16 verified schools across 9 locations. AIDA · SSI · Molchanovs · PADI Freediver. 16 schools · 9 locations.
One of Gili Air's longest-running centers, family-run since 2011, with a dedicated freediving department alongside its scuba operation. SSI courses run from a half-day trial through Level 1 and Level 2, taught in small groups on calm sites a short boat ride out.
This school is located in Gili Air.
Certifications offered:
One of the older and more popular schools in Amed. Great location with diving right out of the back door. Lovely cafe on site.
This school is located in Amed.
Certifications offered:
A PADI and Molchanovs center on Nusa Lembongan, with a training pool right on the beach at Blue Corner. Courses run from introductory level through instructor, alongside multi-day immersion programs and retreats that fold in yoga and breathwork.
This school is located in Lembongan.
Certifications offered:
A freediving and spearfishing school in Uluwatu, based inside Kala Surf Camp and running dives off a traditional Balinese boat
This school is located in Uluwatu.
Certifications offered:
A beachfront school in the center of Amed, capping courses at three students per instructor. It teaches AIDA and Molchanovs alongside spearfishing and on-site yoga
This school is located in Amed.
Certifications offered:
A Molchanovs school in Amed's Jemeluk Bay, built around breathwork, yoga, and the mental side of diving rather than chasing depth. Courses run beginner to instructor, with spearfishing also offered.
This school is located in Amed.
Certifications offered:
Based at Pure Dive Resort on Nusa Penida, with a 20-meter training pool and a private boat to reach sites around the island. Courses run from a half-day discovery session to a four-week master program, and a three-day option pairs training with a trip to Manta Bay or Manta Point when conditions allow.
This school is located in Nusa Penida.
Certifications offered:
A PADI scuba dive center, also offering an AIDA freediving programm
This school is located in Pemuteran.
Certifications offered:
This school is located in Gili Air.
Certifications offered:
One of Amed's newer schools, it is known for small class sizes and close, personalized attention. Courses run with fewer students than the longer-established names nearby. Beyond freediving certifications, the school also offers beginner friendly spearfishing courses.
This school is located in Amed.
Certifications offered:
This school is located in Amed.
Newer freediving school, co-located with a scuba dive center and a resort
This school is located in Amed.
Known for day trips to dive with giant mantas
This school is located in Nusa Penida.
Certifications offered:
A Tulamben freediving school with deep water reachable straight from shore and the USAT Liberty wreck as a training site. It teaches AIDA and Molchanovs courses from beginner through instructor.
This school is located in Tulamben.
Certifications offered:
Founded in 2008 by 18-time UK national record holder Michael Board. It runs courses for all levels, from beginner through the full instructor pipeline.
This school is located in Gili Trawangan.
Certifications offered:
This school is located in Amed.
Certifications offered:
Location
Quiet east coast village, black sand bays, Mount Agung backdrop.
Amed is a string of quiet bays on the east coast of Bali. It was a fishing village before tourism arrived, and it still feels like one. Mount Agung dominates the inland view, and the beaches are black volcanic sand. A single coastal road links the bays: Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang.
The pace is slow: fishing boats in the bays, days on the water, quiet evenings. No real nightlife, no busy main strip.
Amed is the epicenter of diving and freediving in Bali. Most schools in the region are based here or nearby, drawn by the calm protected bays and easy shore access.
The drive from DPS is 2.5 to 3 hours. A private driver or pre-booked transfer is standard, around Rp 700-900k. Scooter works but is long with luggage.
Two routes: inland through Ubud and the central highlands, or up the east coast through Padang Bai. The inland route is more scenic; the coastal one is slightly faster but exposed to truck traffic.
Plan to stay in Amed. Day trips from the south aren't practical; the round trip eats most of the day.
Location
A quiet, laid-back fishing village on Bali's dry northwestern coast
Location
Small east coast village, USS Liberty wreck offshore, sleepy dive scene
Tulamben is a small village on Bali's northeast coast, with Mount Agung rising directly inland. The beach is black pebble rather than sand, and the village stretches along a single coastal road.
A handful of dive resorts and small homestays make up most of the town. There's no shopping street, almost no restaurants outside the resorts, no nightlife.
The reason Tulamben exists as a destination is the USS Liberty wreck, a WWII US Army cargo ship that sits in shallow water just 30 meters from shore. It's a world-class shore dive and the most-visited dive site in Bali. The top of the wreck is shallow enough that freedivers can reach it; the lower decks drop below recreational freediving depth.
The drive from DPS is around 3 hours. A private driver or pre-booked transfer is standard, around Rp 800k-1M. Scooter works but it is a long way to ride with luggage.
Two routes: inland through Ubud and the central highlands, or up the east coast through Padang Bai. The inland route is more scenic; the coastal one is slightly faster but exposed to truck traffic.
