediving coach, and professional underwater photographer.

The centre is defined by its high level of performance, holding numerous national and continental depth records. This competitive pedigree informs their teaching, ensuring that every student receives instruction rooted in proven safety protocols and physiological understanding. Whether you are looking for a single guided experience or a structured path to professional certification, the focus remains on progressive skill acquisition.

The team is composed of experienced instructors and competitive freedivers, many of whom hold medical training or specialised certifications in mermaid freediving. This diverse expertise allows the centre to offer a wide spectrum of experiences, from technical depth training to creative underwater photoshoots.

Instruction is student-centred, prioritising environmental awareness and local knowledge of the Mexican waters. The teaching methodology is designed to be progressive, moving from fundamental breath-hold skills to advanced depth and specialty techniques. This ensures that even those new to the discipline can build confidence in a controlled and professional environment.

As an SSI affiliated centre, Blackfin offers a comprehensive curriculum of freediving courses. Beginners can start with the Minimum Freediver programme, progressing through the SSI Freediver and SSI Advanced Freediver certifications. For those looking to push their limits, the centre provides 'First' Freediver Depth, 'Second' Freediver Advanced, and 'Maximum' Freediver Masters certifications.

Specialised training is also available, including the Bubble Ring Specialty Certification and dedicated depth training sessions. For those pursuing a professional career, the centre offers the SSI Freediving Instructor Level 1 path. Beyond pure depth work, the school provides unique experiences such as Mermaid Freediving and DRY Spearfishing classes.

The centre provides a full range of freediving kit for hire, allowing you to experience the discipline without committing to a full set of equipment immediately. For those looking to capture their progress, the team also provides high-quality underwater photography and video services.

For specific excursions, such as the shipwreck exploration in Cozumel, transport is provided from the city centre to the beach. These trips often include specialized equipment such as floats, lines, and lanyards to ensure safety during the dive.

The local waters are home to a diverse array of pelagics and reef life. During the appropriate seasons, you may encounter Humpback whales between August and September, as well as seasonal visits from sailfish and whale sharks. You might also spot Manatees during their local encounters.

On the reef and around the cenotes, look for a variety of colourful fish including Parrotfish (Calotomus), Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), and various species of Angelfish (Pomacanthidae). Schools of Jack (Carangidae) and various Snapper (Lutjanus) are common, alongside sightings of Grouper (Epinephelus) and Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda).

Macro life and smaller inhabitants are abundant for those observing closely. You can find Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), various Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), and several types of crustaceans, including Spiny lobster (Palinuridae) and Shrimp (Caridea). The seabed is often decorated with Sea anemone (Actiniaria), various Sponges (Porifera), and Hard coral (Scleractinia).

The region offers warm water environments, typically ranging between 24°C and 30°C. While the water remains relatively stable, divers should be prepared for the specific conditions of the cenotes compared to the open ocean. Seasonal shifts in marine life and weather patterns are factored into the centre's expedition planning.