DeepZen

Located on the east coast of Raiatea, just one kilometre from the Uturoa waterfront, DeepZen focuses on the discipline of freediving and spear fishing. The school is positioned to provide direct access to the island's vibrant marine environments, emphasizing a technique rooted in relaxation and physiological control.

This is a centre designed for those looking to deepen their connection with the water through breath-hold diving. Whether you are looking for basic skill acquisition or professional career progression, the approach integrates physical training with mindfulness to ensure safety and efficiency underwater.

The instruction team is led by Adri, a professional freediving instructor and federal judge, and Coco, a sports educator and yoga instructor. This combination allows the centre to offer a holistic approach to diving, incorporating yoga and Pilates to improve breath control and body awareness.

Training is available for all ages, including dedicated AIDA Kids and Junior programmes. For those pursuing a professional path, the centre provides the necessary training to achieve AIDA Instructor status. The instructors guide students from their very first breath-hold through to advanced professional certifications.

DeepZen is an AIDA affiliated centre offering a complete range of freediving certifications. You can progress from AIDA 1 through to the professional Instructorat AIDA level.

For younger divers, the school offers AIDA Kids, Junior, and AIDA Dauphin programmes. The curriculum also extends to spear fishing and specialised training sessions for certified freedivers looking to refine their technique.

The centre provides full kit hire for your sessions, including fins, masks, snorkels, and wetsuits. This allows you to arrive without your own heavy equipment if you are just starting out or travelling light.

For those participating in training programmes or excursions, snacks and drinks are provided by the school.

The lagoon ecosystem is home to a diverse range of reef fish and larger pelagic species. You will regularly encounter various species of jacks (Carangidae), including bigeye jacks and bighead jacks, alongside diverse surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) and parrotfishes (Scaridae).

Larger residents include several types of sharks and rays. You may spot whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus), blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), and grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos). Various rays are also present, including leopard rays (Batoidea) and manta rays (Mobula alfredi).

In the deeper sections or near the passes, look for larger predatory fish such as groupers, barracudas (Sphyraena), and tuna (Thunnus). You might also encounter various species of mackerel (Scombridae) and emperor fish.

The lagoon is characterized by nine distinct passes that connect the water bodies. These passes are the primary areas for movement and can influence local water flow and currents.