30th Nov - 7th Dec 2024
📍 Yucatan, Mexico
👫 Maximum 6 guests
🤿 No certifications required
🛏️ See all inclusions here
Starting from 2400 CHF
Dive into..
Immerse yourself into the Mayan culture both above and below the water.
A week diving in the hidden cenotes of Yucatán, visiting Mayan ruins (of course we cannot miss one of the 7 wonders of the world) and breathing one of the most colorful atmospheres in the world, while indulging in tasty food and great drinks.
For those of you who don’t know: cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with fresh water, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock, revealing hidden pools of crystal-clear water beneath the surface.
Fascinating but full of mystery and magic at the same time, the cenotes are the most beautiful gems of the Yucatán Peninsula. Sheltered by the jungle, taking a swim in a cenote isn’t just an adventure—it’s a journey into the depths believed by the Mayans to be gateways to the underworld. And trust us, you’ll feel it!
We will also explore the Ría Celestún Biosphere Reserve by boat: countless species of birds are found here and, among mangroves and crystal clear waters, hundreds of pink flamingos breed, creating a real sight for the eyes.
This won’t be your average tour of Yucatan. During this week you’ll be able to appreciate the culture and magic of the people living there today as well as the Mayans who lived there centuries ago.
Highlights
Accommodation
Fully embrace local life by staying in authentic Mexican accommodations.
In the first part of the week we will stay in a boutique Mexican hotel, nestled in the heart of Valladolid. Then we will move to a villa in Mérida’s historic center, which will host us for the following days of our adventure.
Both buildings combine historical elegance and luxury with lush gardens, spacious rooms, and huge outdoor environments, promising a truly memorable stay.
Forget youth hostels: we are also going to have a swimming pool 😉
Accommodation options include rooms with double occupancy (single double bed or twin beds when available), all fully equipped with WiFi and air conditioning. All rooms have en-suite private bathrooms.
We will pair up participants in the shared rooms based on sex, age and interests, to make it the best experience for everyone! Single occupancy is not available.
*Photos are a mix of both accommodations
Program
30th Nov - Arrival
We will be welcoming you at our accommodation in Valladolid on Saturday, anytime after 2pm. After a refreshing drink you can start checking into your room. If everyone arrives on time, we will have the first dinner together to start knowing each other.
1st Dec - First Cenote 👀
Ready to dive into our first cenote? After a short briefing we start our activities for the day: all we can tell is that during these days you will experience the best and most mystical cenotes in the whole Yucatán. We will dive -literally and metaphorically- into the Mayan culture. Please have your camera ready under and above water, it will be worth it.
2nd Dec - Chichen Itzà 👑
Today is gonna be a big day, so better arrive refreshed and rested: if you cannot wait to check one of the 7 wonders of the world, Chichén Itzá, off your bucket list, you are in the right place as this will be there first activity of the day.
We will then chill in a nearby cenote and have lunch before heading to Ciudad Amarilla (yellow city), a small jewel that blends colonial architecture and Mayan ruins: the blue sky and the intense yellow of its buildings create a wonderful contrast for the eye (and for our pictures!).
After the activities we will head to Mérida aboard our van, to arrive at our second accommodation for the week.
3rd Dec - Flamingoes 🦩 & Beach 🏝️
Ria Celestun Biosphere Reserve is today’s highlight: we are going ride a boat through a mangrove forest to spot the colonies of pink flamingos and tons of other native and migratory birds.
Lunch on the beach and a good swim in the ocean, will be the icing on the cake of this perfect day.
4th to 6th Dec - Secret Cenotes 🤫 & Mayan Local Culture 🌮
Our adventure continues, diving into hidden cenotes, exploring Mayan archaeological sites and traditions, soaking up mesmerizing sunsets, and indulging in guacamole & ceviche paired with margaritas, all wrapped in endless fun amid lush vegetation.
During these days there will be plenty of chances for Freediving and Underwater Photography Workshops with the whole group, also thanks to the help of Francesca and Alberto, freediving instructors and our co-hosts of this trip.
We will also be experiencing the real Mayan culture as some local Mayan families will host us in their homes for home-cooked tasty meals made the traditional way!