Accommodation in Tulamben is mostly dive resorts with full board. Many visitors stay in Amed instead and drive the 20 minutes in for the wreck.
Location
Surf capital of Bali, busy and touristy, freediving on the side.
Uluwatu sits on the cliff coast of the Bukit peninsula in south Bali, about an hour from the airport. The area is globally known for surfing. World-class breaks at Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, and Impossibles draw surfers year-round, and the surf identity shapes the cafés, accommodation, and beach clubs that have grown up around them.
It's busy and built-up. Beach clubs line the cliffs with sunset crowds (Single Fin is the famous one), accommodation runs from cheap surf hostels to luxury cliff villas, and the scene has a party leaning that picks up after dark.
The geography is the real draw beyond the surf: limestone cliffs dropping straight into the Indian Ocean, with dramatic sunsets from the cliff edge.
Uluwatu is close to the DPS ariport, but you'll likely be in traffic most of the way, especially around peak hours and sunset.
Car, scooter, and taxi all work. A taxi from DPS runs about Rp 300k-400k.
A few routes connect Denpasar and the airport to the area. If you're coming from outside Bukit, the toll road is usually the fastest option.
Location
Middle-sized Gili, mellow expat scene, dive without the party.
Gili Air is the middle Gili, smaller than Trawangan and walkable end-to-end in 1.5 to 2 hours. Like the other Gilis: no motorized vehicles, just bicycles, cidomo horse carts, and feet. Bars, restaurants, and dive shops are spread around the perimeter rather than concentrated in one strip.
The vibe is mellow and adult-oriented. There's a long-running expat scene: yoga studios, sunrise breakfast cafes, low-key beach bars, longer stays. The party scene rarely picks up; long-term residents and yoga retreats set the pace. The local Sasak community is visible here: small warungs, family-run guesthouses, less of a tourist bubble.
Gili Air has its own dive scene: a handful of dive shops and freediving operators, mostly clustered along the south and east shores. The diving is reef-and-turtle territory, calm water, easy entry. The scale is small enough that schools and students get to know each other.
Fast boats run from Bali to the Gilis. Padang Bai is the main port (longest-standing, shortest crossing at 1.5 to 2.5 hours). Sanur is the other common option. Tickets Rp 350-700k each way depending on operator. Service is weather-dependent: rough seas cancel boats, especially in wet season (Nov-Apr).
No motorized vehicles on any of the islands. Walk, rent a bicycle (Rp 50-100k/day), or hire a cidomo horse cart for short hops with luggage.
Lodging ranges from budget hostels (Rp 200-400k/night) to mid-range guesthouses and beachfront resorts. Day trips from Bali are possible but rough on time; most visitors stay 2-4 nights or longer.
Location
Smallest Gili, sleepy pace, beach bungalows and not much else.
The smallest Gili, located between Trawangan and Air. Walking the perimeter takes about 1.5 hours. Most of the island is undeveloped: a salt lake in the interior, a bird sanctuary, beach bungalows along the coast. No motorized vehicles, same as the other Gilis.
The pace is the slowest of the three. There's almost no nightlife, fewer restaurants, less reliable wifi. Accommodation is mostly beach bungalows and a small number of boutique resorts; budget hostels are rare. Many visitors come as couples or honeymooners. Most people are here to read on the beach, snorkel, and sleep early.
The famous dive and snorkel spot here is the Nest: 48 underwater statues by Jason deCaires Taylor in a ring at about 5 meters depth, accessible to freedivers and snorkelers. Dive shops and freediving operators are fewer than on the other Gilis, but the ones that exist run small, low-key sessions.
Fast boats run from Bali to the Gilis. Padang Bai is the main port (longest-standing, shortest crossing at 1.5 to 2.5 hours). Sanur is the other common option. Tickets Rp 350-700k each way depending on operator. Service is weather-dependent: rough seas cancel boats, especially in wet season (Nov-Apr).
No motorized vehicles on any of the islands. Walk, rent a bicycle (Rp 50-100k/day), or hire a cidomo horse cart for short hops with luggage.
Lodging ranges from budget hostels (Rp 200-400k/night) to mid-range guesthouses and beachfront resorts. Day trips from Bali are possible but rough on time; most visitors stay 2-4 nights or longer.
Location
Biggest Gili, party island energy, dive hub at the center.
Gili Trawangan (or Gili T) is the biggest and most developed of the three Gilis, off Lombok's northwest coast. No cars or scooters: only bicycles, horse carts (cidomo), and walking. One main road loops the island in about an hour by bike. The harbor side is where most of the activity sits: a strip of restaurants, beach bars, and dive shops along the water.
This Island has a party reputation that's earned. The night scene runs late, beach bars rotate the loudest music, and mushroom shakes are openly served. It's also more diverse than the cliche suggests: a yoga and wellness scene, higher-end resorts, families on holiday, and quieter west and north stretches where you can find calm beach without the bass.
