Join award-winning underwater photographer Brett Stanley and expert freediving instructor David Cobiella, founder of Aquatrek Expeditions, for an immersive retreat exploring the art of freediving and underwater photography in the crystal-clear Florida Springs. This unique experience blends hands-on training, expert guidance, and breathtaking natural scenery to help you refine your skills, expand your creative vision, and gain confidence in underwater environments.

Over the course of a week, you will experience a comprehensive program that covers everything you need to know to improve your underwater skills, both in modeling and portrait photography as well as freediving.  With expert-led workshops, guided adventure dives, and hands-on coaching, this retreat is designed to elevate your underwater abilities and provide you with an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the world.

Who Is This Retreat For?

This retreat is perfect for:

• Aspiring and experienced underwater models who want to build confidence, expand their portfolio, and refine their craft in natural environments.
• Photographers (from beginners to advanced) who want to learn how to shoot underwater portraits using natural light and spring conditions.
• Freedivers or those curious about freediving who want to safely improve their skills with expert guidance.
• Creatives and adventurers looking for a week of connection, artistic growth, and exploration in a supportive and inspiring setting.

Whether you’re a total beginner or seasoned professional, this retreat is about collaboration, learning, and creating magic underwater—together.

What You’ll Learn

Photography & Underwater Modelling

• Master the techniques of underwater portrait photography – Learn how to adjust for water distortion, lighting, and composition to capture stunning and ethereal images.
• Learn the art of posing and movement underwater – Understand how to work with models in a weightless environment to create dynamic and artistic shots.
• Explore different lighting techniques – Experiment with both natural and artificial lighting to achieve a variety of moods and styles in your photos.
• Work with specialized underwater camera gear – Get hands-on experience using professional camera housings, lenses, and strobes to enhance your photography.
• Post-processing and editing workshop – Learn how to enhance and refine your underwater images through color correction, contrast adjustments, and creative editing techniques.

Freediving & Breathwork

• Personalized freediving instruction – Train with David Cobiella, a highly experienced freediving instructor and the founder of Aquatrek Expeditions, who specializes in both beginner and advanced freediving techniques.
• Increase breath-hold capacity – Learn how to safely extend your breath-hold using proven freediving techniques and mental relaxation strategies.
• Develop underwater movement and body control – Gain awareness of resting strategy, body positioning, and streamlined movement to maximize efficiency and grace underwater.
• Learn essential freediving safety and rescue techniques – Understand the fundamentals of freediving safety, including buddy diving, blackout prevention, and emergency rescue procedures.
• Guided adventure tours – Experience the magic of freediving in Florida’s pristine springs, where you’ll encounter stunning underwater rock formations, marine life, and crystal-clear waters. With fifteen years of guided tour experience, you’ll be sure to learn a lot.

Retreat Highlights

Spectacular Locations

We’ll explore the stunning Florida Springs, including Gilchrist Blue, Ginnie Springs, and Ichetucknee River. These locations are world-renowned for their exceptional water clarity, unique underwater landscapes, and serene natural beauty. You’ll have the opportunity to dive over hidden caverns, glide above white sandy riverbeds, and experience the peaceful stillness of the underwater world.

Paddleboarding Adventures – Daytime & Moonlit Excursions

As part of the retreat, you’ll have the opportunity to experience two incredible paddleboarding excursions:

• Daytime Paddleboarding on the Ichetucknee River – Glide over the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. This gentle and scenic paddle will allow you to soak in the beauty of the springs, observe fish and turtles beneath you, and fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
• Moonlit Paddle on the Santa Fe River – A truly magical experience, this nighttime paddleboard session under the stars will allow you to navigate the quiet waters under the glow of the moon. The reflections on the water, the sounds of the nocturnal wildlife, and the serene ambiance create an unforgettable and deeply peaceful adventure.

Charming Riverside Accommodation

During the retreat, you’ll stay at a stunning riverside lodge located in Fort White, FL, just minutes from the springs. Nestled along the Ichetucknee River, this private and peaceful retreat home provides the perfect sanctuary for rest and reflection after a day of adventure.

