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Conservation Freediving Bohol — freediving school in Panglao, Philippines
Philippines Freediving School

Conservation Freediving Bohol

Panglao, Philippines

Freediving school in Panglao. AIDA, Apnea Total, SSI, and Molchanovs certified school in Panglao — quality-first instruction by two Belgian co-founders diving beyond 80m, with a built-in community conservation mission and near year-round warm, clear conditions.

Overview

About Conservation Freediving Bohol

Conservation Freediving Bohol is a freediving school with a purpose — "Freediving with purpose" — founded by two Belgian co-founders on Doljo Beach and Napaling Reef, Panglao Island, Philippines. The school offers AIDA, Apnea Total, SSI, and Molchanovs certified courses from beginner through master level in English, French, and Spanish. Co-founder Patrick is an Advanced Instructor with AIDA, Molchanovs, PADI, and SSI (personal bests: -83m FIM, -73m CWTB, -63m CNF, 6'36" static); co-founder Arnaud is a Master Instructor AIDA and Instructor Level 2 Apnea Total (personal bests: -58m FIM, -61m VWT, 115m DYNB, 6'05" static). Teaching philosophy: quality over quantity, focused on the beauty of the experience rather than performance. For every eight paying students enrolled, the school trains a Filipino spearfisher for free, in partnership with the Philippine Life Saving Organisation. Student contributions also support underwater conservation projects through the Apnea Green NGO. The dive sites operate approximately 95% of the year with water temperatures of 26–30°C, visibility of 15–30 m, no thermocline, and minimal current.

Quality over quantity — personalised coaching adapted to each student's needs, focused on relaxation, comfort, and the experience of breath-hold diving rather than performance targets. Small groups only.

Whether you are looking to discover apnea for the first time or earn a recognised freediving certification in Panglao, Conservation Freediving Bohol provides a structured path. The school accepts both first-time freedivers and experienced divers pursuing deeper progression. Instruction is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Ideal for

Who should learn freediving at Conservation Freediving Bohol

Beginners

The Discover Freediving AIDA 1★ course (1 day, 7,000 PHP) introduces beginners to breath-hold diving in the warm, clear waters of Doljo Beach — a relaxed, pressure-free first experience of freediving and apnea with instructors diving personally beyond 80 m.

Advanced

One of Asia's premier depth spots with serious competition infrastructure on the shelf drop-off.

Training focus

Co-founder Patrick (Belgium) is an Advanced Instructor with AIDA, Molchanovs, PADI, and SSI certifications, holds 3 Belgian national records in depth, and started freediving in 2013 at Nemo 33 in Brussels before becoming an instructor in the Philippines in 2017.

Why this school

What makes Conservation Freediving Bohol stand out

Coaching approach

Quality over quantity — personalised coaching adapted to each student's needs, focused on relaxation, comfort, and the experience of breath-hold diving rather than performance targets. Small groups only.

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

Conservation Freediving Bohol freediving courses and prices in Panglao

Conservation Freediving Bohol lists 10 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, Apnea Total, Molchanovs, and SSI frameworks.

★ Most popular

Discover Freediving (AIDA 1★)

1 day

From

PHP 7,000 PHP

~ $119 USD

AIDA / Apnea Total / Molchanovs / SSI certification track
Best for first exposure to the sport
Theory, coaching & water sessions

Freediver – AIDA 2★

2-3 days

From

PHP 20,000 PHP

~ $340 USD

AIDA / Apnea Total / Molchanovs / SSI certification track
Best for divers looking to refine equalization, extend breath hold, and reach 24–30 m
Theory, coaching & water sessions

Freediver – Apnea Total

2-3 days

From

PHP 17,000 PHP

~ $289 USD

AIDA / Apnea Total / Molchanovs / SSI certification track
Best for divers looking to refine equalization, extend breath hold, and reach 24–30 m
Theory, coaching & water sessions

Advanced Freediver – AIDA 3★

3-4 days

From

PHP 24,000 PHP

~ $408 USD

AIDA / Apnea Total / Molchanovs / SSI certification track
Best for divers ready to learn mouthfill equalization and push toward 34–40 m
Theory, coaching & water sessions

Advanced Freediver – Apnea Total

3-4 days

From

PHP 22,000 PHP

~ $374 USD

AIDA / Apnea Total / Molchanovs / SSI certification track
Best for divers ready to learn mouthfill equalization and push toward 34–40 m
Theory, coaching & water sessions

Master Freediver – AIDA 4★

4-5 days

From

PHP 28,000 PHP

~ $476 USD

AIDA / Apnea Total / Molchanovs / SSI certification track
Best for committed divers refining advanced technique and depth
Theory, coaching & water sessions
+4 more

Visit Conservation Freediving Bohol's website for the full list of courses and specialties.

