Your beginner-friendly roadmap to freediving in the Philippines, from choosing trusted coaches and schools to planning smooth, effortless trips.
Freediving looks intimidating from the outside, but with the right guidance, it becomes one of the most peaceful and life-changing ways to explore the ocean. This toolkit walks you through everything you need to feel confident, prepared, and excited for your first dive; from essential knowledge to choosing instructors to planning your trip.
Whether you’re diving for the first time or easing your way back after a long break, this page gives you the exact steps to start your journey safely.
STEP 1: Build Your Foundation

Before you book your first dive, get familiar with the basics. This guide covers everything you need to feel prepared:
- What freediving really is (and what it’s not)
- Breathing and relaxation essentials
- Equalization basics
- Gear you will actually need as a beginner
- First-time safety practices
- How to choose your first location
- How much freediving costs in the Philippines
This guide removes the guesswork so you can show up feeling confident, calm, and ready!
STEP 2: Learn From Trusted Coaches

We introduce great coaches, their teaching styles, and what makes each one unique, so you know exactly who you’re learning from.
- Certified instructors
- Coaches with proven safety records
- Coaches who specialize in beginners
- Coaches based in major Philippine dive hubs (Moalboal, Mabini, Panglao, Siquijor, Siargao, etc.)
A lot of beginners want memorable videos of their first dives. We only feature coaches who can help you capture your experience safely.
- Coaches skilled in underwater photos and videos, so you can capture your progress safely and beautifully.
We highlight expert freedivers, their training styles, and their strengths so you know exactly who you’re learning from.
STEP 3: Choose the Right Freediving School with our Directory

Different schools offer different vibes. Whether you prefer a relaxed beachfront training space or a structured training center, this directory helps you compare:
- Locations & facilities
- Training depth access
- Typical dive conditions
- Packages for beginners
- Community culture
- Accessibility for first-timers
This makes it easy for you to choose where you feel safe, supported, and excited to learn.
Bonus Guide: Travel Itineraries for Freedivers

Plan your trips smoothly and turn your dives into a full adventure! Each itinerary includes:
- The best months to visit
- Estimated budget
- Best freediving spots
- Food recommendations
- Transport tips
- A mini guide on what to do between dive sessions
These aren’t generic travel plans, they’re built for freedivers who want smooth trips with minimal planning time.
