Learn to freedive while exploring local marine life with the SSI Marine Ecologist Freediver package. Over two days, you’ll gain skills to glide underwater on a single breath, navigate kelp forests, and participate in eco-friendly debris removal, all under expert supervision. Training combines classroom theory, pool practice, and open water dives for a complete, hands-on experience.
Day one begins with classroom-based theory in Chester, covering marine ecology, freediving safety, breath-hold techniques, and environmental best practices. After theory, you move to a 25-metre pool with a 3-metre depth to practise these techniques, including weighting, streamlining, and buddy procedures under instructor guidance. The pace is tailored to build confidence and competence in a safe, controlled environment.
On day two, training continues with open water dives in the bays of Anglesey. Shore diving from a buoy and weighted line allows safe practice to a maximum depth of 5 metres, perfect for local conditions. Participants apply knowledge gained in the classroom and pool, identifying marine species and understanding their habitats while practising eco-conscious debris removal. A reusable mesh debris bag is provided to each participant, emphasising sustainable practices and marine conservation.
Additional sessions are available every Thursday from 7-10pm for skill reinforcement, allowing flexible attendance and continued support. Participants are encouraged to join the Eco Freediver online community for ongoing guidance, beach sessions, and networking with other like-minded freedivers.
Chester provides a comfortable classroom and pool environment for the initial training day. Its facilities allow controlled practice of freediving techniques and understanding of marine ecology in a safe setting. The pool is 25 metres long and 3 metres deep, ideal for skill-building before heading into open water.
Anglesey’s bays offer sheltered shore-diving locations with easy access and scenic underwater habitats. The area is rich in marine life, including kelp forests, anemones, and fish species, making it perfect for eco-friendly freediving and practical application of ecological knowledge. Divers benefit from the safe shore-diving setup with buoys and weighted lines while exploring the local marine environment.
Participants must be comfortable in water and able to swim. No prior freediving experience is required, although basic fitness and the ability to hold your breath safely will enhance the learning experience.
A wetsuit is required for open water dives, and swimwear is needed for pool sessions. Guidance is provided on suitable gear, and all essential freediving equipment such as fins, mask, snorkel, and weights is included.
Sessions are led by an experienced freediving instructor and marine ecologist, combining practical freediving skills with environmental awareness. Participants benefit from expert guidance on safe techniques, marine life identification, and conservation practices, ensuring a rewarding and educational experience.
The programme emphasises a friendly, supportive learning environment, offering flexible scheduling and ongoing support through additional sessions and an online community. With included equipment and a focus on sustainability, participants leave with skills, certification, and a lasting contribution to local marine conservation.
The course combines freediving training with marine ecology education, teaching participants how to explore underwater environments safely while identifying marine species and habitats. It includes breath-hold techniques, buoy-based shore diving, and eco-conscious practices such as debris collection.
Training takes place over two days, starting with classroom theory, followed by pool practice, and concludes with open water dives. Participants gain both practical freediving skills and ecological knowledge, resulting in SSI Marine Ecologist Freediver certification.
No prior experience is required. The course is suitable for beginners and introduces all necessary skills gradually, from breath-hold techniques to pool and open water practices.
Structured progression ensures participants understand safety procedures and proper techniques before attempting deeper dives. The instructor provides step-by-step guidance for confidence and competence.
Essential freediving equipment such as fins, mask, snorkel, weights, and weight belt is provided. Participants must bring swimwear for the pool and a wetsuit for open water dives.
The instructor can provide guidance on the appropriate wetsuit type if needed. This ensures everyone has suitable gear while keeping costs and hassle to a minimum.
Maximum depth for the course is 5 metres (16 feet), using shore diving from a buoy and weighted line. Depth is introduced gradually, allowing participants to build confidence and control safely.
Open water dives in Anglesey provide a safe and practical application of pool skills, with controlled progression and instructor supervision throughout.
Yes, participants should be comfortable in water and able to swim. Beginners and children meeting the age requirement are welcome, with exercises adapted to skill levels.
The controlled pool environment and shore-diving setup in open water provide a safe setting for all participants. Instruction is tailored to individual abilities, ensuring confidence and safety.
The course runs over two days, with classroom and pool sessions on day one and open water dives on day two. Sessions do not need to be consecutive, offering flexibility for participants’ schedules.
Additional Thursday evening sessions (7–10pm) are available for practice and reinforcement, allowing students to revisit pool techniques and gain further confidence before open water dives.
About the centre
Canal Warehouse, Chester, CH14FB
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 Sea Spirit Freediving School, a partner of adventuro.
Shropshire and Staffordshire, United Kingdom
From £30
