Learn to Freedive in One of Asia's Most Beautiful Tropical Paradises
What if your next holiday became the beginning of a lifelong passion?
Imagine floating on the surface of warm turquoise water, taking one slow breath, and then gently disappearing beneath the surface. The noise of the world fades away. Your movements become effortless. For the first time, you experience complete silence.
This is the moment thousands of freedivers around the world fall in love with the sport.
At Camotes Freediving, we believe that freediving is not about holding your breath for as long as possible. It’s about learning to relax, understanding your body, and discovering a level of calm and confidence you never knew existed.
Our Molchanovs Wave 1 Freediving Course is designed specifically for complete beginners and has helped students from more than 50 countries safely discover the incredible world of freediving.
If you’re searching for the best freediving course in the Philippines, you’ve come to the right place.
Why Learn Freediving in the Philippines?
The Philippines is considered one of the world’s premier freediving destinations. Few places combine warm tropical water, beautiful coral reefs, exceptional visibility, minimal currents and year-round diving conditions like the Philippine islands. Learning here means spending more time enjoying your dives and less time worrying about cold water, waves or poor visibility. Unlike many destinations around the world, you can train comfortably wearing only a thin wetsuit while enjoying water temperatures around 30°C (86°F). Whether you’re visiting Asia for a holiday or specifically travelling to learn freediving, the Philippines offers some of the best conditions on Earth.
Why Choose Camotes Instead of Other Freediving Destinations?
The Philippines has several excellent freediving destinations. So why do so many students choose Camotes? Because learning is easier when conditions are ideal.
Camotes offers:
• Calm water most of the year
• Deep water only minutes from shore
• Small groups with personalised coaching
• No overcrowded dive sites
• Purpose-built freediving facilities
• A relaxed island atmosphere
• Professional safety systems
• Easy progression from beginner to instructor
Instead of rushing from one dive to another, you’ll have time to truly learn, relax and enjoy every moment underwater.
More Than a Certification
Many schools teach you how to pass a course. Our goal is different. We want you to become the kind of freediver who feels relaxed, safe and confident anywhere in the world. Every exercise has a purpose. Every session builds confidence. Every dive teaches something new. By the end of the course, you won’t simply have earned a certification—you’ll have developed skills that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Your Transformation
Most students arrive believing they simply “can’t hold their breath.” Two and a half days later, they leave amazed by what they achieved. Not because they became stronger. Because they learned to relax.
Typical student achievements include:
✔ Breath holds exceeding 1 minute 30 seconds
✔ Comfortable dives between 12 and 20 metres
✔ Confidence diving with a certified buddy
✔ Improved water confidence
✔ Better body awareness
✔ A completely new appreciation of the underwater world
Why Students Love Learning With Us
Students regularly tell us they appreciate:
✔ Small groups
✔ Relaxed atmosphere
✔ Individual coaching
✔ Excellent safety
✔ Beautiful dive sites
✔ Professional yet friendly instructors
✔ A strong international community
Many students arrive for Wave 1 and end up staying to complete Wave 2, Wave 3 or even our Instructor Course.
2.5 days - 350 $
What it includes
- Extensive online manual
- 2 pool sessions
- 3 open water sessions
- Theory & dry workshops
- Use of equipment & facilities
- Liability insurance
- Internationally recognized E-certification upon successful completion
- Access to Molchanovs base training
Prerequisites
16 years of minimum age
Swim 200m unassisted & non-stop in a pool setting
Theories
History of Freediving
Brief overview of the history of freediving
Physiology
Effects of breath holding and the underwater environment on the human body
Physics
Physical laws related to freediving
Relaxation Techniques
Calm and focus the mind and slow down metabolic processes to conserve oxygen
Breathing Techniques
Breathing techniques to prepare for a freedive and recover oxygen supplies
Equalization
Pros and Cons of different equalization methods and how they are performed
Safety & Rescue
Emergency situations and correct responses
Freediving Equipment
Various types of freediving equipment
Skills
Breathing Technique
Learn how to breathe correctly before and after a Freedive
Technique
Move efficiently underwarter using bi-fins, the rope and breast stroke technique
Equalization
Practice the fundamentals of the Frenzel equalization method
Safety and Rescue
Practice risk evaluation and correct response in freediving emergency scenarios
Passing Requirements
Pool - STA 1 min 30 sec
Complete a Static breath hold of minimum 1 minute and 30 seconds in our swimming pool
Open Water - CWTB & FIM 12-20m
Perform a comfortable dive to at least 12m by pulling the rope and using bi-fins
Open Water - CWTB Buddying 6-10m
Become an autonomous freediver and demonstrate correct buddying techniques to a depth between 6-10 meters
Open Water - Rescue 6-10m
Demonstrate correct rescue procedures in freediving emergency scenarious from a depth of 6-10 meters
FAQ's on Wave 1
No. Wave 1 is specifically designed for complete beginners.
Not at all. We progress gradually, and you’ll never be asked to do anything before you’re ready.
Most students reach between 12 and 20 metres, depending on their comfort and progress.
Everyone is different, but many students comfortably exceed 1 minute 30 seconds by the end of the course.
Equalization is one of the most common beginner concerns. Our progressive teaching methods help most students learn comfortably during the course.
No.
Freediving is much more about relaxation than athletic ability.
Yes.
Many students wear soft contact lenses while freediving.
Just bring your swimsuit.
We provide all professional freediving equipment.
Like any adventure sport, freediving carries risks if practiced incorrectly.
When taught properly and always practiced with a trained buddy, it is an extremely safe activity. Safety is the foundation of everything we teach.
Very likely.
Camotes offers beautiful coral reefs and tropical marine life, although wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed.
We offer courses in English, and depending on instructor availability, other languages may also be available.
Yes.
Many students stay a few extra days to continue their progression immediately after completing Wave 1.
Participants should be comfortable in the water and able to swim at least 200 metres continuously.
Absolutely.
Many snorkelers discover that freediving allows them to spend much more time exploring reefs underwater.
The standard minimum age is 16 years old (or younger through youth-specific programs where applicable).
Molchanovs is one of the world’s most respected freediving education systems, recognised internationally for its progressive teaching methodology, high safety standards and global instructor network.
Once certified, you’ll be able to dive with another appropriately certified freediver within the limits of your training. Many graduates continue practicing locally, travel to freediving destinations around the world, or advance to Wave 2 to develop greater depth, efficiency and confidence.
