Atlantis Freediving, Linda Paganelli and Lotta Ericson

Located in Tabaiba, approximately 14 km from Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Atlantis Freediving is a dedicated centre for those looking to master the art of breath-hold diving. The school is positioned just a short walk from the water, with its primary training site situated only 50 metres from the centre.

The location is ideal for focused training, as Tabaiba Bay provides a sheltered environment protected from heavy currents and swell. This allows for consistent practice in calm, stable conditions, making it a reliable base for both novice students and advanced freedivers.

The centre is led by Linda Paganelli and Lotta Ericson, providing a specialised focus on apnea and freediving disciplines. As an SSI-affiliated school, they offer a structured progression of courses designed to take a diver from their first breath-hold to professional instructor levels.

Instruction is conducted in English, catering to an international community of divers. The facility includes a private classroom for theory sessions, a dedicated relaxation area, and full amenities including showers and a kitchen to support long training days.

The curriculum is built around the SSI freediving progression, starting with the SSI Freediver course. For those looking to deepen their skills, the centre offers SSI Advanced Freediver, SSI Performance Freediver, and specialised modules such as the SSI Variable Weight Course.

Professional training is also a core component of the school, with the SSI Instructor Course available for those pursuing a career in apnea. The centre also facilitates training in specific disciplines including Apnea and No Limits.

The centre provides full kit hire for those not travelling with their own equipment. For long-term residents or students on extended programmes, daily rates for complete kit are available for those staying a minimum of 6 days.

On-site facilities are designed for comfort between sessions, featuring a large relaxation area, a private classroom, and full sanitary facilities including showers and toilets. For those staying on-site, the accommodation includes fully equipped kitchens, washing machines, and tumble dryers.

The sheltered waters of the bay are home to a variety of larger marine life, including Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), rays (Batoidea), and dolphins (Delphinidae). You may also encounter Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and various species of shark and ray passing through the area.

In the shallower sections, the ecosystem supports colourful reef fish such as Parrotfish (Calotomus), Damselfish (Pomacentridae), and Wrasse (Labridae). Schools of Bogue (Boops boops) and Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) are common, alongside various species of snapper and grouper (Epinephelus).

For those interested in macro life, the area offers plenty of opportunities to spot Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), various species of crab (Brachyura), and lobster (Homaridae). Look closely among the rocks and crevices for scorpionfish, sea anemone (Actiniaria), and various species of eel (Anguilliformes).

Tabaiba Bay is highly regarded for its calm surface and lack of significant currents, providing a stable environment for breath-hold training. The area is naturally protected from heavy swell, which helps maintain consistent conditions for divers.

While the sea remains relatively calm, divers should always be aware of local conditions. The bay's sheltered nature makes it one of the most reliable spots in Tenerife for consistent training throughout the year.