Trawangan is the dive hub of the three Gilis. A dozen-plus dive shops and several dedicated freediving schools operate here, drawn by clear water, accessible reefs, and the volume of tourists already on the island. The diving is more accessible than world-class. Turtles, reef fish, and underwater statues are the main draws, and the operator density is unmatched among the three.
Fast boats run from Bali to the Gilis. Padang Bai is the main port (longest-standing, shortest crossing at 1.5 to 2.5 hours). Sanur is the other common option. Tickets Rp 350-700k each way depending on operator. Service is weather-dependent: rough seas cancel boats, especially in wet season (Nov-Apr).
No motorized vehicles on any of the islands. Walk, rent a bicycle (Rp 50-100k/day), or hire a cidomo horse cart for short hops with luggage.
Lodging ranges from budget hostels (Rp 200-400k/night) to mid-range guesthouses and beachfront resorts. Day trips from Bali are possible but rough on time; most visitors stay 2-4 nights or longer.
Location
Tiny island next to Nusa Penida
Location
Where most 'iconic Bali' photos actually come from, dramatic cliffs, deep blue water.
Nusa Penida is an offshore island southeast of Bali. The pace is slower and the infrastructure rougher than the mainland: roads are uneven, power outages happen, mobile coverage is patchy. The two small towns (Toya Pakeh and Sampalan) hold most of the amenities. Outside them, the island is rural: small farms, scattered villages, limestone hills.
The famous viewpoints (Kelingking, Diamond Beach, Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach) are the cliffs people associate with "Bali" in photos. At midday they're crowded with day-tripper vans and tour groups queuing for photos. Travel between sites takes longer than the map suggests because of winding limestone roads. Outside those few spots, you'll see local farms, fishing villages, and very few tourists.
The diving is world-class. Manta Point has resident manta rays year-round; Crystal Bay hosts mola mola (oceanic sunfish) from July to October. Water is deep, blue, and current-driven. Conditions are spectacular for diving and demanding for freediving.
Fast boats run from Sanur to Nusa Penida, crossing time 30 to 45 minutes. Most boats land at Toya Pakeh on the west coast (closer to the famous viewpoint loop). A smaller number go to Sampalan on the north coast (quieter, less hectic arrival). Tickets Rp 250-400k each way.
Combined departures run roughly hourly during peak hours and less often in early morning or late afternoon. Service is weather-dependent: strong winds and rough seas cancel sailings, especially in wet season (Nov-Apr). A small tourism fee (around Rp 50k) is collected on arrival.
Most visitors rent a scooter at the port (Rp 100-150k/day). Car-with-driver (Rp 700-900k/day) is the alternative if you have luggage, aren't comfortable on a scooter, or want a hands-off day.
Lodging ranges from simple homestays (Rp 200-400k/night) to mid-range guesthouses and a small number of cliff-edge resorts. Most options are concentrated around Toya Pakeh and along the western and southern cliffs. Day trips work for the photo loop; multi-day stays are needed if you want to dive or explore beyond the famous spots.
Agency
AIDA is one of the classic freediving organizations and has been around since 1992. It was created to bring shared rules and safety standards to competitions and record attempts, and it still has a strong sport-freediving identity through records, rankings, judges, and events. Its training pathway tends to feel direct and standards-based, with clear numbers for breath-hold, pool distance, depth, and safety skills.
For a beginner, AIDA is best understood as a traditional freediving ladder. AIDA 1 is a short introduction. AIDA 2 is the first full certification most travellers should look at, with pool work, open-water depth, buddy skills, and rescue practice. It suits learners who want clear targets and a certification that dedicated freediving schools recognize.
Numbers below are required to earn each certification. AIDA 1 is the exception because it has no performance requirements.
For recreational freediving, AIDA travels well. AIDA 2 is generally treated as a beginner-level freediving certification and is commonly accepted as equivalent to other first full freediving certifications. AIDA 1 is an introduction, so some schools may not treat it as enough for open-water line sessions.
The agency matters more when you want to keep moving through higher levels, compete, or become an instructor. AIDA has crossover evaluations for students coming from other freediving agencies, so moving into AIDA later is possible with an instructor check.
AIDA certification fees are usually handled by the instructor or school. Public school listings currently show AIDA student certification fees around EUR €10–€20.
AIDA tends to suit learners who like clear standards and a traditional sport-freediving structure. The teaching style is practical and measurable: breath-hold, distance, depth, buddying, rescue, and theory all have defined targets.
It is a strong fit for students who want to understand freediving as both a recreational skill and a sport. It also works well for people who may want to continue into deeper training, competitions, judging, or instructor development later.