• Spacious and modern interior with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
• Comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests, with shared rooms and cozy common spaces
• Fully equipped kitchen, ideal for group meals and individual needs
• Large outdoor patio and private park, perfect for morning coffee or an afternoon paddle
• Outdoor fire pit and open-air seating areas for evening gatherings, storytelling, and stargazing
• Surrounded by lush trees and wildlife, this tranquil home is designed to complement the immersive and restorative nature of the retreat

Our accommodation offers both comfort and convenience, making it easy to unwind, connect with others, and fully embrace the retreat experience.

Small Group Experience

Only 6 spots available!

To ensure an intimate and immersive learning environment, we limit the number of participants. This allows for personalized coaching, ample water time, and a supportive and collaborative atmosphere where you can refine your skills at your own pace.

Reserve your spot early with a deposit to avoid missing out on this one-of-a-kind experience.

Workshops & Hands-On Training

Our program is designed to be interactive and dynamic, featuring a mix of:

• Freediving and breathwork sessions
• Underwater modeling and movement coaching
• Photography masterclasses and on-location shoots
• One-on-one coaching and feedback sessions
• Editing and post-processing workshops

Each session is designed to build upon the previous one, ensuring that you gain a well-rounded understanding of both freediving and photography.

Guided Freedive Adventures

David Cobiella, through Aquatrek Expeditions, will lead you on expertly curated freediving tours through Florida’s most breathtaking underwater locations. With David’s deep knowledge of the area, you will gain exclusive access to some of the best diving spots, where you can practice your freediving skills in safe, controlled, and visually stunning environments.

Wellness & Relaxation

To complement the physical and mental demands of freediving and underwater photography, we incorporate wellness and relaxation sessions into the retreat, including:

• Daily yoga and breathwork sessions to enhance flexibility, relaxation, and breath control.
• Massage therapy to aid in muscle recovery and overall well-being.
• Group discussions and reflection sessions to share experiences, insights, and inspiration with fellow participants.

Retreat Schedule

Each day is carefully structured to balance training, adventure, creativity, and relaxation, ensuring a holistic and fulfilling experience. The full itinerary includes:

Friday 9/12 – Arrival & Check-In

• Travel & check-in
• Welcome session, introductions, and retreat overview

Saturday 9/13 – Exploring the Springs

• Guided paddle and hike at Gilchrist Blue Springs
• Gear familiarization & hands-on training
• Evening breathwork and meditation session

Sunday 9/14 – Freediving & Photography Basics

• Deep diving session at Orange Grove
• Private freediving coaching with David
• Intro to Underwater Modelling Workshop with Brett
• Moonlight paddle on Santa Fe River

Monday 9/15 – Ginnie Springs Photography & Yoga

• Yoga flow & breathwork
• Ginnie Springs photoshoot and freediving practice
• Evening relaxation and massage therapy

Tuesday 9/16 – Rest & Creative Recharge

• Photo Review & Editing Workshop with Brett
• Ichetucknee River visit & optional paddle adventure
• Dinner at Watershed & live music by the fire

Wednesday 9/17 – Wildlife & Water Exploration

• Ichetucknee North wildlife paddle & photography
• Ichetucknee North diving & photoshoot

Thursday 9/18 – Departure

• Final reflections & farewell session

Pricing & Registration

Full Retreat Price: $1999 USD
Early Bird Rate (before April 30, 2025): $1750 USD

To reserve your spot, a 25% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of registration.

Payment Schedule

• Deposit (25%) due upon booking
• Second payment (25%) due July 12, 2025
• Final payment (50%) due August 12, 2025

Only 6 spots available! Don’t wait — this retreat will sell out quickly.

Join us for an unforgettable week of freediving, photography, and adventure. Whether you’re looking to develop your skills, push your limits, or simply immerse yourself in the magic of the underwater world, this retreat offers an experience like no other. We can’t wait to share this journey with you at Deep Focus: Freedive and Modelling Retreat!

David Cobiella
An experienced freediving instructor and founder of AquaTrek Expeditions, David is passionate about empowering participants to build confidence and safety underwater.

Brett Stanley
A globally renowned underwater portrait photographer with a unique ability to guide models toward creating unforgettable imagery.

Book Your Spot Today!

With only 6 participants, this retreat offers a highly personalized experience, making it the perfect opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.

Dive into the world of underwater photography & modeling,
and unlock your full potential!