Ocean Tigers freedivers training in Cabo San Lucas

AIDA & PADI certifications · Los Cabos, Mexico

Breathe.
Dive.
Discover yourself.

Learn freediving safely in the luminous waters of Cabo, backed by more than 25 years of experience.

25+years of experienceAIDA · PADIcertificationsEN · ES · FRlanguages
Certified training centerAIDA — International Association for the Development of Apnea
Explore

Our story

Born from a passion
for the deep blue.

Ocean Tigers grew from the meeting of two passionate freedivers and one shared belief: freediving can transform the way we belong in the ocean.

Benoit Frachet is one of the earliest AIDA instructors. Born in Nice, France, he began freediving in 1997, only a few years after AIDA was founded. His passion took him around the world to teach and share his experience. Now an Instructor Trainer, Ben brings decades of knowledge to Cabo San Lucas, from first dives to professional instructor education.

Michael Guild also fell in love with freediving while looking for serious training. In Cabo, he met Ben, then one of the few certified AIDA instructors in Mexico. A friendship formed, followed by a shared project: creating a place where everyone could learn, progress and feel at home in the water. Ocean Tigers was born.

Benoit Frachet with two young freedivers at the Horizontal Blue AIDA competition in Los Cabos
Since 1997Cabo San LucasAIDA Instructor Trainer
AIDAMeet your instructor

Find your depth

A course for every adventure

From your first breath to professional certification, progress at your own pace with personal instruction.

-10%
Come as a pair. Save 10%.Book for 2 people and receive 10% off every course.
Book now
AIDAorPADI

Our training can lead to AIDA or PADI certification, depending on your level, goals and selected program.

Choose my certification
Choose your course format

USD amounts are estimates; payment is charged in MXN.

Live MXN → USD reference rateUSD amounts are estimates; payment is charged in MXN.
Discovery
AIDA 1PADI Basic Freediver1 day

Discovery

Your first immersion, from theory to open water.

Program
  • Theory: breathing, relaxation and safety rules
  • 1 pool static apnea session
  • 1 freediving session: constant weight and free immersion
4,900 MXNDeposit 1,500 MXN
View this course
Advanced
AIDA 3PADI Advanced Freediver3–4 days

Advanced

Refine your technique and explore greater depth.

Program
  • 2 static and 1 dynamic sessions
  • 4 open-water sessions with progressive depth
  • Technique, relaxation, advanced safety and planning
9,900 MXNDeposit 3,500 MXN
View this course
Master Freediver (AIDA Assistant Instructor)
AIDA 4PADI Master Freediver3–4 days

Master Freediver (AIDA Assistant Instructor)

Master advanced techniques and deep-diving safety. First professional level.

Program
  • First professional level
  • 2 static and 2 dynamic sessions
  • 4 sessions: constant weight, free immersion and variable weight
  • FRC, mouth-fill, deep diving and advanced safety
12,990 MXNDeposit 4,000 MXN
View this course
Become an instructor
INSTRUCTOR8 days minimum

Become an instructor

Turn your passion into a profession with AIDA instructor certification.

Program
  • 8 theory sessions: teaching, standards and course management
  • 5 pool sessions: static, dynamic and supervised teaching
  • 5 sea sessions: depth, safety and practical assessment
26,990 MXNDeposit 8,000 MXN
View this course
Training
COACHING2 hours

Training

A personalized boat session to progress down to 50 meters.

Program
  • For certified or experienced freedivers
  • Goals, technique and depth adapted to your level
  • 2 hours of boat training with dedicated safety
2,490 MXNDeposit 800 MXN
View this course
First aid
PADI EFRHalf day

First aid

Practical CPR and first-aid training for Divemaster, Instructor and AIDA 4 paths.

Program
  • CPR and automated external defibrillator practice
  • Emergency assessment, first aid and practical scenarios
  • PADI eLearning required; available separately for 1,600 MXN
1,800 MXNDeposit 600 MXN
View this course
Freediving Kids
AIDA YOUTH3 mornings

Freediving Kids

Bronze, Silver or Gold Dolphin: safe underwater learning for ages 6–15.

Program
  • Child-friendly theory and a parent information session
  • 3 two-hour underwater activities over 3 mornings
  • AIDA Youth certification and snorkeling equipment included
5,800 MXNDeposit 1,160 MXN
View this course

Not sure which level is right for you? We will help you choose the best program for your experience and dates.

Ask us on WhatsApp

Special offers

Go further. Save more.

Combine several AIDA levels in one progressive training journey, from your first certification to Assistant Instructor or Instructor.

AIDA 4 + INSTRUCTOR freediving package in Cabo San Lucas04

AIDA 4 + INSTRUCTOR

-15% discount
Package price33,490 MXNDeposit9,990 MXN

Freediving equipment included

Ask about this package
Ocean Tigers instructor and freediving team

We come to you

Your location. Our expertise.

Bring Ocean Tigers training to your home, resort, club or private group. Our instructor can travel anywhere in Mexico and worldwide for courses, coaching and professional programs.

01

Anywhere in Mexico

Private courses and group programs organized at your preferred destination, subject to suitable pool and open-water conditions.

02

Anywhere in the world

International instructor travel for private clients, clubs, resorts and custom freediving programs.

Plan your training

See our upcoming dates.

Browse the Ocean Tigers calendar to find a suitable date. Your place is personally confirmed after choosing your course and paying the deposit.

Reserve a date
Time zone: Cabo San LucasPersonal booking details are not displayed.
Freediver descending on the line50 maccessible depth

Why Ocean Tigers?

You are not holding your breath.
You are letting go.

Freediving is not a struggle. It is calm, movement and the huge smile that greets you when you return to the surface.