Agency
Molchanovs is a modern freediving education system based on the work of Natalia Molchanova, a legendary freediver and coach, and continued by her son Alexey Molchanov, one of the sport's leading competitive freedivers. The main draw is that your first course connects to a wider training system, not just a certification card.
For a beginner, Molchanovs usually feels like the start of a training path. Wave 1 teaches the basics, then the system gives you clear next steps for deeper dives, pool work, and regular practice. This is useful for travellers who want to continue with another instructor later, and for anyone who wants freediving to become a skill they keep building.
Numbers below are required to earn each certification.
For recreational freediving, a Molchanovs certification travels well. Most freediving schools care more about your actual experience, recent diving, and safety habits than the logo on your card. A Molchanovs Wave 1 certification is generally accepted by most freediving schools as a beginner-level certification.
The agency matters more when you want to keep moving through higher levels, train seriously, compete, or become an instructor. In those cases, staying inside one system can make progression simpler.
Molchanovs charges an agency registration fee for student certifications.
Molchanovs tends to suit learners who want a gradual, comfort-focused approach to freediving. The teaching style emphasizes smooth technique, steady progression, and building confidence rather than just reaching the course numbers.
Agency
PADI is the world's best-known recreational diving agency and is mostly associated with scuba. Freediving is a smaller track inside the PADI system, so availability depends heavily on the destination and the individual dive center.
For a beginner, PADI Freediver is the main course to look for. It can be a good choice when the school has an active freediving instructor and runs freediving courses regularly. Since many PADI centers focus mainly on scuba, it is worth checking that freediving is a real part of the school's program, not just something listed on the menu.
Numbers below are required to earn each certification.
For recreational freediving, a PADI Freediver certification travels well. PADI is widely recognized, and Level 1 is generally accepted by most schools as a beginner-level freediving certification.
Some freediving schools may still ask for a check dive before deeper sessions. This is normal and usually based on safety, recent experience, and local conditions.
The agency matters more when you want to keep moving through higher levels, train seriously, or become an instructor. The main thing to check is the quality of the specific freediving instructor and how active the local freediving program is.
PADI doesn't publish a global Freediver certification fee. Ask the school what's bundled (materials, eLearning, certification) before booking.
PADI suits learners who already do scuba with PADI and want to keep their training inside one ecosystem. PADI is the world's largest scuba agency, so your freediving certification sits alongside any existing scuba cards under the same brand.
For freediving alone, PADI is less common in the pure-freediving community than AIDA or Molchanovs. The specific instructor matters more than the agency. Freediving is often a side program at PADI centers, so check that the school you pick actively teaches and trains freedivers.
Agency
SSI is a major diving agency best known for scuba, with freediving as one track inside a much larger training system. That gives SSI a practical advantage for travellers: courses are easy to find, materials are handled through the MySSI app, and certifications are simple to show later.
For a beginner, SSI Freediver is the main recreational certification to look for. Basic Freediver is a shorter confined-water intro. Freediver combines online theory, pool or confined-water training, and open-water sessions, then certifies you to freedive with a buddy to 20m.
SSI publishes the depth limits clearly. Some static and rescue checks sit inside instructor materials, so the public progression is less number-heavy than some other agencies.
For recreational freediving, an SSI Freediver certification travels well. It is generally accepted by most freediving schools as a beginner-level certification for fun dives, coaching, and continuing practice.
Some schools may still ask for a check dive before deeper sessions. SSI accepts equivalent certifications from recognised agencies for higher-level entry, so moving across systems is usually possible.
SSI certification fees are usually bundled with the course price.
SSI suits learners who want to keep their training inside one ecosystem. SSI is a major scuba agency first, with freediving as one program inside it. If you already do scuba or might pick it up, your freediving certification sits alongside any scuba cards under the same brand.
For freediving alone, SSI is less common in the sport community than AIDA or Molchanovs. Your recreational certification travels just as well between schools, but if you're aiming toward competition or deep-training under one system, those agencies match better.
One of Gili Air's longest-running centers, family-run since 2011, with a dedicated freediving department alongside its scuba operation. SSI courses run from a half-day trial through Level 1 and Level 2, taught in small groups on calm sites a short boat ride out.
This school is located in Gili Air.
Certifications offered:
One of the older and more popular schools in Amed. Great location with diving right out of the back door. Lovely cafe on site.
This school is located in Amed.
Certifications offered:
A PADI and Molchanovs center on Nusa Lembongan, with a training pool right on the beach at Blue Corner. Courses run from introductory level through instructor, alongside multi-day immersion programs and retreats that fold in yoga and breathwork.
This school is located in Lembongan.
Certifications offered:
A freediving and spearfishing school in Uluwatu, based inside Kala Surf Camp and running dives off a traditional Balinese boat
This school is located in Uluwatu.
Certifications offered:
A beachfront school in the center of Amed, capping courses at three students per instructor. It teaches AIDA and Molchanovs alongside spearfishing and on-site yoga
This school is located in Amed.
