FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Private expeditions are tailor made. Simply email us the number of people, your desired destination, and the number of days. If you have any preference for a specific activity (for example including freediving training, spotting a specific animal or choosing glamping vs hotel) let us know. We will create the ultimate dream vacation for your group!

To pay a private expedition we can create a special link for you to add your credit card details with a 4.2% fee. If you want to minimize fees and get the best exchange rate available, you can pay via wise transfer app to the account: valentinafreedive@gmail.com Email us for more information to apneafreefallacademy@gmail.com

For freediving courses, tours or expeditions. Click book now on the button of your desired activity booking. Make sure to add quantity according to the number of people for that booking, as well as the date you choose for the activity.
For different payment methods check next question.

DEPOSIT

A 50% deposit is required for courses and tours to secure your spot. For expeditions, an approximate deposit of $500 USD is needed to reserve your place.

FINAL PAYMENT

The remaining balance can be paid in cash on the day of the activity, and we appreciate cash payments. If you plan to pay by credit or debit card online or through the Wise Transfer App, the payment is due 30 days before the tour date or 60 days before the start date of the expedition.

TO BOOK WITH A DEPOSIT:

Credit/Debit Card Online

We use stripe as a secure and international way to accept payments. Just click on the book now button for your desired activity and pay fast and easy. All online payments are subject to a 4.2% fee. With this method you will pay a deposit to secure your spot, the rest can be paid the start day of your course/tour/expedition.

Wise Transfer App

To minimize extra fees, you can pay us the deposit or full amount of your course/tour/expedition via wise transfer app. Create an account here in 5 min. Send to valentinafreedive@gmail.com and then send us an email with your name, chosen course/tour/expedition and date.

Yes, we offer installment payments for credit or debit card payments. Besides the 4.2% transaction fee, there is an additional fee:

3 months: 5%

6 months: 7.5%

9 months: 10%

12 months: 12.5%

If you want installment payments please send us an email to set it up.

Hacemos un 10% de descuento que aplica a todos los tours/cursos/expediciones. Para que aplique el descuento, el pago se hace mediante el código para retiro sin tarjeta. Depósito del 50% para tours y cursos; y 30% para expediciones. Mándanos el código, el número de personas y la fecha deseada. El resto del pago se hace de la misma manera o en efectivo.

Wildlife Policy applies to all activities.

Commitment to Natural Environments and Wildlife

At Freefall Academy, we operate in natural environments and work closely with wild animals. Our tours and expeditions are carefully designed to coincide with the seasonal migrations of these animals, particularly during periods when they are most likely to be present in lower areas.

Ethical Considerations

While we strive to create the best possible opportunities for wildlife encounters, we cannot guarantee any specific sightings. It is not ethical to promise interactions with wild animals, as their behavior is unpredictable and influenced by many factors. However, we want to assure you that the likelihood of encountering wildlife during our tours is extremely high due to our careful planning and knowledge of animal migration patterns.

Respect for Wildlife

We prioritize the well-being of the animals we observe. Our guides are trained to respect wildlife and adhere to ethical practices. We do not engage in any behavior that may harass or disturb animals in their natural habitats. The nature of our interactions will depend on the behavior of the animals we encounter, and we will always prioritize their comfort and safety.Thank you for understanding our commitment to responsible wildlife tourism and for joining us in preserving the beauty of nature.

Laws 

We follow mexican laws and codes of conduct that dictate interaction with wildlife.

Read here our full privacy policy

Payment Policy

A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm the reservation. The remaining balance is due at least 60 days prior to expedition start date. We encourage you to confirm the reservation as soon as possible in order to guarantee availability and price. Price may change if accommodation is no longer available. Reservations are confirmed once we receive the initial deposit.

Commission fees from banks or apps are not included in the price. Wise App transfer (about 1-2%), Online credit or debit card payment (4.2%), Wire transfer (around 50 usd).

Refund Policy

We are working with nature and wild animals. We do our very best to pick the best location, operators and dates to have better odds of finding and interacting with wildlife, but those are not guaranteed. Our interactions will always be respectful and dictated by the animals.

Weather cancelations, flight delays, sickness (including covid) or any other issue may impact your travel. We highly suggest getting a trip and dive insurance for protection against these kind of events. There are no refunds for lost days due to weather cancelations, trip delays, injury or equipment issues.

