Águas Vivas Apneia

I am very stoked after the course with Mario!
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try it!

The professional and safe approach of the instructor made me feel safe at all times!

Imparting a true passion and love for the water!

You can see a lot of experience and knowledge, the equipment was also matched to us in every way, nothing was missing and fit.

Super atmosphere!

I will definitely come back if I have the time!

Mario is an incredible teacher, and his passion for free diving is infectious. We always felt safe, comfortable and confident, and he made extra special effort for us to go out into the open water in difficult conditions. Mario provides all equipment and always goes the extra mile, you don't need to worry about anything! If you want to challenge and learn more about yourself and the discipline of free diving, Mario and Aguas Vivas Apneia is your guy!

Mario turned out to be a great coach! He combines two features - firstly, he's a people-person, genuinely interested in getting to know others, sharing his experience and stories and building freediving community in Portugal. Secondly, he's highly skilled, attentive and well organised freediving coach. Mario gave me many useful insights and provided trustworthy framework, within which i could focus on improving my skills, following his advice and coaching. He's very calm, practical and safety-focused. I was glad to discover that Mario's name travels beyond Alentejo Coast, where he's based. Will gladly come back to train with Mario more.

Mario Carvalho is doing a fantastic job as an instructor for free diving. He is very passionate and professional in sharing his knowledge about this amazing sport and teaching his students the skills to merge with the ocean. With his positive attitude he always has a smile in his face and encourages his students. His motivating and empowering words make the students feel safe and confident. Mario‘s priority is safety. Though he stays in the flow with his students thanks to his flexibility, patience and empathy.

In the group of 4 he dealed very professional with the heterogeneity of the students, so that everyone could achieve one’s personal goal.

Mario Carvalho is definitely a great instructor to learn freediving and many more things about the ocean, boats, navigation, equipment etc.

Mario opened a new world for me. From the very first moment I felt home with the ocean. I always felt comfortable and safe with him. His clear and quiet words made me understand the knowledge about free diving although english is not my mother language. Mario reminded me on something that I forgot in the last 18 years: I can feel safe and home with the ocean.

Thank you, Mario, for existing and touching people’s hearts. You’re doing a great job. 💝

Got to do the AIDA 3 with Mario and I couldn't be happier! The amount of knowledge, techniques and tip that I learn is incredible and I also enjoyed a lot! The relationship coach-student that Mario allow you to establish is warm, fun and super professional at the same time. In addition, you can "feel" the passion and the enthusiasm he has for free diving. I cant recommend him and his courses enough, I will defiantly be back to grow as a free diver.

Mário is great! He has the perfect balance of being a serious professional while at the same time providing a very fun experience. I recommend Águas Vivas Apneia 100%!

We completed the AIDA 1 course, and were so happy for everything. Mario is super professional and friendly,
Highly recommended !
Thank you!

Amazing experience, very professional, and a big care for safety and privacy! All sessions with great fun!

Ik heb de AIDA 2 cursus gedaan bij Mario. Hij geeft een goede uitleg en veiligheid staat bij hem voorop. Mario is een fantastisch mens, hij kan zijn passie goed overbrengen en dat zorgt voor veel enthousiasme en plezier tijdens de cursus. Bedankt voor deze 3 dagen!

Gran experiencia con Mario. Estuvimos mi primo y yo con él 3 días haciendo el AIDA1 el pasado agosto de 2022. Repetiremos con él este verano para AIDA2.
Enorme profesional y mejor persona.
Impecável!! Recomendo vivamente.