Freedive Academy Panglao, Beginner to Freedive Instructor Training Center

Located on the island of Panglao in the Philippines, Freedive Academy Panglao has been operating since 2015 as a dedicated hub for freediving and swim instruction. The centre is positioned just 300 metres from the ocean, making it easy to reach the water via a short walk, scooter, or shuttle.

The academy is designed to accommodate the entire progression of a freediver, from those taking their first breath-hold to professional instructor trainers. Its location allows for seamless transitions between the controlled environment of the on-site 25-metre pool and the deep, open-water environments of the local reefs.

The centre is led by Vincent Sparreboom, an instructor trainer for SSI, Molchanovs, and AIDA. The instructional team brings a combined experience of over 40 years to the training programmes, ensuring a high standard of safety and technical knowledge.

Beyond freediving, the academy also functions as a development centre for swim teachers and mermaid instructors. The teaching approach is supported by modern educational tools, including classrooms equipped with anatomical models and smart TVs to assist with the theoretical components of the courses.

The academy offers a comprehensive range of certifications through SSI, AIDA, and Molchanovs. For beginners, programmes include SSI Try Freediving and SSI Basic Freediving, moving into advanced levels such as AIDA 1 through 4 and the Molchanovs Wave series.

Professional divers can pursue specialised training in disciplines like Frenzel Equalisation, Monofin, Free Immersion, No Fins, and Variable Weight. The centre also provides instructor training, including SSI and AIDA instructor courses, instructor crossovers, and formal freediving instructor internships.

For those looking at niche skills, the academy offers Mermaid Instructor and Swim Teacher programmes, alongside specialised training in the use of scooters and DPVs.

The facility is purpose-built for apnea training, featuring a private 25-metre swimming pool for skill development and buoyancy work. For those training in the ocean, the centre provides a full range of freediving kit for hire.

On-site accommodation is available in the form of bamboo bungalows and apartments located by the pool. The centre also provides transfer services from Panglao International Airport or the Tagbilaran ferry terminal to ensure easy access to the training site.

The waters around Napaling Reef are famous for their massive sardine schools and diverse reef life. You will regularly encounter green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas), rabbitfish, surgeonfish (Acanthuridae), and various species of wrasse (Labridae). Larger pelagics including spotted eagle rays, manta rays (Mobula alfredi), and dolphins (Delphinidae) are also part of the local ecosystem.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants include colourful nudibranchs, ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), and various species of shrimp (Caridea). Divers may also spot frogfish (Antennarius), scorpionfish, and various species of moray eel (Muraenidae) amongst the coral structures.

The reef architecture provides a rich habitat of hard corals, soft corals, and sea fans (Gorgoniidae), which support a wide array of reef fish, including jacks (Carangidae), barracuda, and various species of grouper (Epinephelus).

The local conditions are generally calm throughout the year, providing reliable environments for both pool and open-water training. The site is easily accessible from the shore, with a short walk or ride required to reach the water.

During the typhoon season, divers should be aware of potential increases in swell and wave action, which can affect conditions for those working in shallower areas.