Freediving in Panglao, Bohol | Blue Freedom

Located on the island of Panglao in the Philippines, Blue Freedom Apnea is a dedicated freediving centre built on a community-driven, non-profit model. The school is situated at the Relax Divers Resort, providing a central base for those looking to develop their breath-hold capabilities in the warm waters of Bohol.

The centre is specifically designed to make apnea safe and accessible through high-quality instruction. Whether you are looking for a discovery session or structured professional training, the focus remains on technical precision and safety protocols.

The team is led by highly experienced instructors, each bringing more than 20 years of experience to the water. This depth of knowledge ensures that both beginners and advanced freedivers receive instruction rooted in long-term expertise.

As an AIDA and Molchanovs affiliated organisation, the teaching follows rigorous international standards. The instructors conduct all training in English, and the centre's non-profit status supports local community initiatives, fostering a genuine diving community rather than a purely commercial environment.

Blue Freedom Apnea offers a comprehensive range of training, from introductory sessions to advanced professional pathways. You can begin with the Discovery Freediving program or follow the structured Zero to Hero Freediving Program.

For those seeking formal certification, the centre provides both AIDA and Molchanovs courses. These programmes cover various levels of proficiency, allowing you to progress from basic breath-hold skills to advanced freediving disciplines.

The centre provides video recording services during sessions, which are used both for performance analysis to refine your technique and for capturing personal memories of your dives.

For those staying longer, the centre offers integrated training packages that include accommodation and food. The base at Relax Divers Resort provides the necessary infrastructure to support your training schedule.

The waters around Panglao are rich with reef life, including various species of Wrasse (Labridae), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and Anthias (Anthias). You will often see schools of Fusilier (Caesio) and Rabbitfish moving through the water, alongside Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) and various reef fish.

Large pelagics and interesting visitors include the occasional Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). You may also encounter Jack (Carangidae), Barracuda (Sphyraena), and Tuna (Thunnus) in the open water.

For those interested in macro life, the area hosts a variety of Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani) and colourful nudibranchs. Look closely for Ghost pipefish (Solenostomidae), Pygmy seahorse (Hippocampus bargibanti), and various species of shrimp (Caridea).

The seabed and reef structures are decorated with hard corals, soft corals, and Gorgonian (Gorgonacea), providing a complex habitat for Scorpionfish, Frogfish (Antennariidae), and various species of Grouper (Epinephelinae).

Open water dives in the area can be subject to currents. Divers should be prepared for varying conditions when moving away from the reef flat.