
Sunbird Villas
★ 9.6/10 (346 reviews)
4 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Mahe · Seychelles
5.0185 Google reviewsMaster the art of breath-hold diving with national record holder Sophie Walsh in the heart of the Seychelles.
For subtitles in English: start the video firstthen click the gearat the top right of the video, select “Subtitles/CC”, then “Auto-translate” and choose “English”.
Located in Bel Ombre, Freediving Seychelles serves as a dedicated hub for breath-hold divers looking to explore the Indian Ocean. Since its establishment in 2021, the school has focused on building a deep, technical connection between the diver and the marine environment.
The centre operates with a flexible approach, freelancing across the Seychelles archipelago to access the best conditions for training and exploration. Whether you are looking for a single introductory session or a structured multi-day course, the focus remains on calm, confident progression in the water.
The team is led by Sophie Walsh, a national record holder for freediving in the Seychelles and an AIDA Instructor Trainer. Her expertise extends across multiple disciplines, including CMAS, PADI, and Molchanovs, as well as specialised instruction in equalisation techniques.
Stefan Ruiz, an AIDA instructor and the founder of Freediving London, collaborates with Sophie to bring a deep understanding of aquatic physiology and biomechanics to the training. His background in breathwork and cold water therapy complements the technical aspects of the freediving curriculum.
Instruction is designed to be supportive and safety-oriented, catering to a wide demographic. The school provides specific programmes for youth divers, including AIDA Junior and various dolphin-level certifications, alongside family packages and tailor-made training for experienced practitioners.
The course catalogue is extensive, covering all major international certifying bodies including AIDA, CMAS, PADI, and Molchanovs. Students can progress from Level 1 through to Level 4, or pursue professional Instructor training.
Specialised technical training is also available, such as the Molchanovs Wave programmes and dedicated equalisation courses, including 'Equalisation Start' and 'Equalisation Deep'. For younger divers, the school offers Bronze, Silver, and Gold Dolphin programmes, as well as AIDA Junior certifications.
The centre provides a range of freediving equipment for hire, ensuring you have the correct kit for depth and efficiency. This includes specialised fins, masks, and wetsuits designed for breath-hold diving.
Beyond standard equipment, the school organises immersive ocean expeditions and liveaboard trips, allowing divers to access remote areas of the archipelago that are otherwise difficult to reach.
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