About Apnea Cozumel
Learn about our passion for freediving and our mission to share the magic of the underwater world.
About Aurelio Janeiro
Beginnings in freediving in Cozumel
I consciously discovered freediving in 2013 in Cozumel, although I had felt a deep connection with water since childhood. I grew up far from the sea, yet I loved diving into pools and collecting coins from the bottom, enjoying the unique pleasure of being underwater and embracing the silence. That passion eventually led me to become a freediving instructor in Cozumel.
Training and professional journey
My formal training began in 2013 with the FII agency. Soon after, I met Alejandro Lemus, Mexico's freediving champion, who became a key mentor. Between 2013 and 2017 I earned AIDA certifications (International Association for the Development of Apnea) and trained as a safety diver.
Throughout my career I've taken part in pool competitions such as the Olmeca Open de Apnea in Veracruz and the depth event Xibalba in Cenotillo, Yucatán. These experiences helped me refine my technique and develop a holistic view of freediving as a sport.
Judge, organiser and key achievements
My technical interest led me to become a pool and depth judge under Carla Sue Hanson and Olga Sydorova, both international leaders. Today I serve as a CMAS judge, vice president of AIDA Mexico and liaison to AIDA International. Since 2018 I've organised the Cozumel Freediving Pool Competition, a premier event that will celebrate its fourth edition in 2026.
I've had the honour of judging world freediving records set by Sofía Gómez Uribe (Colombia) and Sayuri Kinoshita (Japan), and I took part in the Guinness World Record achieved by Alejandro Lemus in the largest cave system in the Americas. I've also judged numerous national records, accumulating more than 1,000 starts in both pool and depth events. These milestones highlight my commitment to promoting freediving as a sport that unites cultures, people and challenges.
Commitment and mission at Apnea Cozumel Freediving
Love for water and the joy of sharing it with visitors are what drive Apnea Cozumel Freediving, the freediving school and course centre I lead. Our mission is to provide safe, professional and enjoyable experiences, allowing everyone — from beginners to advanced freedivers — to discover the art of diving deep on a single breath. Through AIDA courses, pool training, cenote excursions and competitions in Cozumel and the Riviera Maya, we aim to foster safety, respect for the ocean and passion for freediving.
Our Values
Safety First
We prioritize safety in all our courses and activities, ensuring proper training and supervision.
Environmental Respect
We promote conservation and respect for marine ecosystems in everything we do.
Community
We foster a supportive community of freedivers who share knowledge and experiences.