AIDA Freediving Courses Phuket — All 4 Certification Levels
From your first breath-hold to Master Freediver — SSS Phuket runs every AIDA certification at Kata Beach, Phuket. Pool training at Chalong, open water at Kata Reef, and boat days at Racha Yai Island included on every level.
All AIDA Freediving Courses at SSS Phuket
AIDA 1 — Introduction to Freediving
The perfect first step. Learn breath-hold theory, pool skills, duck dives, buddy safety, and basic equalisation. No experience needed — just the ability to swim.
- Pool session at Chalong + Racha Yai
- No experience needed
- All equipment included
- AIDA 1 certification
AIDA 2 — Freediver Certification
The world's most popular freediving cert — and the best starting point for most people. Full pool, Kata Reef, and Racha Yai Island training over 2-3 days.
- Pool + Kata Reef + Racha Yai
- No experience needed
- Meals + transfers included
- AIDA 2 certification
AIDA 3 — Advanced Freediver
Advanced equalisation, free-fall technique, and a real jump in depth and breath-hold. A single focused 3-day course at Racha Yai Island.
- Pool + Kata Reef + Racha Yai
- Requires AIDA 2 or crossover eval
- Meals + transfers included
- AIDA 3 certification
AIDA 4 — Master Freediver
The highest recreational level. Mouthfill equalisation, FRC diving, and 5 days of intensive training across two Racha Yai boat days.
- Pool + Kata Reef + 2× Racha Yai
- Requires AIDA 3 + First Aid/CPR
- Meals + transfers included
- AIDA 4 certification
Compare All AIDA Freediving Courses
Every level trains at the same pool, the same reef, and the same island — the only thing that changes is how deep and how long you hold your breath.
| Detail | AIDA 1 | AIDA 2 Most Popular | AIDA 3 | AIDA 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Entry | Freediver | Advanced | Master |
| Price | ฿5,900–7,900 | ฿7,900–9,900 | ฿12,900 | ฿15,900 |
| Duration | 1–2 days | 2–3 days | 3 days | 5 days |
| STA (breath-hold) | 1:15 | 2:00 | 2:45 | 3:30 |
| DYN (pool swim) | 25m | 40m | 55m | 70m |
| CWT (open water depth) | — | 12-20m | 24-30m | 32-38m |
| Pool session | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Kata Reef open water | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Racha Yai boat trip | 1 day | 1 day | 1 day | 2 days |
| Prerequisite | None | None | AIDA 2 or crossover eval | AIDA 3 + First Aid/CPR |
| View AIDA 1 → | View AIDA 2 → | View AIDA 3 → | View AIDA 4 → |
Which AIDA Course Is Right for You?
Not sure where to start? Every level builds on the one before it — here's how to find your starting point.
Most complete beginners go straight into AIDA 2 — it covers everything AIDA 1 does, plus your first open water certification at Racha Yai. Want a gentler, lower-pressure intro first? Start with AIDA 1 instead.
AIDA 2 is most popular →AIDA 2 is your next step. You already know the basics — AIDA 2 takes you into open water at Kata Reef and Racha Yai, with a 12-20m constant weight target.
View AIDA 2 →AIDA 3 takes you deeper — advanced equalisation, free-fall technique, and a 24-30m constant weight target across a single focused 3-day course at Racha Yai.
View AIDA 3 →AIDA 4 is the Master Freediver level — mouthfill equalisation, FRC diving, and a 32-38m constant weight target. You'll also need a current First Aid/CPR certification before booking.
View AIDA 4 →Why Learn AIDA Freediving at SSS Phuket
Phuket has plenty of freediving schools. Here's what actually separates an AIDA certification you can trust from one that just ticks a box.
AIDA International Certified Since 2008
Phuket's original freediving school. Every course follows official AIDA International standards — not a shortened, unofficial version.
Max 3 Students Per Instructor
Every level, every dive — capped at 3 students per instructor. You're closely supervised and spotted on every descent, not lost in a crowd.
Real, Named Instructors
You'll train with actual AIDA-certified instructors and judges — not a rotating cast of seasonal hires. Meet the team below.
Racha Yai Island, Every Level
All four certifications dive the same clear-water site — one of Phuket's best for visibility and calm conditions, ideal for buoy-line training.
Progress Through All 4 Levels In-House
Start at AIDA 1 and reach Master level without ever switching schools — same instructors, same pool, same boat, watching your progress the whole way.
All-Inclusive, No Hidden Costs
Full equipment rental, hotel transfers, and meals included in every course price — what you see is what you pay.
What's Included in Every AIDA Course
All-inclusive pricing across every level — no hidden costs, no surprise add-ons at checkout.
Every AIDA Level Follows the Same 3-Stage Structure
Only the depth targets, skills, and number of days change as you move up — the training pattern itself stays the same from AIDA 1 to AIDA 4.
Pool Training — Chalong
Theory sessions plus confined-water skills: breathing technique, equalisation, duck dives, finning, and static/dynamic apnea practice in a controlled environment before you ever leave the pool deck.
Open Water — Kata Reef
Your first open water application: buoy-line procedures, rescue and self-rescue skills, and building comfort in real conditions before your certification dives. (AIDA 2 and above.)
Certification Dives — Racha Yai Island
A full-day boat trip (two days for AIDA 4) to Racha Yai's clear water for your official certification dives, guided along a buoy line and closely supervised by your instructor.
Meet the Team Behind Every AIDA Certification
Every AIDA course at SSS Phuket is led by a real, named freediving instructor — not a rotating cast of seasonal hires.
Constantin
AIDA Instructor & AIDA Judge
Freediving
Leonie
AIDA Freediving Instructor
English · German · Spanish
Florian
Molchanovs/SSI Dive & Freedive Instructor
English · French
Val
Molchanovs Freediving Instructor
English · Russian
What Our AIDA Freedivers Say
"I did a free diving course both Aida 2 and Aida 3 with Ruddy. He is very knowledgeable, calm during the session. The session make me really comfortable during my dives."
"We saw a huge variety of beautiful fish, moray eels, and the absolute highlight was spotting a turtle. It truly was one of the best days of our lives."
"My instructor Pomme was amazing and highly recommended. The water was clear and we saw a lot of coral and marine life. If and when I come back to Phuket, I will be doing this trip again."
"Quality of instructors was superb. There was one instructor for every two or three students. Convenient hotel pickup, well-planned logistics."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AIDA freediving certification?
Which AIDA course should I start with?
Do I need experience to take an AIDA course?
Can I go from AIDA 1 straight to AIDA 3?
How long does it take to complete all 4 AIDA levels?
How many students per instructor?
Is equipment included in the price?
Where do the open water sessions take place?
Are courses available year-round?
What's the difference between AIDA and SSI or PADI freediving certifications?
Find Us at Kata Beach
- Address: 184/1 Koktanod Road, Kata Beach, Phuket 83100
- Hours: Open 8am–8pm, daily
- WhatsApp: +66 895 869 920
- Email: info@sssphuket.com
- WeChat: sssphuketjean · Telegram: +66 90 176 673
- ✔ Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your course starts — course fee refunded in full. Online certification materials are non-refundable once issued
- ✔ TripAdvisor Hall of Fame since 2014 · 2025 Viator Experience Award
- ✔ Not sure which level to book? WhatsApp us — replies within a few hours, 8am–8pm daily
Choose Your Level to Book
Each AIDA level has its own dedicated booking page with the full course details, schedule, and secure checkout.