View all courses
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Training environment

Training sites and conditions in Panglao

Training takes place at Doljo Beach and Napaling Reef on Panglao Island — warm, clear tropical water (26–30°C) with 15–30 m visibility, no thermocline, minimal current, and approximately 95% dive availability throughout the year. The sites provide natural depth access suitable for all levels from first breath-hold through advanced apnea training.

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

Certifications

AIDA Apnea Total Molchanovs SSI

Languages

🇬🇧 English 🇫🇷 French 🇪🇸 Spanish

Facilities

Access to Napaling Reef, Equipment rental, Reef access, Shore access to Doljo Beach

What you get

What is included in courses

Courses at Conservation Freediving Bohol include AIDA or Apnea Total certification, personalised coaching, open-water sessions, equipment rental, and shore access to doljo beach. 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 Conservation Freediving Bohol.

Conservation Freediving Bohol is based in Panglao.

Surface water temperature ranges from 27 to 30 °C year-round, with the best window falling in March–June.

Panglao's tropical climate supports year-round freediving. Water temperature stays between 26–30°C year-round with no thermocline. Dive sites are operational approximately 95% of the time.

Destination

Discover the destination

Learn more about where Conservation Freediving Bohol is based — conditions, best season, depth, and more.

Alternatives

Compare Conservation Freediving Bohol with other schools in Panglao

Other freediving schools in Panglao with listed courses, certifications, and pricing.

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Freedive Panglao

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School profile

Got questions?

Frequently asked questions about Conservation Freediving Bohol

Everything you need to know about freediving, training, and choosing the right destination.

01

What certifications does Conservation Freediving Bohol offer?

Conservation Freediving Bohol offers AIDA, Apnea Total, Molchanovs, and SSI certification courses. Multiple agencies are available.

02

How much do courses at Conservation Freediving Bohol cost?

Prices at Conservation Freediving Bohol start from PHP 3500 for entry-level courses and go up to PHP 28000 for advanced levels. Course duration ranges from 1 day to several days.

03

Who is Conservation Freediving Bohol best for?

The Discover Freediving AIDA 1★ course (1 day, 7,000 PHP) introduces beginners to breath-hold diving in the warm, clear waters of Doljo Beach — a relaxed, pressure-free first experience of freediving and apnea with instructors diving personally beyond 80 m. The school also works well for beginners, intermediate, and advanced.

04

Where does Conservation Freediving Bohol train?

Conservation Freediving Bohol 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 Doljo Beach and Napaling Reef.

05

How do I contact or book with Conservation Freediving Bohol?

You can book through email at info@conservationfreedivers.com. Check the website for current course schedules and availability. You can also reach the school by phone at +32 489 31 23 42.

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's tropical climate supports year-round freediving. Water temperature stays between 26–30°C year-round with no thermocline. Dive sites are operational approximately 95% of the time.

Recent Google reviews

What recent students say about Conservation Freediving Bohol

★5.0(29 reviews)
Pearl Milligan avatar
Pearl Milligan

★★★★★

7 months ago

We had a fantastic course with Arnaud. His passion for diving, combined with his relaxed demeanor, really helped to soothe our nerves. He was flexible and tailored the course to our goals, skill level, and interests. Since we wanted to improve our freediving for spearfishing, Arnaud made sure that focus guided the entire experience. His approachable and calm nature gave us confidence as we developed our skills. We highly recommend taking a course with Arnaud and we can't wait to get back in the water when we are home!

Emeline Schmitt avatar
Emeline Schmitt

★★★★★

10 months ago

I’m from France, and I had a great experience freediving in the Philippines with Conservation Freediving Bohol, in Panglao. My friend and I were promised a private course from the start, as they offer with group bookings. This was ideal for personalized instruction and learning at our own pace. We took the introductory course, which was well-suited for beginners. The instructor was professional, patient, and clearly passionate about freediving. The waters of Panglao, particularly around Doljo Beach and Napaling, were beautiful, and our small group setting was ideal. I recommend Conservation Freediving for anyone seeking a quality freediving experience in the Philippines. Thank you for a great course!

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