Certifications offered:
A Molchanovs school in Amed's Jemeluk Bay, built around breathwork, yoga, and the mental side of diving rather than chasing depth. Courses run beginner to instructor, with spearfishing also offered.
This school is located in Amed.
Certifications offered:
Based at Pure Dive Resort on Nusa Penida, with a 20-meter training pool and a private boat to reach sites around the island. Courses run from a half-day discovery session to a four-week master program, and a three-day option pairs training with a trip to Manta Bay or Manta Point when conditions allow.
This school is located in Nusa Penida.
Certifications offered:
A PADI scuba dive center, also offering an AIDA freediving programm
This school is located in Pemuteran.
Certifications offered:
This school is located in Gili Air.
Certifications offered:
One of Amed's newer schools, it is known for small class sizes and close, personalized attention. Courses run with fewer students than the longer-established names nearby. Beyond freediving certifications, the school also offers beginner friendly spearfishing courses.
This school is located in Amed.
Certifications offered:
This school is located in Amed.
Newer freediving school, co-located with a scuba dive center and a resort
This school is located in Amed.
Known for day trips to dive with giant mantas
This school is located in Nusa Penida.
Certifications offered:
A Tulamben freediving school with deep water reachable straight from shore and the USAT Liberty wreck as a training site. It teaches AIDA and Molchanovs courses from beginner through instructor.
This school is located in Tulamben.
Certifications offered:
Founded in 2008 by 18-time UK national record holder Michael Board. It runs courses for all levels, from beginner through the full instructor pipeline.
This school is located in Gili Trawangan.
Certifications offered:
This school is located in Amed.
Certifications offered:
Location
Quiet east coast village, black sand bays, Mount Agung backdrop.
Amed is a string of quiet bays on the east coast of Bali. It was a fishing village before tourism arrived, and it still feels like one. Mount Agung dominates the inland view, and the beaches are black volcanic sand. A single coastal road links the bays: Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang.
The pace is slow: fishing boats in the bays, days on the water, quiet evenings. No real nightlife, no busy main strip.
Amed is the epicenter of diving and freediving in Bali. Most schools in the region are based here or nearby, drawn by the calm protected bays and easy shore access.
The drive from DPS is 2.5 to 3 hours. A private driver or pre-booked transfer is standard, around Rp 700-900k. Scooter works but is long with luggage.
Two routes: inland through Ubud and the central highlands, or up the east coast through Padang Bai. The inland route is more scenic; the coastal one is slightly faster but exposed to truck traffic.
Plan to stay in Amed. Day trips from the south aren't practical; the round trip eats most of the day.
Location
A quiet, laid-back fishing village on Bali's dry northwestern coast
Location
Small east coast village, USS Liberty wreck offshore, sleepy dive scene
Tulamben is a small village on Bali's northeast coast, with Mount Agung rising directly inland. The beach is black pebble rather than sand, and the village stretches along a single coastal road.
A handful of dive resorts and small homestays make up most of the town. There's no shopping street, almost no restaurants outside the resorts, no nightlife.
The reason Tulamben exists as a destination is the USS Liberty wreck, a WWII US Army cargo ship that sits in shallow water just 30 meters from shore. It's a world-class shore dive and the most-visited dive site in Bali. The top of the wreck is shallow enough that freedivers can reach it; the lower decks drop below recreational freediving depth.
The drive from DPS is around 3 hours. A private driver or pre-booked transfer is standard, around Rp 800k-1M. Scooter works but it is a long way to ride with luggage.
Two routes: inland through Ubud and the central highlands, or up the east coast through Padang Bai. The inland route is more scenic; the coastal one is slightly faster but exposed to truck traffic.
Accommodation in Tulamben is mostly dive resorts with full board. Many visitors stay in Amed instead and drive the 20 minutes in for the wreck.
Location
Surf capital of Bali, busy and touristy, freediving on the side.
Uluwatu sits on the cliff coast of the Bukit peninsula in south Bali, about an hour from the airport. The area is globally known for surfing. World-class breaks at Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, and Impossibles draw surfers year-round, and the surf identity shapes the cafés, accommodation, and beach clubs that have grown up around them.
It's busy and built-up. Beach clubs line the cliffs with sunset crowds (Single Fin is the famous one), accommodation runs from cheap surf hostels to luxury cliff villas, and the scene has a party leaning that picks up after dark.
The geography is the real draw beyond the surf: limestone cliffs dropping straight into the Indian Ocean, with dramatic sunsets from the cliff edge.
Uluwatu is close to the DPS ariport, but you'll likely be in traffic most of the way, especially around peak hours and sunset.
Car, scooter, and taxi all work. A taxi from DPS runs about Rp 300k-400k.
A few routes connect Denpasar and the airport to the area. If you're coming from outside Bukit, the toll road is usually the fastest option.
Location
Middle-sized Gili, mellow expat scene, dive without the party.
Gili Air is the middle Gili, smaller than Trawangan and walkable end-to-end in 1.5 to 2 hours. Like the other Gilis: no motorized vehicles, just bicycles, cidomo horse carts, and feet. Bars, restaurants, and dive shops are spread around the perimeter rather than concentrated in one strip.
The vibe is mellow and adult-oriented. There's a long-running expat scene: yoga studios, sunrise breakfast cafes, low-key beach bars, longer stays. The party scene rarely picks up; long-term residents and yoga retreats set the pace. The local Sasak community is visible here: small warungs, family-run guesthouses, less of a tourist bubble.
Gili Air has its own dive scene: a handful of dive shops and freediving operators, mostly clustered along the south and east shores. The diving is reef-and-turtle territory, calm water, easy entry. The scale is small enough that schools and students get to know each other.
Fast boats run from Bali to the Gilis. Padang Bai is the main port (longest-standing, shortest crossing at 1.5 to 2.5 hours). Sanur is the other common option. Tickets Rp 350-700k each way depending on operator. Service is weather-dependent: rough seas cancel boats, especially in wet season (Nov-Apr).
No motorized vehicles on any of the islands. Walk, rent a bicycle (Rp 50-100k/day), or hire a cidomo horse cart for short hops with luggage.
Lodging ranges from budget hostels (Rp 200-400k/night) to mid-range guesthouses and beachfront resorts. Day trips from Bali are possible but rough on time; most visitors stay 2-4 nights or longer.
Location
Smallest Gili, sleepy pace, beach bungalows and not much else.
The smallest Gili, located between Trawangan and Air. Walking the perimeter takes about 1.5 hours. Most of the island is undeveloped: a salt lake in the interior, a bird sanctuary, beach bungalows along the coast. No motorized vehicles, same as the other Gilis.
The pace is the slowest of the three. There's almost no nightlife, fewer restaurants, less reliable wifi. Accommodation is mostly beach bungalows and a small number of boutique resorts; budget hostels are rare. Many visitors come as couples or honeymooners. Most people are here to read on the beach, snorkel, and sleep early.
The famous dive and snorkel spot here is the Nest: 48 underwater statues by Jason deCaires Taylor in a ring at about 5 meters depth, accessible to freedivers and snorkelers. Dive shops and freediving operators are fewer than on the other Gilis, but the ones that exist run small, low-key sessions.
Fast boats run from Bali to the Gilis. Padang Bai is the main port (longest-standing, shortest crossing at 1.5 to 2.5 hours). Sanur is the other common option. Tickets Rp 350-700k each way depending on operator. Service is weather-dependent: rough seas cancel boats, especially in wet season (Nov-Apr).
No motorized vehicles on any of the islands. Walk, rent a bicycle (Rp 50-100k/day), or hire a cidomo horse cart for short hops with luggage.
Lodging ranges from budget hostels (Rp 200-400k/night) to mid-range guesthouses and beachfront resorts. Day trips from Bali are possible but rough on time; most visitors stay 2-4 nights or longer.
Location
Biggest Gili, party island energy, dive hub at the center.
Gili Trawangan (or Gili T) is the biggest and most developed of the three Gilis, off Lombok's northwest coast. No cars or scooters: only bicycles, horse carts (cidomo), and walking. One main road loops the island in about an hour by bike. The harbor side is where most of the activity sits: a strip of restaurants, beach bars, and dive shops along the water.
This Island has a party reputation that's earned. The night scene runs late, beach bars rotate the loudest music, and mushroom shakes are openly served. It's also more diverse than the cliche suggests: a yoga and wellness scene, higher-end resorts, families on holiday, and quieter west and north stretches where you can find calm beach without the bass.
Trawangan is the dive hub of the three Gilis. A dozen-plus dive shops and several dedicated freediving schools operate here, drawn by clear water, accessible reefs, and the volume of tourists already on the island. The diving is more accessible than world-class. Turtles, reef fish, and underwater statues are the main draws, and the operator density is unmatched among the three.
Fast boats run from Bali to the Gilis. Padang Bai is the main port (longest-standing, shortest crossing at 1.5 to 2.5 hours). Sanur is the other common option. Tickets Rp 350-700k each way depending on operator. Service is weather-dependent: rough seas cancel boats, especially in wet season (Nov-Apr).
No motorized vehicles on any of the islands. Walk, rent a bicycle (Rp 50-100k/day), or hire a cidomo horse cart for short hops with luggage.
Lodging ranges from budget hostels (Rp 200-400k/night) to mid-range guesthouses and beachfront resorts. Day trips from Bali are possible but rough on time; most visitors stay 2-4 nights or longer.
