Deep Focus: Freediving, Modeling & Photography Retreat
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
1 - 8 May 2026
An immersive retreat exploring freediving, underwater photography, and movement in the crystal-clear cenotes of Mexico, with two dedicated days shooting in the open ocean off Cozumel.
Join award-winning underwater photographer Brett Stanley and expert freediving instructor David Cobiella, founder of Aquatrek Expeditions, for a focused, small-group experience designed to build confidence, skill, and creative depth in some of the most visually striking underwater environments in the world.
This retreat blends structured training, guided dives, and hands-on creative sessions, giving you the time, support, and space to truly refine your underwater practice.
Location
Playa del Carmen
We will spend the majority of the retreat exploring the cenotes surrounding Playa del Carmen. These freshwater sinkholes are famous for their exceptional visibility, dramatic light rays, limestone formations, and calm conditions, making them ideal for freediving training and underwater photography.
Cozumel
Midway through the retreat, we transition to the Caribbean Sea for two days of boat and shore based ocean sessions off Cozumel. Expect vibrant blue water, depth, and scale, offering a very different creative and physical experience to the cenotes.
Who Is This Retreat For?
- Underwater models looking to build confidence, control, and portfolio-quality work in natural environments
- Photographers, from beginners to advanced, who want to learn underwater portrait techniques using both natural light and controlled lighting
- Freedivers or complete beginners who want to improve breath-hold, relaxation, and underwater awareness safely
- Creatives and adventurers seeking a focused week of learning, collaboration, and exploration
No previous freediving experience is required. This retreat is about learning, progression, and working together in the water.
What You’ll Learn
Photography & Underwater Modelling
- Underwater portrait photography fundamentals including composition, distortion, and working with light
- Directing and performing movement underwater with intention and control
- Posing, transitions, and breath timing for clean, expressive imagery
- Working with professional underwater camera housings, lenses, and lighting
- Shooting in cenotes versus open ocean and adapting technique to each environment
- Post-processing and image review sessions focused on colour, contrast, and refinement
Freediving & Breathwork
- Progressive freediving instruction
- Breath-hold techniques, relaxation, and mental control
- Efficient underwater movement, body positioning, and streamlining
- Safety protocols including buddy systems, blackout prevention, and rescue fundamentals
- Guided freedives tailored to individual ability levels
Retreat Highlights
Cenote Exploration
The core of the retreat takes place in the freshwater cenotes surrounding Playa del Carmen, known for their exceptional visibility, calm conditions, and dramatic natural light. With minimal current and stable temperatures, cenotes provide an ideal environment for freediving training, underwater modelling, and photography. Participants can focus on breath control, precise movement, and communication without the variables of open water, making them especially effective for skill development at all levels.
Cenotes also offer strong visual structure through limestone walls, caverns, and natural formations, along with incredible lighting due to the cave openings. These elements allow for deliberate composition, controlled posing, and repeated dives to refine technique. The slower pace of cenote days prioritises quality time in the water, safety, and thoughtful feedback, forming the technical and creative foundation for the later ocean sessions in Cozumel.
Cozumel Ocean Days
Boat Diving: Wrecks & Reef
A full day of boat-based diving focused on deeper reef structures and wreck sites.
- Guided boat access to selected wrecks and reef systems
- Open-water freediving techniques including depth control, descent lines, and current awareness
- Underwater photography and modelling sessions in blue water and structured environments
- Emphasis on scale, negative space, and working with ambient ocean light
This day is designed to expand confidence beyond the controlled cenote environment and introduce the challenges and creative opportunities of offshore ocean diving.
Shore Diving: Shallow Reef
A slower-paced day of shore-access dives on shallow reef formations.
- Easy-entry shore dives with extended bottom time
- Ideal conditions for relaxed breath-holds, movement work, and repeat photography passes
- Focus on fine control, proximity to reef, and working with texture, light patterns, and marine life
- Excellent environment for refining posing, transitions, and photographer–model communication
This day prioritises precision, comfort, and creative flow, offering a strong contrast to the previous boat day.
