Freedive Academy Panglao
Freedive Academy Panglao
Freedive Academy Panglao
5
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
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About
The Freedive Academy Panglao is one of the leading freediving schools in the world. We teach AIDA, SSI and Molchanovs courses from beginner all the way up to the different Instructor levels. We are running beginner courses pretty much any day of the week and instructor courses almost every month. Our dive center is located on Napaling Drive - the access road to the famous Napaling Reef with the massive drop-off perfect for freediving and Panglao's most incredible reef with the sardines. We always have fish around the training lines and get the occasional big visitor. We are very happy to be based on the Northside of Panglao Island, where it's quiet, beautiful, the diving is fantastic, and our Academy is built for freedivers, by freedivers.
Sign up now for a course, and you'll be introduced to a wondrous experience of the Big Blue and human capabilities. You'll be surprised by how long and how deep you can dive on a Single Breath.
We make freediving Fun, Accessible and Easy.
Panglao, Philippines
Features animals
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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Freedive Academy Panglao
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(12 reviews)
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
145 reviews
Excellent
142
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Jie C
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Solo
A great place to take free diving course!
I got my wave1 at Freedive academy. I wasn’t that talented at water sports. I took a wave1 at another place before, and because I was a little bit scared of water, my body was stiff and my diving technique was not poor.
First, Emily taught me how to efficiently do equalization even before the course started. Then, Charles and Yana went through the course with focus on hands on practices. I mean a lot of practices that I felt my body was tired after 2.5 days of course. Charles helped fixing my body positioning and kicking technique. In addition to techniques, during the practices, we talked about safety protocols, and the underlying reasons of those safety protocols. Also we talked about some of the general rules of progressive training, and how to improve further. We covered the essential parts of theory, and studied the rest of material by ourself, and reviewed those materials at the end of course.
Overall l, amazing instructors, very comprehensive course with a lot of practices.
I got my wave1 at Freedive academy. I wasn’t that talented at water sports. I took a wave1 at another place before, and because I was a little bit scared of water, my body was stiff and my diving technique was not poor.
First, Emily taught me how to efficiently do equalization even before the course started. Then, Charles and Yana went through the course with focus on hands on practices. I mean a lot of practices that I felt my body was tired after 2.5 days of course. Charles helped fixing my body positioning and kicking technique. In addition to techniques, during the practices, we talked about safety protocols, and the underlying reasons of those safety protocols. Also we talked about some of the general rules of progressive training, and how to improve further. We covered the essential parts of theory, and studied the rest of material by ourself, and reviewed those materials at the end of course.
Overall l, amazing instructors, very comprehensive course with a lot of practices.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for choosing Freedive Academy for your Wave 1 Freediving course! We appreciate your kind words about our amazing instructors, the comprehensive training, and the focus on practical experience. We're grateful for your trust in us and look forward to continuing to support your freediving journey.
Written 11 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clyde Escobidal
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Friends
We booked our line training with Freedive Academy and it's one of our best dive experience yet! Highly recommended staff and instructors!
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for choosing Freedive Academy for your line training! We're thrilled to hear that it resulted in one of your best dive experiences. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're proud to have a dedicated team of staff and instructors who are committed to providing exceptional experiences. We appreciate your support and can't wait to have you back for more incredible diving adventures in the future!
Written 29 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jung
Brisbane3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
It's one of the best places to learn freediving. Mike and Emily are so patient, encouraging, and keen on sharing all their knowledge. Everyone here is so nice and welcoming. The atmosphere is both relaxing and motivating. I definitely recommend coming here.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're delighted to know that you found our place to be among the best for learning freediving! Mike and Emily sound like incredible instructors, and we're glad their patience and encouragement made a positive impact on your experience. It's great that you found the atmosphere relaxing yet motivating, and we're happy to hear that our team's kindness and welcoming nature stood out to you. Thank you for your warm recommendation – we can't wait to welcome you back and continue to provide excellent learning opportunities!
Written 29 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Coleen B
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Friends
Very fast transaction and hospitable staff!! I bought my gloves from them and super easy to transact with. :)
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're thrilled to hear that you had a quick transaction with us! Our hospitable staff is always here to assist you. We're glad you found the process easy and that you're happy with your purchase of gloves. If you ever need anything else, don't hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your kind words and for choosing us!
Written 29 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shih-Yuan C
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Solo
I’m glad that I took the freediving wave 3 course in Freedive academy Panglao, the instructor, Sophie she is patient with all the students and gives us a lot of space and time to try things out, I really enjoyed the course here and learned a lot. Here in academy, staffs are nice and friendly, and the infrastructure is good, have a 25m pool and just 2-3min to dive site. It’s a great place to come to visit and train freediving here.
Written 5 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your Wave 3 course at Freedive Academy Panglao! It's great that Sophie's patience and the friendly staff made the experience enjoyable for you. Thank you for your kind words, and we'd be more than excited to welcome you back for more fulfilling experiences in the future!
Written 29 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ZJ
Shanghai, China2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
I just finished Wave 1 course at Freedive Academy Panglao. It was a great experience, I made it although I had equalization challenges all the time. My instructor was Igor, who was very reliable, patient and encouraging. Emily was also very friendly and nice. I can not expect more to Freedive Academy Panglao.
Written 20 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Jia, for the fantastic 5-star review! Congratulations on completing your Wave 1 course at Freedive Academy Panglao. We're thrilled that you had a great experience with us, even with the equalization challenges you faced.
