Freediving in Bali: Best Dive Schools for Beginners & Experts
Bali is world-famous for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters, making it a top destination for freediving enthusiasts. Unlike scuba diving, freediving allows you to explore the underwater world with just a single breath, creating an experience that is both meditative and exhilarating.
With its warm waters, year-round diving conditions, and some of the best freediving schools in Southeast Asia, Bali is an ideal place for both beginners and experienced freedivers. Whether you want to learn the fundamentals, improve your breath-holding skills, or explore deep blue water dives, this guide will show you the best freediving spots, top freediving schools, and everything you need to know before taking the plunge.
1. Why Freediving in Bali?
Freediving is more than just a sport—it’s a spiritual and physical journey that teaches breath control, relaxation, and underwater exploration without the need for heavy equipment. Bali’s diverse marine landscapes make it an ideal destination for freedivers, with everything from colorful coral reefs to deep blue walls and shipwrecks.
Compared to scuba diving, freediving offers a unique sense of freedom and connection to the ocean. It’s also a low-cost and eco-friendly way to experience Bali’s stunning underwater world while improving breath control, mental focus, and physical endurance.
🌊 What Makes Bali a Great Freediving Destination?
✔ Year-round diving conditions with warm tropical waters (27-30°C).
✔ A variety of dive sites, from shallow reefs to deep ocean walls.
✔ A strong freediving community with internationally certified instructors.
✔ Abundant marine life, including manta rays, shipwrecks, and coral gardens.
✔ Calm waters and great visibility, especially in Amed, Nusa Penida, and Tulamben.
💡 Insider Tip:
Freediving is not just about depth—it’s about mastering relaxation, technique, and breath control. Beginners can start in shallow waters, while experienced divers can train for deeper dives with expert instructors.
2. Best Freediving Spots in Bali
Bali offers a wide range of freediving locations, each with its own unique marine ecosystem. Whether you’re looking for calm shallow waters for training or deep blue depths for advanced dives, these are the best freediving sites in Bali.
🐠 Top Freediving Locations in Bali
📍 Amed (Best for Beginners & Training)
✔ Calm waters and minimal currents, making it perfect for first-time freedivers.
✔ Home to Japanese Wreck, a shallow WWII shipwreck covered in coral.
✔ Many freediving schools and instructors available.
📍 Tulamben (Best for Wreck Diving & Marine Life)
✔ Famous for the USAT Liberty Shipwreck, one of Bali’s most popular dive sites.
✔ Depth ranges from 5m to 30m, suitable for all levels.
✔ Great visibility and abundant fish life, including parrotfish, barracudas, and turtles.
📍 Nusa Penida (Best for Deep Diving & Manta Rays)
✔ Ideal for advanced freedivers looking for deep blue dives.
✔ Manta Point offers encounters with graceful manta rays.
✔ Stronger currents, requiring better technique and breath control.
📍 Blue Lagoon (Padang Bai) (Best for Colorful Reefs)
✔ A shallow, calm dive site with clear waters and vibrant corals.
✔ Great for underwater photography and relaxed freediving sessions.
✔ Home to reef sharks, clownfish, and schools of tropical fish.
📍 Menjangan Island (Best for Wall Diving & Pristine Waters)
✔ Located in West Bali National Park, offering some of Bali’s best visibility.
✔ Dramatic wall dives with depths over 40m.
✔ A protected marine area, making it ideal for spotting rare sea creatures.
💡 Insider Tip:
If you’re a beginner, start in Amed or Blue Lagoon before attempting deeper dives in Nusa Penida or Menjangan Island.
3. Best Freediving Schools in Bali
If you’re new to freediving or want to improve your skills, Bali has some of the best freediving schools in Southeast Asia, offering courses for beginners, intermediate, and advanced freedivers.
🏫 Top Freediving Schools in Bali
📍 Apneista Freediving School (Amed)
✔ One of Bali’s most established freediving schools, known for its personalized approach and yoga integration.
✔ Offers beginner to instructor-level courses, with breathwork and relaxation training.
✔ Located in Amed, close to shallow reef dives and deep training spots.
Website: apneista.com
Instagram: @apneistafreediving
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +62 812-3608-1456
WhatsApp: +62 812-3608-1456
📍 Freedive Flow (Amed)
✔ Specializes in small group training for personalized coaching.
✔ Offers courses from beginner to professional levels, with a focus on safe depth progression.
✔ Located in Amed, one of Bali’s best freediving destinations.
Instagram: @freedive_flow
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +62 877-6563-5903
WhatsApp: +62 877-6563-5903
📍 Apnea Bali (Tulamben)
✔ Located near the famous USAT Liberty Shipwreck, perfect for practicing wreck freediving.
✔ Offers PADI and AIDA certifications, focusing on deep diving and safety techniques.
✔ Best for those interested in structured freediving courses and deep water training.
Website: apneabali.com
Instagram: @apneabali
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +62 812-3908-7227
WhatsApp: +62 812-3908-7227
📍 Deep Week Bali (Amed)
✔ A freediving retreat program run by world-class instructors.
✔ Offers week-long intensive workshops designed to improve breath-hold, depth, and mental focus.
✔ Perfect for freedivers of all levels looking for an immersive experience.
Website: freedivingfamily.com/deep-week-bali
Instagram: @freedivingfamily
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 401-123-456
WhatsApp: +61 401-123-456
📍 Fusion Freediving (Sanur)
✔ Specializes in freediving safety and deep dive training.
✔ Offers beginner courses, instructor training, and competitive freediving workshops.
✔ Based in Sanur, with access to shallow and deep freediving sites.
Website: fusionfreedive.com
Instagram: @fusionfreedive
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +62 812-3777-8450
WhatsApp: +62 812-3777-8450
💡 Insider Tip:
Choose a freediving school that includes breath-hold training, relaxation techniques, and equalization exercises—these are key to improving your performance and safety underwater.