Scuba diving day: one day will be dedicated to scuba diving! Everyone will get a chance to try scuba diving, certified divers will have the opportunity to explore a little deeper in one of the most amazing cenotes and its magical plays of light and reflections.
7th Dec - Departure
After our last breakfast (did we mention we will have a cook preparing our breakfasts every day?), we will pack our bags and, and visit the beautiful city of Mérida. Then we will head back to the Airport for everyone’s return flights home.
What's Included
Reviews By Our Guests
Vittoria
“On this journey I have amplified the connection with other people. People I didn't know, that I had never seen before. I left not knowing who to expect. Everything was born in a natural, harmonious, clean, simple way. People, like me, passionate about my own things, able to get excited about the same things I got excited about. It is a kind of feeling and energy that only those who connect can understand it. It's strong, it's pure, it's solid."
Maurizio
A wonderful experience that I recommend to everyone who loves dolphins and the sea!
You give up a little comfort in exchange for excitement, unforgettable moments and close encounters with dozens and dozens of dolphins! The group was fantastic and there was an immediate spontaneous connection and friendship that made the vacation even more special.
The helpfulness, kindness and enthusiasm of Carlo and Miki then helped make it all special and unforgettable! A heartfelt thank you for giving us the opportunity to live an experience that will remain forever in our hearts and in my memories!
Veronica
"The retreat organized by Carlo and Micky was more than a diving trip to the Maldives. It was an experience, an emotional and personal journey. It made it possible for me to improve my skills in the water, to enjoy the wonders that only the ocean can give you, to consolidate that magical bond between me and nature and to create new bonds with amazing strangers, where each of them brought passion, joy, lots of laughter and shining eyes full of wonder and emotion."
Sarah
“Thanks for making this trip so wonderful and a safe place for us!!! I will repeat it over and over again, this trip was truly magical and unforgettable. Thank you thank you thank you!
❤✨🤟”
Christian
These retreats 🥰 I can't wait for the next one 🥹
Marie
“Thank you for organising an absolute dream of holidays! Couldn’t have wished for better than this! Love you guys!!”
Loredana
I absolutely loveeed this trip! Its a dream coming true. You're in paradise and having the best time of your life and see so many animals! It was insane, every day we saw different animals and had different experiences outside & under water!
The workshops are a PLUS for this trip we learnt a lot about freediving, underwater photography and editing! Carlo & Miki made it really special & super personal, they cared for every single one of us - no matter if it's about seasickness, fears or camera problems! Would absolutely recommend and doing it again! 😍
Marius
From an organising point of view, it was super smooth! Transfers, activities, everything! I also loved the underwater places a lot, probably I wouldn’t have found most of them, only knew about Sataya Reef before this trip.
Loved that we also got to practice scuba, although unintended, seems like we need to practice a little more of it and this came at the right time. Also liked the photography and freediving workshops, it made the trip different from other group trips.
Veronica
"The reality is that beyond defining it all as ‘wonderful', finding the exact words is really difficult...it was all a matter of emotions and hearts, because yes, these two guys here put their hearts into this retreat and you could feel it all. I will never be thankful enough to them for the gift they gave me, for the courage they lent me in stepping out of my comfort zone, for the hugs, the laughter... from the beginning to the end, all wonderful.
And you, are you still thinking about it?
Book that flight, trust me, you won't regret it 💙 "
Vittoria
"I'm happy to have stepped out of my comfort zone to realize what I imagined, to give it real proof and believe even more in myself and in my thoughts, in what I feel and believe.
There is satisfaction in saying: you were right. And I was in fact right in believing that there are reasons that drive people to connect with each other by merging their life paths because one's aura is on the same wavelength. With people like this you don't have to struggle to prove who you are, because it's as if they already know you, and it's beautiful because it's like feeling at home. The most intense and craziest experience of my life, a trip I will never forget, looking forward to the next one!”
Katrin
“The Retreat in the Maldives by Bonny and Gava was a lifetime dream come true. At just 20 years old I was visiting the paradise. The Hotel and their food was great, the staff was very courteous and the rooms clean and with AC. On the organised day trips I could freedive with whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and nurse sharks. I learned to improve my breathing and equalise technique in their workshop as well as editing underwater pictures. The organisation was so smooth and we were bonding quickly with the other retreat guests and even learned how to sign dolphin and our names in sign language. Overall it was an amazing experience I will never forget and be forever grateful for.”
