Embarking on your first freediving adventure in Koh Chang is an experience you won’t forget. Whether you’re curious about breathing techniques or eager to explore underwater without bulky equipment, this small group PADI course offers a balanced mix of theory, practice, and fun. From land-based exercises to snorkeling near vibrant reefs, you’ll gain the confidence to hold your breath and enjoy the ocean like a pro.
What we love about this tour is its intimate group size, which means plenty of personalized guidance, especially from instructors like Pierre and Charles, who are praised for their patience and expertise. The included land, pool, and open water training ensure a comprehensive introduction to freediving, perfect for absolute beginners. Plus, the convenient hotel pickup and thoughtful amenities like snacks and drinks help keep energy levels high.
A potential consideration? While the price of around $376 might seem steep at first glance, the depth of instruction and the small-group setting make it a great value, especially given the quality of guides and the chance to earn your PADI license in just two days. This course is best suited for travelers who are ready to challenge themselves and want a safe, guided introduction to freediving.
This experience suits those looking for an active, hands-on learning opportunity that combines scenic beauty with professional instruction. If you’re comfortable with water activities and keen to try something new, this course offers a welcoming, well-organized environment to start your freediving journey.
Key Points
- Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed learning pace.
- Professional guides like Pierre and Charles are highly praised for their patience and safety focus.
- Multi-stage training includes land exercises, pool practice, and open water exploration.
- Convenient pickup and drop-off simplify logistics, making the experience hassle-free.
- Stunning reef stops and a buffet lunch add to the overall enjoyment.
- Cost is justified by the quality of instruction, guided experience, and certification.
An In-Depth Look at the Koh Chang Freediving Course
Looking for more options in Ko Chang? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Location and Setting
Koh Chang isn’t just a pretty island—it’s an ideal spot to learn freediving. The course begins at BB Divers PADI dive center, conveniently located in the Koh Chang Tai area. The island’s shoreline offers safe, calm waters perfect for beginners to practice breathing and equalization techniques. During the open water days, you’ll get to explore coral reefs, which are often described as vibrant and teeming with marine life, adding an extra layer of excitement to your training.
Day 1: Land and Pool Practice
The first day kicks off with a pickup around 8:00 am, taking you from your hotel directly to the dive center, a real plus for travelers on the west coast. When you arrive, you’ll spend about four hours initially practicing breathing techniques on land—a crucial foundation for freediving—before moving into the pool for practical exercises.
In the reviews, many mention how the instructors like Pierre and Charles foster a calm, safe environment, making those initial breath-hold exercises less intimidating. Charles, in particular, is praised for his humor and ability to put nervous students at ease, which is vital for beginners. The small class sizes (max five) mean you’ll get plenty of individual feedback, helping you improve your technique and build confidence.
Day 2: Open Water Exploration
The second day is the highlight for many participants. After a quick morning briefing, you’ll hop on a boat for a full-day adventure that involves two reef stops for freediving practice. The boat ride itself is a scenic experience—crystal clear waters, often calm, making it an ideal setting for practicing your skills.
The stops are carefully chosen to give you the opportunity to explore coral reefs, teeming with marine life. Between training sessions, there’s a generous buffet lunch, which reviewers rave about—it’s a good chance to relax, rehydrate, and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
What Makes the Experience Special?
Small Group Dynamics: The maximum of five participants ensures a more tailored learning experience. Reviewers consistently mention how this setup helps instructors give focused attention and adapt to individual needs.
Expert Guides: Both Pierre and Charles are highly regarded for their safety focus and patience. Their thorough explanations and encouragement seem to foster rapid progress, with some students freediving to impressive depths and durations within just two days.
Comprehensive Training: The combination of land drills, pool practice, and real-world open water exploration offers a well-rounded approach. This is essential, as many reviewers note that their confidence in the ocean grew significantly, thanks to the step-by-step learning process.
Inclusions and Logistics: The package covers all activities, equipment use, and refreshments, reducing the hassle and extra costs. The hotel pickup service simplifies travel logistics, especially important on an island where transportation can sometimes be tricky.
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The Overall Value
While the course costs around $376, it offers not just a certification, but an authentic understanding of freediving fundamentals, guided by experienced instructors. Many reviews indicate that students left feeling empowered and eager to continue practicing. The course’s price reflects the quality of personalized instruction, the scenic environment, and the instruction that often gets glowing praise for safety and clarity.
What You’ll Need to Consider
The only possible drawback is the entrance fee for Koh Rang National Park, which isn’t included in the package. For most, this isn’t a dealbreaker but worth noting if you plan to explore independently afterward. Weather can also impact the experience—while courses are scheduled to be flexible, poor conditions might lead to cancellations or rescheduling.
Who Should Book This?
This course is ideal for beginners and curious water lovers ready to try freediving in a safe, guided environment. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a small, intimate group experience with professional instructors. Travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, coral reefs, and relaxed island atmospheres will find this to be a memorable way to spend a couple of days.
The Sum Up
This Koh Chang freediving course offers a well-balanced mix of land instruction, practical pool work, and open water exploration, making it an excellent introduction to the sport. The small group size and expert guides ensure you feel safe and supported throughout your learning path. The scenic reef stops, buffet lunch, and hassle-free logistics add to the overall value, making it a standout experience for those wanting to learn a new skill in a beautiful setting.
In particular, if you value personalized attention, safety, and scenic underwater environments, this course truly delivers. It’s a fantastic option for beginners eager to gain confidence and earn their PADI license while enjoying the relaxed pace of Koh Chang.
FAQ
What is included in the price?
The price covers all activities, use of equipment, guides, lunch, snacks, drinks, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Is hotel pickup available on Koh Chang?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided for hotels on the West coast of Koh Chang, making logistics simple.
How long does the course last?
The course spans about 2 days, with approximately 4 hours on day 1 and a full 8-hour day on day 2.
Are there any additional fees?
Yes, entrance fees for Koh Rang National Park are not included and would be paid separately if you visit the reefs.
What kind of experience level is needed?
This course is designed for beginners and most travelers can participate; no prior freediving experience is required.
What safety measures are in place?
Instructors like Pierre and Charles prioritize safety, and small group sizes help ensure personalized supervision.
Is the instruction in English?
Yes, all guides and instructors communicate in English and are praised for their clear, patient teaching style.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure. Equipment like masks and fins are provided.
Can I get my PADI license after the course?
Yes, completing the course qualifies you for your first freediving license, recognized internationally.
What if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are unfavorable, the activity may be canceled or rescheduled, with options for alternative dates.
This Koh Chang freediving course combines scenic beauty, expert guidance, and genuine skill-building. Whether you’re a total novice or just want to test your breath-holding limits, it’s a safe, rewarding way to enjoy Thailand’s stunning waters.