The 10 Must-Visit Destinations for Freedivers

The art of diving in silence with only one breath, has become a growing passion worldwide. Whether you're an experienced freediver seeking new challenges or a beginner exploring uncharted underwater worlds, certain destinations stand out due to their unique conditions, exceptional biodiversity, and marine encounters. Here's a curated list of the 10 best places where freediving transforms into an unforgettable sensory journey beneath the surface.

made by IA

1. Dahab, Egypt

Nestled along the Sinai Peninsula, Dahab is a legendary spot for freedivers. The famous Blue Hole, a 100-meter-deep underwater sinkhole, attracts world-class athletes for competitions and training sessions alike. This magical location, surrounded by a stark desert and crystal-clear waters, also offers vibrant coral reefs to explore.

- Why visit? The iconic Blue Hole provides perfect conditions year-round and the opportunity to train with champions.

- Marine life highlights: Coral reefs teeming with clownfish, angelfish, and groupers.

- Recommended skill level: Advanced for the Blue Hole; beginners and intermediates can enjoy the reefs.

Photo : Jacques de Vos

2. Gili Islands, Indonesia

A tropical paradise off the coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands boast pristine turquoise waters brimming with marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and colorful fish. The coral reefs are well-preserved, offering stunning underwater landscapes. The calm conditions and warm waters make this destination accessible for freedivers of all skill levels.
Sur l'île de Gili Meno, vous pourrez vous rendre sur le spot de Bask Nest, afin d'admirer les sculptures immergés de l'artiste Jason deCaires Taylor qui sont très accessibles puisqu'elles sont entre 4 et 5 m de profondeur.

- Why visit? A tranquil escape with remarkable biodiversity.

- Marine life highlights: Hawksbill turtles, parrotfish, lionfish, and both hard and soft corals. If you're lucky: barracudas, white-tip and black-tip sharks.

- Recommended skill level: All levels.

3. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Known for its cenotes—freshwater caves—this region offers a unique freediving experience. Cenotes like Angelita and El Pit are renowned for their eerie beauty, featuring sulfur clouds at around 30 meters, creating a mystical underwater atmosphere. These dives highlight a surreal interaction of light and water.

- Why visit? Freediving in cenotes is a magical experience unlike traditional saltwater dives.

- Marine life highlights: Freshwater fauna, submerged stalactites, and fascinating light effects.

- Recommended skill level: Intermediate to advanced.

- Practical tip: For a tailor-made freediving experience (French possible), contact :
PranaMaya Freediving, run by Julien Borde - https://www.pranamayamexico.com/fr/
Cenote Freediving, run by Matthieu Duvault, https://cenotefreediving.com/

Cenote Maravilla, Photo : Pranamaya

Cenote Angelita, Photo : Pranamaya

4. The Azores, Portugal

Dreaming of swimming with marine giants? The Azores, a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic, is a hotspot for whale and dolphin encounters. Its deep waters are home to magnificent species like blue sharks and mako sharks. With dramatic underwater volcanic formations, this location offers freediving adventures both challenging and rewarding.

- Why visit? A prime destination for spotting sperm whales, spotted dolphins, and blue sharks.

- Marine life highlights: Sperm whales, Dolphins, loggerhead turtles, tunas, and sharks.

- Recommended skill level: all levels

- Contact : Azores freediving, managed by Ondine Dispagne - https://azoresfreediving.com/

Photo : Azores freediving

Photo : Azores freediving

5. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The world's largest coral reef system, spanning over 2,300 kilometers, is an undeniable haven for freedivers. Explore vibrant coral formations, swim among tropical fish, and encounter turtles or reef sharks. The exceptional visibility and unmatched biodiversity make this a bucket-list destination.

- Why visit? Dive into one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

- Marine life highlights: Green turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, soft corals, and clownfish.

- Recommended skill level: All levels.

6. The Maldives

This idyllic archipelago in the Indian Ocean is famous for its crystal-clear waters and shallow lagoons, perfect for freediving. The Maldives also offer unforgettable encounters with gentle giants of the sea, such as whale sharks and manta rays. Accessible wreck dives add to the thrill for adventurous freedivers.

- Why visit? Encounters with whale sharks and manta rays in a dreamy setting.

- Marine life highlights: Whale sharks, manta rays, surgeonfish, colorful sponges, and Napoleon wrasse.