Your satisfaction means the world to us, and we're grateful for your high praise. If you have any more courses or dives planned with us, we're excited to have you back. Keep up the great work in your freediving journey, and we'll be here to support you every step of the way! 🌊🤿👏
Written 26 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie Ann B
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Comfortable and relaxing place to learn free diving! Staff and instructors are awesome! 🥳
Very accommodating and even the students there were all great and friendly..
Very accommodating and even the students there were all great and friendly..
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Julie Ann, for your amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that you had the best experience learning freediving with us.
Your feedback means a lot to us, and we appreciate your kind words. If there's anything else we can do to further enhance your experience or if you have any additional comments, please don't hesitate to let us know. Happy diving, and we can't wait to have you back for more exciting underwater adventures! 🌊🤿❤️
Written 11 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aleksandra Z
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Solo
Great free diving school!! Awesome instructors, very relaxed atmosphere! You can stay at the bungalows which is rather convenient if you’re doing a course. Highly recommend))
Written 8 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Aleksandra, for the wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you're having an amazing experience in your Level 1 and 2 courses with us.
Your high recommendation means a lot to us, and we appreciate your support. If there's anything else we can do to further enhance your Level 2 course or if you have any additional comments, please don't hesitate to let us know. Keep up the great work, you are doing fantastic! 🌊🤿🌴
Written 11 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Trail00222527997
1 contribution
May 2023 • Solo
I’m so glad to be one of the family member of the Freedive Academy Panglao, it’s like home. I’m the intern here. Everyone is so humble and energetic surrounding the academy.
I remember when I first come to the place, I felt a bit overwhelmed. But people around here is very helpful. They talked to me patiently and explain the details for me which makes me feel relax and confident here.
I’ve done three courses until now. All the instructors are very professional. They’re very clam which makes me feel the world is so peaceful. I won’t be nervous during the course especially it’s crucial in freediving learning. They’re so considerate which explain all the informations to me in a very detail way. When you pay more attention during the course, I’m sure you’ll learn more than the expectation. Of course, they’re so lovely and experienced. They’re teaching the course in very gentle mode which you can absorb the learning materials gradually like adapt the depth generally. Don’t be hurry!!
I’m so happy I make the best choice before I came here and implement my decision.
I’m highly recommend people who do want to be educated in freedive learning.
Thanks for all lovely buddies around the academy!!
I remember when I first come to the place, I felt a bit overwhelmed. But people around here is very helpful. They talked to me patiently and explain the details for me which makes me feel relax and confident here.
I’ve done three courses until now. All the instructors are very professional. They’re very clam which makes me feel the world is so peaceful. I won’t be nervous during the course especially it’s crucial in freediving learning. They’re so considerate which explain all the informations to me in a very detail way. When you pay more attention during the course, I’m sure you’ll learn more than the expectation. Of course, they’re so lovely and experienced. They’re teaching the course in very gentle mode which you can absorb the learning materials gradually like adapt the depth generally. Don’t be hurry!!
I’m so happy I make the best choice before I came here and implement my decision.
I’m highly recommend people who do want to be educated in freedive learning.
Thanks for all lovely buddies around the academy!!
Written 2 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, Wallis, for your heartfelt review! We're delighted to have you as part of our Freedive Academy Panglao family. It's wonderful to hear that our academy feels like home to you.
We understand that starting something new can sometimes be overwhelming, but we're glad that our team was there to support you. It's our goal to create a relaxed and confident environment where everyone feels at ease. We're grateful that our instructors were patient and took the time to explain the details, helping you feel more comfortable.
We're thrilled that you've completed three courses with us - you were amazing and can be very proud of what you've accomplished!
Thank you for your high recommendation to those interested in learning how to freedive. Your positive feedback and appreciation mean a lot to us. We're grateful for your choice to join us and implement your decision. The lovely buddies around the academy are equally thankful for having you around.
We're excited to continue this journey with you as part of our Freedive Academy Panglao family. Happy diving, and see you soon! 🌊 ❤️
Written 4 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MIA
4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
The atmosphere here is like coming home. 😍Everyone gathers together for lunch and dinner most of the time, and they will go to the island together on the rest day. The courses are well arranged and professional! The coach will patiently explain and guide you to achieve your goals. For that, I really appreciate it!🙏 (Especially Vincent and Emily, you guys are so nice, always helping us and solving problems, I have nothing to say about it, we will definitely be back here on our next trip, I am so lucky to have found this dive center in my life , I really appreciate everything here, both warm and professional,🥰 thank you very much!!!❤️❤️❤️💝💝💝
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the heartfelt review, Mia! We're thrilled to hear that our dive center feels like coming home to you. It's wonderful to have a close-knit community where everyone gathers together for meals and even ventures out to the island on rest days. We believe that fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere enhances the overall diving experience.
We're glad that you found our courses well-arranged and professional. Our coaches take pride in providing patient explanations and guidance to help you achieve your goals. Your appreciation means a lot to us, and we're grateful for your kind words.
We're lucky to have you as part of our dive center family, and we can't wait to welcome you back on your next trip.
Thank you again for your heartfelt review, Mia. We appreciate everything you've shared and your warm and professional presence at our dive center. If there's anything else we can do to enhance your experience, please don't hesitate to let us know. Happy diving, and we're sending our heartfelt gratitude and love to you! ❤️🐠💝
Written 28 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience