Table of Contents
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about freediving in Bali, a top destination for freedivers in 2026. With its warm waters, rich marine life, and various dive spots, Bali is an ideal location for freediving. We’ll help you decide what to look for in a course, share some courses and prices, and give you plenty of information about how to prepare and what to expect from a freediving course in Bali.
We absolutely loved learning to freedive, and it has become something of a family hobby. The unique combination of physical challenge and deep relaxation that freediving offers allows us to experience the beauty of the underwater world in a truly special way. Bali is the perfect location for families to learn and enjoy this amazing activity together.
Bali offers some incredible freediving experiences – whether you’re looking for shipwrecks at Tulamben, sea sculptures at the Underwater Garden in Pemuteran, vibrant coral reefs around Nusa Penida, or epic sea life like manta rays, dolphins, and turtles. No matter your preference, Bali has it all.
Don’t miss our amazing 7 day Bali itinerary – step by step guide to all the best things to do in just one week
What is the best freediving school in Bali?
Let’s dive in head first with the big question: What is the best freediving school in Bali? Ok, I hope this isn’t a politician’s answer but It all depends on what you’re looking for. Here are some things to consider when you’re picking a freediving school:
Accreditation
Some people are determined to go for a PADI school due to the rigor and reputation of PADI courses. Some people may prefer a more relaxed experience that allows you to push yourself at your own pace and focus on the experience rather than the numbers.
Reputation
Other people may be drawn to freediving schools for the reputation and experience of specific instructors. We are very impressed with the accomplishments of some of the freediving instructors in Bali!
Cost
Another factor to consider is the cost of the courses – some people are looking for cheaper courses. Free diving isn’t cheap afterall.
Specialism
Alternatively, some people may be drawn to a school for the specialism they offer. Whether it’s surf, yoga, spearfishing or wreck dives – each school has its own unique focus & flavor.
Philosophy & approach
Another thing to think about is the philosophy of the school. Do you want a gritty challenging experience where you are pushed? Or are you looking for a more calming approach with an emphasis on fun and experience?
Location & experience
Perhaps one of the most important things to consider is the location. Some courses offer experience in beautiful places – by stunning reefs, ocean walls or shipwrecks. They may also include photography in the package. The challenge is finding a school that meets your goals and requirements.
Summary – freediving schools in Bali
| Freediving school | Summary | Basic course price (level 1) | Basic course length |
| Fathom Freedive | Freediving & spear fishing (PADI) | 2,600,000IDR £140 or $175 | 2 days |
| Liquid life | Freediving & surf survival. Very experienced instructors. Located in Canggu (Molchanov?) | 2,850,000IDR – 3,500,000IDR £150 – £190 $200 – $240 | 2 days |
| Apnea Bali | Freediving, fun diving with amazing photography included & located near a shipwreck (Apnea) | 3,000,000IDR £160 or $210 | 2 days |
| Apneista Freediving | Freediving & yoga (SSI) | 3,000,000IDR £160 or $210 | 2 days |
| Free dive Nusa | Free diving & manta trips (SSI) | 4,300,000IDR £250 or $300 | 3 days |
| Blue Corner Freedive | Freediving, retreats & yoga (PADI & Molchanov) | 4,300,000IDR £240 or $290 | 2 – 3 days |
| Ousia Freediving Academy | Freediving courses & trips (AIDA & PADI) | 4,500,000IDR – 5,000,000IDR £250 – £270 $300 – $340 | 2 – 2.5 days |
Map of the best freediving schools in Bali
Here is a map of the best free diving schools in Bali
What are the BEST places to stay for freediving in Bali?
The best area for freediving is in Amed. Several of the schools are located in this area. Here are the BEST places to stay in Amed:
- Kirana Homestay – £10 per night – great budget option excellent location
- Bali Amed Feel Home Villa – £20 – £40 – amazing value for money
- Salt Resort & Spa – £30 – £100 per night – stylish vibrant beach resort
- Villa Adi – £80 – £160 – amazing Villas with private pools (pictured above)
Why do we love Apnea Bali?
