Beginner Freediving Course (with Bonus Session)

Experience the Freedom of Freediving on Panglao Island

Imagine gliding effortlessly in the water, breathing calmly as you descend to depths of up to 20 meters — all without bulky tanks or equipment. That’s what you get with this Beginner Freediving Course in Panglao Island, Philippines, priced at around $417 per person for a 3-day adventure. Led by experienced instructors, this course introduces you to the purest form of diving, emphasizing safety, relaxation, and self-discovery. You’ll learn in small groups, which means personalized attention, and you’ll walk away with a certification that boosts your confidence and opens the door to further underwater adventures.

What we love about this experience is how accessible it is for newcomers. The pool sessions and classroom safety briefings build your confidence before you venture into open water, and the small group size ensures plenty of instructor support. Plus, the local setting on Panglao Island offers stunning views and abundant marine life, including the famed sardine runs that many reviews rave about. A minor consideration: if you’re looking for a very quick introduction, 2.5 days might feel a bit tight, but most find it well-paced.

This course suits water enthusiasts curious about freediving, non-swimmers eager to explore underwater breath-hold techniques, or anyone looking for a unique, low-impact activity that connects you deeply with the ocean. Families, solo travelers, or groups alike will find value here — especially given the high safety standards and friendly staff praised repeatedly in reviews.

Key Points

• Accessible beginner course that teaches freediving fundamentals in 2.5 days.
• Small group classes ensure personalized instruction and safety.
• Includes certification recognizing your ability to freedive up to 20 meters.
• Excellent value with equipment, photos, and videos included in the price.
• Stunning marine environment on Panglao Island, perfect for relaxing and exploring.
• Convenient pickup from hotels, airports, or ports makes logistics simple.

Comprehensive Review of the Freediving Experience

What’s Included and How It’s Structured

This 3-day course is designed to introduce you to freediving’s essentials, blending classroom theory, pool practice, and open water sessions. The total cost of about $416.70 covers all necessary equipment, safety briefings, and a certification upon completion. You’ll appreciate the small group setting—maximum of four travelers—which allows for tailored guidance and a more relaxed, less overwhelming learning environment.

Throughout the course, you’ll review safety procedures and breathing techniques, echoing feedback from avid freedivers who emphasize how well-organized and professional the setup is. From a logistics perspective, free hotel, airport, or port pickup simplifies your arrival, especially if you’re arriving straight from Bohol or elsewhere on Panglao Island. The use of snorkeling gear during open water sessions and unedited photos and videos are included, giving you lasting memories of your underwater moments.

Itinerary Breakdown

The course begins with classroom sessions where instructors explain the physics and safety of freediving. Expect to learn about pressure issues, equalization, and safe breath-hold techniques. These foundational lessons are vital, especially for newcomers, and are praised for clarity and patience by reviews.

Next, you’ll move into pool sessions, honing your breathing control, relaxation, and equalization skills. Pool practice offers a controlled environment, reducing anxiety and building confidence. Many reviewers mention how supportive and knowledgeable their instructors, like Rea, Ven, or Ramar, made these sessions—highlighting the professionalism and personalized approach.

Following this, you’ll progress to open water dives—usually in calm and scenic locations—where you practice diving techniques under supervision. The instructors emphasize safety procedures, which many reviewers find reassuring. With guides like Ven, Rashid, or Scott, you’ll get real-time feedback and encouragement as you explore depths up to 20 meters.

Marine Environment and Highlights

Panglao Island is renowned for its marine biodiversity and fish populations, with many reviews specifically mentioning swimming with sardines as a highlight. The sardine run is a spectacle that attracts snorkelers and freedivers alike, with guides ensuring your safety and enjoyment. Other reviews praise the “amazing view” in the sea and the chance to see mobula rays—a rare treat.

This natural beauty enhances the course, providing a stunning backdrop for your open water sessions. Many guests comment on how the professional guides make the experience both safe and memorable, especially for non-swimmers or older participants. The photography included captures these fleeting moments, allowing you to relive the experience afterward.

Instructor Support and Safety Standards

A recurring theme in reviews is the high level of safety and professional instruction. Guides like Ramar, Ven, and Rashid are described as knowledgeable, caring, and patient—crucial qualities for beginners. The course emphasizes pressure-related issues, safety procedures, and relaxation techniques, which are consistently praised as comprehensive and easy to understand.

