Many aspiring freedivers message me asking, “How much does it really cost to start freediving in the Philippines?” Whether you’re coming from Manila, Cebu, or elsewhere, this is one of the most common questions I receive. So in this guide, let’s go through the actual costs of taking an Intro to Freediving Course and what to expect for your fun dives afterward.
Fun dives are the next step after your intro course. They help you practice what you’ve learned, improve your skills, and explore new sites at your own pace. Think of them as training sessions that build your confidence while connecting you with the local freediving community and the incredible underwater world of the Philippines.
Intro to Freediving Course (Batangas-Based Estimate)
Course and Coaches
Cost: PHP 3,750 – 4,000
The cost depends on your chosen school or instructor, but based on my experience with several schools in Batangas, this is the typical range. The rate usually includes gear, accommodation, meals (lunch on check-in, dinner, breakfast, and lunch on check-out), and training sessions. It’s a great deal for a weekend trip that immerses you in the basics of freediving.
Carpool (Roundtrip from Manila to Batangas and vice versa)
Cost: PHP 1,200
This varies depending on the van operator or carpool group. Most schools make it convenient by arranging transportation for students, so all you need to do is pack your essentials, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive to Mabini or Anilao.
Extra Food and Drinks (Optional)
Cost: Around PHP 1,000
Meals are generally included in your course, but it’s always nice to have a little extra budget for coffee, snacks, or dinner with your dive buddies after a long day in the water.
✅ Estimated Total: PHP 6,200
In total, this is the amount you should prepare for a complete freediving intro weekend in Batangas, covering transportation, meals, accommodation, and training. It’s an affordable way to begin your freediving journey and discover the peace and excitement that come with exploring the ocean on a single breath.
Fun Dives or Training Dives (After Your Intro Course)
Freediving is a skill that grows with practice. Taking an intro course gives you a foundation, but the real progress happens when you continue diving regularly. Fun dives help you refine your technique, train your breath-hold, and get more comfortable at depth. They’re also a great way to meet other divers, join group sessions, and explore new underwater landscapes.
Here are the average fun dive rates across several Philippine locations I’ve personally tried or inquired about. These prices are based on rates as of 2026 and may vary slightly depending on your chosen coach or operator.
Mabini, Batangas
- 2-Day Session: PHP 2,700 – 3,000
- Carpool: PHP 1,200 (roundtrip from Manila)
This is the usual package from Balai Lawom, my go-to freediving spot in Mabini. The area is 3-4 hours from Manila, beginner-friendly, and offers beautiful coral slopes that are perfect for depth training and underwater photos.
Siquijor
- Full-Day Session: PHP 1,700 per head (training only, gear not included)
- Marine Sanctuary Entrance Fees: PHP 200
- Local Transportation: PHP 300
I trained here with Coach Moyti, a resident certified freediving coach in Siquijor. The waters are calm and crystal clear, making it one of my favorite places to combine diving with island exploration.
If you’re coming from Manila, remember that this rate covers only the fun dive session. Flights and transfers to Siquijor are not included.
Moalboal, Cebu
- With Gear: PHP 1,200
- Without Gear: PHP 1,000
Moalboal is one of Cebu’s best freediving spots (personally, in the Philippines), famous for its sardine run and reef walls just a few meters from shore. These were the rates I arranged with Coach Mario, a local certified coach who runs small-group sessions right off Panagsama Beach.
If you’re based in Manila, airfare to Cebu is not part of the rate. The price listed covers the fun dive itself once you’re already in Moalboal.
Panglao, Bohol
- Napaling Reef Only: PHP 1,900 – 2,000
- Balicasag Island + Napaling Reef: PHP 4,000
- Joiner Boat Fee: PHP 500 per head
- Private Boat Fee: 2000 – 4000
- Estimated Total: PHP 2,500 – 8,000
These were my negotiated rates with Panglao Bohol Freediving Adventures, a trusted team of instructors and videographers. The Napaling Reef is known for its dramatic drop-off and schooling fish, while Balicasag Island features a marine sanctuary rich with marine life.
If you’re flying in from Manila, airfare is not included in the rate. Fun dive prices in Bohol vary depending on which sites you want to explore, but they generally include the use of freediving gear.
Final Thoughts
Freediving in the Philippines is surprisingly affordable once you understand the breakdown of costs. For as low as ₱6,000 to ₱6,500, you can already complete your intro course and begin your journey beneath the waves. After that, fun dives typically cost around ₱2,000 to ₱3,000 per session, helping you continue your progress, make new friends, and discover breathtaking sites across Batangas, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor.
But beyond the budget, what you’re really investing in is an experience that transforms your connection with the ocean. Freediving teaches patience, mindfulness, and respect for the underwater world, lessons that stay with you long after you surface. If you’ve been thinking about trying it, this might be the sign you’ve been waiting for. Take that first breath, hold it, and let the ocean show you what freedom truly feels like.
Need quick freediving hacks and travel ideas? Find me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts @froyows.
FROYOWS TRAVEL & FREEDIVING 
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