Freediving at Isla Experience
Discover the underwater wonders of El Nido, with guided freediving experiences in crystal-clear waters. Explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter incredible marine life, and experience Palawan’s ocean beauty with local guides.
Breath Focus
Crystal Clear
Waters
Marine Encounters
Shipwreck
Freediving
International Freediving Instructor
Ocean
Adventure
YOUR 10-DAY FREEDIVING ADVENTURE
Learn to freedive, keep training and explore the Philippines from an off-grid island.
DAY 01 - ARRIVAL
Your adventure starts as soon as you land. We’ll meet you at the airport and take you by traditional jeepney to the port, then by boat across the bay to Isla. Settle into your bamboo hut and meet the group and your instructor. In the evening we share a welcome boodle fight: a Filipino feast laid out on banana leaves and eaten together with your hands.
Day 2: Theory and First Breath at the Shipwreck
Morning: Your first theory session (2 hours) covers the foundations: how freediving works, breathing, relaxation and safety. Then it’s into the water for your first training session over a sunken wreck. These are gentle, easy dives to find your feet, or to shake off the rust if you’re already certified.
Afternoon: Visit the neighbouring village for a cultural exchange with the local community. Then try traditional rattan weaving with local artisans.
Day 3: Building Technique
Morning: Your second theory session (2 hours) focuses on equalisation and technique. Then you put it into practice in your second open water training session.
Afternoon: Free time to rest, swim or switch off in a hammock.
Day 4: Wildlife Day
The highlight of the retreat. We spend a full day out by boat among remote nearby islands, searching for the region’s big three: dugongs, manta rays and sea turtles. Expect clear water, empty beaches and the chance of encounters most visitors never have. Sightings can never be guaranteed, which is what makes them special.
Day 5: Slow Down and Fun
A day to let your body recover before the second diving block.
Morning: Choose your pace. You can add an optional scuba dive at a manta cleaning station, where mantas come in to be cleaned by small reef fish (paid add-on). Or stay on the island for a session in our yoga hut, followed by a Filipino cooking class.
Afternoon: Rest, read, nap and recharge.
Day 6: Freediving and Beach
Morning: Your third theory session (2 hours) covers the body, training and how to keep progressing after the course. This is followed by your third training session.
Day 7: Qualification Day
Morning: Your fourth and final training session, bringing everything together.
Afternoon: You choose your path:
Going for certification: a confined water session and your exam (up to 3 hours).
Diving for the experience: a 2-hour freediving workshop to keep building your skills, with no exam pressure.
Day 8: Island Hopping
Swap training for exploring. Join a classic island-hopping tour of turquoise lagoons, hidden beaches and towering limestone cliffs. Transport is included.
Day 9: Freediving Finale
Morning: Sunrise yoga, then a freediving fun day: no drills and no targets, just diving with the group for the joy of it.
Afternoon: Watch the sun set from a floating house, then close the retreat with a farewell BBQ.
Day 10: Departure
A final breakfast by the sea, then we take you back by boat and road for your onward journey.