From the calm, turquoise bays of Panglao to the deep blue drop-offs of Moalboal and Anilao, the Philippines is home to world-class freediving schools and instructors that welcome both beginners and seasoned divers.
When I was in Palawan and Bohol snorkeling, I always thought it was so cool how the tour guides could dive deeper underwater while I was floating in my life jacket. I didn’t even know what that was called—until I saw my dormmate’s Instagram post of her swimming underwater. That’s when I found out it’s called freediving.
Not long after, I found myself enrolling in a freediving course!
Freedive Tribe Ph
This was my first open water freediving class.
Freedive Tribe PH is located in Mabini, Batangas. If you’re coming from Manila, they offer a carpool service for ₱1,000 to ₱1,300, depending on how many people are sharing the ride.
They have two packages: an overnight package (₱2,800–₱3,800) and a day tour package (₱1,875). Personally, I recommend the overnight package—it includes three open water sessions, a theory class, accommodation, and a yoga session.
Both packages come with free gear rental, an equalization workshop, meals, underwater photos and videos, and an e-certificate of participation.
Lawom
Lawom is also located in Mabini, Batangas, and they’re a bit more affordable than Freedive Tribe—their overnight package costs ₱3,575. One thing that sets Lawom apart is their inclusion of one pool session and two open water sessions. I think having a pool session first is a great idea, especially for beginners, as it makes the transition to open water less overwhelming.
Their fundive overnight package is priced at ₱2,575.
Swim Central
If you don’t have the time to go to Batangas, Swim Central offers freediving lessons for 3 hours for P2,000. They are located in Ortigas. Topics include breath holding technique, equalization, finning and duck dive. Class duration will be 3 hours. Free rental of dive mask, snorkel and fins. Pool fee of P800 is excluded. This is not a one-one-one session.
They also have swimming lesson where I enrolled myself.
City Dive
City Dive is also located in Ortigas. They share the same venue with Swim Central. P2,400 is their rate and it includes resort fees, gear rental, theory class, safety coach, personalized coaching session. They also have refresher rate for P2,000. This is not a one-one-one session, too. This is where I took a refresher course and I would say that I don’t feel intimidated by the coaches.
@9jammoves #Meme #MemeCut ♬ original sound – KYLA 💛 – KYLA.
Seazoned
Seazoned conducts their lesson in Scuba Studio, San Juan. Their rate is P5,200 (Kickstarter Package). It is quite pricier than the first two but it’s because it’s 2-hour theory class; 6-hour practical pool session. It is also inclusive of diving gear rental.
South Trench
Located in Las Piñas, this diving school is ideal for those living in the south. Their freediving course includes a 1.5-hour theory session and a 2.5-hour pool session where you’ll learn essential skills such as finning technique, equalization, duck dive, and free immersion. The package also includes free use of diving gear, video and photo documentation, instructor fee, pool entrance, and a survival swim lesson if needed. Rates are ₱2,400 for a solo participant, while groups of two or more can avail the group rate of ₱2,200. They also offer private sessions: a one-on-one private class for ₱4,200 and a couple’s private class for ₱4,900.
Blue Freedom Apnea
This school is held in Panglao, Bohol and includes a 45-minute theory session, a 45-minute pool session, and a 1-hour open water session—all for ₱3,500. Please note that gear rental is not included in the package.
