3-Day Freediving Level 1 Course

3-Day Freediving Level 1 Course in Bali: A Deep Breath Into the Underwater World

Imagine spending three days in Bali’s stunning Nusa Penida, learning freediving skills that open up a whole new way of experiencing the ocean. For around $450 per person, you’ll get a comprehensive course that covers both the theory behind breath-hold diving and practical sessions in pools and open water. With a maximum of four students per instructor, this program offers personalized attention—something many travelers appreciate when trying a new water activity.

Two things we especially like about this course are the small group size, which ensures safety and tailored coaching, and the all-inclusive approach—you don’t need to bring or buy any equipment, making it straightforward and stress-free. That said, one consideration is the intensity of the schedule—days run from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, so you’ll want to be prepared for full days of learning and practice.

This experience suits beginners and water lovers alike, especially those curious about trying freediving for the first time or seeking to improve their comfort in the water. From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that most students leave with new skills, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the ocean’s quiet beauty.

Key Points

• Small groups with a maximum of four students enhance safety and personal attention.
• All equipment needed is included, removing worries about extra costs or gear.
• Most students can descend to 15-20 meters and hold their breath for over 2 minutes by the end.
• The course combines theory, pool practice, and open water dives to build confidence.
• The location, Nusa Penida, offers stunning underwater scenery alongside professional instruction.
• The balanced schedule from morning to late afternoon helps maximize learning without rushing.

What to Expect During Your 3 Days of Freediving in Bali

Arrival and Setting the Scene

You’ll start your mornings at Freedive Nusa, a dedicated freediving school located in Ped, Nusa Penida. The first day kicks off at 8:30 am, with a blend of classroom learning and practical skills. Expect a warm welcome from instructors who are experienced and genuinely passionate about sharing their love for the ocean. The setting itself, amid Bali’s tropical landscape, adds to the allure—here, you’re training in an environment that’s as naturally beautiful as it is safe.

Theoretical Foundations

Your first sessions focus on understanding the science of breath-hold diving, safety protocols, and proper equalization techniques. These lessons are vital for a safe and enjoyable experience, especially for beginners. As one reviewer notes, “the theory was well presented so the key points were easy to remember,” which is crucial when applying safety measures in open water.

Confined Water Practice

Following the land-based lessons, you move into two confined water sessions—these are held in a swimming pool or calm lagoon where you’ll practice breathing exercises, equalization, finning, and relaxation techniques under the supervision of your instructor. This step is essential for building confidence before venturing into open water. Many students mention how supportive Roberto and other instructors are, helping them gradually overcome initial fears.

Open Water Dives

By the second day, it’s time for three open water sessions. Here, you’ll put your new skills to work in Bali’s beautiful ocean waters, with coral reefs and tropical fish as your backdrop. The small group size ensures you get plenty of individual coaching and feedback. Reviews highlight how instructors, like Artem and Seva, are “considerate yet pushing in the right way,” helping students reach depths of 15-20 meters comfortably.

Celebrating Success and Taking Home Memories

Most students finish the course with a certification recognizing their beginner freediving skills. You’ll also have the chance to take underwater photos of yourself amidst vibrant coral and fish, creating memories that last well beyond the three days. Many mention how supportive and encouraging the staff are, making the experience as fun as it is educational.

The Value of This Freediving Course

At $450, this course offers significant value, especially considering all included equipment, the personalized instruction, and the comprehensive curriculum. When you compare the cost to the quality of instruction and the stunning environment, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone wanting to explore the underwater world in a safe, structured way.

On top of that, the course isn’t just about the technical skills; it’s about building a connection with water and gaining confidence. Several reviews praise how “supportive” and “friendly” the team is, which can be the difference between a stressful experience and a truly memorable one.

A Breakdown of the Itinerary

Day 1: Foundations and First Confined Water Session

Your journey begins with introductions and an overview of freediving safety. You’ll learn about breath-hold physiology, relaxation techniques, and safety stops. The first confined water session focuses on breath control, equalization, and finning skills. Expect to practice relaxation exercises designed to help you stay calm and conserve oxygen.