- Recommended skill level: All levels.

- Contact : Immersia Freediving - https://www.immersiafreediving.com/

Photo : Karim Iliya - Immersia Freediving

Photo : Immersia Freediving

7. Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

Bonaire is a diver's sanctuary, where coral reefs are directly accessible from the shore. Known for its marine park, the island provides a protected haven for vibrant underwater ecosystems, making it ideal for freedivers seeking easy yet enriching dives.

- Why visit? Reef access from shore and perfect year-round conditions.

- Marine life highlights: Garden eels, butterflyfish, barracudas, sponges, and fire corals.

- Recommended skill level: All levels.

- Contact : there are many centres dedicated to freediving.
Blue Classroom, directed by Carlos Coste - https://www.blue-classroom.com/
Deepsea Freediving, directed by Gaby Contreras - https://deepseabonaire.com/
Bonaire Freediving School, directed by Luis Fonseca - https://bonairefreedivingschool.com/

Bonaire Blue Classroom Photo : Carlos Coste

Photo : Deepsea freediving

8. Palau, Micronesia

This Pacific paradise offers freedivers spectacular underwater scenery and unique experiences like Jellyfish Lake, where you can swim among harmless jellyfish. Palau's Blue Corner is famed for its strong currents and frequent shark sightings, providing thrilling underwater encounters.

- Why visit? Iconic sites like Jellyfish Lake and unparalleled reef beauty.

- Marine life highlights: Reef sharks, harmless jellyfish, Napoleon wrasse, and giant clams.

- Recommended skill level: All levels (advanced for Blue Corner).

- Discover invitation: The photo below is taken from the video ‘The Most Beautiful Free Diving in the World’, by Lexie Limitless. An ode to freediving and the discovery of magical places, some of which feature in this article ; )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWjZt-S3B54

Photo : Lexie Limitless

9. Elba Island, Italy

Located off Tuscany, Elba Island offers Mediterranean freediving charm with crystal-clear waters and vibrant reefs. For history buffs, the Elviscot shipwreck lies at shallow depths, making it perfect for freediving exploration.
Elba and the other islands of the Tuscan Archipelago form the heart of the International Cetacean and Marine Mammal Sanctuary, a natural marine area protected since 1999. With its abundance of plankton and pelagic life, the area is a prime breeding and feeding ground for cetaceans in the Mediterranean.

- Why visit? Rich Mediterranean marine life and accessible wreck dives.

- Marine life highlights: Sea breams, groupers, sponges, red corals, and starfish.

- Recommended skill level: All levels.

- Contact :
Of Breath and Mind, directed by Michele Bovo's https://www.ofbreathandmind.com/
Team Mayol, directed by Jean-Jacques Mayol (Jacques Mayol son's) - https://www.teammayol.com/
You Freedive, directed by Bjoern - http://you-freedive.com/

Photo : Patitopupa

Photo : You freedive

10. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galápagos Islands are a freediving dream. Swim with hammerhead sharks, spot marine iguanas, or observe giant tortoises in this biodiverse paradise. The powerful currents make it challenging yet immensely rewarding.

- Why visit? Unique wildlife encounters in an untouched natural setting.

- Marine life highlights: Hammerhead sharks, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions, and mola mola (ocean sunfish).

- Recommended skill level: Intermediate to advanced.

- Contact : Apnea Galapagos Freediving - https://www.apneagalapagos.com

Photos : Apnea Galapagos Freediving

Tips for preparing your trip

Before setting off to discover these unique destinations, here are a few tips to help you prepare:

- Physical fitness: Freediving requires good breathing control and adequate physical fitness. Specific training (yoga, breathing exercises) is recommended to keep you in top shape.

- Equipment: Choose suitable equipment: comfortable mask, snorkel and quality fins, wetsuit depending on the water temperature.

- Environment: Find out about local conditions (temperature, currents, restrictions) to be well prepared and avoid surprises. Some destinations, such as the Galapagos, require a good knowledge of marine currents.

Final Thoughts

Each destination on this list offers a distinctive freediving experience, from exploring mystical cenotes to diving among coral giants. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned freediver, these locations promise to enrich your connection with the underwater world

Have you visited any of these destinations, or is one calling your name?
Share your thoughts and experiences—we'd love to hear your stories !