We had a terrific experience visiting Napaling Reef with Ryan from Freedive Academy Panglao! We were driven to and from the reef from the academy which is a short way up the road. Ryan took excellent photos and videos of both our family and the reef. It was such an easy experience to be so well looked after by Ryan and the team. All the images were immediately uploaded to my iPhone upon our return to the Academy where we showered after our swim. Would definitely recommend an early booking for less crowds. Thanks for making our time at the reef so enjoyable!
이동현
나팔링투어 다녀왔습니다. 스노클링이나 다이빙은 처음으로 해본건데, 제대로 배워보고싶다는 생각이 들만큼 환상적인 경험이었습니다.다음에 보홀에 방문하게되면 꼭 다시 예약하겠습니다.(고프로 촬영본 메일 발송 부탁드립니다. 12월 12일 09시타임 lee)
Stig Hammarbeck
Had a very instructive and good SSI 'React Right' First Aid training course complete with CPR, AED and Oxygen supplier for freedivers.My teacher was Instructor and course Director Mr Edwin C.Professional and very well prepared,Can be highly recommend!Stig HammarbeckAIDA Master FreediverPADI Dive Master ScubaCMAS*** Scuba diverNorway
Lisa Lukretia Fischer
I spent about 2 weeks at the academy, freshening up my skills and then doing my Aida 4 course with Rea (@reapnea <-- <3 <3). absolutely loved it! the team is fantastic, whole location has a great atmosphere, they catered to all my wishes (bungalow, scooter and fun dive booking). overall it was fantastic experience very effective learning. happy repeat anytime. wishing you best!
EShenn
Jairus Lirazan
Very accommodating, relaible and safety is ensured with the staff
snorkeled for the first time here—such a great experience! we felt so safe and dio was such a wonderful guide. he took amazing photos as well!
Stefanie Van Der Vinden
Absolutely loved the snorkeling experience; lovely guide, saw loads of different species and have some nice videos to remember the day.
林意真
店員人超好～
Elizabeth Nguyen
Just finished my wave 1 course with Jorge and had a great time! I had no prior experience with diving and he really helped me relax my anxieties about going down. Couldn’t have done it without his expertise and friendly spirit.
25년전 호주에서 스쿠버다이빙 어드밴스코스까지 수강했던 이력이 있습니다. 이곳 보홀에선 큰딸은 프리다이빙 트래이닝을 받고 저는 입문경험차 다이빙 했습니다. 보홀에서의 아름다운 바다를 충분히 만끽하였고, 큰딸은 라이선스를 취득하였습니다. 선생님들이 전부 전문적이시고, 친절하십니다. 다음에 프리다이빙을 위해 재방문 한다면 이곳에 다시오고 싶습니다. 친절한 트래이닝, 좋은 경험을 하게 해주신 Mr.Jorge, Mr.Dio 정말 감사했습니다..
Leiqi Chen
Jomai and Dio were our guides. They were professional and patient. The one hour private tour was awesome. I highly recommend them to all of you.
Joshua Budihardjo
Very friendly and capable instructor! Had a great time here, thank you to Jomai for the great experience!!
Fiona Cerdan
Lily Holman
I had the privilege to be a student of Charles, an excellent instructor yet has a calm and humble demeanor. I can’t even begin on how to thank Charles throughout my wave 1 course in freediving.I had an incredible time diving with Charles and felt safe and calm during my training. His patience, kindness, and intelligence truly shone through during my course. I particularly appreciated the way he always reassured me that I was safe, which helped me to relax and enjoy the experience even more.He’s got great personality, passionate at what he does. His approach to teaching is truly exceptional, and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from someone as skilled and dedicated.Charles even sent me my freediving photos and videos he took on his GoPro!I look forward to continuing my journey as a freediver under his guidance, and I will be sure to recommend him to anyone who is interested in pursuing this incredible sport.
Sergey Busargin
Spent a few weeks training there. Great facility, friendly staff, good management.Will be back next year, for more training :)
Kristine Langutan
I love the ambiance and the stuffs are very friendly. Quiet place to stay in.