01

Safety without compromiseAIDA protocols and instruction in small groups.

02

Exceptional teachingBenoit Frachet, among the earliest AIDA instructors.

03

A unique playgroundPool, beach and boat sessions in the Sea of Cortez.

Google reviews · Freediving

What freedivers say.

4.8★★★★★ · 211 Google reviews

Selected from 77 Google reviews that mention freediving.
★★★★★
“Ben is calm, experienced, intuitive, and fully present.”

Carolina P

★★★★★
“L’enseignement est adapté à chaque étudiant.”

Margot Chabert

★★★★★
“Ben is a world class freediving coach.”

Charlie de la Rosa

Read all Google reviews

Freediving course FAQ

Before your first breath.

Clear answers to the questions we hear most often about AIDA and PADI freediving training.

01Do I need previous freediving experience?+

No. Beginner programs are designed for people with no prior snorkeling or freediving experience. We will help you choose the right entry level before confirming your booking.

02Do I need to complete AIDA 1 before taking AIDA 2?+

No. You can begin directly with AIDA 2, as AIDA 1 covers the introductory portion of the AIDA 2 pathway. If you prefer a gentler first step, you can start with AIDA 1 and then continue to AIDA 2 without repeating what you have already completed; with Ocean Tigers, you simply pay the price difference.

03Do I need to be a strong swimmer?+

You should be comfortable in the water. Standards vary by course: AIDA 1 requires a continuous 100 m swim, while AIDA 2 and PADI Freediver generally require 200 m without fins or 300 m with mask, fins and snorkel. There is no race; control and comfort matter.

04What is the minimum age?+

It depends on the agency and program. PADI Basic Freediver begins at 12 and PADI Freediver at 15. Standard AIDA adult courses generally begin at 16 with parental consent, while the AIDA Youth program offers age-adapted learning from 6 to 15.

05Do I need a medical certificate?+

Every participant must complete the relevant medical questionnaire honestly. If an answer indicates a possible contraindication, medical clearance is required before water training. If you are unwell or unsure about your fitness to dive, consult a physician.

06Should I choose AIDA or PADI?+

Both are recognized freediving education systems with progressive levels, theory, confined-water and open-water skills. The best choice depends on your current certification, goals, future training and preferred learning pathway. We can advise you.

07How long does a certification course take?+

Introductory training may take one day. Full beginner and advanced certifications usually take several days, depending on the level, individual progress, weather and sea conditions. Certification is based on competence, not simply attendance.

08Are you flexible when scheduling our freediving course?+

Absolutely. We understand that many students are on vacation, working remotely or have other activities planned during their stay in Los Cabos. Whenever possible, we adapt the schedule to you. Your course does not have to be completed over three consecutive days and can be spread over several days or even a full week.

09What are the usual course hours?+

Pool sessions last approximately 2 hours and are usually scheduled between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Ocean sessions by boat last approximately 2 hours, with departures at 8:00 AM or 1:00 PM. Theory sessions last approximately 3 hours and are usually scheduled between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Whenever possible, these times can be adjusted to fit your schedule.

10How long does a typical course day last?+

A typical training day starts around 7:40 AM and finishes between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM, depending on whether a theory session is scheduled in the afternoon. Whenever possible, we arrange the first theory session on your arrival afternoon so you can make the most of your stay.

11Can I come directly from the airport to the theory session?+

Yes. Many students arrive in Los Cabos and join the theory session the same day. This is a useful way to save time and can allow you to complete the course with one less day of training. Let us know your expected arrival time in advance so we can plan accordingly.

12Should I read the course manual before arriving?+

Yes, if possible. Reading the manual beforehand will help you get even more from the course. If you do not have time, do not worry: we review all the theory together during the classroom sessions.

13What if I cannot hold my breath for long?+

That is normal for beginners. You learn relaxation, breathing, technique and safe progression during the course. You do not need an impressive breath-hold before starting.

14What if I have difficulty equalizing my ears?+

Equalization is a skill that improves with correct technique and patient practice. Tell your instructor immediately about discomfort. Never force equalization or continue descending with pain.

15Is freediving safe?+

Training focuses heavily on safety, buddy procedures, recovery breathing and rescue skills. Freediving must never be practiced alone. Depth and exercises are adapted to the student and conditions.

16Is equipment included?+

The equipment included depends on the course or package. Ocean Tigers confirms the wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel, buoy, boat and any additional costs before booking.

17Is certification guaranteed?+

Certification is awarded when the required knowledge, safety skills and performance standards are completed. If a standard is not yet reached, the instructor explains the next steps and any additional session that may be needed.

18Is my deposit refundable if I cancel my course?+

The deposit reserves your instructor, pool session, boat and training schedule. For this reason, deposits are non-refundable if you cancel. However, we are happy to transfer your deposit to a future course date, even if you need to postpone more than once.

19When can my deposit be refunded?+

Deposits are refunded only when weather or sea conditions make it impossible to conduct the ocean session safely, or when Ocean Tigers has to cancel the course because of circumstances on our side. We always do everything possible to ensure your course can take place safely and as planned.

20Do you offer accommodation?+

We do not currently offer accommodation, although we hope to provide this service in the future. Los Cabos has options for every budget, including hostels, hotels, resorts and Airbnb rentals. We are happy to recommend places based on your budget and preferred area.

Ocean Tigers team after a freediving session

Ready to dive in?

Your next adventure
starts here.

Tell us your level and your preferred dates. We will personally help you find the ideal course.

Choose how you would like to contact us

Visit us in Cabo

Ocean Tigers Freedivers

Find our freediving center in Cabo San Lucas and open the route directly in Google Maps.

Get directions
Book now