Freediving Planet

Freediving Planet Moalboal is a dedicated training facility located on Tuble Road in Moalboal, Cebu. Since opening in 2014, it has established itself as the first specialist freediving instructor training centre in the Philippines. Unlike multi-purpose dive shops, this centre focuses exclusively on the discipline of breath-hold diving.

The location provides direct access to some of the most iconic freediving environments in the region. You can train in controlled settings before moving to the open water to experience the unique marine life and reef structures that define this part of Cebu.

The centre is directed by Jean-Pol Francois, an experienced instructor trainer and former AIDA education leader. His background includes serving as an international judge for national and world championships, as well as officiating more than 20 world record attempts. This level of expertise ensures that the technical standards taught on-site meet international competitive requirements.

Training is designed to be progressive, allowing you to advance at your own pace. The centre specialises in multi-agency instruction, meaning you can bridge the gap between different certification systems with minimal additional training. This makes it an ideal base for divers looking to cross over between AIDA, Molchanovs, and PADI Freediver pathways.

The course catalogue is extensive, covering every stage of a freediver's development. For beginners, the centre offers PADI Basic Freediver, PADI Freediver, AIDA 1, and AIDA 2 levels, alongside Molchanovs Wave 1. More advanced students can pursue PADI Advanced Freediver, PADI Master Freediver, and various AIDA levels up to AIDA 4.

Professional development is a core focus here. The centre provides Molchanovs Wave 2 and Wave 3 courses, as well as the Molchanovs Instructor Course and AIDA Instructor Course. It is also the only facility in the Philippines offering the AIDA Judge Course. For those looking to specialise, workshops are available for monofins, no-fins techniques, sled and variable weight training, and equalisation.

Specialised training includes Emergency First Responder and Emergency First Responder Instructor courses. The centre also facilitates 'Cross Over' programmes, allowing divers to transition between the AIDA, Molchanovs, and PADI systems efficiently.

The centre utilises Banca boats for excursions, providing a traditional local way to access the surrounding reefs and dive sites.

Full kit hire is available for those who do not wish to travel with their own equipment. This includes fins, masks, snorkels, and wetsuits to ensure you are properly equipped for your training sessions or excursions.

The local waters are defined by the incredible Sardine Run, where enormous schools of sardines create a moving landscape against the reef. You will also encounter various reef fish, batfish (Platax), triggerfish (Balistidae), and sweetlips (Plectorhinchus) patrolling the coral structures.

For those interested in larger pelagics and mobile species, the area is known for sea turtles and great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda). You may also spot various reef fish and larger predators moving through the water column.

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe amongst the hard corals and soft corals. The reef hosts a variety of smaller creatures, including shrimp (Caridea), boxer shrimp, crabs (Brachyura), and nudibranch (Chromodoris willani). Keep a close eye on the crevices for scorpionfish, devil scorpionfish, stargazers, and ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), as well as various seamoths and signal gobies.