Matthew Van der ploeg
The team at Freedive Academy Panglao were very supportive, professional and welcoming. Edwin and Charles were great instructors. Unfortunately I had ear issues and was unable to start/ complete the second certificate, although Emily and the team gave me a credit to come back and complete this certificate 2 at a later date! Such a great and positive experience even with some ear issues! 😊
Zoe Peng
During my six days at Freedive Academy Panglao, it was a precious experience in my life.Here, I wasn't just a student, but also a member of a big family of people who share a love for diving. Not only did I meet highly skilled instructors, but I also found like-minded friends. We learned, explored, shared joys and challenges, supported and encouraged each other, and together pursued our diving dreams, creating countless precious memories.Freedive Academy Panglao maintains excellent professional standards and strict safety measures. The courses are comprehensive, detailed, and scientifically structured, covering all aspects of diving knowledge and skills. The instructors possess extensive experience and professional backgrounds, teaching theory and techniques in a progressive manner from analyzing principles to pool and open water training. This allowed me, even as a non-swimmer, to fall in love with the sea and freediving. The instructors are responsible, patient, and accommodating, and although each assessment requires effort and practice, it is all worthwhile. Even I didn't pass an assessment on the first try, I could continue with affordable open water training.The location of Freedive Academy Panglao is excellent, just a few hundred meters from the renowned diving spot - Napling. Every day, we trained in Napling, surrounded by the beauty of sardines and colorful marine life, experiencing a sense of unity with nature. Each training session brought unparalleled freedom and joy, and sharing these moments of delight and awe with my fellow divers created a sense of intimacy and happiness.Safety is always the top priority. From the classroom to practical exercises, every step follows strict safety regulations and procedures, ensuring the well-being and health of the students.The academy provides top-notch facilities and equipment, regularly maintained and inspected to ensure safety and reliability. Before each diving activity, the instructors conduct comprehensive preparations and checks to ensure the integrity and suitability of the diving gear.If you seek a truly professional and safe freediving experience, if you want to truly enjoy the vibrant underwater world, and if you want to make friends with like-minded individuals who love the ocean and freediving, Freedive Academy Panglao is your best choice!I will forever cherish these moments and express my gratitude to Freedive Academy Panglao for granting me such valuable experiences and emotional resonance. Thank you to all the companions like Charles, Emily, Ben, Jomay, Bob, and many others! In the future, I will definitely return here to continue my Wave 2 learning journey! Let's continue pursuing our diving dreams and creating more wonderful memories together.Lastly, I want to share a quote with all the companions at Freedive Academy Panglao: Romain Rolland once wrote, "Il n'ya qu'un héroïsme au monde : c'est de voir le monde tel qu'il est et de l'aimer. (There is only one heroism in the world: to see the world as it is and to love it.)”Just like all of you, my heroes, despite experiencing the ups and downs of life, you still have a deep love for freediving and the magnificent ocean. It is through your unwavering professionalism and dedication over the years that more people can safely and healthily enjoy the beauty of the sea. I love you all!
ando yuuki
I really enjoyed the tour. All people were so nice and so kind :)) even I could see the wild whale shark. I never forget about this. My guide Alex, he took beautiful picture and movies for me. Thank you so much again and I really recommend this shop.
Joëlle Carignan
Very cool experience! I did the introduction course with Edwin and it was super nice, it felt like being in a dream under water. Their diving spot has a beautiful coral wall with cristal clear water, and I was able to go see it pretty deep on my first fun dives because the coaching of Edwin was great. He made sure to adapt his teaching and the progression to each members of my group! They just didn’t have the camera that day like advertised, but the best images are caught with the eye anyway
Kenneth Ortega
Tong Chang
great experience! Great guide!
Lassse
We (Amanda and Lasse) spent 4 month at the academy. Even though not everything always went smooth for us (sicknesses forced us to spent a lot of time out of the water), we had an amazing time (though maybe tell future students to rinse there ears after your pool😉)!Especially all the instructors were great! We got taught by Charles and Igor, and can say that both have exceptional knowledge and drive to make you a better freediver (all the other instructors are of course also great). A big shoutout also goes to Edwin, who directed our internship and is a super kind and genuine guy, as well as a great (patient!) instructor.The staff is also amazing, starting with Aii at reception and not ending with Bong, who fixes everything around the place. All of them are super cool and make the stay there very welcoming.As interns we stayed in bungalows, which are overall fine, though it’s important to know that they are quite small for two people for such a long time and don’t include a fridge (which can be important since the kitchen closes at 7 and it’s impossible to cook or access food after).The best thing about our time here was the community of fellow divers, instructors and staff. We made so many friends from all over the world, diving together, partying together, chilling together, doing breath work together,and of course exploring together. Hope to see you all again!And honorable mention of course goes out to the MVP, Jay. He’s the actual boss of the place, and deserves all the cuddles in the world for it.All in all, we highly recommend everyone to come here to learn about freediving!Hopefully we will return one day! Big love❤️
Had 3 great coached sessions with Charles, David and Bob. Loved the place and the energy, also good place to buy freediving equipments or even try some.
Derik Broadnax
Just finished the Molchanov level one training with Charles. Charles is an outstanding instructor. Capable, patient, and intelligent. When it comes to freediving issues will arise with each student. I was impressed with Charles' ability to customize our sessions while guiding us to the same objectives.Along with Charles, the rest of the staff was incredible to work with. They accommodated some challenging requests that made my stay that much better. If you're thinking about beginning your freediving journey you'll be in great hands here!Aloha,Derik
Tamara
Attending the Freediving Academy in Panglao was an amazing experience. I just finished the two and a half day/ wave one course with Mike. He is not just a teacher but a true enthusiast of freediving. His passion for the sport shines through in every aspect. Mike's dedication to ensuring the safety and success of his students makes you feel really save and seen. He is always making sure each student reaches their full potential.I felt very welcomed by everyone in the team and I qm sure the other instructors are just as amazing. 10/10 would recommend
Mingrui Guo
Excellent Freediving line coaching session. Try mermaid there also!
Jason Round
Did my Wave 2 course and couldn’t have been better. Was very convenient to complete in just 3 days! Intense, but personally much preferred. Thank you!
Dennis J
of course !
Richard Smittenaar
I did my molchanov wave 1 freediving training here, over three days. Great experience, obviously a professional outfit who take the sport, your safety & progress, and your enjoyment of the process very seriously.The majority of the other divers around were considerably more advanced, which is another vote of confidence, by people who know better than me.If I were to do a wave 2 course (and after this experience I'm certainly thinking about it) I'd actually go out of my way to do it here, even if I otherwise wasn't planning to go to the Philippines (I'm based in China, for context).
Milena Zanetti
One of the best freediving school I’ve ever seen. The staff is very professional, I did the course with Rea (@reapnea) and she is an excellent and passionate instructor. The facility is extremely comfortable and clean, the community is big and helpful. I would definitely recommend it if you want to develop your skills or progress with the training levels. Moreover, Panglao Island is lovely!
孟諺蔡
I had a wonderful time in the Philippines with the freediving shop. The instructor was very attentive and taught me how to breathe and dive properly. He also showed me the beautiful coral reefs and marine life. Their equipment was new and safe, which made me feel very comfortable. I highly recommend this shop to anyone who wants to experience freediving. You will not regret it!
Jorys BARTCZAK
I passed my freediving levels at Freedive Academy Panglao. The academy is really great, with all the equipment and conditions to train in the best conditions. Moreover, the instructors are really diligent and available at all times to help us progress. As well as the whole team who run the academy on a day-to-day basis, who are brilliant.
CHEN 55
Miriam Salome
Very friendly, professional and familiar atmosphere.You can dive a lot and learn a lot about free-diving and also have some fun or a chat in around the pool.I especially enjoyed my wonderful and competent instructor Rea and the support I got from all the staff when needed.Thank you!Will be back <3
Amanda Hui
This place is awesome. My instructor Igor is very patient, knowledgeable and really encouraging. I was a bit afraid of holding my breath in the sea but Igor really helped me get out of my comfort zone. I am very grateful to the Freedive Academy Panglao team for helping me discover freediving.
Tammy Leaney-Bell
Highly recommend Freedive Academy Panglao!I arrived at the end of October to complete the Wave 3 and combined instructor program they offer. I signed up to the 3 month package including the master training. Charles, who leads the masters program is an amazing instructor! He takes the time to talk you through how you can reach your individual goals- even when the process can feel tough at times - thanks for all the help.Big shout out to Vincent, the owner, who took our instructor course. His knowledge of freediving and business made the instructor course very informative and fun. During the course we all had time to ask questions about things we were unsure of. Lots of time was also set aside to develop our teaching skills. A really great experience 😊The dive center as a whole has a lovely chilled vibe, and someone is aways there to help you with your freediving questions. I went in worried about my level starting wave 3, but there was no judgement and everyone was helpful and supportive during the sessions.uThe group dynamic is great and there's a real family vibe, with people joining the program from all over the world.Still working towards my last requirements, but getting there..... Glad to be here with the awesome staff and cool ocean life. ✌️Thanks guys!
