🤿 PADI CERTIFIED · SINCE 2008

PADI Freediving Courses Phuket — All 4 Certification Levels

From your first breath-hold to Master Freediver — SSS Phuket runs every PADI freediving certification at Kata Beach, Phuket. Pool training at Chalong, and open water boat days at Racha Yai Island included on every level.

Courses run year-round in English, French, and Thai · Kata Beach, Phuket (7.8134°N, 98.2989°E)

★★★★★ 4.9 · 1,131 Reviews TripAdvisor Hall of Fame since 2014 🥇 Phuket's First Freediving School · Since 2008
🤿 THE COURSES

All PADI Freediving Courses at SSS Phuket

PADI Basic Freediver course Phuket
Entry Level

PADI Basic Freediver — Introduction to Freediving

฿7,900

The perfect first step into freediving. Learn breath-hold theory, pool skills, duck dives, buddy safety, and basic equalisation over 2 days — no experience needed, just the ability to swim.

Confined WaterOpen Water Dive2 days
  • Pool session at Chalong + Racha Yai Island
  • No experience needed
  • All equipment included
  • PADI Basic Freediver certification
View Basic Freediver Course →
PADI Advanced Freediver course Phuket
Advanced

PADI Advanced Freediver — Level 3

฿12,900

Advanced equalisation, refined technique, and a real jump in depth and breath-hold. A single focused 3-day course at Racha Yai Island.

⏱ STA 2:45DYN 55mCWT 16-24m3 days
  • Pool + Racha Yai Island
  • Requires PADI Freediver or crossover eval
  • Meals + transfers included
  • PADI Advanced Freediver certification
View Advanced Freediver Course →
PADI Master Freediver course Phuket
Master

PADI Master Freediver — Level 4

฿15,900

The top of the PADI freediving ladder. Master-level equalisation, deeper constant weight technique, and 5 days of intensive training across four Racha Yai boat days.

⏱ STA 3:30DYN 70mCWT 24-40m5 days
  • Pool + 4× Racha Yai Island days
  • Requires PADI Advanced Freediver or crossover
  • Meals + transfers included
  • PADI Master Freediver certification
View Master Freediver Course →
📊 SIDE BY SIDE

Compare All PADI Freediving Courses

Every level trains at the same pool and the same island — the only thing that changes is how deep and how long you hold your breath.

Detail Basic Freediver Freediver Most Popular Advanced Freediver Master Freediver
LevelEntryLevel 2Level 3Level 4
Price฿7,900฿7,900–9,900฿12,900฿15,900
Duration2 days2–3 days3 days5 days
STA (breath-hold)2:002:453:30
DYN (pool swim)40m55m70m
CWT (open water depth)10-16m16-24m24-40m
Pool session
Racha Yai boat trip1 day1–2 days2 days4 days
PrerequisiteNoneNonePADI Freediver or crossover evalPADI Advanced Freediver or crossover
View Basic Freediver → View Freediver → View Advanced Freediver → View Master Freediver →
🧭 DECISION GUIDE

Which PADI 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.

Never freedived before?

Most complete beginners go straight into PADI Freediver (Level 2) — it covers everything Basic Freediver does, plus your first open water certification at Racha Yai. Want a gentler, lower-pressure intro first? Start with PADI Basic Freediver instead.

PADI Freediver is most popular →
Already have Basic Freediver?

PADI Freediver (Level 2) is your next step. You already know the basics — Level 2 takes you into open water at Racha Yai Island, with a 10-16m constant weight target.

View PADI Freediver →
Already have PADI Freediver?

PADI Advanced Freediver (Level 3) takes you deeper — advanced equalisation, refined technique, and a 16-24m constant weight target across a single focused 3-day course at Racha Yai.

View Advanced Freediver →
Already have Advanced Freediver?

PADI Master Freediver (Level 4) is the top of the ladder — master-level equalisation, deeper constant weight technique, and a 24-40m target across 5 days of training at Racha Yai.

View Master Freediver →
🏆 WHY CHOOSE US

Why Learn PADI Freediving at SSS Phuket

Phuket has plenty of freediving schools. Here's what actually separates a PADI certification you can trust from one that just ticks a box.

🎓

PADI Certified Since 2008

Phuket's original freediving school. Every course follows official PADI 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 PADI-certified freediving instructors — 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 line and buoy training.

📈

Progress Through All 4 Levels In-House

Start at PADI Basic Freediver and reach Master Freediver 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.

★★★★★ 4.9 · 1,131 Reviews TripAdvisor Hall of Fame since 2014 2025 Viator Experience Award
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED

What's Included in Every PADI Course

All-inclusive pricing across every level — no hidden costs, no surprise add-ons at checkout.

🤿Full equipment rental — mask, fins, wetsuit, weight belt, lanyard
🎓Official PADI certification card
🍽️Meals on boat days at Racha Yai
🚐Hotel transfers to and from the pool and boat
👥Small groups — max 3 students per instructor
👕Free SSS Phuket branded t-shirt
🏊Full use of the Chalong pool facility
🏝️Racha Yai Island boat trip(s), included at every level
🗺️ HOW IT WORKS

Every PADI 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 Basic Freediver to Master Freediver.

1

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.

2

Open Water Application — Racha Yai Island

Your first open water application: line procedures, rescue and self-rescue skills, and building comfort in real conditions before your certification dives. (PADI Freediver Level 2 and above — Basic Freediver combines this with certification dives in a single day.)