Workshops & Hands-On Training
Our program is designed to be interactive and dynamic, featuring a mix of:
- Freediving and breathwork sessions
- Underwater modeling and movement coaching
- Photography masterclasses and on-location shoots
- One-on-one coaching and feedback sessions
- Editing and post-processing workshops
Each session is designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring that you gain a well-rounded understanding of both freediving and photography.
Guided Freedive Adventures
David Cobiella, through Aquatrek Expeditions, will lead you on expertly curated freediving tours through these most breathtaking underwater locations. With our local guide’s deep knowledge of the area, you will gain exclusive access to some of the best diving spots, where you can practice your freediving skills in safe, controlled, and visually stunning environments.
Wellness & Relaxation
To complement the physical and mental demands of freediving and underwater photography, we incorporate wellness and relaxation sessions into the retreat, including:
- Yoga and breathwork sessions to enhance flexibility, relaxation, and breath control.
- Group discussions and reflection sessions to share experiences, insights, and inspiration with fellow participants.
Small Group Experience
Only 6 spots available!
To ensure an intimate and immersive learning environment, we limit the number of participants. This allows for personalized coaching, ample water time, and a supportive and collaborative atmosphere where you can refine your skills at your own pace.
Reserve your spot early with a deposit to avoid missing out on this one-of-a-kind experience.
Accommodation
Our base in Playa del Carmen offers a mix of private single and shared double-occupancy rooms, providing both personal space and a relaxed communal atmosphere throughout the retreat. The house is centred around shared living areas and outdoor spaces, with a pool and hot tub ideal for post-dive recovery, stretching, and unwinding at the end of each day.
With the beach within easy reach and plenty of space for group discussions and quiet downtime, the villa is designed to support both recovery and focused learning, making it an integral part of the retreat experience rather than just a place to sleep.
Retreat Schedule
Each day is carefully structured to balance training, adventure, creativity, and relaxation, ensuring a holistic and fulfilling experience. The full itinerary includes:
Day 1
Arrival, welcome session, gear checks, and orientation
Days 2–4
Cenote freediving, photography, and modelling sessions
Workshops and image reviews
Days 5–6
Cozumel ocean sessions
Boat-based freediving and photography
Day 7
Final cenote session, image review, closing discussion
Day 8
Departure
A detailed daily itinerary will be shared closer to the retreat.
What’s Included
Everything you need for a focused and comfortable retreat experience is included, allowing you to concentrate fully on training, creativity, and time in the water. Below is a clear outline of what is covered in the retreat fee, and what participants are responsible for arranging separately.
Included
- Shared accommodation during the retreat
- Local ground transportation throughout the retreat
- Ferry transfers between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch and light snacks on dive days
- Guided freediving, photography, and underwater modelling sessions
- On-location coaching and image review sessions
Not Included
- International or domestic flights
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure
- Dinners
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal freediving or photography gear rental
- Travel insurance and dive insurance (mandatory for all participants)
All participants are responsible for arranging appropriate travel and dive insurance prior to arrival.
Pricing & Registration
Full Retreat Price
$2799 shared/$3399 single occupancy
Early Bird Rate (before Feb 1, 2026)
$2599 shared/$3299 single occupancy
All prices are in US dollars
To reserve your spot, a 25% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration.
Payment Schedule
- Deposit (25%) due upon booking
- Second payment (25%) due March 2026
- Final payment (50%) due April, 2026
Only 6 spots available! Don’t wait — this retreat will sell out quickly
Finance via Affirm available
Join us for an unforgettable week of freediving, photography, and adventure. Whether you’re looking to develop your skills, push your limits, or simply immerse yourself in the magic of the underwater world, this retreat offers an experience like no other. We can’t wait to share this journey with you at Deep Focus: Freedive and Modelling Retreat!
Meet Your Coaches
David Cobiella
An experienced freediving instructor and founder of AquaTrek Expeditions, David is passionate about empowering participants to build confidence and safety underwater.
Brett Stanley
A globally renowned underwater portrait photographer with a unique ability to guide models toward creating unforgettable imagery.
Book Your Spot Today!
With only 6 participants, this retreat offers a highly personalized experience, making it the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.