Alex Ho
The guide was skilled and patience. He took care of me the whole time, so that I could relax and enjoy the moment I had.
Bashar sharbak
A PLACE WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE 😍🧜♂️🐚To sum up: professional, nice people and very well equipped. I did a mermaid course there, which was my dream for the longest time. They had many colorful amazing tails, and a very professional, lovely underwater photographer. COULDN’T BE MORE SATISFIED 😌😊I did the Modeling mermaid course there. The perfect course if you, like me, want to try mermaiding and want a one day fun course. You’ll have 2-3 hours in the morning in a swimming pool to learn how to swim with a monofin and mermaid tail, and also how to hold your breath. A photographer comes in the morning to take some pics and videos in the pool. Then you continue with the photographer in the ocean in the afternoon to take the most amazing photos in the wonderful Napaling reef. In the end of the day, you get all the pics and videos they took, and after couple days you’ll receive 10 amazingly edited pics (check their Instagram to see some amazing ones).The instructor Emily is so nice and lovely. The photographer is so professional, kind and fun. You feel like a real model 😂. The staff there is so nice and the diving center itself is very well equipped and feels like a family. They have many payment methods which was very convenient for me 😌TOTALLY RECOMMENDED 😍 and I’ll definitely continue with them next time I’ll be in the Philippines ❤️🧜♂️🐚
Tomek Cegielny
Vincent is mega passionate about freediving, about teaching and about creating a business around freediving - on all 3 topics he has tons of very insightful anecdotes from his own personal experience. From dives and workshops with the greatest freedivers on the planet, to concrete examples of emergency situations, to funny stories about courses, to struggles and successful bounce-backs in creating and scaling up businesses in freediving (courses, gear, tours, ...). Amazingly convenient location to go for dives (900m on a scooter, and 50m swim to get depths>50m, and a slightly longer swim to get to >70m). A pool at the academy. A masters training program. Friendly competitions. Freediving gear and accessories available for purchase. Good housing options - with good WiFi. That rounds up the course and facilities content part: 5 stars.What makes the experience at Freedive Academy Panglao so pleasant is the people: the Filipino admin/reception/social media staff is always super friendly, helpful and funny, the instructors are super accessible and passionate about what they do, and all students (around 20ish while I am here) create a very cool little community where everyone helps the others, shares experiences and tips, organize spontaneous yoga or breathwork sessions and spend time together for lunch or dinner. A cool mix of nationalities from at least 4 continents having serious and relaxed training and a lot of fun together. Also 5 stars.I haven't left yet but already thinking of when I could come back.
Annabelle Ziemiakowska
A big thank you to Igor. He is very professional, patient and friendly. Me and my boyfriend made the beginner freediving course and we felt all the time very safe. Igor is very good in improving you and give perfect tips. We learnt so much. The whole academy is great. Thank you so much.
Max
I did my AIDA 2 & 3 course with Freedive Academy Panglao, and it was just awesome. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who wants to get into freediving. They are extremely professional and will take your education seriously. My instructor Rea is a very skilled freediver and has a great personality. She helped me to master every requirement and had an answer to every question.
David Hoy
If you’re looking for a school to begin freediving or continue your progress. There’s no better place in the world.The only thing I knew about freediving when I signed up to was that it would involve holding my breath.I took the zero to hero route and spent 30 days learning at the academy. I learned how to relax, equalize, diving techniques and more importantly how freediving is good for my health.The environment here for learning is safe, positive and the academy really tailors to your specific needs and limiting factors. In my case I needed extra help on equalization.From beginning to end. Communication. Process and departure was top notch.I brought some of my own gear but they have everything you need here and they even have their own line of freediving gear which I got measured up for my own custom wetsuit.Special thank you to the office staff Rhea, Yannis, Airis, Jackie, Alaiza and Elaiza for your support and help around the academy.Thank you Rea, Igor, Charles, Edwin and Emily for teaching me with patience, encouragement and positivity.Thank you to my fellow students and interns who were good company and are now friends.If you’re looking to take plunge. This is the place to do it.
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