This course is designed to elevate your freediving proficiency by teaching new techniques and enhancing safety awareness. It builds on earlier levels by introducing free-fall diving and Frenzel equalisation, along with an expanded knowledge of physiological risks. The training involves both theoretical lessons and practical sessions in pool and ocean environments.
You begin with detailed theory classes focusing on human physiology under pressure, equalisation methods, barotrauma, buoyancy, and safety risks such as shallow water blackout. This theoretical foundation prepares you for the practical challenges of deeper and longer dives. You will also study training concepts and the mammalian dive reflex to better understand your body’s responses.
Pool sessions develop your static and dynamic apnea skills, emphasizing breath control, relaxation, and efficient movement. You will also practice Frenzel equalisation, a technique that facilitates deeper and more comfortable descents. Open water sessions in North Sulawesi’s protected marine areas allow you to apply these techniques in real freediving conditions with coral reefs and abundant marine life as your backdrop.
Safety remains a central focus, with training on rescue protocols and recognising symptoms of potential issues. The course aims to develop both your technical ability and your understanding of how to manage risk effectively, enabling more confident and controlled freediving experiences.
This course is based at the main freediving centre in Manado, which is ideally situated on the coastline of North Sulawesi. The location offers immediate access to calm swimming pools for confined water sessions and is just minutes from excellent ocean dive sites. The resort’s house reef provides a convenient site for shallow skill development, while deeper water options are easily reached by boat for open water training.
During the course, participants can expect to freedive in the warm waters of Manado Bay, as well as sites around Bunaken Marine Park and Bangka Island. These locations offer drop-offs, coral walls, and sandy slopes with a mix of vibrant marine life and great visibility. With minimal currents and consistently warm conditions year-round, this region is perfectly suited for technical skill development and deeper freediving practice.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold an AIDA Level 2 certification or equivalent, and be able to swim 200 metres continuously.
Good health and physical condition are necessary. Medical clearance is recommended for those with any relevant health concerns before participation.
The centre is led by professional AIDA instructors with strong backgrounds in competitive freediving, including record-holding Indonesian athletes who have deep knowledge of local dive conditions. Their calm and clear coaching style supports steady development through each course level, with personalised attention tailored to your experience and comfort in the water.
Facilities at the base include easy access to boats, private gear areas, calm pool spaces, and fully equipped classrooms. The structure of the course is flexible, with plenty of surface interval time and opportunity for follow-up coaching. This attention to comfort, safety, and individual progress makes it a trusted environment for more technical levels of training like AIDA Level 3.
This level introduces free-fall diving and the Frenzel equalisation method, which allows divers to equalise ear pressure more efficiently at greater depths.
You will also deepen your understanding of dive physiology, including managing risks such as shallow water blackout and decompression sickness.
While Level 2 focuses on fundamental skills and safety, Level 3 advances those skills with deeper dives, more complex equalisation, and advanced breath-hold techniques.
The course includes more intensive theory on physiological responses and risk management, preparing you for technical freediving.
You must be able to swim 200 metres continuously and be certified at AIDA Level 2 or equivalent to demonstrate prior freediving experience.
A strong level of fitness, mental focus, and breath control are required to safely perform the more advanced techniques taught.
Instructors enforce rigorous buddy systems, safety briefings, and surface interval requirements. You will also learn self- and partner-rescue techniques.
Continuous monitoring and communication protocols are in place to respond promptly to any signs of distress.
The course supplies all essential freediving gear including wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel, and weight belt, tailored to each participant’s needs.
Participants may use personal equipment, which will be inspected and fitted by instructors to ensure safety and suitability.
Yes, candidates complete a theoretical exam covering physiology, equalisation, dive safety, and training concepts.
Practical assessment includes demonstrating proficiency in static and dynamic apnea, free-fall techniques, and Frenzel equalisation both in pool and open water.
Improving cardiovascular fitness and swimming endurance will benefit your performance. Practising relaxation and breathing exercises is also recommended.
Mentally, you should be prepared to learn and manage advanced techniques that require focus and discipline under water.
Successfully completing Level 3 enables you to pursue higher qualifications such as AIDA Level 4 Master Freediver and eventually instructor certification.
These paths focus on deep freediving and teaching others with increased responsibilities and skills.
Training is spread over 3 to 4 days to balance theory and practical sessions, allowing ample time for rest and absorption of material.
Sessions are tailored to participant pace, ensuring comfort while maximising skill development.
Yes, open water training sites include Manado Bay and Bunaken Marine Park, featuring coral reefs, drop-offs, and diverse marine life.
These locations offer varied freediving challenges and opportunities to experience North Sulawesi’s rich underwater environment.
Accommodation is not included in the course fee, but there are convenient options available nearby. Many participants choose to stay at the Manado or Bangka centres, both of which offer comfortable rooms, on-site dining, and easy access to the training facilities.
These resorts are well-suited for freedivers, with access to house reefs, gear storage, and flexible scheduling to align with your course sessions. If you’re staying at one of these resorts, the freediving team can coordinate directly with your schedule to ensure a smooth experience.
About the centre
Murex Resorts Manado, Jl. Raya Tanawangko No.1, Kalasey Satu, Mandolang, Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi 95661
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.
Operated by Murex Resorts, a partner of adventuro.
North Sulawesi, Indonesia
From $3447
