The perfect way to start
We started freediving 3 years ago to be safer in the water and we fell in love with it from the first day of class.
After many dives around the world to discover the beauty of the oceans, we decided to become instructors to personally convey our passion and make each of you fall in love with the fantastic underwater world.
Freediving is the most beautiful discipline that can be practiced in water. It gives you confidence in your abilities, leads you to discover your personal limits and immerses you in a beautiful and silent world full of magical sensations.
We created this day with this goal in mind: make each of you fall in love with freediving. To do this we chose the perfect place, Y-40, the deepest thermal pool in the world.
8th June
📍 Y-40, Padova, Italy
👫 Max 8 participants
🤿 Only for beginners
🛏️ Everything that’s included here
Starting from only 180 CHF
The perfect way to start
The world of freediving fascinates you but you don’t know where to start?
Would you like to join a Bonny&Gava retreat around the world but would you like to acquire some knowledge and experience in the water first?
Do you like to dive but are tired of “do-it-yourself” and would like to be followed by two professionals?
Do group dynamics scare you and would you like a taste of what it’s like to be in the company of a group of people who love water and the ocean like you, before embarking on an adventure of a week or more?
We have the solution for you! The first freediving workshop by Bonny&Gava at Y-40 The Deep Joy — the deepest thermal water pool in the world, in Montegrotto Terme, in the province of Padua.
What ?
A workshop accessible to everyone, dedicated to those who want to discover the world of free diving , whether you are approaching it for the first time or whether you have already had some experience.
An intense and fun day to understand the fundamentals of this discipline and learn very useful skills on breathing and body and mind control.
The target? Know and push your limits in complete safety!
Where ?
We will meet at Y-40 – The Deep Joy , the deepest thermal water pool in the world, in the province of Padua. It is here that we became certified instructors and it is here that we often train, together with the world champions of this sport who come to this incredible facility from all over Italy.
Full address: Via Cataio, 42
35036 Montegrotto Terme (PD)
When ?
On Sunday 9 June between 9.45 and 10.00 we will welcome you at the Y-40 reception to spend the whole day together, inside (for practical lessons) and out of the water (for some theoretical foundations ).
Detailed program here.
Who ?
We will welcome a very small number of people, up to a maximum of 8 guests , for an unforgettable first approach to this sport.
Beginners or amateurs, curious or passionate: anyone who wants to immerse themselves (in every sense!) in the wonderful world of freediving is welcome.
You will all be young water lovers united by the same interest in freediving.
The course will be divided in 2 groups, one with no previous experience and one for certified divers
Highlights of the Experience
Program
A day full of activities and lessons to better approach the world of freediving!
Beginner group (4 people)
09:20-10:00 Arrival and registration at Y-40®
10:00-11:00 👋 Introductions and theory
11:00-12:30 🦦 First session in the water
12:30-13:30 🥪 Quick lunch & technique adjustments
13:30-15:00 🐬 Second session in the water
15:00-16:00 📚 Second theory lesson
16:00-16:30 🎓 Farewells and certificate delivery
*if you need to leave early to go back home we can be done with showers, theory and certificates by 16:00
TOPICS COVERED DURING THE WORKSHOP:
Breathing, Relaxation, Equalisation, Basic freediving techniques
You will begin to dive in Y-40® in shallow water where you touch to become familiar with static apnea (holding your breath while still) and then with dynamic apnea (swimming horizontally). You will approach depth in constant weight by descending vertically. We will use the different platforms of Y-40 and progress from 0 to -5, up to -12 meters , this will be the maximum of this workshop. During each dive you will be accompanied and supported by us instructors.
The theory sessions will be light and you will learn the basics of freediving. We will do breathing and relaxation exercises together which will help us make the most of our time in the water.
This workshop is an introductory day to freediving for which a license is not issued but simply a certificate of participation. However, it will provide you with the basics to start practicing freediving with the right techniques!
Certified group (4 people)
09:20-10:00 Arrival and registration at Y-40®
10:00-11:00 👋 Introductions and warm-up
11:00-12:30 🐬 First session in the water (depth)
12:30-13:30 🥪 Quick lunch & technique adjustments
13:30-15:00 🐬 Second session in the water (depth)
15:00-16:00 📚 Video review
16:00-16:30 🎓 Farewells and certificate delivery
*if you need to leave early to go back home we can be done with showers, video review and certificates by 16:00
TOPICS COVERED DURING THE WORKSHOP:
Breathing, Relaxation, Equalisation, Freediving techniques
We’ll start with a warm-up outside the water to get our selves ready and set some goals for the day for each of you. Then we’ll head to dive in the magical waters of Y-40®. You will be allowed to dive as deep as the certification higher than the one you currently have so if you have Level 1 you can dive as deep as -24mt, if you have level 2-3 you can dive as deep as the bottom of the pool -42mt 😳. You will always have a lanyard and a safety diver to assist you.
