Apnea Balear

Located in the heart of the Sierra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Apnea Balear operates out of the port of Sóller. The centre was established in 2008 by director Juan Amengual, making it the first specialist freediving centre in the Balearic Islands and a long-standing pioneer for the discipline in Spain.

The coastal waters surrounding the Sierra de Tramuntana are known for being calm, transparent, and warm. This environment provides an ideal setting for both shallow snorkeling and deep freediving, with easy access to natural features like caves and rocky inlets.

The centre is built around a philosophy of technical progression and a deep respect for the marine environment. The team is comprised of experienced professionals who focus on high-level training for all stages of an apneist's development.

As an SSI affiliated centre, they provide internationally recognised certifications. The instruction covers everything from basic breath-hold techniques to professional instructor training, ensuring that students move through the levels with a solid foundation in safety and physiology.

Apnea Balear is a specialist training hub with a heavy emphasis on the SSI freediving curriculum. Their course catalogue begins with an Intro to Apnea and Apnea Basico, progressing through Freediver and Advanced Freediver levels.

For those looking to refine their technique, they offer specialised modules such as Monofin Displacement and Apnea Training. The centre also provides professional pathways, training students to become instructors at various SSI levels, including pool-based instructor training.

The centre operates a boat with a capacity for 11 people, allowing for small groups to head out to the surrounding marine reserves. These boat excursions can be booked as half-day or full-day trips, or as private charters for those looking for a more tailored experience.

For those looking for a more structured day, programmed excursions are available to key sites such as the Cabrera National Park. You can also opt for private excursions from the coast if you prefer to stay closer to shore.

For divers who prefer to travel light, the centre offers a full range of equipment hire. This includes masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits, with options for both one-piece and two-piece suits.

They also specialise in the sale of technical freediving equipment, providing personalised advice to ensure your kit is suited to your specific discipline, whether you are training for depth or performance.

The marine life in the Sóller and Cabrera areas is diverse, particularly within the protected reserves. In the deeper sections and around the rocky reefs, you can encounter various species of rays, including those found during visits to Palma.

The seabed and rocky outcrops are home to a variety of Mediterranean life. You will find various species of fish navigating the crevices and seagrass meadows that characterise the local coastline.

Macro life is a key interest for many visiting the area, with the calm, clear waters providing excellent conditions for spotting smaller inhabitants among the rocks and within the many natural caves and swim-throughs.

The best conditions for deep freediving, specifically for dives exceeding 30 metres, are found between June and October. For shallower disciplines and snorkeling, the waters remain accessible throughout the year.

The waters around the Sierra de Tramuntana are typically calm and warm, which helps facilitate the focus required for breath-hold training.