Location
Tiny island next to Nusa Penida
Location
Where most 'iconic Bali' photos actually come from, dramatic cliffs, deep blue water.
Nusa Penida is an offshore island southeast of Bali. The pace is slower and the infrastructure rougher than the mainland: roads are uneven, power outages happen, mobile coverage is patchy. The two small towns (Toya Pakeh and Sampalan) hold most of the amenities. Outside them, the island is rural: small farms, scattered villages, limestone hills.
The famous viewpoints (Kelingking, Diamond Beach, Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach) are the cliffs people associate with "Bali" in photos. At midday they're crowded with day-tripper vans and tour groups queuing for photos. Travel between sites takes longer than the map suggests because of winding limestone roads. Outside those few spots, you'll see local farms, fishing villages, and very few tourists.
The diving is world-class. Manta Point has resident manta rays year-round; Crystal Bay hosts mola mola (oceanic sunfish) from July to October. Water is deep, blue, and current-driven. Conditions are spectacular for diving and demanding for freediving.
Fast boats run from Sanur to Nusa Penida, crossing time 30 to 45 minutes. Most boats land at Toya Pakeh on the west coast (closer to the famous viewpoint loop). A smaller number go to Sampalan on the north coast (quieter, less hectic arrival). Tickets Rp 250-400k each way.
Combined departures run roughly hourly during peak hours and less often in early morning or late afternoon. Service is weather-dependent: strong winds and rough seas cancel sailings, especially in wet season (Nov-Apr). A small tourism fee (around Rp 50k) is collected on arrival.
Most visitors rent a scooter at the port (Rp 100-150k/day). Car-with-driver (Rp 700-900k/day) is the alternative if you have luggage, aren't comfortable on a scooter, or want a hands-off day.
Lodging ranges from simple homestays (Rp 200-400k/night) to mid-range guesthouses and a small number of cliff-edge resorts. Most options are concentrated around Toya Pakeh and along the western and southern cliffs. Day trips work for the photo loop; multi-day stays are needed if you want to dive or explore beyond the famous spots.
Agency
AIDA is one of the classic freediving organizations and has been around since 1992. It was created to bring shared rules and safety standards to competitions and record attempts, and it still has a strong sport-freediving identity through records, rankings, judges, and events. Its training pathway tends to feel direct and standards-based, with clear numbers for breath-hold, pool distance, depth, and safety skills.
For a beginner, AIDA is best understood as a traditional freediving ladder. AIDA 1 is a short introduction. AIDA 2 is the first full certification most travellers should look at, with pool work, open-water depth, buddy skills, and rescue practice. It suits learners who want clear targets and a certification that dedicated freediving schools recognize.
Numbers below are required to earn each certification. AIDA 1 is the exception because it has no performance requirements.
For recreational freediving, AIDA travels well. AIDA 2 is generally treated as a beginner-level freediving certification and is commonly accepted as equivalent to other first full freediving certifications. AIDA 1 is an introduction, so some schools may not treat it as enough for open-water line sessions.
The agency matters more when you want to keep moving through higher levels, compete, or become an instructor. AIDA has crossover evaluations for students coming from other freediving agencies, so moving into AIDA later is possible with an instructor check.
AIDA certification fees are usually handled by the instructor or school. Public school listings currently show AIDA student certification fees around EUR €10–€20.
AIDA tends to suit learners who like clear standards and a traditional sport-freediving structure. The teaching style is practical and measurable: breath-hold, distance, depth, buddying, rescue, and theory all have defined targets.
It is a strong fit for students who want to understand freediving as both a recreational skill and a sport. It also works well for people who may want to continue into deeper training, competitions, judging, or instructor development later.
Agency
Molchanovs is a modern freediving education system based on the work of Natalia Molchanova, a legendary freediver and coach, and continued by her son Alexey Molchanov, one of the sport's leading competitive freedivers. The main draw is that your first course connects to a wider training system, not just a certification card.
For a beginner, Molchanovs usually feels like the start of a training path. Wave 1 teaches the basics, then the system gives you clear next steps for deeper dives, pool work, and regular practice. This is useful for travellers who want to continue with another instructor later, and for anyone who wants freediving to become a skill they keep building.
Numbers below are required to earn each certification.
For recreational freediving, a Molchanovs certification travels well. Most freediving schools care more about your actual experience, recent diving, and safety habits than the logo on your card. A Molchanovs Wave 1 certification is generally accepted by most freediving schools as a beginner-level certification.
The agency matters more when you want to keep moving through higher levels, train seriously, compete, or become an instructor. In those cases, staying inside one system can make progression simpler.
Molchanovs charges an agency registration fee for student certifications.
Molchanovs tends to suit learners who want a gradual, comfort-focused approach to freediving. The teaching style emphasizes smooth technique, steady progression, and building confidence rather than just reaching the course numbers.
