Pacific Freedive Academy
Gili Islands, Indonesia
Gili Air’s full-curriculum freediving academy — AIDA and Molchanovs Introduction through Master, weekly bootcamps, video analysis every session, multilingual instruction (English/German/Portuguese), 28–30°C water year-round.
Overview
About Pacific Freedive Academy
Learn freediving on Gili Air with Pacific Freedive Academy — one of Indonesia’s most complete apnea training centers. Co-founded by Martin and Michele, with seasoned instructor Mitch (formerly of Freedive Family, one of Australia’s largest freediving organizations), the academy offers the full AIDA and Molchanovs certification pathway from Introduction through Master Freediver, plus intensive coaching programs and weekly bootcamps. Video analysis after every dive session ensures concrete, actionable feedback at every stage of your progression. The school is located on Jalan Pantai, just 290 meters from Gili Air’s harbor on this peaceful, car-free island — accessible only by foot, bicycle, or traditional horse cart. With year-round water temperatures of 28–30°C, excellent visibility, and training sites ranging from 12m to 40m+, Gili Air is ideal for freediving training at all levels. Pacific Freedive Academy’s multilingual team (English, German, Portuguese) and patient, supportive teaching environment make it an exceptional place to start or advance your breath-hold journey.
Pacific Freedive Academy combines a friendly, supportive environment with rigorous technique development. Video analysis after every session gives students immediate, objective feedback on their dives. The school’s instructors have 8+ years of experience and full first aid certification, and the curriculum offers both AIDA and Molchanovs pathways so each student can choose the system that best suits their goals.
Whether you are looking to discover apnea for the first time or earn a recognised freediving certification in Gili Islands, Pacific Freedive Academy provides a structured path. The school accepts both first-time freedivers and experienced divers pursuing deeper progression. Instruction is available in English, German, and Portuguese.
Ideal for
Who should learn freediving at Pacific Freedive Academy
Beginners
The Introduction to Freediving course (1,900,000 IDR, 2 half-days, 12m) is a no-pressure entry point for first-timers.
Advanced
Limited shore access and moderate depth make it stronger for courses than deep training blocks.
Training focus
Instructors Martin (co-founder, former lead at Gili Air’s largest freedive center) and Mitch (formerly at Freedive Family, one of Australia’s largest freediving organizations) bring extensive experience to every session.
Why this school
What makes Pacific Freedive Academy stand out
Coaching approach
Pacific Freedive Academy combines a friendly, supportive environment with rigorous technique development. Video analysis after every session gives students immediate, objective feedback on their dives. The school’s instructors have 8+ years of experience and full first aid certification, and the curriculum offers both AIDA and Molchanovs pathways so each student can choose the system that best suits their goals.
Class format
Sessions are structured around mixed-group training based on student levels and goals. All required freediving equipment is included during the course so you don't have to carry your own.
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
Pacific Freedive Academy freediving courses and prices in Gili Islands
Pacific Freedive Academy lists 9 course options, priced from IDR 450000 up to IDR 12900000.
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.
Introduction to Freediving
From
~ $116 USD
Beginner Freediver
From
~ $299 USD
Advanced Freediver
From
~ $390 USD
Master Freediver
From
~ $543 USD
Training Session
From
~ $27 USD
Coached Open Water Session
From
~ $54 USD
Visit Pacific Freedive Academy's website for the full list of courses and specialties.
View all coursesTraining environment
Training sites and conditions in Gili Islands
Gili Air offers year-round water temperatures of 28–30°C and excellent visibility across multiple training depth zones from 12m to 40m+. The car-free island environment — accessible only by foot, bicycle, or horse cart — creates a calm and focused atmosphere ideal for freediving training and apnea development.
Gili Islands gives the school boat-based access to the main training sites with up to 100m depth available in the broader destination profile.
At a glance
Facilities, languages & certifications
Certifications
Languages
Facilities
Boat Yemanjá (open water access), Float, line, and bottom weight setup, Pool (static and dynamic apnea training), Video analysis equipment
What you get
What is included in courses
Courses at Pacific Freedive Academy include Equipment rental, Boat transport, Float, line, and bottom weight setup, Video analysis after every session, and boat yemanjá (open water access). Equipment is provided as part of the course.
Certification fees, transport to training sites, and other costs may be included or separate depending on the course.
Dive conditions
Learn to freedive in Gili Islands
Gili Islands offers beginner-friendly coaching, boat-based access, and an established freediving scene with boat-based access to the main training sites and sets the water profile for Pacific Freedive Academy.
Pacific Freedive Academy is based in Gili Islands.
Surface water temperature ranges from 27 to 30 °C year-round, with the best window falling in May–October.
Gili Air has warm water (28–30°C) and good diving conditions year-round. The academy is open Monday–Sunday, 8am–5pm WITA.
Destination
Discover the destination
Learn more about where Pacific Freedive Academy is based — conditions, best season, depth, and more.
Alternatives
Compare Pacific Freedive Academy with other schools in Gili Islands
Other freediving schools in Gili Islands with listed courses, certifications, and pricing.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions about Pacific Freedive Academy
Everything you need to know about freediving, training, and choosing the right destination.
01 What certifications does Pacific Freedive Academy offer?
Pacific Freedive Academy offers AIDA and Molchanovs certification courses. Multiple agencies are available.
02 How much do courses at Pacific Freedive Academy cost?
Prices at Pacific Freedive Academy start from IDR 450000 for entry-level courses and go up to IDR 12900000 for advanced levels. Course duration ranges from 2 half-days to 3 weeks.
03 Who is Pacific Freedive Academy best for?
The Introduction to Freediving course (1,900,000 IDR, 2 half-days, 12m) is a no-pressure entry point for first-timers. The Beginner Freediver course (4,900,000 IDR, 3.5 days, 20m) delivers the first internationally recognized certification — AIDA 2 or Molchanovs Wave 1 — with all theory, pool, and open water included. The school also works well for beginners, intermediate, and advanced.
04 Where does Pacific Freedive Academy train?
Pacific Freedive Academy trains in Gili Islands, which offers beginner-friendly coaching, boat-based access, and an established freediving scene with boat-based access to the main training sites. The main training sites are Gili Air open water (multiple depth sites) and Pool (Gili Air).
05 How do I contact or book with Pacific Freedive Academy?
You can book through email at info@pacificfreediveacademy.com. Check the website for current course schedules and availability. You can also reach the school by phone at +62 811 3880 0022.
06 Is Gili Islands a good place to learn freediving?
Gili Islands is well-suited to beginners and those looking to earn a freediving certification. The destination offers beginner-friendly coaching, boat-based access, and an established freediving scene with boat-based access to the main training sites, making it a practical base for structured apnea training. Gili Air has warm water (28–30°C) and good diving conditions year-round. The academy is open Monday–Sunday, 8am–5pm WITA.
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