Koh Tao, Thailand
Koh Tao's RAID freediving school with a unique Pranayama yoga integration — founded 1995, dedicated freediving program since 2015, seasonal dual-location setup across two perfectly sheltered bays, and pioneer of Koh Tao's marine conservation diving program.
Overview
Learn freediving in Koh Tao with New Heaven Dive School — one of Thailand's most distinctive apnea schools, blending RAID freediving certification with Pranayama yoga and breath science. Founded in 1995 and running a dedicated freediving program since 2015, New Heaven is led by Devrim Zahir, a RAID Freediving Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of diving experience who also teaches yoga up to yoga teacher training level. The school's unique approach links Pranayama breathwork — advanced breathing ratios, SOMA, Peak Performance Practice, Kapalabhati, Bhastrika, and spinal breathing — directly to freediving performance, helping students develop a deeper mind–body connection beneath the surface. Courses run year-round across two sheltered locations: Chalok Baan Kao Bay (December–April) and Baan Talay Resort at Aow Leuk Bay (May–October), both chosen for their calm water and ideal conditions for freediving training. New Heaven also pioneered the first marine conservation diving program on Koh Tao in 2007. Whether you are a complete beginner wanting to discover apnea for the first time or an experienced freediver ready to teach, New Heaven's family-run team — including qualified instructors Kylian and Aiya — offers a structured, holistic pathway to freediving mastery.
Devrim Zahir's philosophy merges Pranayama yoga directly with freediving: the same breath awareness, relaxation, and mind–body control that underpins yoga practice is applied to apnea training underwater. Structured RAID courses are supported by specialized yoga sessions, advanced breathing ratios, and wellness practices, creating a holistic approach unique among Koh Tao freediving schools.
Whether you are looking to discover apnea for the first time or earn a recognised freediving certification in Koh Tao, New Heaven Dive School provides a structured path. The school accepts both first-time freedivers and experienced divers pursuing deeper progression. Instruction is available in English and Thai.
Ideal for
The Freedive 1-Day Experience is the ideal entry point for complete beginners — no freediving experience needed, just comfortable swimming.
Depth limited to 50m and conditions are mild, so better as a course island than a depth camp.
Lead instructor Devrim Zahir holds RAID Freediving Instructor Trainer status with 30+ years of underwater experience and is also a certified yoga teacher.
Why this school
Coaching approach
Devrim Zahir's philosophy merges Pranayama yoga directly with freediving: the same breath awareness, relaxation, and mind–body control that underpins yoga practice is applied to apnea training underwater. Structured RAID courses are supported by specialized yoga sessions, advanced breathing ratios, and wellness practices, creating a holistic approach unique among Koh Tao freediving schools.
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
New Heaven Dive School lists 7 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 RAID frameworks.
Visit New Heaven Dive School's website for the full list of courses and specialties.
View all coursesTraining environment
New Heaven rotates training between two naturally sheltered bays: Chalok Baan Kao on Koh Tao's southwest coast (protected from the northeast monsoon, December–April) and Aow Leuk Bay on the southeast coast at Baan Talay Resort (protected from the southwest monsoon, May–October). Both sites offer calm, clear water year-round, ideal for freediving and apnea development.
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
Certifications
Languages
Facilities
Baan Talay Resort & Yoga (Aow Leuk Bay), New Heaven Dive Resort (Chalok Baan Kao Bay), Two private dive boats, Yoga studio
What you get
Courses at New Heaven Dive School include two private dive boats 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
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 New Heaven Dive School.
New Heaven Dive School is based in Koh Tao.
Surface water temperature ranges from 28 to 31 °C year-round, with the best window falling in February–September.
Dec–Apr: freediving at Chalok Baan Kao Bay (SW Koh Tao, sheltered from NE monsoon). May–Oct: freediving moves to Baan Talay Resort, Aow Leuk Bay (SE Koh Tao, sheltered from SW monsoon). Courses run year-round across both locations.
Destination
Learn more about where New Heaven Dive School is based — conditions, best season, depth, and more.
Alternatives
Other freediving schools in Koh Tao with listed courses, certifications, and pricing.
Got questions?
Everything you need to know about freediving, training, and choosing the right destination.
New Heaven Dive School offers RAID certification courses. This certification is recognized internationally.
The Freedive 1-Day Experience is the ideal entry point for complete beginners — no freediving experience needed, just comfortable swimming. It introduces breath-hold, relaxation, and underwater movement before committing to a full RAID Level 1 certification course. The school also works well for beginners, intermediate, and advanced.
New Heaven Dive School 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 Chalok Baan Kao Bay (December–April) and Aow Leuk Bay / Baan Talay (May–October).
You can book through email at info@newheavendiveschool.com. Check the website for current course schedules and availability. You can also reach the school by phone at +66 77 457045.
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. Dec–Apr: freediving at Chalok Baan Kao Bay (SW Koh Tao, sheltered from NE monsoon). May–Oct: freediving moves to Baan Talay Resort, Aow Leuk Bay (SE Koh Tao, sheltered from SW monsoon). Courses run year-round across both locations.
Recent Google reviews
Had an amazing time diving with new haven dive school. Super easy to organise and everything was very safe and well planned. Koray was my instructor and amazing even acting as my personal photographer!! When back in Koh Tao will definitely dive with these guys again.
The dive leader was lovely, and the staff at the shop provided excellent service.
New Heaven is a fantastic, very welcoming dive center with a truly relaxed atmosphere. The rooms are very reasonably priced, clean, and perfectly adequate. All the staff are very friendly and helpful. I had a wonderful time here and can highly recommend it!
School owners