3

Certification Dives — Racha Yai Island

A full-day boat trip (up to four days for Master Freediver) to Racha Yai's clear water for your official certification dives, guided along a line and closely supervised by your instructor.

What changes by level: duration (2 to 5 days), target depth (up to 24-40m), breath-hold time (up to 3:30), and the skills taught — from basic equalisation at PADI Basic Freediver to master-level equalisation and constant weight technique at PADI Master Freediver.
🏆 YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Meet the Team Behind Every PADI Certification

Every PADI course at SSS Phuket is led by a real, named freediving instructor — not a rotating cast of seasonal hires.

Jean-Brice, PADI Freediving Instructor & Director at SSS Phuket

Jean-Brice

PADI Freediving Instructor & Director

English · French

Florian, Molchanovs/SSI Dive & Freedive Instructor at SSS Phuket

Florian

Molchanovs/SSI Dive & Freedive Instructor

English · French

Val, Molchanovs Freediving Instructor at SSS Phuket

Val

Molchanovs Freediving Instructor

English · Russian

Constantin, AIDA Instructor & AIDA Judge at SSS Phuket

Constantin

AIDA Instructor & AIDA Judge

Freediving

Meet the rest of our team on the full team page →
⭐ VERIFIED REVIEWS

What Our PADI Freedivers Say

★★★★★ 4.9 · 1,131 Reviews on TripAdvisor & Google
★★★★★
First-time divers — "beyond our expectations"

"Me and my girlfriend tried this as first time divers and it was really beyond our expectations. Instructor Lung was so patient and literally held our hands underwater. Overall 10/10."

Verified guest
Beginner course · Instructor: Lung
★★★★★
Turtle sighting + "one of the best days of our lives"

"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."

Family of 5
Racha Yai · Instructors: Nico & Ootdy
★★★★★
Clear water, coral & marine life at Racha Yai

"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."

Abigail — Australia
Racha Yai dive · Instructor: Pomme
★★★★★
1 instructor per 2–3 students — no prior experience needed

"Quality of instructors was superb. There was one instructor for every two or three students. Convenient hotel pickup, well-planned logistics."

Verified guest
Dive course · Instructor: Ootdy
Read all 1,131 reviews on TripAdvisor →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PADI freediving certification?
PADI — the world's largest diver training organization — runs certified freediving courses from complete beginner through Master Freediver. PADI certifications are recognised internationally, meaning your certification from SSS Phuket is valid at any PADI-affiliated center worldwide.
Which PADI course should I start with?
Most complete beginners start with PADI Freediver (Level 2) — it covers everything Basic Freediver does plus your first open water certification, in 2-3 days. If you'd prefer a gentler, lower-pressure introduction first, start with PADI Basic Freediver instead. Already freedived elsewhere? We can run a crossover evaluation to place you at the right level.
Do I need experience to take a PADI course?
No — PADI Basic Freediver and PADI Freediver require no prior freediving or diving experience, just the ability to swim. PADI Advanced Freediver requires a PADI Freediver certification (or equivalent crossover evaluation), and PADI Master Freediver requires PADI Advanced Freediver (or an equivalent crossover: AIDA 3, SSI Freediving Level 2, or Molchanovs Wave 2).
Can I go from Basic Freediver straight to Advanced Freediver?
No — PADI Advanced Freediver requires PADI Freediver certification (or an equivalent certification from another agency, evaluated via crossover) as a prerequisite. Each level builds directly on the skills and safety procedures taught in the one before it, so levels can't be skipped.
How long does it take to complete all 4 PADI levels?
Back to back, the four courses run 2 days (Basic Freediver), 2-3 days (Freediver), 3 days (Advanced Freediver), and 5 days (Master Freediver) — around 12-13 days of training in total if done consecutively. Most divers spread this across multiple trips to Phuket, building depth and experience between levels rather than rushing straight through.
How many students per instructor?
We keep groups small across every PADI level — maximum 3 students per instructor for safety and quality of coaching.
Is equipment included in the price?
Yes. Every PADI course price includes full freediving equipment rental — mask, fins, wetsuit, weight belt, and lanyard. If you have your own gear you're comfortable with, you're welcome to bring it.
Where do the open water sessions take place?
Pool training happens at our Chalong pool facility. Open water application sessions (PADI Freediver Level 2 and above) and your certification dives both happen on a guided line at Racha Yai Island — one of Phuket's clearest, calmest dive sites.
Are courses available year-round?
Yes — the Andaman Sea is diveable year-round. The calmest conditions with the best visibility are typically November to April.
What's the difference between PADI and AIDA or SSI freediving certifications?
PADI, AIDA, SSI, and Molchanovs freediving certifications are all internationally recognised and broadly equivalent in skill progression — the main differences are in terminology, agency-specific paperwork, and which instructor network you'll be part of afterward. SSS Phuket is certified to teach PADI, AIDA, Molchanovs, and SSI freediving, so we can also run a crossover evaluation if you're certified with another agency and want to continue with PADI.
💯 BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
  • ✔ 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
💳 BOOK YOUR PADI COURSE

Choose Your Level to Book

Each PADI level has its own dedicated booking page with the full course details, schedule, and secure checkout.

🤿 Not sure which level? Ask us on WhatsApp →
🤿 Choose Your PADI Level — 4 Courses from ฿7,900 · Free Cancellation →