Learn to Freedive in Bali

Bali is a popular destination for freediving, with several locations around the island offering training and certification courses. Here are some of the best places to learn to freedive in Bali:

Amed: Located on the east coast of Bali, Amed is known for its calm waters and clear visibility, making it an ideal location for beginner freedivers. The area has several dive schools and instructors that offer a range of courses, from beginner to advanced.

Nusa Lembongan: Nusa Lembongan is a small island off the southeast coast of Bali that offers some of the best freediving sites in the region. The island is home to several schools and instructors that offer courses for all levels of experience.

Tulamben: Tulamben is a small fishing village on the northeast coast of Bali that is known for its shipwreck dive site, which is popular among freedivers. The area also has several other dive sites and schools that offer courses for all levels of experience.

Gili Islands: Although not technically part of Bali, the Gili Islands off the northwest coast of Lombok are easily accessible from Bali and offer excellent freediving opportunities. The islands have several dive schools and instructors that offer courses for all levels of experience.

When choosing a location to learn to freedive in Bali, it's important to consider the water conditions, the quality of instruction, and the reputation of the dive school or instructor. Our sister brand, Ocean Soul Retreat, runs learn-to-freedive experiences; you can contact them to find out more information.

What a beginner freediving course is really like

If you have never done a course, it can be hard to picture. Most entry level freediving courses in Bali run over two to three days and follow a simple structure. You start with theory: how the body responds to breath holding, how to equalise your ears, and above all how to keep each other safe. Then you practise breathing and relaxation, often on land or in a pool. Finally you head into open water, where you learn to duck dive, pull down a line and come back up calmly with your buddy watching.

Most people are surprised by how much of it is about relaxation rather than fitness. The calmer you are, the less oxygen you use. That is why so many women say freediving feels as much like meditation as sport.

Your first day is not about depth. It is about learning to feel safe and calm with your face in the water.

Safety comes first, always

The golden rule of freediving is simple: never dive alone. Every dive should be supervised by a trained buddy who watches you from the surface and is ready to help. A good school will make this non-negotiable and will teach you to be that buddy for someone else.

When you choose a school, look for small group sizes, qualified instructors from a recognised agency, a clear safety briefing and a willingness to answer questions. If anything feels rushed or unclear, keep looking.

What to wear for freediving in Bali

Bali’s water is warm, so many freedivers train in swimwear rather than a full wetsuit. What matters most is fit. A swimsuit that shifts, gapes or pulls when you duck dive will distract you, and focus is everything when you are learning.

• A secure one piece that stays put when you invert and kick.
• Long sleeves for sun protection between dives, when you spend a lot of time floating at the surface.
• A thin wetsuit for longer sessions or cooler days.
• Reef-safe zinc for your face, which is the only skin exposed on a long sleeve suit.

Freediver favourite

Long Sleeve Swimsuit: Sulawesi Celestial Blue

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The best time of year

Bali’s dry season, roughly April to October, usually brings the best visibility and calmer conditions on the east coast. The wet season can still offer beautiful days, especially in Amed and Tulamben, which are sheltered from the prevailing winds. Plan a few spare days into your trip in case the weather or your ears need a rest.

Comparing Bali’s best places to learn

Wherever you choose, give yourself time. Ears, nerves and weather all play a part in freediving, and the best progress happens when you are not rushing. Many women find that a few extra relaxed days after the course, practising with a buddy and simply enjoying the reef, is when everything finally clicks. Treat your first course as the start of a long, gentle relationship with the deep rather than a box to tick.

Questions we get asked

Can a beginner learn to freedive in Bali?

Yes. Bali has many schools that run beginner courses, often over two or three days. You do not need to be a strong swimmer to start, but you should be comfortable in the water.

Where is the best place to learn freediving in Bali?

Amed and Tulamben on the east coast are popular for calm, clear water. Nusa Lembongan and the nearby Gili Islands are also good options.

What should I wear to freedive in warm water?

A secure one piece or long sleeve swimsuit works well in warm water. Add a thin wetsuit for longer sessions.

Love this? Read about our favourite places to Freedive in Bali

Visit our women's swim and dive boutique in Berawa, Bali, where you can pick up the perfect one piece swimsuit for all your diving adventures, freediving fins, freediving masks, and accessories.