This workshop is not a full course, it’s an opportunity to improve while having fun in the water.
Price
SOLD OUT
CHF 180 pp
This price includes all in-water and classroom sessions and equipment. Room and board are excluded. All the details below.
Anyone wishing to stay for the night or arrive the previous evening can stay at the Y-40 hotel, the Millepini Terme (where we will also stay), at a discounted bed&breakfast rate just for us, not included in the price of the workshop:
-€103.20 per night for a single room
-€172.00 per night for a double room
If you are interested you can let us know after booking as soon as you receive our confirmation email 🙂
Reviews by our guests
Vittoria
from Italy, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“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
from Switzerland, joined Egypt trip 2023
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
from Italy, joined the Maldives trip 2023
"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
from the USA, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“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
From Switzerland, joined Egypt 23' and Maldives '24
These retreats 🥰 I can't wait for the next one 🥹
Marie
from France, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“Thank you for organising an absolute dream of holidays! Couldn’t have wished for better than this! Love you guys!!”
Loredana
From Switzerland, joined Maldives trip 2024
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 Romania, joined Egypt trip 2023
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
from Italy, joined the Maldives trip 2023
"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
from Italy, joined the Maldives trip 2023
"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
from Switzerland, joined the Maldives trip 2023
“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
from Switzerland, joined Egypt trip 2023
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
From Switzerland, joined Maldives trip 2024
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
From italy, Joined Maldives trip 2024
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
From France, joined Maldives trip 2024
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
From France, joined the Maldives trip 2024
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!
Details
What's included?
- Freediving fins and mask
- Cressi freediving computer
- Own equipment is permitted and recommended if you have it
*Equipment for rental and sale in the Y-40® shop is subject to limited availability
- Deep hyperthermal salt-bromine-iodic water at 32-34°C
- Changing room, showers, hairdryer and locker are free
- Safety briefing
What's not included?
- Cabinet lock (*can be purchased in Y-40® for €6)
- Swimsuit, bathrobe and slippers (*can be purchased in Y-40®)
- Transport up to Y-40. We will support you in organizing and put those of you who live nearby in contact to allow you to organize yourself as a group
- Meals and accommodation
Accommodation
Anyone wishing to stay for the night or arrive the previous evening can stay at the Y-40 hotel, the Millepini Terme(where we will also stay), at a discounted bed&breakfast rate just for us, not included in the price of the workshop:
-€103.20 per night for a single room
-€172.00 per night for a double room
If you are interested you can let us know after booking as soon as you receive our confirmation email 🙂
Requirements
ELIGIBILITY
NO freediving or scuba diving certification is required to participate, but a basic level of swimming and comfort in the water is essential to enjoy the experience. You must also be of age, in good health and speak Italian.
Good health
It is mandatory to complete the medical questionnaire at this address https://www.y-40.com/it/questionario-medico/
You can print it and fill it out in advance or on the morning of the workshop directly at the facility.
If there are affirmative answers, a medical certificate is requested.
Gear
Freediving equipment is provided by Y-40, you will only need to bring your swimsuit, bathrobe, pool slippers and lock for the locker.
Own equipment, carefully washed and sanitized, is permitted. We recommend bringing your own snorkel mask and computer if you have them.
Wetsuit and cap are not mandatory.
Terms & Conditions
Payment
To secure a place in this workshop you must accept our terms & conditions and pay the full amount at the time of signing up.
You can do it here.
Cancellation
Once you have paid the deposit/made the payment, if you are no longer able to participate, unfortunately, as we are a very small company, we will not be able to refund you. If we manage to find someone else to fill your place in time, we may refund you the full amount (excluding any bank charges).
Very important note for everyone: this workshop is subject to a minimum number of participants. We will ensure that the workshop is confirmed to everyone as soon as possible, but until then we recommend not purchasing non-refundable flights/trains/coaches to avoid unnecessary expenses.
F.A.Q.
Are you still wondering if you should come with us? Here are some answers to your questions
What's the start time?
We recommend arriving on time (about 30-45 minutes before the start of the teaching) to fill out the medical questionnaire, sign the regulations and start getting to know each other.
What's the end time?
We should finish around 4:30pm so you will have plenty of time to get back home not too late.
How do you get to Y-40?
Find all the information here https://www.y-40.com/it/come-arrivare-a-y-40/
Insurance
Insurance is not necessary for beginners as you will be covered by our policy, as we are instructors.
Certified divers can choose to have their own insurance.
What if I sign up alone?
Then this is a great opportunity! Most of our guests and followers are young people (<40 years old) who travel alone and want to make friends with kids who share their love for the sea and freediving. We also have couples who want to have fun with other like-minded people. Overall we have always had fantastic groups at our retreats and everyone has made incredible friends on our group trips.
Still have any doubts?
Write to us and we will clarify them for you
