Discover Freediving Course in Tamarindo: Learn to 5m Depth

Breathe underwater and glide past 15 feet on your first freediving day

The Discover Freediving course in Tamarindo teaches you proper breathing, relaxation and underwater swimming technique to reach 5m depth, starting with classroom theory at 7am and moving to open water by 8:30am off Flamingo. The five-hour session includes all equipment, boat transport from the school, and souvenir photos. No previous experience is required, though you must be able to swim and at least 12 years old.

The experience

You meet your instructor at the freediving school in Tamarindo at 7am and spend the first hour in the classroom learning how the equipment works and practicing breathing and relaxation techniques designed to calm your nervous system before entering the water. At 8:30am you board a shuttle to Flamingo, then transfer to the boat where the real work begins: your instructor teaches you duck diving, body positioning and the underwater swimming style that lets you move without kicking hard. The goal is to show you how to descend comfortably past 5 meters on a single breath, moving like the animal the course compares you to.

The boat session runs until around noon, when you head back to Tamarindo. You get souvenir photos or video from the water, all your gear for the day, and the shuttle rides to and from the boat. The five-hour timeline means an early start but leaves the afternoon free. The course assumes you can swim and have at least a moderate level of fitness, though no previous freediving experience is necessary.

What’s included

• All freediving equipment for the day.
• shuttle transport from the school to the boat in Flamingo and back to Tamarindo.
• souvenir photos or video from the water session.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Freedive Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The 7am start and five-hour commitment mean an early morning, but the afternoon stays open. The course is built for swimmers who are comfortable in the water and ready to learn a new skill, not for sightseeing or casual floating.

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Top questions

What exactly do I learn during the underwater part of the Discover Freediving course?

You learn duck diving (the technique to start your descent), proper body positioning to move efficiently, and underwater swimming without heavy kicking. Your instructor teaches you to perform comfortable freedives beyond 5 meters on a single breath.

Do I need to know how to freedive already, or is this really for beginners?

No previous freediving experience is required. The course starts with breathing and relaxation techniques in the classroom, then moves to the water where your instructor guides you through every step.

What time does the Discover Freediving course start and when am I back in Tamarindo?

You meet your instructor at 7am at the freediving school in Tamarindo. After classroom theory, you shuttle to Flamingo and spend the morning on the boat, returning to Tamarindo around noon.

What's included in the course, and what do I need to bring?

The course includes all freediving equipment, transport by shuttle to the boat and back, and souvenir photos or video. Bring your own swimwear and sun protection. Food and drinks are not included.

Is there a minimum age, and do I need to be a strong swimmer?

The minimum age is 12 years old. You must be able to swim and have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The course is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.