As a family we love Apnea. We trained with Apnea and love the philosophy and approach. Freediving uniquely requires high levels of relaxation, focus and calm. Apnea recognises this and encourages students to really enjoy and connect with the experience not with the numbers. By learning to just relax and enjoy the allure of the deep, Apnea finds that students both enjoy the experience more and perform better.
Apnea do have some assessment but this is not done in a stressful or high pressure way (excuse the pun!) Apnea Bali is located right next to the USAT liberty shipwreck – which they affectionately call their “playground”. If you take a freediving course with Apnea they include a fun dive at the shipwreck. Also, Apnea Bali does also include some of the most impressive freediving photography that we have seen – and this is included in your course.
Oh yeah, and Apnea also offers some of the best prices on the island too. So if you’re looking for great value for money and a superlative experience – Apnea is your school.
Where are the best freediving sites in Bali?
If you do a freediving course in Bali your school will have their preferred training sites. They may also have some fun dive spots too. Here are some of the best diving / freediving sites in Bali:
Why try freediving in Bali?
There are several reasons why Bali is a great destination to try freediving:
- Abundance of Marine Life: Bali is home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, fish, turtles, and other sea creatures. Freediving in Bali offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these creatures and observe them in their natural habitat.
- Clear Waters: Bali has some of the clearest and most transparent waters in the world, making it an ideal location for freediving. The visibility can reach up to 50 meters, allowing you to see the underwater world in all its glory.
- Warm Water: The water temperature in Bali is warm and comfortable year-round, with an average temperature of 27-29°C. This makes it easy and enjoyable to spend long periods of time in the water while freediving.
- Experienced Instructors: Bali has a large community of experienced and qualified freediving instructors who can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to start freediving safely and confidently.
- Variety of Dive Sites: Bali has a range of dive sites that cater to different skill levels and interests, from shallow coral gardens to deep shipwrecks. This means there is something for everyone, whether you are a beginner or an experienced freediver.
And let’s be honest – Bali rocks! We absolutely love the diverse rich culture in Bali, the beautiful hospitable people, the stunning nature and of course the AMAZING food in Bali. So not only is Bali an amazing place for freediving – it is just an amazing place in itself!
Freediving vs scuba diving
Here is a quick comparison table to help you work out whether scuba diving or freediving is better for you:
| Free diving | Scuba diving |
| Underwater time generally 2 – 4 minutes for most people | Underwater time generally 15 – 20 minutes but can be longer |
| Most level 1 divers can reach 10m – 20m | Open water divers are qualified to go to a depth of 18m |
| Simple equipment, low risk of equipment problems – small, simple & compact kit | Complicated equipment, more risk of equipment problems |
| You can move your body freely underwater | Lack of mobility and freedom to move |
| Low risk of decompression sickness. Some risk of black out – especially if you’re pushing yourself | High risk of decompression sickness and injuries |
| Expensive to train but cheap once you have the skills and experience | Expensive to train and expensive to do dives after |
| Ability to challenge yourself and push your boundaries adjusting to high pressure, CO2 build up and low O2 | The main challenge is equalizing. You need to monitor dive times, depth and ascent rant carefully |
| You look awesome in photography and film | You look, errm, ok I guess? |
What do you do on a basic (level 1) freediving course in Bali?
Some schools offer short “introduction to freediving” courses. These courses often cost around $100 and aim to give you a taste of freediving without getting qualified.
However, if you want to get qualified you will need to take a level 1 course. Most level 1 courses cost between $200 – $350 in Bali. Finding a course can be confusing because the Level 1 courses have different names in different schools.
