We’re Roberto and Katie – freedivers, partners, and the co-creators of Casa Apnea.
We built this place out of a shared goal: to create a homebase for freedivers who want access to depth just outside their doorstep – without sacrificing modern amenities or the ability to train in the gym and pool. From there, our vision for Casa Apnea grew as we realized how much we love sharing the stunning cenotes of Yucatán with others.
This region is special to us for a reason. It’s where we’ve trained together, shared some of our fondest memories with friends, and where Roberto proposed. When we decided to build something lasting here – a place that supports both high-level training and an appreciation of the local culture and community – it just felt right.
Casa Apnea is the result of that idea: a place where you can train seriously, eat well, and still log into work or hit the gym if you need to (Katie will be!). We designed it to meet our own high standards – and now we can’t wait to share it with others.
Roberto is a competitive freediver, instructor, and lifelong athlete. Since moving to Yucatán in 2017, he’s dedicated himself to training in the cenotes and helping others explore their depth safely and confidently. As an AIDA Master Instructor, Roberto is known for his precision and commitment to helping each diver improve. Whether you’re working on equalization, technique, or building confidence at depth, Roberto offers thoughtful coaching grounded in experience.
When he’s not diving, you’ll likely find him studying or playing chess – a lifelong passion he also pursues competitively.
Katie is a passionate freediver, civil rights lawyer, and strength-training enthusiast who somehow makes it all work. She first discovered freediving in 2021 and was instantly hooked. Since then, she’s split her time between New York City and México – diving, training, and building Casa Apnea from the ground up with Roberto. Lately she’s been especially focused on dynamic apnea in the pool.
When she’s not underwater or in court, you’ll probably find Katie in the gym. She’s a certified Strong First Instructor, and her love of strength training is the reason Casa Apnea includes a fully equipped gym–complete with squat racks and a hip thrust machine.
Behind the scenes, Katie handles most of the logistics: retreat planning, travel schedules, and all the details that keep things running smoothly. She’s also an AIDA 4 assistant instructor so you may find her in the water doing safety or behind the scenes capturing all the GoPro footage.
We’re just getting started – but we’re already looking forward to sharing kind words and stories from our first Casa Apnea guests. Check back soon for testimonials from divers who’ve joined us in the jungle.
READ MORE REVIEWS
Flecha is by far the sweetest – and sleepiest – member of the Casa Apnea team. We found her abandoned and emaciated at a cenote and brought her home “just for one night...” and now, years later, we can’t imagine life without her. Flecha loves every person she meets (especially if they have snacks or a lap to nap on). Ironic for a freediving dog, but she’s completely terrified of water. We think she’s perfect anyway.
Apnea means holding your breath – in freediving, it’s the pause between inhale and exhale where everything goes still. And casa, of course, means home. That’s what Casa Apnea is all about for us: presence, connection, and the freedom to go deep – in every sense. We’d love to welcome you here.
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