Soufriere, Dominica
Freediving school in Soufriere. An elite-led center in Dominica's Soufriere Bay marine reserve, offering world-class coaching in calm, current-free Caribbean deep water with a purpose-built training platform.
Overview
Founded by world-class freedivers, Blue Element is Dominica's premier training center. They offer elite coaching and courses in the pristine Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Known for hosting international competitions, they provide a professional and inspiring environment for divers of all levels.
Structured high-capability coaching that can support both courses and deeper progression goals.
Whether you are looking to discover apnea for the first time or earn a recognised freediving certification in Soufriere, Blue Element Freediving provides a structured path. The school is well-suited to first-time freedivers and those learning breath-hold technique for the first time. Instruction is available in English, German, Italian, and Spanish.
The people behind it
Jonathan Sunnex is a world-class freediver and founder of Blue Element Freediving. He began freediving in 2011 and rapidly progressed beyond 100 meters in constant weight, reaching world number three in depth disciplines in 2012/2013 and ranking among the top five globally early in his career. He represented New Zealand at the AIDA World Championships and won a bronze medal in FIM in 2013. He is also a highly experienced safety diver, serving as Chief of Safety and Event Manager at Vertical Blue, and later as an AIDA Safety Officer. As a coach, he has helped athletes achieve five world records and numerous national and continental titles. He is an instructor trainer across AIDA, PADI, and SSI systems, working with freedivers from beginner to elite level.
Ideal for
The AIDA 1 Intro at $175 provides a half-day introduction in the protected Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve, where calm Caribbean conditions ease first-time open-water nerves.
150m in a sheltered volcanic crater, plus sperm whale encounters nearby between training sessions.
Performance-focused freediving coaching following both the AIDA and Molchanovs systems, progressing from beginner to elite level.
Why this school
Coaching approach
Structured high-capability coaching that can support both courses and deeper progression goals.
Class format
Sessions are structured around mixed-group training based on student levels and goals. Equipment rental is available on-site for those traveling light.
Course progression
The curriculum guides students from their first freediving course up through intermediate certifications, with attention to technique and confidence at moderate depths.
Courses & Pricing
Blue Element Freediving lists 3 course options, priced from USD 175 up to USD 525.
This represents a visible ladder from first course to more committed progression covering everything from discovery dives to advanced certification levels, all delivered under AIDA and Molchanovs frameworks.
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Safety & standards
Safety equipment and protocols confirmed directly by the school. Ask to verify anything not listed.
Training environment
The custom platform is reachable by a short swim from shore or under two minutes by boat. Soufriere Bay's calm, current-free water and unlimited depth make it one of the most reliable deep-training environments in the Caribbean year-round.
Soufriere gives the school a mix of shore and boat-based sessions with up to 150m depth available in the broader destination profile.
At a glance
Certifications
Languages
Facilities
Classroom, Custom platform, Marine reserve access
What you get
Courses at Blue Element Freediving include theory sessions, open-water sessions, and classroom. 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
Soufriere offers warm water and reliable line depth with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions and sets the water profile for Blue Element Freediving.
Blue Element Freediving is based in Soufriere.
Surface water temperature ranges from 27 to 30 °C year-round, with the best window falling in October–June.
Dominica offers year-round conditions; the calmer, drier weather is typically January through June.
Destination
Learn more about where Blue Element Freediving is based — conditions, best season, depth, and more.
Alternatives
Other freediving schools in Soufriere with listed courses, certifications, and pricing.
Got questions?
Everything you need to know about freediving, training, and choosing the right destination.
Blue Element Freediving offers AIDA and Molchanovs certification courses. Multiple agencies are available.
Prices at Blue Element Freediving start from USD 175 for entry-level courses and go up to USD 525 for advanced levels. Course duration ranges from 0.5 days to 3 days.
The AIDA 1 Intro at $175 provides a half-day introduction in the protected Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve, where calm Caribbean conditions ease first-time open-water nerves. The school also works well for beginners, elite coaching access, and serious training camps.
Blue Element Freediving trains in Soufriere, which offers warm water and reliable line depth with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions. The main training sites are Soufriere, Custom platform, and Marine reserve access.
You can book through email at blueelementfreediving@gmail.com. Check the website for current course schedules and availability. You can also reach the school by phone at +1 767-295-1943.
Soufriere is well-suited to beginners and those looking to earn a freediving certification. The destination offers warm water and reliable line depth with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions, making it a practical base for structured apnea training. Dominica offers year-round conditions; the calmer, drier weather is typically January through June.
Recent Google reviews
Feeling truly blessed to have had the opportunity to spend time here, immersed in beautiful nature with such wonderful people. Great set up, epic conditions and super relaxed environment perfect to focus on training and learn from a highly knowledgeable community. Thank you BE
Amazing freediving experience (and great coffee!) My husband decided to try a freediving class at Blue Element Freediving after several people on the island told us Dominica is one of the best places in the world to learn (along with Egypt). It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. He trained with the number one freediver in Italy for just $125, which felt like an incredible value for the level of instruction. On his very first day he made it down to 11 meters, and came back absolutely glowing. He hasn’t stopped talking about how amazing the experience was. Another bonus: they make a fantastic latte and have some of the best healthy breakfast options on the island—overnight oats, smoothies, and other great snacks. Highly recommend if you’re visiting Dominica.
Incredible Freediving School, plenty of resources for you to become a better diver or just training to get to the next level
