Freedive Course

Learn to freedive, properly.

Freediving is one breath, and what you can do with it. We teach it in the clear water of the Bay of Islands, in small groups, so you get actual attention rather than a queue.

Freedive Aotearoa is New Zealand's SSI freediving instructor training centre, founded by Sacha Williamson, the country's first female freedive instructor trainer.

Choose your level

Basic Freediver, pool only — $350
Everything in confined water. The fundamentals of breath-hold, technique and buddy safety, without the open water. A good place to start if the ocean feels like a lot.

Level 1 — $799, two days
Your first full certification. Breath-hold, equalisation, finning technique, rescue skills and your first proper dives in the open water.

Level 2 — $1,200, three days
Deeper, and more deliberate. Free immersion, advanced equalisation, and the physiology behind what your body is doing down there.

Level 3 — $1,500
Performance Freediver, to 40 metres. For people who want to take this seriously.

What you need
Minimum age 12. Comfortable swimming ability. No previous freediving experience for Level 1 or the pool course. Good general health — if you are unsure about anything medical, talk to us before you book.

What's included
SSI certification and digital materials, all specialist freediving gear, and your instructor in the water with you throughout.

What to bring
Togs, a towel, water and something to eat. Gear hire is available as an add-on if you'd rather use your own kit list.

Two ways to book

1. Pay your $100 deposit at freedive.co.nz. It is non-refundable, and it is your SSI online learning — yours to keep for life, and you can start today. Pick your dates with us whenever you're ready. It counts toward your course price.

2. Request a date here. Tell us the dates that suit and we'll confirm as soon as we can.

Questions? [email protected] or 027 373 3348.