Apnée niveau 3 — Advanced Freediver

This is the level 3 freediving course, validated across AIDA, PADI and FFESSM/CMAS depending on the certification pathway chosen. Jean-Luc Casares holds Maître Instructeur status with AIDA and is a PADI Instructor Trainer for freediving, which means both certifications can be issued here without going through a third party. At niveau 3 / Advanced Freediver, training moves into deeper constant-weight dives, extended static apnea, and more refined dynamic technique. The sea around the Presqu'île de Giens provides the open-water component, with sessions at sites including Pointe des Chevaliers and, for students ready for it, the wreck of the Cimentier offshore.

Student accounts from the guest book give a concrete sense of the progression here. One student went from 6 metres depth and 1 minute 10 seconds of static apnea to 27 metres and 4 minutes 20 seconds over four to five months of sessions. Another completed AIDA 4 at this school after a progression that started at beginner level. The methodology Jean-Luc uses combines technical instruction (descent and ascent mechanics, equalization, finning technique) with diet and naturopathy, for which he holds certifications from Shaw Academy. That combination of sport and wellbeing runs through the curriculum across all levels.

Static apnea work is done both on dry land and in water. Dry sessions are available separately at 20€ per session, including training table configuration — useful for students working on their static times between course days. Pool sessions use a heated pool at a partner facility. The open-water component is conducted in the Mediterranean, where conditions in summer run consistently calm in the protected bays around Giens.

The 150€ price covers the niveau 3 course itself. Certification fees are handled separately through the relevant federation (AIDA, PADI or FFESSM). Equipment rental at 5 to 20€ covers fins, mask, wetsuit and weights for students who don't bring their own. A FFESSM licence is not required for the freediving certification pathway but is needed for the spearfishing track.