* Based on Update on Feb 2025
4. What to Expect from a Freediving Course in Bali
Freediving is not just about diving deeper—it’s about learning to control your breath, relax your body, and move efficiently underwater. A proper freediving course will teach you essential techniques to increase your breath-hold time and dive depth safely.
🧘♂️ What You’ll Learn in a Freediving Course
✔ Breath-Hold Training – Learn techniques to increase lung capacity and oxygen efficiency.
✔ Equalization Skills – Essential for diving deeper without ear pain.
✔ Duck Diving & Finning Techniques – Improve movement underwater with minimal effort.
✔ Safety & Buddy Systems – Always freedive with a trained partner for safety.
✔ Mental Focus & Relaxation – Freediving is 50% mental and 50% physical—learning how to stay calm is key.
💡 Insider Tip:
Before taking a freediving course, practice breathing exercises and relaxation techniques—this will help you hold your breath longer and improve your diving experience.
5. Freediving Tips & Safety Guidelines
Freediving is a beautiful and rewarding experience, but it also requires proper training and safety awareness. Here are some important tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable freediving experience in Bali.
⚠️ Freediving Safety Tips
✔ Never Freedive Alone – Always dive with a trained buddy for safety.
✔ Master Equalization Techniques – This helps prevent ear barotrauma and discomfort.
✔ Stay Hydrated & Avoid Alcohol Before Diving – Dehydration affects breath-hold performance.
✔ Respect Your Limits – Don’t push yourself too hard—freediving is about relaxation, not competition.
✔ Use a Lanyard in Deep Water – This keeps you connected to the dive line for extra safety.
💡 Insider Tip:
Many freediving schools in Bali offer free introductory workshops, so if you’re curious, try a half-day session before committing to a full certification course.
6. Recommended Hotels Nearby
If you’re planning a freediving trip to Bali, choosing accommodation near the best freediving schools will make your experience more convenient and enjoyable. Whether you prefer a luxury beachfront resort, a stylish boutique stay, or a budget-friendly guesthouse, these accommodations offer comfort, easy access to freediving sites, and a relaxing atmosphere after a day of diving.
Below are the best hotels near Amed, Tulamben, Nusa Penida, and Sanur, covering a range of luxury to budget-friendly options.
🏝️ Hotels Near Amed Freediving Schools (Apneista & Freedive Flow)
Amed is one of the top freediving destinations in Bali, known for its calm waters, colorful coral reefs, and ideal training conditions. Staying in Amed offers proximity to the best freediving schools, stunning sunrises, and a peaceful coastal vibe.
✔ Ramwan Guest House – A simple and comfortable stay with easy access to Amed Beach and diving schools.
✔ RedDoorz Syariah near Pasar Aur Kuning – A budget-friendly option near the coastline, ideal for divers looking for an affordable and quiet retreat.
✔ Amed Beach Resort – A beachfront hotel with an on-site dive center and affordable rooms. Great for freedivers looking for a low-cost stay near the ocean.
🚢 Hotels Near Tulamben Freediving Schools (Apnea Bali)
Tulamben is famous for its USAT Liberty Shipwreck, making it a prime location for wreck freediving and deep diving training. Staying here allows for easy early morning dives before the crowds arrive.
✔ Chamomile Villa 6 Bedrooms with a Private Pool – A spacious and stylish villa with a private pool, offering comfort and easy access to Tulamben’s diving sites.
✔ Liberty Dive Resort – A comfortable resort with on-site freediving facilities, a pool, and private bungalows. Ideal for divers looking for convenience and relaxation.
✔ Tulamben Backpacker – A no-frills hostel with affordable dorm rooms and private rooms, perfect for budget travelers who want to focus on diving.
🐠 Hotels Near Nusa Penida Freediving Schools (Deep Week Bali)
Nusa Penida is home to some of Bali’s most famous freediving sites, including Manta Point and Crystal Bay. Staying on the island provides quick access to these deep-water dive spots.
✔ Adiwana Warnakali – A luxury boutique hotel perched on a cliff with infinity pools and breathtaking ocean views. Perfect for those who want a high-end retreat after freediving sessions.
✔ Fajar Inn Mitra RedDoorz – A simple and convenient guesthouse, providing easy access to dive centers and beaches.
✔ Nuansa Penida Hostel – A budget-friendly hostel perfect for solo travelers and backpackers looking to explore Nusa Penida’s underwater world.
🌴 Hotels Near Sanur Freediving Schools (Fusion Freediving)
Sanur is a great base for freediving trips while still offering easy access to beaches, restaurants, and dive shops. Staying in Sanur allows you to train with Fusion Freediving and explore nearby diving spots.
✔ Comfortable Studio Apt Kebagusan City By Travelio – A well-equipped modern studio apartment, ideal for freedivers seeking a quiet and relaxed environment.
✔ The Alantara Sanur – A stylish boutique hotel featuring tropical gardens, a spa, and traditional Balinese hospitality.
✔ Good Comfy 2BR Transpark Juanda Bekasi By Travelio – A comfortable 2-bedroom apartment offering spacious accommodation and easy access to Sanur’s diving spots.
Why Bali is the Perfect Destination for Freediving
Freediving in Bali is more than just a sport—it’s an incredible way to connect with the ocean, explore Bali’s marine life, and improve your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced diver aiming for deep-water challenges, Bali offers some of the best freediving experiences in the world.
With top freediving schools, breathtaking dive sites, and a strong freediving community, Bali is the perfect place to take the plunge and explore the deep blue world beneath the surface.
Ready to freedive in Bali? Book your course, grab your fins, and start your underwater adventure today! 🌊✨
