Koh Tao Freediving

Freediving Koh Tao allows you to discover the underwater world in the most natural way possible and experience it in the closest way we can to marine life. Freediving, also known as ‘apnea’, is diving on a single breath of air.

The human body shares with marine mammals the ability to lower the heart rate while underwater at pressure to enable the body to tolerate low levels of oxygen. Called the ‘Mammalian Dive Reflex’, we can learn to extend our time underwater and dive like a dolphin! Triggered by cold water on the face, this reflex causes three things to happen; lowering the heart rate, narrowing of blood vessels, and blood shift. Our hidden aquatic potential can be unlocked through physiological and psychological training. Freediving courses on Koh Tao teach essential skills and techniques, including breathing and relaxation exercises, to help you develop this ability.

Freediving Koh Tao with sea turtle

What’s in this guide?

Learn Freediving at Koh Tao

Koh Tao is a great place to learn freediving because of its warm climate, clear and calm water, and diverse marine life. Course levels range from beginner to professional, each designed to suit an individual’s ability. The first freediving school on Koh Tao was established in 2004. It is now more widely available with training through the Apnea Total, SSI, PADI, AIDA, RAID and Molchanovs.

Learn PADI Freediving in Koh Tao

Freediving Courses

Beginner Course

A beginner freediving course available on Koh Tao, such as Apnea Total Freediver, SSI Freediver or PADI Freediver takes only 2-3 days and teaches the basics of this challenging sport, where you will learn about the equipment, physiology, skills, breathing techniques and safety regulations. Yoga is also introduced to help improve skills. In just a few days, it is surprising how fast it is to learn and improve, with students being able to freedive up to 20 metres. In no time, you will be encountering the underwater world in a new and exciting way using only your body and mind.

Advanced Courses

If you fall in love with this challenging sport, you can continue learning with more advanced courses and even go on to become an instructor or competitor. An advanced course such as Apnea Total Advanced Freediver, SSI Advanced Freediver or PADI Advanced Freediver takes 3-4 days with further knowledge development and breathing techniques to improve the potential and enable deeper dives to a maximum of 30 metres and breath holding over 3 minutes.


Koh Tao Freediving Photos




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