3-Day Beginner Freediving Course on Panglao Island

Learn to hold your breath and descend 20 meters underwater

A 3-day beginner freediving course on Panglao Island teaches you to dive on a single breath using AIDA, SSI or Molchanovs methods. You'll train in the pool and open water, master breathing and relaxation techniques, and earn a certification card. The course includes all fees, equipment use and a photo and video record of your dives.

The experience

Panglao Island's Freedive Academy runs the official beginner certifications (AIDA 2, SSI Level 1, or Molchanovs Wave 1) all built around the same core skills. You'll spend the 3 days moving between classroom sessions, pool work and open water dives, building the foundation to descend safely to 20 meters on a single breath. The instructors cover safety procedures, pressure-related physiology, breathing techniques and the mental side of relaxation that makes freediving possible.

Pool sessions let you practice in controlled depth before the open water work, where you'll apply what you learned and get comfortable with the actual underwater environment. The classroom time fills in the theory: how your body responds to depth, what can go wrong and how to prevent it. By the end, you'll have the skills to freedive independently and a certificate recognized across the diving industry.

You'll receive unedited photos and videos from your dives, all fees and taxes are covered, and snorkelling equipment is included if you want to explore between sessions. The course welcomes children from age 12 and suits all fitness levels. Guides teach in English, Filipino, Chinese or Dutch depending on your preference.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes.
• use of snorkelling equipment.
• unedited photos and videos from your dives.
• official certification upon completion.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 86 years) · Youth (16 to 17 years) · Child (12 to 15 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 4 · max 1 per booking

Live guideEnglish, Chinese, Dutch and Filipino

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

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Freedive Academy Panglao

Is this one for you?The course runs 3 days with pool and classroom time alongside open water dives, so you need to commit the full span to progress through the skills in sequence. Book this if you have the time to spend the days together and want to earn a recognized certification rather than just try freediving once.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Filipino, Chinese and Dutch.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (16 to 17 years); Child (12 to 15 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What exactly do I learn in a 3-day freediving course?

The course teaches you to descend to 20 meters on a single breath by training your breathing technique, relaxation response and body awareness. You'll learn safety procedures, how pressure affects your physiology, and the mental focus required to stay calm underwater. Pool sessions build confidence in shallow water before you move to open water dives where you put it all together.

Do I need any diving experience before I start?

No. The beginner course is designed for people with no freediving background. It suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health. Children can join from age 12 onward.

What happens after I finish? Do I get a certificate?

Yes. Upon completion you receive an official certification card from whichever agency you train with (AIDA, SSI or Molchanovs). This card is recognized internationally and lets you freedive independently once you leave the course.

How much time is spent in the water versus in the classroom?

The 3 days mix classroom instruction, pool sessions and open water dives. The exact split depends on your progress and the conditions, but you'll spend significant time in the water practicing the techniques you learn in theory.

What's included in the course fee?

All course fees and taxes are covered. You get use of snorkelling equipment and a record of your dives in unedited photos and videos. Lunch can be ordered a day in advance for about 250 PHP if you want to eat between sessions.