Friendly and professional people. I did the advanced course with Amy and Carolina and they made me feel relaxed and safe at all times. Highly recommended!
Thailand
Freediving School
Apnea Total Koh Tao
Koh Tao, Thailand
The original freediving school on Koh Tao, running its own world-recognized Apnea Total education system since 2004, with courses from beginner through instructor trainer level.
Overview
About Apnea Total Koh Tao
Established in 2004, Apnea Total is the original freediving school on Koh Tao. They have pioneered their own world-recognized education system and have trained thousands of students from beginner to instructor level. Known for their high safety standards and experienced instructors, they offer a personalized training experience in a relaxed atmosphere.
Personalized coaching with close feedback and a lower-volume teaching setup.
Whether you are looking to discover apnea for the first time or earn a recognised freediving certification in Koh Tao, Apnea Total Koh Tao provides a structured path. The school focuses on divers who already have a base and want structured depth progression. Instruction is available in English, French, Spanish, and Thai.
Ideal for
Who should learn freediving at Apnea Total Koh Tao
Beginners
As the original freediving school on Koh Tao since 2004, Apnea Total brings two decades of teaching experience to their beginner program, with shore access to warm tropical water.
Advanced
Depth limited to 50m and conditions are mild, so better as a course island than a depth camp.
Training focus
Small-group coaching with personalized feedback is backed by the school's own world-recognized certification system, developed independently from the major agencies.
Why this school
What makes Apnea Total Koh Tao stand out
Coaching approach
Personalized coaching with close feedback and a lower-volume teaching setup.
Class format
Classes are kept to a small-group format to ensure more personal attention and actual dive time. Equipment rental is available on-site for those traveling light.
Course progression
From a first breath-hold to advanced depth training, the school adapts to where you are. Beginner freedivers start with foundational courses, while certified divers refine technique and progress to deeper certifications at their own pace.
Courses & Pricing
Apnea Total Koh Tao freediving courses and prices in Koh Tao
Apnea Total Koh Tao lists 3 course options, priced from USD 200 up to USD 450.
This represents a visible ladder from first course to more committed progression tailored for intermediate and advanced progression, all delivered under Apnea Total frameworks.
★
Most popular
Freediver Course
2 days
From
$200 USD
Advanced Freediver
3 days
From
$230 USD
Master Freediver
4 weeks
From
$450 USD
1 / 3
Safety & standards
Freediving safety
Safety equipment and protocols confirmed directly by the school. Ask to verify anything not listed.
Equipment
- Oxygen on site
- Lanyard required for depth dives
Training practice
- 1:1 buddy system on all dives
- Risk briefing before each session
- Depth progression based on competence
- Rescue drills practised with students
Training environment
Training sites and conditions in Koh Tao
Shore access in Sairee puts students directly into warm tropical water for open-water sessions, while the on-site classroom and equipment room anchor theory and kit preparation. Small groups keep contact time high throughout each course.
Koh Tao gives the school a mix of shore and boat-based sessions with up to 40m depth available in the broader destination profile.
At a glance
Facilities, languages & certifications
Certifications
Apnea Total
Languages
🇬🇧 English 🇫🇷 French 🇪🇸 Spanish 🇹🇭 Thai
Facilities
Classroom, Equipment rental, Shore access
What you get
What is included in courses
Courses at Apnea Total Koh Tao include theory sessions, open-water sessions, classroom, equipment rental, and shore access. Equipment rental may be available separately.
Certification fees, transport to training sites, and other costs may be included or separate depending on the course.
Dive conditions
Learn to freedive in Koh Tao
Koh Tao offers beginner-friendly coaching, an established freediving scene, and warm water with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions and sets the water profile for Apnea Total Koh Tao.
Apnea Total Koh Tao is based in Koh Tao.
Surface water temperature ranges from 28 to 31 °C year-round, with the best window falling in February–September.
Best training window is February through September on Koh Tao.
Destination
Discover the destination
Learn more about where Apnea Total Koh Tao is based — conditions, best season, depth, and more.
Alternatives
Compare Apnea Total Koh Tao with other schools in Koh Tao
Other freediving schools in Koh Tao with listed courses, certifications, and pricing.
Learn
Learn before training with Apnea Total Koh Tao
Guides connected to this school, its courses, and the training decisions readers are likely making.
Startbeginner2 min read
What Is Freediving? A Clear Beginner Introduction
Understand what freediving is, how courses work, and where beginners usually start training.
Breath Holdbeginner3 min read
How To Hold Your Breath Longer for Freediving
Build longer breath-holds by improving relaxation, technique, and training consistency instead of forcing it.
Breath Holdbeginner2 min read
Static Apnea: How To Train Breath-Hold Time Without Making It Dangerous
A safety-first guide to static apnea training, buddy setup, conservative session design, and why maximum holds are not beginner practice.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions about Apnea Total Koh Tao
Everything you need to know about freediving, training, and choosing the right destination.
01 What certifications does Apnea Total Koh Tao offer?
Apnea Total Koh Tao offers Apnea Total certification courses. This certification is recognized internationally.
02 How much do courses at Apnea Total Koh Tao cost?
Prices at Apnea Total Koh Tao start from USD 200 for entry-level courses and go up to USD 450 for advanced levels. Course duration ranges from 2 days to 4 weeks.
03 Who is Apnea Total Koh Tao best for?
As the original freediving school on Koh Tao since 2004, Apnea Total brings two decades of teaching experience to their beginner program, with shore access to warm tropical water. The school also works well for advanced progression and personalized coaching.
04 Where does Apnea Total Koh Tao train?
Apnea Total Koh Tao trains in Koh Tao, which offers beginner-friendly coaching, an established freediving scene, and warm water with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions. The main training sites are Koh Tao and Shore access.
05 How do I contact or book with Apnea Total Koh Tao?
You can book through email at info@apneatotal.com. Check the website for current course schedules and availability. You can also reach the school by phone at +66 (0) 819565720.
06 Is Koh Tao a good place to learn freediving?
Koh Tao is well-suited to beginners and those looking to earn a freediving certification. The destination offers beginner-friendly coaching, an established freediving scene, and warm water with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions, making it a practical base for structured apnea training. Best training window is February through September on Koh Tao.
Recent Google reviews
What recent students say about Apnea Total Koh Tao
★4.9(299 reviews)
I highly recommend this freediving school on the island. They are not only professional and competent but also extremely nice people. We did our dives with Monica the founder of the school and she is a talented and kind hearted teacher. We studied the theory with Carolina and we had fun with her to learn theory and the breath-up. We took the boat 10 minutes after the theory class of the Advanced cpurse We did and wewent diving on the marge of Sairee Beach in open sea. The material they lend us for diving his good and took care of. We also added a private class after. We reached 31/32m deep with fun. We discovered a great sport and lifestyle : freediving. Thank you the Team and come dive in Italia with us
I had a fantastic time completing my freediving course with Apnea Total. The whole experience was so enlightening, professional, and I learned a lot from start to finish! A big thanks to Harsha, who was an excellent instructor. Harsha's calm energy and clear communication made a huge difference in both the knowledge but also the relaxation element of our freediving. I felt safe and supported throughout the entire process, which really helped me focus on my technique and enjoy the dives. If you're looking to get into freediving, I highly recommend this team.
School owners
Is this your school? Claim your listing.
- Update your school information
- Increase your visibility to freedivers worldwide
- Receive more students and direct inquiries
Claim my school
Takes less than 2 minutes