About Tania
Tania Panés: Spanish freediver and expedition leader
I'm a professional freediver, freediving instructor and expedition leader. I guide people to explore the ocean, deepen their relationship with the sea and meet marine life on its own terms.
My story
My relationship with the ocean began as a child, spending every summer in Ibiza. Before I knew freediving was a sport, I was already playing at holding my breath and snorkelling for hours looking for animals.
About five years ago I took my first freediving course and the sport quickly became my life. I started competing, represented Spain and became a freediving instructor, which gave me hands-on knowledge of safety in the water.
Over time, my wish to explore marine ecosystems and share them led me to lead expeditions in Mexico, Dominica, Egypt and the Maldives. Today I live in La Ventana, Baja California Sur.
Athlete, instructor and expedition leader
Athlete
I train and have competed for Spain in freediving, mainly in pool disciplines, where distance is measured horizontally rather than in depth.
Instructor
Teaching freediving shaped how I read safety, limits and comfort in the water. One-to-one coaching is only occasional, on request.
Expedition leader
I design and guide small-group ocean expeditions with Beyond the Blue in Mexico, Dominica, Egypt and the Maldives.
How I work in the water
Respect for natural behaviour
Animals decide how close an encounter gets. We observe, adapt and step back when needed.
Animal welfare first
I will always put an animal's wellbeing before a photo or a closer approach.
Responsible practice
We follow local regulations and crews, brief every group beforehand and adapt to the conditions.
Safety
Buddy protocols, individual limits and constant reading of the sea and the people in it.