Day 2: More Pool Practice and First Open Water Dives

After reviewing the morning’s theoretical lessons, you’ll move into another confined water session. Here, you’ll refine your technique and start to feel more comfortable underwater. The afternoon features your first open water dives, where your instructor will guide you as you descend, gradually pushing your comfort zone. Many students report feeling a sense of achievement after reaching 10-15 meters.

Day 3: Deepening Skills and Certification

The final day consolidates your skills with additional open water sessions, focusing on depth and breath-hold endurance, as most students achieve descents of 15-20 meters. The course culminates in awarding your freediving certification, a tangible acknowledgment of your new ability. You’ll also get underwater photos as keepsakes of your adventure.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Reviews

The enthusiasm from past students is palpable. One reviewer shares, “Gaston, my coach, was highly knowledgeable, informative, understanding, lovely and really helped me to achieve more than I thought I could.” This highlights how personalized and caring the instruction can be. The small group setting fosters an environment where everyone’s progress is noticed and celebrated.

Another reviewer emphasizes progress in just three days, noting, “I made so much progress in just 3 days,” which speaks to the course’s efficiency and effectiveness.

Many mention feeling safe and supported, with one saying, “We felt calm and safe the whole time,” and another appreciating the “hot ginger tea after each session,” which adds a touch of caring comfort after challenging dives.

Practical Details and Considerations

Timing and Schedule

The course runs daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, allowing plenty of time for instruction, practice, and breaks for lunch. This full-day schedule means you should be prepared for a physically active experience, but it’s balanced to avoid burnout.

Group Size and Personal Attention

Limited to four students, the small group setting ensures a higher level of focus and personalized coaching. Many reviews praise the instructors’ patience and ability to tailor lessons to individual progress, which can be particularly helpful if you’re nervous or new to water activities.

Equipment and Costs

All necessary gear—fins, masks, snorkels, wetsuits—is included, so you don’t need to rent or bring your own. This simplifies planning and reduces extra costs. You’ll also receive digital learning materials before the course, giving you a head start in understanding the basics.

Location and Environment

Nusa Penida is renowned for its spectacular underwater scenery, with coral reefs teeming with tropical fish. Learning freediving here means practicing in crystal-clear waters with vibrant marine life, adding to the overall appeal.

Who Would Enjoy This?

This course is perfect if you’re curious about freediving, want a safe introduction, or are looking to boost your water confidence. It suits all levels of fitness, as long as you’re comfortable swimming. Even those with no prior experience in diving or water sports will find this accessible and rewarding.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re eager to discover a new way of experiencing the ocean, this 3-day freediving course in Bali is a fantastic choice. Its small group format and all-inclusive setup make it especially appealing for travelers who want personalized attention without the hassle of extra gear costs. The professional, caring instructors make it safe and approachable, even for nervous beginners.

For those who appreciate stunning underwater scenery and the chance to build confidence in the water, this course offers both adventure and education. It’s particularly suited for water lovers, curious travelers, and anyone interested in exploring Bali’s marine environment in a responsible, safe way.

While the intensive schedule may be demanding, most students find the effort pays off with new skills, unforgettable memories, and a newfound love for the ocean. Whether you’re looking for a first step into freediving or a way to improve your breath-hold techniques, this course offers value, authenticity, and a touch of Bali magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is previous experience required to join this course?
No, this freediving Level 1 course is designed for beginners, and no prior water activity experience is necessary. You only need to be able to swim.

What is included in the course fee?
All equipment, fees, taxes, and the certification are included. You’ll also receive digital learning materials to prepare before your start.

Are the open water dives conducted in Bali’s ocean?
Yes, the open water sessions take place in Bali’s clear, tropical waters, offering vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.

Can I hold my breath for more than 2 minutes after the course?
Most students can hold their breath for over 2 minutes by the end of the course, with some reaching 15-20 meters depth in a single breath.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation or accommodations?
Yes, transportation and accommodation are not included, so you’ll need to plan those separately.

What safety measures are in place?
With small groups, professional instructors, and comprehensive theory and practice, safety is a top priority. The course emphasizes relaxation, proper technique, and safety protocols.

This Bali freediving course combines the thrill of ocean exploration with thorough instruction, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone ready to take their first breath-hold in paradise.