Dumagat Freedive

Located in Dauin, approximately 15 km south of Dumaguete City, Dumagat Freedive has been operating since 2014. The centre is situated at the Anahaw Restaurant and Yoga Studio, a short walk from the main road near the Dauin public market. It is easily accessible via a short flight to Dumaguete followed by a brief transfer, or by ferry from nearby islands like Siquijor and Bohol.

Unlike many multi-purpose dive centres, Dumagat focuses solely on the discipline of freediving. The name itself is a nod to the semi-nomadic tribes of the Philippines, reflecting a deep, intrinsic connection to the ocean. This singular focus allows for a specialised environment tailored to breath-hold divers looking to refine their technique and depth.

The centre is led by Emil, an experienced SSI Freediving Instructor Trainer. His background includes professional diving with PADI and certification as a Red Cross lifesaver, ensuring a high standard of safety and technical knowledge. Instruction is conducted in English.

To maintain a personalised approach, the centre strictly limits student numbers, with a maximum of four divers per instructor. This ratio is designed to allow for close monitoring and tailored coaching during both certification courses and training sessions. For those looking to advance their skills, additional training days and depth sessions with video analysis are available.

As an official SSI Freediving Training Center, Dumagat offers a comprehensive progression of courses. You can begin with the Try Freediving experience before moving through the standard certification path, including Freediver, Advanced Freediver, and Performance Freediver.

For those pursuing a professional career, the centre provides the necessary training to reach Instructor level. Beyond formal certifications, the centre facilitates training sessions and fun dives, as well as specialised depth training sessions that include video analysis to refine your movement and efficiency.

The centre provides full equipment hire for those who do not wish to bring their own kit. For those interested in motorised underwater exploration, Waydoo Subnado underwater scooters are available for hire.

Safety is a priority, with oxygen availability on-site. While the centre is shore-based, the training site is accessible by swimming directly from the coast, allowing you to maximise your time in the water without the need for boat transfers.

The waters around Dauin are a haven for macro enthusiasts and those searching for specialised reef inhabitants. You can find a variety of delicate species including Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), and various species of pipefish. The area is also known for its colourful nudibranchs and the striking flamboyant cuttlefish.

For those interested in more complex organisms, the reef hosts a diverse array of octopuses, including the mimic octopus and the wonderpus octopus. You may also encounter various species of frogfish (Antennarius), scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae), and different types of crabs and shrimp.

The larger reef community is equally diverse, with sea turtles (Cheloniidae) frequently seen in the area. You might also spot parrotfish, snapper (Lutjanus), and various species of rays and stingrays. The structural beauty of the reef is provided by a rich variety of hard corals, soft corals (Alcyonacea), and gorgonian sea fans.

The training site is accessible directly from the shore, allowing for easy entry and exit. While specific seasonal conditions for currents or swell are not detailed, local plankton levels can increase depending on the weather conditions.