Mixed comments from our clients
Loved every second of every day!
One of the best trips I've ever taken, thank you so much for creating this magic.
We were so blessed with magical moments every day!
The most beautiful and intense experience of my life. Thank you Ocean and thank you @bonnyandgava for helping me fulfil this wish 🫶🏻 I love you so much
Thank you for organising an absolute dream holiday, couldn't have wished for better than this!
Memories we will have for a lifetime
Sara
I would say that the trip far exceeded expectations.
We definitely got lucky with the weather and the dolphins and the group was really great so I had a really good time🥰 (translated with Deepl)
Noël
Miki and Carlo, thank you for the wonderful trip I was able to have with you all! I am infinitely grateful for what you organised and all of the work you put in! I will never forget this trip and it has a permanent place in my heart! What you can achieve with your trips is simply amazing. Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart for the great time! And we will definitely see each other again! 🙏🏼❤️
Carolina
This retreat was an amazing experience! Highly recommend to everyone who loves the ocean and its underwater life: we swam with sharks, manta rays, turtles and hundreds of colorful fishes. Dhigurah Island is a tropical paradise, the hotel, food and all accommodation were great. Miki and Carlo are so kind and took incredible photos and videos of every magic moment.
Auriane
The trip was absolutely amazing on all accounts and will stay forever in my memory. I'm used to traveling solo and you definitely convinced me to try group trips more often. It was great to share memories and I'm so happy I was able to make new like-minded friends ☺️ The organization was perfect, everything went super smoothly and i liked that you were able to reorganize some parts of the trip to fit the group, the weather conditions, the Ramadan, etc. And of course, you were always super attentive to our needs and our comfort. All in all, thank you so much for this unforgivable experience. I was so glad to meet you in person, you are both very beautiful persons and I really hope to share more trips with you guys 🥰
Emmeline
Thanks you so much for this trip in Maldives ! It was amazing. The organisation was perfect between transfert and excursion. Thanks you so much to share with us your passion for the ocean. If you are an ocean lover, this retreat is for you !
The workshop about freediving and photographie was great!
Get a feel
Watch a playlist of our best videos we created about the cenotes and the Yucatan 🇲🇽 to get a feel of what you can expect from this trip 😎
Pricing
CHF 2'400 pp
ROOM ARRANGEMENTS: Double bed with private bathroom or (if available) twin bed with private bathroom.
We will pair up participants in the shared rooms based on sex, age and interests to make it the best experience for everyone! Single occupancy is not available.
Our goal is to offer a closed package deal. Unless you have some particular or special requests, once you have paid for this deal, the transfers from/to the airport and the few meals not included, it is unlikely you will have to spend large amounts of money during this trip (excluding international flights from your country).
Requirements
Cave Comfort
Cenotes can be open wells or small caves, so it’s essential to feel at ease climbing through narrow spaces and being in a cave with a low vault. You will never be in danger of any kind and you can always opt out.
Ocean Comfort
Free diving or scuba diving certifications are NOT necessary to participate, but a very good level of swimming and comfort in open waters is essential to enjoy the experiences. Of course, certification is welcome and training will be based on each individual’s level.
Insurance
A dive insurance is mandatory for this trip, we recommend DAN. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.
Gear
Please bring your own gear if you own it (masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, cameras, weight belts..etc). We will provide everyone with weights. If needed we can also organise to provide other missing gear, when duly noted.
Language
It’s important for every participant to speak English at a basic level so that we can all have a fun time together without leaving anyone out.
Speaking Spanish is not necessary.
Miki & Carlo
Freediving Instructors
We founded Bonny & Gava 3 years ago and since then we have been traveling the world and experiencing so many amazing destinations!
A little over a year ago, we started to curate group trips for people like us, people who wanted more than the average tourist experience, people who love spending time in the water and exploring the underwater world, people who wanted to dive into the culture of a place and go back home with more than just pretty pictures.
