A worth it experience, David did not pressure us, gentle and always boost our confidence, also other staff is accommodating
Blue Freedom Apnea
Panglao, Philippines
An AIDA and Molchanovs freediving school and non-profit in Panglao, offering courses from Discovery through Instructor level, Zero to Hero programs, and Blue Freedom Week events with elite guest freedivers at Napaling reef.
Overview
About Blue Freedom Apnea
Blue Freedom Apnea is an AIDA-certified freediving club and non-profit based at Relax Divers Resort in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines. The school offers AIDA and Molchanovs courses from beginner to instructor level, a Discovery Freediving Program, and a Zero to Hero track. Its non-profit mission includes free underwater training for local government units and job opportunities for Filipino locals. The club has produced national record-holding athletes, and hosts Blue Freedom Week events with world-class guest instructors including Florian Dagoury and Miguel Lozano.
A welcoming and fun approach focusing on bringing mental calmness into daily life, enhanced by detailed video analysis of your dives.
Whether you are looking to discover apnea for the first time or earn a recognised freediving certification in Panglao, Blue Freedom Apnea provides a structured path. The school accepts both first-time freedivers and experienced divers pursuing deeper progression. Instruction is available in English and Korean.
Ideal for
Who should learn freediving at Blue Freedom Apnea
Beginners
Their nonprofit roots highlight a very welcoming atmosphere for total beginners, with recorded video footage to help track your progression and improve technique.
Advanced
One of Asia's premier depth spots with serious competition infrastructure on the shelf drop-off.
Training focus
Blue Freedom Apnea has produced national record-holding athletes from its club, and hosts Blue Freedom Week events with world-class guest instructors.
Why this school
What makes Blue Freedom Apnea stand out
Coaching approach
A welcoming and fun approach focusing on bringing mental calmness into daily life, enhanced by detailed video analysis of your dives.
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
Students can follow a complete path here, from their first freediving course all the way up to instructor certification.
Courses & Pricing
Blue Freedom Apnea freediving courses and prices in Panglao
Blue Freedom Apnea lists 12 course options, pricing on request.
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.
Discovery Freediving Program
From
AIDA 1 Introduction to Freediving
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AIDA 2 Basic Freediving
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AIDA 3 Advanced Freediving
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AIDA 4 Master Freediving
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AIDA Instructor Program
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Visit Blue Freedom Apnea's website for the full list of courses and specialties.
View all courses
Safety & standards
Freediving safety
Safety equipment and protocols confirmed directly by the school. Ask to verify anything not listed.
Equipment
- Surface marker buoy every session
Training practice
- Risk briefing before each session
- Depth progression based on competence
- Rescue drills practised with students
Training environment
Training sites and conditions in Panglao
A quick swim from the shore drops you into the famous Napaling reef. Enjoy deep drops and colorful corals while building essential freediving skills right at the edge of the abyss.
Panglao gives the school a mix of shore and boat-based sessions with up to 130m depth available in the broader destination profile.
At a glance
Facilities, languages & certifications
What you get
What is included in courses
Courses at Blue Freedom Apnea include video analysis, open-water sessions, pool sessions, theory sessions, and equipment rental. 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 Panglao
Panglao offers warm water, reliable line depth, and a competition-focused culture with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions and sets the water profile for Blue Freedom Apnea.
Blue Freedom Apnea is based in Panglao.
Surface water temperature ranges from 27 to 30 °C year-round, with the best window falling in March–June.
Panglao is a year-round destination with warm waters, generally clear visibility, and reliable shore access.
Destination
Discover the destination
Learn more about where Blue Freedom Apnea is based — conditions, best season, depth, and more.
Alternatives
Compare Blue Freedom Apnea with other schools in Panglao
Other freediving schools in Panglao with listed courses, certifications, and pricing.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions about Blue Freedom Apnea
Everything you need to know about freediving, training, and choosing the right destination.
01 What certifications does Blue Freedom Apnea offer?
Blue Freedom Apnea offers AIDA and Molchanovs certification courses. Multiple agencies are available.
02 How much do courses at Blue Freedom Apnea cost?
Prices at Blue Freedom Apnea start from USD 62 for entry-level courses. Course duration ranges from 1 day to several days.
03 Who is Blue Freedom Apnea best for?
Their nonprofit roots highlight a very welcoming atmosphere for total beginners, with recorded video footage to help track your progression and improve technique. The school also works well for beginners, budget-conscious, and video analysis.
04 Where does Blue Freedom Apnea train?
Blue Freedom Apnea trains in Panglao, which offers warm water, reliable line depth, and a competition-focused culture with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions. The main training sites are Napaling, Balicasag Island, and Plane Wreck.
05 How do I contact or book with Blue Freedom Apnea?
You can book through email at bluefreedomapnea@gmail.com. Check the website for current course schedules and availability. You can also reach the school by phone at +63 960 885 5144.
06 Is Panglao a good place to learn freediving?
Panglao is more suited to intermediate or advanced divers, though it is also a valid choice for those looking to earn a freediving certification. The destination offers warm water, reliable line depth, and a competition-focused culture with a mix of shore and boat-based sessions, making it a practical base for structured apnea training. Panglao is a year-round destination with warm waters, generally clear visibility, and reliable shore access.
Recent Google reviews
What recent students say about Blue Freedom Apnea
I was very nervous since it was my first time doing open water training, but you helped me relax and taught me so much information, such as the most basic warm-up breathing and great tips for relaxing. Also, you accurately corrected my mouth fill and checked even the slightest movements. Since you accompanied me from start to finish and supported me, I was able to dive with peace of mind, and thanks to Instructor Song, I was able to increase my depth a little bit. I was so grateful that you taught me so many techniques well, not just in the ocean. Come and build a strong foundation from the basics. I highly, highly recommend it. Thank you, Instructor Song. I plan to come again.
Daniel is great instructor, very patient, kind, and tailor the course to each student. One suggestion: learn how to do frenzel before the course
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