- PADI & Apnea schools tend to use the term “Level 1”
- SSI may use the term “Basic Course” or “Level 1 course”
- Molchanov schools may use the phrase “Wave 1”
- AIDA schools may use the term “Beginners course”
In general, a level 1 course takes 2 – 3 days and includes theory sessions, practice sessions and may include some formal or informal assessment. Most level 1 courses require you to dive to around 12m and perform tasks such as rescue dives. Different schools are accredited by different organizations and have very different approaches to their courses, assessment and standards.
Many schools offer a range of more advanced courses with increasing challenges such as greater depth, safely exploring underwater structures and advanced techniques.
What things do you learn on a basic freediving course?
Here are some of the skills and knowledge that you are likely to be taught on a basic freediving course in Bali:
- The science and theory of free diving
- Free diving equipment
- Freediving safety
- Practice of free immersion technique
- Practice of constant weight technique
- The duck dive technique
- Equalization techniques
- Ways to improve your breath hold time
- Preparing to dive & relaxation techniques
- Recovery breathing
- Rescue techniques and first aid in the water
- Yoga and strengthening techniques
What do freediving courses in Bali normally include?
Freediving courses vary in terms of what they offer. So we would strongly encourage you to check everything carefully before booking a course. Especially if some things are particularly important to you. Here are some things to check for in a freediving course:
- Equipment for the course (wetsuit, diving weights, mask, snorkel and fins) – remember to let them know your sizes before the course
- Freediving courses should fully include instruction, transport, training sessions and certification
- A freediving course may include a course manual – normally a digital document – to help you review and consolidate your learning
- Freediving courses may include things like a fun dive and photography on your course
- Freediving courses should include data on all your dives: dive time and depth
- A good freediving course should also include certification from an accredited body – check exactly what is included when you book your course
- Freediving courses may include meals, snacks and drinks – again check this when you book so you know what to prepare
- Free diving courses should include a reasonable student teacher ratio 4:1
Can anyone try freediving in Bali?
There are not generally any prerequisites for a freediving course in Bali. If you are unsure whether freediving is for you many schools offer intro or taster courses for around $100. They normally take a few hours up to one day.
Freediving courses in Bali generally accept anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and the ability to swim unaided. It helps to be able to hold your breath a little and swim underwater – but generally there are no specific requirements.
Freediving is not recommended for anyone with cardio or respiratory illnesses or pregnant women. If you are not sure about your fitness or physical health for freediving we always recommend speaking to your GP. Furthermore, it is not recommended to scuba dive soon after freediving or to freedive soon after scuba diving. For specific advice and details on recovery times we recommend talking to a professional diving instructor.
What things can you see freediving in Bali?
Bali is located in the Coral Triangle, which is known for its high marine biodiversity, and has a variety of dive sites that offer opportunities to see different types of marine life.
One of the most iconic marine creatures you can see while freediving in Bali is the sea turtle. Bali is home to several species of sea turtles, including the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle. These gentle creatures can often be spotted swimming along the reefs, feeding on seagrass or resting on the sandy bottom. Other things include a variety of fish species, such as clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and surgeonfish.
In addition to these common sightings, Bali is also home to some more unique and rare marine creatures. For example, the mola mola or sunfish, which is the world’s heaviest bony fish and can grow up to 3 meters in length, can be spotted in Bali’s waters during the months of July to October. Another rare sighting is the mimic octopus, which is known for its ability to mimic other sea creatures and is one of the most intelligent invertebrates in the world. Other sightings can include reef sharks, dolphins (especially around Lovina), and various species of rays. Some of Bali’s freediving schools experience whale shark sightings.
Safety Tips for Freediving in Bali
Here are a few safety tips for freediving in Bali:
- Always check your equipment before you dive
- Always train with qualified instructors and follow their instructions, advice and guidance
- Never go solo – always freedive with a buddy – you need someone who can dive to a similar depth, perform rescue dives and knows how to assist you if you have any problems at the surface
- Never train alone – even in a shallow pool solo training is potentially lethal
- Take time to breath up and prepare properly before every dive. Remember long deep breaths and never hyperventilating.
