Aquacity Freediving

Located on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, Aquacity Freediving operates out of the well-established Porthkerris Divers facility. This location provides access to some of the most reliable shore diving in the United Kingdom, offering a variety of habitats from sheltered reefs to deeper marine conservation zones.

Since its founding in 2015, the centre has established itself as a specialist hub for freediving. While they cater to those looking for a single introductory session, their primary focus is on technical progression and professional development within the SSI framework.

The centre is led by national champion Georgina Miller and world-renowned photographer Daan Verhoeven. This leadership brings a high level of expertise to both the athletic and media-related aspects of the sport.

As an SSI Instructor Training Centre, the team is geared towards high-level instruction. They maintain a low student-to-instructor ratio, with a maximum of 8 divers per guide, ensuring personalised training for every student.

Beyond formal certification, Aquacity runs an active freediving club. This provides a structured environment for qualified and insured freedivers to meet regularly and practice their skills.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering the entire SSI freediving progression. Beginners can start with a Try Freediving session or the Freedive Pool Diver course, moving through SSI Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 certifications.

Speciality training is a core part of the curriculum, including the SSI Monofin Specialty, the SSI No-Fins Specialty, and Static Apnea. For those interested in more niche disciplines, they offer SSI Ocean Mermaid, SSI Mermaid, and even an SSI Underwater model and dance course.

As an Instructor Training Centre, they also provide the highest level of professional training, including SSI Freediving Instructor and SSI Mermaid Instructor courses.

The centre operates two well-equipped hard boats to access local dive sites. The 'Celtic Kitten' is utilised for local trips, while the 'Celtic Cat' is used for longer day trips to more distant locations.

These vessels allow divers to reach the Manacle Marine Conservation Zone, which is renowned for its wreck diving and diverse marine life.

Aquacity Freediving provides a complete range of equipment for hire. Whether you are starting your first course or travelling from abroad, all necessary kit is available on-site.

Being based at Porthkerris Divers means you have access to 5-star shore-based facilities to support your training and dives.

The local reefs and gullies are home to a variety of life, including jewel anemones, sponges, and various crustaceans. You will frequently encounter cuckoo wrasse and large shoals of bait fish during the summer months.

In the summer, the presence of bait fish can attract larger pelagics, including tuna and inquisitive seals. Basking sharks are also known to visit the area.

Between mid-July and the end of August, blue sharks can be spotted in these waters. The area is also a reliable location for seeing rays and jellyfish.

Macro life and smaller residents include a variety of sea anemones and diverse sponge species tucked into the marine architecture of the rocks.

The best time to dive in this area is during the summer months, from May to September. During this period, the ocean at Porthkerris is generally flat and calm, provided there is no easterly wind.

Shore diving at Porthkerris is highly accessible, with the site ranging from the shallows down to 18m on a high tide.