PADI Certified
PADI Freediver Course in Koh Tao
A 3-day PADI certification course covering theory, breathwork, pool training, and two ocean sessions to a maximum depth of 16 metres. Private, warm water, all equipment included.
No experience needed. Learn to breathe, equalise, and dive on a single breath.
Schedule
What to Expect Each Day
The PADI Freediver course builds progressively — from classroom to pool to open ocean.
Theory & Pool
- Freediving physiology — what happens to your body at depth
- Breathing techniques — diaphragmatic breathing, breathe-up, recovery breaths
- Equalisation theory and dry practice
- Static breath-hold in the pool
- Dynamic swimming underwater
- Safety and buddy procedures
Ocean Session 1
- Free immersion — diving along the line
- Constant weight bifins — duck diving and diving with fins
- 10m maximum depth
- Debrief and technique feedback
Ocean Session 2
- Deeper dives toward 16m
- Certification depth — reaching 10m
- 5m safety and rescue skills
- Fun dives to finish
- Debrief and technique feedback
Skills
What You'll Learn
Six core skills take you from your first breath-hold to a certified dive to 16 metres.
Breathing & relaxation
Diaphragmatic breathing, the breathe-up, and recovery breaths that lower your heart rate and stretch your breath-hold.
Equalisation
Frenzel technique and head position so you can equalise hands-free and pain-free all the way to depth.
Duck dive & finning
A clean duck dive, efficient finning, and a streamlined body position that saves oxygen on every metre.
Line diving
Free immersion (pulling down the line) and constant weight (with fins) — the two core freediving disciplines.
Safety & rescue
Buddy procedures, rescue skills, and how to recognise and respond to a blackout or samba.
Dive physiology
What happens to your body at depth — the mammalian dive reflex, pressure, and why relaxation beats fitness.
Before You Book
What's Included
What's included
- PADI theory & knowledge development materials
- PADI certification fees and digital card
- All equipment — long fins, low-volume mask, wetsuit, weight belt
- Confined water (pool) session
- Two ocean sessions
- Private sessions — never grouped with strangers
What to bring
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sunscreen (reef-safe) and a hat
- Water and a light snack
- Any personal medication
Location
Why Learn Freediving in Koh Tao?
Warm water year-round
28–30°C water means no thick wetsuit, easy relaxation, and comfortable long sessions.
Excellent visibility
15–30m+ visibility on most days. You can see the bottom, the line, and the marine life around you.
Calm conditions
Protected bays and sheltered dive sites mean minimal current for training dives.
Rich marine life
Turtles, reef sharks, and colourful coral keep every dive interesting — even training dives.
Fully private
Every course is private — just you (and anyone you book with) and your instructor, so all the attention and feedback is yours.
All equipment included
Long fins, low-volume mask, wetsuit, weight belt — everything you need is provided.
FAQ
Common Questions
How much does the PADI Freediver course cost in Koh Tao?
The PADI Freediver course at Antara Freediving costs ฿7,800 per person (~$210 USD). This includes all equipment, PADI certification fees, theory materials, pool session, and two ocean sessions. No hidden costs.
How deep will I dive during the PADI Freediver course?
The PADI Freediver course certifies you to dive up to 16 metres. Most students reach 10–16m during the course. Your depth will depend on your comfort level, equalisation ability, and relaxation — not fitness.
Do I need experience to take the PADI Freediver course?
No prior experience is required. You need to be comfortable in the water and able to swim 200m and float for 10 minutes. The course starts from zero and builds progressively. Many students have never held their breath underwater before.
How long does the PADI Freediver course take?
The course takes 3 days. Day 1 covers theory and confined water (pool) work. Days 2–3 are ocean sessions where you practise dives along a line to depth. The schedule is flexible to weather and individual progress.
Ready?
Your PADI Freediver certification starts here.
3 days in the warm, clear waters of Koh Tao. Private, personal attention, all equipment included.