Freediving for Beginners in the Philippines: The Complete 2025 Guide
Freediving is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the Philippines, and it is easy to see why. With crystal-clear waters, tropical weather all year round, and marine sanctuaries teeming with life, the country is a dream playground for anyone curious about exploring the ocean on a single breath.
If you are ready to begin your journey, this Ultimate Freediving Guide in the Philippines will walk you through everything you need to know: from preparation, safety, and essential skills to gear, destinations, and costs.
Each section below links to one of my nine pillar blogs that go deeper into every topic, helping you build confidence and connection with the ocean, one dive at a time.
1. Preparing for Your First Freediving Course
Before stepping into the water, preparation makes all the difference. The right mindset, gear, and physical readiness set the tone for your first successful dive. This guide covers everything from what to bring and how to prepare mentally to the small habits that make your intro course smoother and more enjoyable.
👉 Read the full guide: 5 Essential Things to Prepare Before Your Intro Course
2. Essential Freediving Skills Every Beginner Needs
Your first few lessons will shape how you dive for the rest of your journey. From equalization and duck diving to recovery breathing and relaxation, these core skills keep you calm, safe, and efficient underwater.
👉 Read the full guide: 5 Essential Freediving Skills Every Beginner Needs to Learn and Master
3. How to Start Freediving When You Have No Idea Where to Begin
Feeling unsure about where to start is normal. In this beginner-friendly guide, I explain how to choose a reputable school, what certifications like AIDA, SSI, or Molchanovs mean, and what you can expect in your first course.
👉 Read the full guide: How to Start Freediving When You Have No Idea Where to Begin
4. The Benefits of Learning Freediving
Freediving is not just a physical activity. It is a lifestyle that enhances both mind and body. You will learn to breathe deeper, handle stress better, and find peace beneath the waves. This blog explores how freediving transforms you physically, mentally, and emotionally, and why so many people fall in love with it after their first dive.
👉 Read the full guide: 5 Life-Changing Benefits Every Beginner Must Know to Kickstart Their Freediving Journey
5. Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
Every new freediver makes mistakes, but awareness helps you avoid them early. From diving without a buddy to skipping recovery time, these small errors can have big consequences. This guide walks you through the most common beginner mistakes and how to fix them so you can progress safely and confidently.
👉 Read the full guide: 5 Beginner Freediving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
6. Freediving Safety Basics Every Beginner Should Practice
Freediving is one of the most freeing experiences you can have in the ocean, but it is also a sport that demands discipline. Safety is non-negotiable. I learned this firsthand after a painful sinus barotrauma that changed how I approached the sea.
This section dives deep into the golden rules of safety: never dive alone, equalize early and often, respect your body, and never touch marine life.
👉 Read the full guide: Freediving Safety Basics Every Beginner Should Practice
7. The Best Freediving Spots in the Philippines
The Philippines is home to some of the most breathtaking freediving destinations in the world. From the beginner-friendly waters of Mabini and Anilao in Batangas to the turtle sanctuaries of Apo Island, the sardine run in Moalboal, the coral gardens of Bohol, and the shipwrecks of Coron, every island offers something unique.
Whether you are training, exploring, or simply chasing sunlight through the reefs, this destination guide covers the best freediving spots across the archipelago for all levels.
👉 Read the full guide: Top Freediving Spots in the Philippines for Every Level
8. Freediving Gear to Buy After Your Intro Course
Once you have completed your intro course and joined a few fun dives, it is time to invest in gear that fits you perfectly. Start with essentials such as a low-volume mask and proper freediving fins, then gradually upgrade as your skills improve.
This guide explains the difference between plastic, fiberglass, and carbon fins, how to care for your gear, and when to make each purchase without wasting money.
👉 Read the full guide: Freediving Gear to Buy After Your Intro Course: Beginner’s Guide to Smart Investments
9. Freediving Costs in the Philippines (2025 Update)
Freediving in the Philippines is more affordable than most people think. Your intro course, including meals and accommodation, costs around ₱6,000 to ₱6,500, while fun dives range between ₱2,000 and ₱3,000 per session depending on location.
This blog breaks down real numbers across Batangas, Siquijor, Moalboal, and Bohol, including tips on budgeting for transportation, food, and optional gear rentals.
👉 Read the full guide: Freediving Costs in the Philippines: 2025 Complete Guide for Intro Courses and Fun Dives
Your Next Steps
Freediving is more than a sport. It is a journey of mindfulness, growth, and connection with the ocean. With these nine blogs as your foundation, you will have everything you need to start your own adventure, from preparation and safety to travel and training.
The Philippines offers some of the world’s most stunning freediving experiences. Whether you are learning to equalize in Batangas, swimming with sardines in Moalboal, or gliding alongside turtles in Bohol, every dive becomes a story worth telling.
If this guide inspired you to start, share it with someone curious about freediving and follow Froyows Travel and Freediving/@froyows (in my socials) for more stories, tips, and real experiences from the depths.
The ocean is waiting, one breath at a time! 🌊
FROYOWS TRAVEL & FREEDIVING 