We can’t wait to show you the beauty and magic that is hidden in the Yucatan peninsula. This is really the best possible trip to explore it! We truly fell in love with it.
Francesca & Alberto
Freediving Instructors
We are the founders of Alma Libre, an exciting project inspired by our passions for adventure, freediving and photography. Our story began 5 years ago when Francesca moved to Mexico and fell in love not only with freediving but also with Alberto, a charming local. Today, Yucatán is not only our home but a place where our passions have flourished. We are deeply connected to the region, its people and especially its cenotes. These magical places are so unique and must be experienced to be truly appreciated.
We love meeting new people and creating a community of like-minded travellers. We are so excited to take you to our favorite places!
Terms & Conditions
Deposits
To secure your spot on this retreat you will have to agree to our T&Cs and pay a non-refundable deposit of CHF 200.
Book your spot HERE
Payment
The remainder of the payment after the deposit will be asked via invoice and payed via bank transfer.
The trip is now confirmed and we’ll send you the invoice for the total a few days after your booking is confirmed.
Cancellation
Once the deposit has been made, if you cancel before 90 days prior to departure, then you will not be charged anything extra, although we will keep the deposit.
If you cancel after 90 days prior to departure, then unfortunately as we are a very small business we will not be able to refund you. Should we be able to find someone else to fill your spot in time then we might be able to return the full amount (excluding the deposit of CHF 200 and any bank fees).
Very Important Note for Everyone: this retreat is subject to a minimum number of participants. Please refrain from purchasing flights or from making other non-refundable expenses to avoid incurring in useless fees. Reach out to us to find out if the trip is confirmed.
F.A.Q.
What is the starting time of the trip?
The official beginning of the trip is in the evening of November 30th 2024. Should everyone arrive in time for dinner we will start with a welcome dinner, if not we will do introductions on the next day after a good night of rest.
What is the ending time of the trip?
The trip will end with a visit to the city of Mérida after breakfast on December 7th.
Depending on the time of your flight you can decide to leave early in the morning or stay longer but please have in mind check-out time at our accomodation is 11:00am.
Once we will know everyone’s departure time we will help you in arranging the most efficient transfer to go the airport.
How do I get to Valladolid?
You can fly to Cancun International Airport (or Merida or Tulum International Airports, feel free to choose the most convenient for you, the distance to Valladolid is similar).
We will help you arrange a transfer from the airport to our accommodation, this will take approximately 2 hours.
Are there any optional activities?
We left a few afternoons of free time, to relax, work from remote if someone has to (our villas are equipped with WiFi and quiet spaces), chill by the pool, attend our photography workshops and explore the area.
Does Mexico require a VISA?
Please check: https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-requieren-visa-para-mexico/
You shouldn’t need a visa if you meet all the following criteria but always check your country’s official sources:
1. you are travelling for tourism
2. you’ll stay for less than 180 days
3. you have a valid visa from the United States of America or have documents to prove permanent residence in one of the following countries: Canada, United States of America, Schengen countries, Japan or United Kingdom.
Is there wifi or signal in the accommodations?
Yes, both our villas have WiFi and it should be good enough for everyone. Alternatively you can always purchase a local SIM card, or an eSim if your mobile phone allows it. However please keep in mind that mobile connection in the cenotes is usually zero, mostly due to the fact that we will visit super secret and remote cenotes!
Should I bring extra cash?
Yes, you might need it for some meals or if you want to have drinks, look for souvenirs and gifts to take home or extra activities (card is often fine too but just to be sure). Although Mexican Pesos is the official currency, US dollars are accepted in tourist areas.
What are the sleeping options?
You can either have a shared twin or double, room based on availability. You can share it with a friend or partner travelling with you. Otherwise you can share it with someone else joining the retreat.
What if I'm travelling solo?
This is a great opportunity then! The majority of our guests are young (<40 years old) solo travellers looking to make awesome ocean friends. We also get couples who are up to have some fun with other like-minded people. All in all, we’ve always had AMAZING groups and EVERYONE has made incredible friendships during our group trips. It’s usually a highlight!
What if I am vegan? Or have allergies?
Please let us know of any dietary requirements and we will do our best to fit your needs.
Still not sure?
Write to us so we can clear your doubts!