If you’re craving to push your freediving skills beyond the basics and get closer to marine life, the Freediver Advanced course offered by bbdivers on Ko Chang is worth considering. While we haven’t personally taken this course, gather that it consistently earns glowing reviews for its professionalism, fun atmosphere, and the chance to deepen your underwater connection.
What we love about this program is the focus on breath-hold mastery and deeper, longer dives, which truly allow you to experience nature in a more intimate way. The well-organized boat trips, delicious food onboard, and knowledgeable instructors also stand out. One potential consideration is the entry fee for Koh Rang national park, which is an extra cost if you opt for dives within the park boundaries.
This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking to expand their freediving capabilities, those who already have some experience and want to challenge themselves further, or anyone looking for a professionally guided course in a stunning tropical setting.
Key Points
- Expert instruction with highly-rated guides like Lars and Kristel.
- All-inclusive package covering transport, equipment, lunch, and snacks.
- Stunning underwater scenery and marine life close-up.
- Two days of immersive learning balanced with fun boat trips.
- Good value for the price considering the comprehensive experience.
- Small group size for personalized attention and safety.
Why This Course Stands Out
The 2-day Freediver Advanced course is designed for those who already have basic freediving skills and are ready to take the next step into more technical, deeper diving. The emphasis on breath-holding, endurance, and deeper dives helps you build confidence and competence, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who want to challenge themselves while in paradise.
bbdivers has built a reputation for professionalism and friendliness. Reviews mention the great boat organization and delicious onboard food, which really enhance the comfort of the experience. It’s also clear that the guides and instructors are passionate and experienced, with feedback highlighting their patience and calm demeanor—important qualities in a safe, supportive learning environment.
Looking for more options in Ko Chang? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect
Day 1: Starting at BB Divers
Your adventure begins bright and early at 8:00 am with hotel pickup on the west coast of Koh Chang—an efficient start that gets you straight into the action. Once at the BB Divers PADI dive center, you’ll meet your instructor and fellow participants in a relaxed, friendly setting that sets the tone for the next two days.
The day involves theoretical lessons, breath-hold exercises, and your initial dives. You can expect to work on your technique, focusing on maximizing your breath-holding time and practicing safety measures. The included equipment means you won’t need to worry about your gear, allowing you to focus entirely on your progress.
Boat Trips and Marine Encounters
Throughout the course, you’ll enjoy boat trips to nearby dive sites, which are often praised for their smooth organization. Reviewers like Amelia have noted the great boat organization, with many mentioning the fantastic food onboard, which isn’t always the case in similar tours. Expect a buffet lunch, light refreshments, coffee, and snacks, making the long day comfortable and energy-filled.
Diving in Koh Rang National Park
The highlight for many is the opportunity to explore Koh Rang National Park’s underwater environment. While there is an extra fee for entry to the park, many find that the marine scenery and clarity make it worthwhile. The reviews suggest that these dives are the best parts of the trip for experiencing abundant marine life and vibrant coral.
- Koh Chang: Half-Day Snorkeling Adventure on a Speedboat
- Koh Chang: Half-Day Scuba Diving From Speedboat
- Koh Chang: Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners With 2 Dives
- Half-Day Private Snorkeling Adventure on a Speedboat
- Koh Chang: 2-Day PADI Advanced Open Water Course
- Koh Chang: 3-Day PADI Open Water Scuba Dive Course
Day 2: Continuing Deeper and Longer
The second day ramps up the intensity, with more focus on deeper dives of up to 24 meters and longer breath-holds. The guides tailor the experience based on your comfort level, helping you push your limits safely. Many reviews mention how patient and calm the instructors are, which is reassuring when attempting more advanced breath-hold techniques.
End of the Tour
The experience wraps up around late afternoon, returning you to your hotel with a sense of achievement and new skills. The small group size (max 5 travelers) ensures personalized attention, making the whole course feel intimate and well-managed.
What Reviewers Say About the Experience
One reviewer described their experience as “amazing,” praising the organization and atmosphere. They appreciated the chance to try multiple dive clubs in Thailand, concluding that BB Divers was their top choice, especially highlighting the great ambiance within the dive masters and the quality of the boat organization.
Another reviewer from Germany called it “Großartig, jederzeit sofort wieder,” indicating they would repeat the experience without hesitation. They valued the spontaneous decision to upgrade to the advanced level and found the instructors like Lars to be calm and patient, which is essential when attempting deeper dives.
A French traveler also shared how good the instruction was, specifically praising Lars for his calm and patient approach that helped them progress to meet their goals. This highlights the personalized coaching that makes a difference in a course like this.
The Practicalities: What You Need to Know
Price and Value
At $377.44 per person, this course is a solid investment for anyone serious about advancing their freediving skills. The price includes all necessary equipment, transport, lunch, snacks, and professional guidance, which adds significant value compared to paying for each component separately.
Duration and Scheduling
The 2-day schedule is designed to be immersive yet manageable. Starting at 8:00 am and ending in the late afternoon, it fits well into a travel itinerary. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off simplifies logistics, especially on Koh Chang, where transportation can sometimes be tricky.
Group Size and Safety
With a maximum of five travelers, the group remains small enough for personal interaction and tailored coaching. This setting is ideal for learners who want attention and reassurance from guides, especially when attempting more athletic freediving.
Additional Costs
While the tour includes most essentials, be aware that entry fees for Koh Rang national park are extra. Budget for this if you want to fully explore the park’s underwater world, as many reviewers find it worth the additional expense.
Weather and Cancellation
The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor conditions, you will be offered an alternative date. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving flexibility if weather turns sour.
Why This Tour Is a Great Fit
This Freediver Advanced course is perfect for those who already have a basic freediving foundation and want to reach new depths with confidence. The professional guidance, combined with stunning underwater environments and well-organized logistics, makes it an attractive option.
Travelers who appreciate small-group experiences, authentic local guides, and delicious onboard meals will find this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone looking to combine learning with leisure in a beautiful tropical setting.
Final Thoughts
The Koh Chang Freediver Advanced course by bbdivers offers a comprehensive, well-structured, and enjoyable opportunity to deepen your freediving skills. From the friendly, experienced guides to the delicious boat lunches and breathtaking marine scenery, it hits many right notes.
For those seeking personalized instruction and the chance to challenge their limits safely, this tour delivers great value. It is particularly suited for already experienced freedivers eager to progress further, or serious adventurers wanting a high-quality, small-group educational experience in Thailand.
FAQs
What is included in the price of the tour?
The price covers transport from your hotel, all freedive equipment, professional instruction, boat trips, buffet lunch, snacks, beverages, and light refreshments.
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, if you choose to dive in Koh Rang national park, there is an extra entry fee you need to pay.
What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is five, ensuring personalized guidance and attention.
What if the weather is poor?
The tour relies on favorable weather conditions; if canceled due to weather, you will be offered an alternative date or full refund if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.
Who are the instructors?
Guides like Lars and Kristel are praised for their calm, patient, and professional approach, suitable for learners at this level.
Is this suitable for beginners?
No, this is an advanced course designed for those with some freediving experience who want to improve their depth and breath-hold capabilities.
How physically demanding is this experience?
While it involves deep and longer breath-hold dives, the training is tailored to individual comfort levels, with safety always prioritized by the experienced guides.
In all, if you’re ready to take your freediving to new depths in a beautiful tropical setting, this Advanced Freediver course on Koh Chang combines the right mix of learning, adventure, and authentic marine encounters.