Six weeks on the line, 23 November to 4 January
Train with Marc Laszlo in a group of up to three, 23 November 2026 to 4 January 2027.
- 23 Nov 2026 – 4 Jan 2027
- 42 nights
- 3 places
- $1,700
- $400 deposit by Fri 23 Oct
What you get
- The Apnea Total Master Freediver course, certified at the end of week six
- Diving up to six days a week (no boat on Sundays)
- A private room on our waterfront property for all 42 nights
- Up to three divers, with Marc for all six weeks
- Video and feedback on your dives
- Diving with us free for life after the course, whenever there's at least one paying guest on the boat and you help out
Who it's for
You've done your Advanced, with us or elsewhere (AIDA 3, Molchanovs Wave 2, PADI Advanced or similar), and you're comfortable around 20 to 25 metres.
Not Advanced yet? Message us and we'll plan the courses before November.
Your instructor
Marc Laszlo was the top-ranked American man in 2024, competed at the 2022 World Championship and was picked for safety at the 2026 Worlds. His best is 94 metres in free immersion.
He rarely has this much time and energy to give, so this is a real chance to go deeper with the craft, in both senses. If you're thinking about freediving as a career, he can prepare you for that too.
The six weeks
Weeks one and two take you through the Master course material with Marc: technique, equalisation at depth, breath-hold work, safety and rescue. From week three he builds a plan around your goals and coaches you through it to the end of week six, when you certify as an Apnea Total Master Freediver.
Our 30 metre site is reachable in most weather, so rough days still get you in the water.
Price
$1,700 per person covers the course, the diving and all 42 nights in a private room on our waterfront property. Booked separately, the Master course and 42 nights are $2,680. After the course, you can dive with us free for life whenever there's at least one paying guest on the boat and you help out. Helping out means setting up gear in the morning, helping beginners and being the experienced diver at the buoy with newer divers.
Flights, food, travel insurance and getting to Utila are extra. Bring your own mask and snorkel, and a wetsuit if you have one.
A $400 deposit by Friday 23 October 2026 holds your place, and the rest is due when you arrive. The deposit isn't refundable, but you can move it to another course or stay with us within 12 months.
Apply for a place
Tell us about your diving. We answer every application within a day.
Questions about the Winter Master
Who can join?
Advanced from us, AIDA 3, Molchanovs Wave 2, PADI Advanced Freediver or an equivalent from another agency. You should be comfortable at 20 to 25 metres; going deeper is what the six weeks are for.
I'm not Advanced yet. Can I still come?
Yes. Do the Freediver and Advanced courses with us in the weeks before the start date and join the Winter Master certified. Anyone holding a place gets a discount on those courses, and the Advanced course and stay package is the simplest way to book it. Ask when you apply and we'll plan the dates.
What does the price cover?
The Master Freediver course, diving up to six days a week for the whole six weeks, and a private room on our waterfront property for every night of it. It doesn't cover flights, food, travel insurance or getting to Utila.
How does the deposit work?
The deposit shown on this page holds your place; the balance is paid on arrival. The deposit isn't refundable, but if your plans change it can be moved to another course or stay with us within twelve months.
What if the weather is bad?
Our 30 metre site is reachable in most weather, so rough days still get you in the water.
What does a week look like?
Up to six days on the line. There's no boat on Sundays, so that's the rest day. On public holidays the group and the captain decide on the day. Beyond that the schedule runs day by day around how the group is feeling and what you did the night before.
Can I arrive earlier or stay longer?
Yes. Extra nights are at our student rate for a private room, subject to availability; tell us when you apply.
What happens after the six weeks?
You leave certified as an Apnea Total Master Freediver, with six weeks of dives behind you. If you want to take freediving further, including as a career, Marc can prepare you for it; many Masters go on to the Instructor course.
Can I go on to the Instructor course?
Yes. An Instructor course starts straight after the Winter Master finishes, for a small group, at our usual price. If you're thinking about it, tell us early: you can work on the requirements during the Master.
What does free diving for life mean?
Once you're a Master with us, you can come out on the boat free any time after the course, as long as there's at least one paying guest on it; the boat doesn't go out for one diver unless you pay the captain. In return you help out the way the course teaches you: setting up the gear in the morning, helping beginners, and being the experienced diver at the buoy with people newer than you.
Do I need my own equipment?
Bring your own mask and snorkel, and your own wetsuit if you have one; six weeks is a long time in borrowed kit. We can supply the rest. Tell us before you buy and we'll recommend what works here; if you buy what we recommend, we'll offer to buy it back from you at a fair price when you leave.
How do I get to Utila?
See our Getting here page: https://www.freediveutila.com/getting-here
Questions about the Master course
What kind of depth do you have?
Our deepest dive site reaches a maximum of 55m, accessible only in good weather and wind conditions. For more sheltered locations, depths range from 18-30m. One of our favorite spots is the Halliburton Shipwreck at 30m, which we visit frequently.
What is the difference between a Training Dive and Coaching?
In a Training Dive session, a Master or Instructor supervises the buoy and may provide basic feedback. You'll also be expected to participate in the safety rotation with up to four divers per buoy. Coaching Sessions are more personalized. An Instructor will discuss your goals in a pre-dive briefing, act as your Safety Diver, and provide in-depth feedback, including optional video analysis. Coaching sessions are limited to two coachees per buoy.
How are the weather/conditions?
Island weather can be unpredictable, so forecasts aren't always reliable. We assess diving conditions each morning to ensure it's safe to go out. Luckily, we have several dive sites suitable for different weather conditions. September-October have the highest chance of tropical storms and even (very occasionally) hurricanes, but in general you'll find good weather and fewer tourists.