Agency
PADI is the world's best-known recreational diving agency and is mostly associated with scuba. Freediving is a smaller track inside the PADI system, so availability depends heavily on the destination and the individual dive center.
For a beginner, PADI Freediver is the main course to look for. It can be a good choice when the school has an active freediving instructor and runs freediving courses regularly. Since many PADI centers focus mainly on scuba, it is worth checking that freediving is a real part of the school's program, not just something listed on the menu.
Numbers below are required to earn each certification.
For recreational freediving, a PADI Freediver certification travels well. PADI is widely recognized, and Level 1 is generally accepted by most schools as a beginner-level freediving certification.
Some freediving schools may still ask for a check dive before deeper sessions. This is normal and usually based on safety, recent experience, and local conditions.
The agency matters more when you want to keep moving through higher levels, train seriously, or become an instructor. The main thing to check is the quality of the specific freediving instructor and how active the local freediving program is.
PADI doesn't publish a global Freediver certification fee. Ask the school what's bundled (materials, eLearning, certification) before booking.
PADI suits learners who already do scuba with PADI and want to keep their training inside one ecosystem. PADI is the world's largest scuba agency, so your freediving certification sits alongside any existing scuba cards under the same brand.
For freediving alone, PADI is less common in the pure-freediving community than AIDA or Molchanovs. The specific instructor matters more than the agency. Freediving is often a side program at PADI centers, so check that the school you pick actively teaches and trains freedivers.
Agency
SSI is a major diving agency best known for scuba, with freediving as one track inside a much larger training system. That gives SSI a practical advantage for travellers: courses are easy to find, materials are handled through the MySSI app, and certifications are simple to show later.
For a beginner, SSI Freediver is the main recreational certification to look for. Basic Freediver is a shorter confined-water intro. Freediver combines online theory, pool or confined-water training, and open-water sessions, then certifies you to freedive with a buddy to 20m.
SSI publishes the depth limits clearly. Some static and rescue checks sit inside instructor materials, so the public progression is less number-heavy than some other agencies.
For recreational freediving, an SSI Freediver certification travels well. It is generally accepted by most freediving schools as a beginner-level certification for fun dives, coaching, and continuing practice.
Some schools may still ask for a check dive before deeper sessions. SSI accepts equivalent certifications from recognised agencies for higher-level entry, so moving across systems is usually possible.
SSI certification fees are usually bundled with the course price.
SSI suits learners who want to keep their training inside one ecosystem. SSI is a major scuba agency first, with freediving as one program inside it. If you already do scuba or might pick it up, your freediving certification sits alongside any scuba cards under the same brand.
For freediving alone, SSI is less common in the sport community than AIDA or Molchanovs. Your recreational certification travels just as well between schools, but if you're aiming toward competition or deep-training under one system, those agencies match better.
One of Gili Air's longest-running centers, family-run since 2011, with a dedicated freediving department alongside its scuba operation. SSI courses run from a half-day trial through Level 1 and Level 2, taught in small groups on calm sites a short boat ride out.
One of the older and more popular schools in Amed. Great location with diving right out of the back door. Lovely cafe on site.
A PADI and Molchanovs center on Nusa Lembongan, with a training pool right on the beach at Blue Corner. Courses run from introductory level through instructor, alongside multi-day immersion programs and retreats that fold in yoga and breathwork.
A freediving and spearfishing school in Uluwatu, based inside Kala Surf Camp and running dives off a traditional Balinese boat
A beachfront school in the center of Amed, capping courses at three students per instructor. It teaches AIDA and Molchanovs alongside spearfishing and on-site yoga
A Molchanovs school in Amed's Jemeluk Bay, built around breathwork, yoga, and the mental side of diving rather than chasing depth. Courses run beginner to instructor, with spearfishing also offered.
Based at Pure Dive Resort on Nusa Penida, with a 20-meter training pool and a private boat to reach sites around the island. Courses run from a half-day discovery session to a four-week master program, and a three-day option pairs training with a trip to Manta Bay or Manta Point when conditions allow.
A PADI scuba dive center, also offering an AIDA freediving programm
One of Amed's newer schools, it is known for small class sizes and close, personalized attention. Courses run with fewer students than the longer-established names nearby. Beyond freediving certifications, the school also offers beginner friendly spearfishing courses.
Newer freediving school, co-located with a scuba dive center and a resort
Known for day trips to dive with giant mantas
A Tulamben freediving school with deep water reachable straight from shore and the USAT Liberty wreck as a training site. It teaches AIDA and Molchanovs courses from beginner through instructor.
Founded in 2008 by 18-time UK national record holder Michael Board. It runs courses for all levels, from beginner through the full instructor pipeline.
A few quick questions and we'll send 2–3 schools that fit — by email or WhatsApp, within a day.