Theory session
Breathing physiology, relaxation and mental technique with a Molchanovs instructor.
Molchanovs · Discover
Discover Freediving
Your first breath-hold dive: theory, pool and a real ocean dive by boat. No experience needed.
Molchanovs · Discover
Your first breath-hold dive: theory, pool and a real ocean dive by boat. No experience needed.
Start here
Discover Freediving is a full day introduction. Learn to relax, hold your breath and glide underwater on a single breath, guided by Molchanovs instructors.
Freediving is diving on a single breath, calm and weightless. Discover Freediving is the gentlest way in: a theory session on breathing and relaxation, a pool session to practise the basics safely, then a real dive over the reef.
All prices in IDR · Marine Park fee of IDR 100,000 applies to reef sessions.
What is Discover Freediving?
Freediving is diving on a single breath, calm and weightless. Discover Freediving is the gentlest way in: a theory session on breathing and relaxation, a pool session to practise the basics safely, then a real dive over the reef.
You will learn to relax your body and mind, hold your breath longer than you thought possible, equalise your ears, and move efficiently underwater, all under the eye of a certified instructor.
One day, three steps, at a pace set by the conditions and by you.
Introduction to freediving, breathing physiology, breathing and mental techniques, relaxation and dry static apnea, and equalisation.
Static breath-hold, the buddy system, rescue basics and equalisation drills in calm, shallow water.
A boat dive over the reef: free immersion, duck dives, finning and body positioning, and equalisation on the line.
Message the freediving crew on WhatsApp to book your Discover Freediving day.
Everything you need is included, so you can focus on the diving.
Breathing physiology, relaxation and mental technique with a Molchanovs instructor.
Small classes and personal attention from an ocean-obsessed pro.
Wetsuit, mask, fins and everything you need for the day.
Footage of your first breath-hold dives to take home.
Good to know
Discover Freediving is open to almost everyone. You only need to:
Why Gili Air
Gili Air offers ideal freediving conditions all year round: warm water around 28 to 30 degrees, gentle currents and easy access to depth just a short boat ride away.
It is the perfect place to try freediving for the first time, calm enough to relax and clear enough to fall in love with the blue.
Ocean-obsessed, and patient with it.
Real, personalised attention at every step.
Warm, calm, clear water on your doorstep.
Safe and supportive: become a family member.
None at all. Discover Freediving starts from zero. You just need to be comfortable swimming in the ocean.
There is no depth target on a Discover day. You go down the line as far as feels easy, and how far that is depends almost entirely on how your ears equalise and how relaxed you are, not on how fit you are. Depth targets start with Wave 1, which certifies from 12m.
Most first-timers surprise themselves. With the right relaxation and breathing, a breath-hold well over a minute is common by the end of the day.
You do not need to be an athlete, and freediving rewards relaxation over strength. You do need to be comfortable in open water, and in good general health. A medical questionnaire applies, and some conditions need a doctor's sign-off first.
Yes. You always dive with a trained buddy and instructor, and you learn the safety and rescue basics in the pool before going in the open water. Nothing on the day asks you to push past what feels right, and turning early is normal.
Say so, and we stop. The whole day is built around relaxation, so pushing through discomfort is counter-productive, not brave. We are an inclusive, non-competitive centre and there is no target you have to hit.
Yes. Soft contact lenses are fine under a mask. Glasses are not, so bring lenses or ask us about a prescription mask.
Swimwear, a towel and reef-safe sunscreen. All the freediving equipment is included. Leave jewellery at your accommodation.
The Gili Matra Marine Park fee of IDR 100,000 per person applies to reef sessions. It is a one-off, valid around 30 days, and goes to the park rather than to us.
Freediving is diving on a single breath: no tank, no bubbles. It is about relaxation, breathing technique and efficiency rather than equipment, and most people find it a quieter way to be in the ocean. You do not need to be a scuba diver first, and the two are separate disciplines.
Absolutely. Discover Freediving is the natural lead-in to the Molchanovs Wave 1 certification, and it is also the perfect training to join a Reef & Turtles trip and use your new skills freediving with the turtles.