Private expedition payments are non-refundable.

Other Important Information

We highly suggest getting a trip and dive insurance for protection against any kind of events.

You will receive a document with all the specific terms and conditions of that expedition.

Weather cancelations, flight delays, sickness (including covid) or any other issue may impact your travel. We highly suggest getting a trip and dive insurance for protection against these kind of events.

We strive to provide an exceptional experience, but sometimes, unforeseen circumstances may necessitate cancellations. We want to ensure clarity and fairness in our cancellation policy. Please read the following details:

1. Cancellation Due to Weather Conditions:

• In the event that we need to cancel your scheduled day trip or course due to adverse weather conditions we will reschedule your day trip or course for the closest viable date set by Freefall Academy. If you can’t make this new date no refund will be issued.
• In case you can’t attend the course due to flight cancellations, no refund will be issued. In the case of Day Tours only you can send us an email us to ask for an exception. If our operation allows it you may be eligible to reschedule.

2. Guest Cancellations:

• If you wish to cancel your booking:
  • You are eligible for a full refund if the cancellation is made at least 60 days in advance of your scheduled session.
  • If the cancellation is made after the 60-day window, no refunds will be provided.
  • In the event of a guest-initiated cancellation, we will make every effort to resell your reserved spot. If we are successful in reselling your spot, you will receive a refund. However, if we are unable to resell the spot, no refund will be issued.

3. Minimum Participants:

• A minimum of people is required for each tour or course. In the event that we need to cancel due to insufficient participants, you have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund (minus commission fees in case it applies). We will let you know with 7 days notice if we have to cancel due to minimum participants for freediving courses and 1 day notice for day trips.
  • For Gray Whale Watching Tour minimum participants is 2 people.
  • For Freediving Course minimum participants is 4 people.
  • For Mobula Safari minimum participants is 3 people.
  • For Ocean Safari + Freedive Training minimum participants is 3 people.

4. Travel Insurance Recommendation:

• We highly recommend that all participants consider purchasing travel insurance to safeguard against any unexpected issues or cancellations. Travel insurance can provide you with financial protection in the event of unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt your travel plans.

Prior to booking a trip with us we ask you to please read our terms and conditions. When you book your deposit you are accepting our terms and conditions.

Our cancellation policy is designed to be equitable and responsive to various circumstances. We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to ensure your safety and the best possible experience at Freefall Academy.

Both AIDA 1 (Freedive Discovery) and AIDA 2 are beginner courses that do not require any prior freediving experience.

Differences Between the Courses:

• Theory Content: AIDA 1 covers the fundamental concepts necessary for safe freediving and provides a basic understanding of the sport. AIDA 2 includes all the topics from AIDA 1, along with additional material for a deeper theoretical understanding.
• Course Length: AIDA 1 lasts 1-2 days, while AIDA 2 spans 4 days.
• Practice Sessions: AIDA 1 consists of 1 theory session and 1 pool session, plus an optional depth session if you choose option 2. Day 1 focuses on theory and static apnea, and Day 2 is dedicated to depth practice. In contrast, AIDA 2 includes 2 theory sessions, 2 pool sessions, and 3 depth sessions. Day 1 covers theory and static apnea, Day 2 includes theory and dynamic apnea, and Days 3 and 4 are focused on depth training.
• Certification Requirements: AIDA 1 has no performance requirements for certification, while AIDA 2 requires a 2-minute static breath hold, a 40-meter dynamic swim, and a 12-meter depth dive.
• Pricing: AIDA 1 costs between $4,000 and $6,000 MXN (depending on whether you choose option 1 or option 2), while AIDA 2 is priced at $8,950 MXN.

Conclusion:

We recommend AIDA 1 for those who want to try freediving without a significant commitment of time or money. This course will equip you with essential skills to enhance your snorkeling experience, typically allowing dives to depths of 5-10 meters, and sometimes even deeper. AIDA 2 is better suited for individuals who feel comfortable and confident in the water and are not easily anxious in the water. While no prior freediving experience is necessary, you should be at ease on the surface. This course will help you gain confidence in freediving to depths of 5-20 meters.