Participants often mention feeling completely safe under the guidance of the instructors, even those who are nervous or first-timers. This focus on safety makes it an excellent choice for non-swimmers or those with concerns—many reviews highlight that even older participants or non-swimmers enjoyed the experience.

Equipment and Certification

All necessary snorkeling gear is provided, and the course includes unedited photos and videos, making it easy to share your adventure. The certification you earn—be it SSI Level 1 or Molchanovs Wave 1—is recognized internationally, opening doors to more advanced freediving courses or deeper underwater explorations.

The value here is significant; for about $416, you’re getting a well-structured, comprehensive introduction that combines education, practice, and memorable marine encounters. Several reviewers note that they did the course as a first step into freediving, and many plan to return for more advanced training.

The Small Group Advantage

With a maximum of four participants, the small class size creates an environment where instructors can give individual feedback, monitor safety closely, and answer all your questions. Reviewers often mention personalized attention, which enhances confidence and enjoyment—especially important when learning a skill that involves breath-hold diving.

Location and Accessibility

Panglao Island’s scenic setting enhances the experience. The meeting point at Freedive Academy Panglao is conveniently located near hotels, the airport, and the port, making logistics straightforward. The open hours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm** ensure flexibility for travelers’ schedules.

Real Experiences: Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviewers underscore the professionalism of the guides and the memorable nature of their first freediving experience. Comments like “Everyone in the centre is so friendly and approachable, you feel like home there” and “My instructor Ramar was very knowledgeable and caring” reflect the supportive environment.

Some even highlight how non-swimmers or those over 60 enjoyed the experience, stating it’s super recommended for families and older travelers. The photos and videos taken during the sessions are praised, providing lasting memories of sights like sardine runs or mobula rays.

Who Should Consider This Course?

This beginners freediving course is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to connect more intimately with the ocean without the complexity of scuba tanks. If you are curious about freediving, want a safe, guided introduction, or are looking for a scenic marine environment with impressive wildlife, this is an excellent choice.

It’s also suited for non-swimmers who want a gentle, controlled experience with safety in mind. Families, solo travelers, or small groups will find the personalized instruction and supportive atmosphere particularly appealing. If you’re interested in earning a recognized certification and want to spend quality time mastering breathing and relaxation techniques, this course will meet your needs.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. For roughly $416, you gain comprehensive instruction, safety-focused guidance, stunning marine scenery, and a certification that can serve as a stepping stone for further freediving pursuits. The small group size and friendly staff contribute to a relaxed, supportive environment that’s ideal for beginners.

While it’s a 3-day commitment, most travelers find the pace perfect—balancing instruction with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The reviews speak volumes about the professionalism of the team, the quality of the equipment, and the unforgettable marine encounters.

If you’re looking for an activity that’s active but low-impact, offers a new skill, and immerses you in Panglao’s famous underwater beauty, this course is a smart choice. It’s especially well-suited for those who value safety, authenticity, and a genuine sense of community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the course fee?
The fee covers small-group instruction, all equipment, safety briefings, pool and open water sessions, and certification. It also includes unedited photos and videos of your experience.

Do I need to bring my own gear?
No, snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can focus on learning without extra packing.

Can non-swimmers participate?
Yes, many reviews mention that non-swimmers enjoyed the experience, especially with the supportive guidance and safety measures in place.

What’s the maximum depth I will reach?
The course trains you to freedive up to 20 meters (65.5 feet), which is a good depth for beginners and offers a sense of achievement.

Is there an age limit?
While specific age limits aren’t mentioned, reviews note that older participants and non-swimmers are able to participate comfortably.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before will not be refunded.

Where does the course take place?
The meeting point is Freedive Academy Panglao, conveniently located on Panglao Island, accessible from local hotels and transportation hubs.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, and perhaps a light snack. The course provides all necessary equipment, so no additional gear is needed.

How experienced are the instructors?
Reviews highlight an impressive level of professionalism and patience. Instructors like Ven, Ramar, and Rea are praised for their knowledge, caring attitude, and safety-first approach.

To sum it up, this beginner freediving course on Panglao Island offers a balanced mix of professional instruction, stunning marine scenery, and the thrill of discovering a new way to explore the underwater world. It’s perfect for those eager to learn a safe, enriching skill while enjoying some of the best marine life the Philippines has to offer. Whether you’re a water novice or an experienced snorkeler wanting to try something new, you’ll find this course both enjoyable and rewarding.