- Never attempt advanced freediving techniques without training and instruction (e.g. pre-dive exhaling)
- Don’t freedive with your snorkel in your mouth
- Equalise immediately and throughout your descent – follow your instructors guidance on equalization
- Always be aware of currents and water conditions when you’re freediving
- Never touch coral reef or sea creatures underwater
- Be aware of obstacles when you resurface and remember to do recovery breathing
- Take sufficient rest time between dives. Avoid treading water. If possible use a flotation aid and relax on the surface.
- Watch out for shallow water blackout when you or your buddy is resurfacing
- Always check with a GP if you are unsure of your health or fitness to freedive in Bali
- Check whether your travel insurance covers you for freediving. If not, check whether your freediving school includes insurance.
How do you prepare for freediving in Bali?
If you are doing a freediving course in Bali we recommend booking accommodation close to your school. This can help you relax, engage with the course better and minimize journey times. Here are a few important ways to prepare for freediving in Bali:
- Communicate with your instructors about your sizes so that they can arrange equipment for your course
- Avoid alcohol on the day of your freediving and also the night before
- Get plenty of sleep before you freedive
- Turn the A.C. off in your accommodation – this can leave you congested and make equalization more challenging
- Try some yoga and equalization exercises before you start freediving. Pre-equalisation can really help you equalize when you dive
- Follow your instructors advice on warming up and preparing for your dive
When is the best time to Freedive in Bali?
The best time of year to freedive in Bali can depend on several factors such as water temperature, visibility, and currents. Here is a breakdown of what to expect during different times of the year:
High Season (July to August and December to January)
During these months, Bali experiences the most visitors due to the peak holiday season. The water temperature ranges from 27-29°C, and visibility is usually good, with average visibility reaching up to 30 meters. However, during the high season, the currents can be stronger, especially on Bali’s eastern coast.
Shoulder Season (April to June and September to November)
The shoulder season is a great time to visit Bali for freediving, as it is less crowded and the weather is still pleasant. Water temperature ranges from 26-28°C, and visibility is generally good, with average visibility reaching up to 25 meters. Currents are also milder during this time, making it a great time for beginner freedivers.
Low Season (January to March)
The low season is characterized by occasional rain showers, and water temperature is slightly cooler, ranging from 25-27°C. Visibility can be affected by the rain, but the conditions can also bring in larger marine life, such as manta rays and whale sharks. Currents can be strong during this time, especially on Bali’s western coast.
It is important to note that Bali’s waters can experience sudden changes in weather and conditions, so it is always important to check the current conditions and talk to local dive operators before going freediving.
Responsible travel tips: Freediving in Bali
Here are a few sustainable travel tips for freediving in Bali:
- Respect Marine Life: It’s important to remember that marine life in Bali’s waters are wild animals in their natural habitat, so treat them with respect and observe from a safe distance. Do not touch or harass marine animals, and avoid feeding them as this can negatively affect their behavior.
- Avoid Sunscreen: Many sunscreens contain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs and marine life. To minimize your impact on the environment, consider using a natural sunscreen or wearing a rashguard or wetsuit instead.
- Reduce Plastic Use: Bali is working to reduce plastic pollution, and you can do your part by avoiding single-use plastics such as water bottles and straws. Bring a reusable water bottle and cloth shopping bag, and refill your bottle at water stations or your hotel.
- Don’t Feed Fish: Feeding fish can cause a disruption to the natural balance of the marine ecosystem, and also makes them reliant on human food. Resist the urge to feed fish while freediving, and allow them to continue with their natural feeding behaviors.
- Be Aware of Your Impact: When freediving in Bali, be mindful of your impact on the environment. Avoid touching or standing on coral reefs, and don’t leave any trash or waste behind. Remember to leave only bubbles and take only memories.
By following these responsible travel tips, you can help preserve Bali’s beautiful marine ecosystem for generations to come.
