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Kauban Freediving — freediving school in Panglao, Philippines
Philippines Freediving School

Kauban Freediving

Panglao, Philippines

Expert freediving instruction at Napaling Reef, Panglao — one of the Philippines' premier apnea training sites — led by a former national record-holding instructor.

Overview

About Kauban Freediving

Learn freediving at Kauban Freediving Bohol, based at Napaling on Panglao Island, Philippines — one of the country's most celebrated apnea training sites. Led by Niel, a certified freediving instructor and former national record holder, Kauban offers Introduction to Freediving, Fundiving, and Molchanovs Wave courses in crystal-clear tropical waters. Training takes place at Napaling Reef, a world-class freediving site renowned for its vibrant orange coral reef, massive sardine balls, and resident sea turtles. Whether you are a complete beginner looking to learn apnea or an intermediate freediver aiming to develop deeper breath-hold skills, Kauban Freediving Bohol provides expert coaching in a safe, motivating environment. The school's motto #NeverDiveAlone reflects its commitment to buddy diving safety on every dive.

Guided by Niel, a former national record holder, Kauban Freediving emphasizes safe buddy-diving practices and progressive skill development through the Molchanovs Wave curriculum, with all training conducted at world-class Napaling Reef.

Whether you are looking to discover apnea for the first time or earn a recognised freediving certification in Panglao, Kauban 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 and Filipino.

Ideal for

Who should learn freediving at Kauban Freediving

Beginners

The Introduction to Freediving course welcomes complete beginners with no prior freediving experience, covering all fundamentals needed to dive safely at Napaling Reef.

Advanced

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

Training focus

Instructor Niel is a former national record holder bringing elite competitive experience to every lesson, emphasizing the #NeverDiveAlone safety culture throughout all courses.

Why this school

What makes Kauban Freediving stand out

Coaching approach

Guided by Niel, a former national record holder, Kauban Freediving emphasizes safe buddy-diving practices and progressive skill development through the Molchanovs Wave curriculum, with all training conducted at world-class Napaling Reef.

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

Kauban Freediving freediving courses and prices in Panglao

Kauban Freediving lists 4 course options, pricing on request.

This represents a visible ladder from first course to more committed progression focused on introductory levels and beginner fundamentals, all delivered under Molchanovs frameworks.

★ Most popular

Introduction to Freediving

From

PHP 2,500 PHP

~ $43 USD

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

Fundive

From

PHP 2,000 PHP

~ $34 USD

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

Wave 1

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

Wave 2

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

Training environment

Training sites and conditions in Panglao

Napaling Reef on Panglao Island is a renowned Philippine freediving site with pristine coral, abundant marine life including sardine balls and sea turtles, warm tropical water, and excellent visibility — ideal conditions for freediving training and apnea development.

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

Molchanovs

Languages

🇬🇧 English Filipino

Facilities

Boat access to Napaling Reef

What you get

What is included in courses

Courses at Kauban Freediving include boat access to napaling reef 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 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 Kauban Freediving.

Kauban Freediving is based in Panglao.

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

Panglao Island enjoys warm water year-round. Best visibility typically November–June. Typhoon season July–October may affect dive conditions.

Destination

Discover the destination

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

Freediving in Panglao, Bohol, Philippines

Panglao

Philippines

🌊 Salt
130m
Best Season
March, April, May, June
Water Temp
27°-30°C
6 schools

Alternatives

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Got questions?

Frequently asked questions about Kauban Freediving

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

01

What certifications does Kauban Freediving offer?

Kauban Freediving offers Molchanovs certification courses. This certification is recognized internationally.

02

How much do courses at Kauban Freediving cost?

Prices at Kauban Freediving start from PHP 2000 for entry-level courses and go up to PHP 2500 for advanced levels. Course duration ranges from one day to several days.

03

Who is Kauban Freediving best for?

The Introduction to Freediving course welcomes complete beginners with no prior freediving experience, covering all fundamentals needed to dive safely at Napaling Reef. The school also works well for beginners and intermediate.

04

Where does Kauban Freediving train?

Kauban Freediving 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 Reef.

05

How do I contact or book with Kauban Freediving?

You can book through email at kaubanfreediving@gmail.com. Check the website for current course schedules and availability.

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 Island enjoys warm water year-round. Best visibility typically November–June. Typhoon season July–October may affect dive conditions.

Recent Google reviews

What recent students say about Kauban Freediving

★4.9(45 reviews)
Grace Reyes avatar
Grace Reyes

★★★★★

3 weeks ago

I had a very good experience with Kauban Freediving. From the beginning, the instructors specifically Coach Niel made me feel comfortable and relaxed. He explained everything clearly, so the course was easy to understand even for beginners like me. The training was fun, safe, and enjoyable. Coach is very patient, supportive, and always checking if everyone was okay. I learned proper breathing, safety techniques, and gained more confidence in the water. Overall, it was a good experience and something I will always remember. Very recommended for anyone who wants to try freediving and enjoy the ocean in a safe and fun way!

Shy Abuyabor avatar
Shy Abuyabor

★★★★★

3 weeks ago

KAUBAN Freediving is such an amazing group! The whole experience was incredibly fun, memorable, and something I’ll always look back on with a smile. From start to finish, I felt completely comfortable—never once did I feel uneasy or disrespected. All the coaches are genuinely kind, approachable, and very supportive, which makes a huge difference especially for beginners. I also learned so much during the experience, and everything was explained in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. You can really tell they care about both your safety and your enjoyment. Highly recommend KAUBAN Freediving to anyone looking for a safe, fun, and unforgettable freediving experience!

Renee Jonas Magalso avatar
Renee Jonas Magalso

★★★★★

3 weeks ago

If you’re thinking about trying freediving for the first time, I highly recommend KAUBAN Freediving. The group is incredibly welcoming, supportive, and well-organized—perfect for beginners who might feel a bit nervous at first. What really stood out to me was the quality of coaching. The instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely care about your safety and progress. Special mention to Coach Niel, who is very respectful, professional, and attentive throughout the entire experience. He makes sure you feel comfortable, confident, and well-guided every step of the way. Overall, KAUBAN Freediving creates a safe and positive environment where you can truly enjoy and learn the basics of freediving. Definitely a great choice for first timers!

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