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Kaizen Freediving — freediving school in Koh Tao, Thailand
Thailand Freediving School

Kaizen Freediving

Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao's original PADI Freediving School since 2014 — home to India's first PADI Instructor Trainer and national record holder Akshay Thatte — offering the full PADI pathway from beginner to instructor and a Zero to Hero programme.

Overview

About Kaizen Freediving

Kaizen Freediving is the first PADI Freediving School on Koh Tao, Thailand, established in 2014 and consistently rated among the island's top freediving schools. Learn freediving and apnea in the warm, clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand with a team of internationally certified instructors including Akshay Thatte — PADI Instructor Trainer, India's first PADI Freediving IT, and India National Record Holder in Dynamic Apnea with Fins, and former Indian Army Major — alongside Instructor Trainers Lana and Sergei Busargin. Since 2014, Kaizen has trained hundreds of students, some of whom have gone on to become national record holders in pool and depth disciplines. The school offers the complete PADI freediving pathway from a 1-day PADI Basic Freediver (2,500 THB) through PADI Freediver (6,000 THB), Advanced Freediver (7,500 THB, 20–24m), and Master Freediver (16,000 THB, 32–40m), plus combo packages, a 1-month Master Combo (30,000 THB), a 2–4 month Zero to Hero instructor programme (78,000 THB), and PADI Instructor Course (2 weeks). Equalization workshops, dynamic apnea training, pool sessions, and online coaching round out the offering.

PADI-structured progression led by Instructor Trainers, with personalised feedback after every dive, pool and open-water sessions, and specialised workshops in equalisation and dynamic apnea.

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

Ideal for

Who should learn freediving at Kaizen Freediving

Beginners

PADI Basic Freediver (2,500 THB / 1 day) is the entry point — targets 90 seconds static apnea and 25m dynamic.

Advanced

Depth limited to 50m and conditions are mild, so better as a course island than a depth camp.

Training focus

The Zero to Hero programme (78,000 THB / 2–4 months) includes all PADI certifications from Freediver to Instructor, EFR, and unlimited pool and open-water training.

Why this school

What makes Kaizen Freediving stand out

Coaching approach

PADI-structured progression led by Instructor Trainers, with personalised feedback after every dive, pool and open-water sessions, and specialised workshops in equalisation and dynamic apnea.

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

Students can follow a complete path here, from their first freediving course all the way up to instructor certification.

Courses & Pricing

Kaizen Freediving freediving courses and prices in Koh Tao

Kaizen Freediving lists 9 course options, pricing on request.

This represents a visible ladder from first course to more committed progression tailored for intermediate and advanced progression, all delivered under PADI frameworks.

★ Most popular

PADI Basic Freediver

1-2 days

From

฿2,500 THB

~ $70 USD

PADI certification track
Best for complete beginners starting their first course
Theory, coaching & water sessions

PADI Freediver

2 days

From

฿6,000 THB

~ $168 USD

PADI certification track
Best for divers looking to refine equalization, extend breath hold, and reach 24–30 m
Theory, coaching & water sessions

PADI Freediver Combo (+ extra training day)

3 days

From

฿7,000 THB

~ $196 USD

PADI certification track
Best for divers looking to refine equalization, extend breath hold, and reach 24–30 m
Theory, coaching & water sessions

PADI Advanced Freediver

3 days

From

฿7,500 THB

~ $210 USD

PADI certification track
Best for divers ready to learn mouthfill equalization and push toward 34–40 m
Theory, coaching & water sessions

PADI Advanced Freediver Combo (Freediver + Advanced)

7 days

From

฿14,500 THB

~ $406 USD

PADI certification track
Best for divers ready to learn mouthfill equalization and push toward 34–40 m
Theory, coaching & water sessions

PADI Master Freediver

6 days

From

฿16,000 THB

~ $448 USD

PADI certification track
Best for committed divers refining advanced technique and depth
Theory, coaching & water sessions
+3 more

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

View all courses
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+2 more

Training environment

Training sites and conditions in Koh Tao

Training combines pool sessions for static and dynamic apnea with open-water dives on Koh Tao's coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand — warm, clear water with year-round conditions suitable for all freediving levels.

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

Languages

🇬🇧 English

Facilities

Equipment rental, Online coaching, Pool training

What you get

What is included in courses

Courses at Kaizen Freediving include equipment rental, pool training, and theory sessions. 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 Kaizen Freediving.

Kaizen Freediving is based in Koh Tao.

Surface water temperature ranges from 28 to 31 °C year-round, with the best window falling in February–September.

Koh Tao's Gulf of Thailand waters are warm and diveable year-round.

Destination

Discover the destination

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

Alternatives

Compare Kaizen Freediving with other schools in Koh Tao

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

New Heaven Dive School
From $0
New Heaven Dive School logo

New Heaven Dive School

Koh Tao, Thailand

4.7 (331)
RAID
English, Thai
School profile

Got questions?

Frequently asked questions about Kaizen Freediving

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

01

What certifications does Kaizen Freediving offer?

Kaizen Freediving offers PADI certification courses. This certification is recognized internationally.

02

How much do courses at Kaizen Freediving cost?

Prices at Kaizen Freediving start from THB 2500 for entry-level courses and go up to THB 78000 for advanced levels. Course duration ranges from 1-2 days to 2–4 months.

03

Who is Kaizen Freediving best for?

PADI Basic Freediver (2,500 THB / 1 day) is the entry point — targets 90 seconds static apnea and 25m dynamic. PADI Freediver (6,000 THB / 2 days) adds open-water dives to 10–16m. The school also works well for beginners, intermediate, and advanced.

04

Where does Kaizen Freediving train?

Kaizen Freediving 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 reefs and Koh Tao pool.

05

How do I contact or book with Kaizen Freediving?

You can book through email at lana@kaizenfreediving.com. Check the website for current course schedules and availability. You can also reach the school by phone at +66 857896274.

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. Koh Tao's Gulf of Thailand waters are warm and diveable year-round.

Recent Google reviews

What recent students say about Kaizen Freediving

★4.8(512 reviews)
Michelle Gray avatar
Michelle Gray

★★★★★

2 weeks ago

Kaizen is THE freediving school to learn from!!!. There was so much depth in their teachings. If you are serious about learning freediving I recommend Eduardo. Great instructor, very thorough and safety conscious.

Sebastian Gordon avatar
Sebastian Gordon

★★★★★

2 weeks ago

Had a great experience diving at Kaizen and was able to progress to my advanced certification in my first week diving thanks to the great coaches

Maria Beley avatar
Maria Beley

★★★★★

2 weeks ago

I'm a certified freediver and came to Koh Tao to achieve new goals: practice equalization and conquer new depths. My private training with Sergey was fantastic: a wealth of new information, insightful feedback on dives, recommendations for improvement, and immediate practice of new skills. I thank Kaizen for helping me choose the right equipment, for their care, and for the positive atmosphere. We also had a fascinating statics training session in the pool. I'll definitely be back. I thank Sergey for his sensitivity, faith in me, and kind guidance. I thank Svetlana for her prompt assistance with the booking.

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