🤿 START YOUR FREEDIVING JOURNEY

SSI Basic Freediver Course Phuket — Pool Training & Racha Island Open Water

No experience needed — two days with SSS Phuket. Learn freediving theory, breath-hold technique, and safety skills in the pool on Day 1, then complete your certifying open water dive at Racha Island on Day 2.

★ 4.9 · 1,116 Reviews 🏆 TripAdvisor Hall of Fame 🥇 Phuket's First Freediving School · Since 2008 🥉 2025 Viator Experience Award 🎓 SSI Basic Freediver Certification
SSI Basic Freediver student training at Chalong Pool, Phuket
SSI BASIC FREEDIVER · POOL + OPEN WATER
฿7,900 /person
2 Days · Chalong Pool + Racha Island
  • — Full freediving equipment included
  • — Racha Island boat trip & transfers
  • — Breakfast, lunch & snacks on Day 2
  • — Upgrade path to SSI Freediving Level 1
Viator Experience Award Winner 2025 - SSS Phuket
★★★★★ 4.9 · 1,116 reviews
TripAdvisor & Google
Phuket's Original Freediving School
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What You Need to Know Before Booking SSI Basic Freediver

Price ฿7,900
Duration 2 Days
Location Chalong Pool + Racha Island
Certification SSI Basic Freediver (Entry Level)
Group Size Small Groups · Personalized Attention
Skill Target 5m Depth (Pool/Confined Water)

Who Is SSI Basic Freediver For?

SSI Basic Freediver is the internationally recognized entry point for freediving, combining pool training with a real open-water dive — here's how to know if it's the right level for you.

🤿

New to Freediving Entirely?

Never held your breath underwater before? Basic is the safest way to start — pool fundamentals on Day 1, then your first open-water dive at Racha Island on Day 2, guided the whole way by a certified SSI Instructor.

See Program in Depth →
🏝️

Want a Real Certification Without a Big Commitment?

Basic gets you an internationally recognized SSI certification and an open-water dive at Racha Island in just 2 days — no need to commit to a longer multi-day course to get started.

See Pricing & What's Included →
🌊

Already Comfortable in Open Water?

Confident swimmer, snorkeler or spearfisherman who's already at ease in the sea? You can skip Basic entirely and start directly with SSI Freediving Level 1 for deeper training and a longer certification.

See Level 1 Course →
🔄

Already Certified Elsewhere?

Hold a certification with AIDA, Molchanovs or PADI already? Compare all four systems and find the right level to cross over into before booking SSI Basic Freediver.

Compare Certifications →
📚 PROGRAM IN DEPTH

SSI Basic Freediver Course — Program in Depth

Every SSI Basic Freediver course is led by our in-house SSI-certified freediving instructors, in small groups, so you get hands-on, personal attention from your first breath-hold in the pool through to your certifying open-water dive at Racha Island.

SSI Basic Freediver is SSI's entry-level introduction to freediving — two days combining pool training with a real certifying open-water dive. Day 1 covers theory, breathing technique, and confined-water skills at Chalong Pool. Day 2 takes you on a full-day boat trip to Racha Island for your open-water session, freediving safely with a buddy to depths of up to 5 metres under instructor supervision.

Day 1
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Chalong Pool
  • 9:00 AMWelcome, freediving theory & safety briefing
  • 9:30 AMBreathing technique, relaxation & equalization practice
  • 10:30 AMStatic apnea training in the pool
  • 11:30 AMDynamic apnea technique — swimming underwater on a single breath
  • 12:30 PMBuddy safety & pool rescue skills practice
  • 1:00 PMWrap-up & confined-water skills review
Day 2
7:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Racha Island Boat Trip
  • 7:30 AMHotel pickup
  • 8:00 AMBoard the boat to Racha Island — breakfast served on the way
  • 10:00 AMCertifying open-water freediving session with your instructor, buddy pairs, max depth 5m
  • 12:00 PMLunch on board, time to relax and snorkel
  • 1:00 PMFinal skills practice & certification assessment
  • 3:00 PMReturn to Chalong Pier
  • 4:00 PMHotel drop-off & certification
  • Confined-water skills: 2 pool sessions covering static and dynamic breath-hold fundamentals
  • Open-water session: 1 certifying dive with a buddy, to a maximum depth of 5 metres
  • Equalisation technique: fundamentals for consistent, comfortable equalization
  • Breathing & relaxation: breathe-up routines and safe recovery breathing
  • Buddy safety: surface protocols and buddy-watch skills for pool and open water
  • Freediving theory: 4 academic sessions covering physiology, physics, and equipment fundamentals

All SSI Basic Freediver equipment is included in your course price — nothing extra to rent or buy.

  • Low-volume freediving mask
  • Fins & snorkel
  • Wetsuit
  • Weight belt, sized to you
  • SSI Basic Freediver digital course materials (MySSI app)
  • Minimum age: 10 years old (SSI requirement)
  • Prerequisite: none — fit to swim, no prior certification required
  • A water fitness/swim evaluation is completed before your open-water session
  • Avoid scuba diving in the 24 hours before your course (residual nitrogen risk)
  • Eat a light meal 2–3 hours before each session — don't dive on a full or empty stomach
  • Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle
  • Hotel pickup is included for your Racha Island day (Kata, Karon, Chalong, Rawai, Kamala, Patong areas)
  • You'll need to create a free MySSI profile before training begins
💰 PRICING

SSI Basic Freediver Pricing & What's Included

One straightforward option — two days combining pool training at Chalong Pool with a certifying open-water dive at Racha Island.

2-Day Basic Freediver Course ฿7,900 per person · pool + Racha Island open water
  • ✔ Day 1: theory + pool skills — equalization, static & dynamic apnea technique
  • ✔ Day 2: certifying open-water dive at Racha Island, max depth 5m
  • ✔ Official SSI Basic Freediver Certification
  • ✔ SSI digital course materials (MySSI app)
  • ✔ Complete equipment rental
  • ✔ Racha Island boat trip, breakfast, lunch & snacks
  • ✔ Hotel transfer (Patong, Karon, Kata, Rawai, Chalong)
  • ✔ Small-group coaching for personalized attention
Book Basic Freediver Course →
Free SSS Phuket t-shirt worn by a scuba diver at SSS Kata Bar & Café Free SSS Phuket t-shirt worn by a surfer at Kata Beach Free SSS Phuket t-shirt worn by a freediving instructor
🎁 Free SSS Phuket T-Shirt Included
Book the SSI Basic Freediver Course and get a complimentary SSS Phuket t-shirt — your perfect souvenir from your underwater adventure in Phuket. Pick it up at our Kata Beach shop.
🏆 YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Meet the Team Behind Your SSI Basic Freediver Certification

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

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

Leonie, AIDA Freediving Instructor at SSS Phuket

Leonie

AIDA Freediving Instructor

English · German · Spanish

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

Trusted by Freedivers Across Every SSI Level

★★★★★ 4.9 · 1,116 Reviews on TripAdvisor & Google

SSS Phuket's overall rating across all diving, freediving and surf courses — TripAdvisor Hall of Fame status, built over 1,100+ verified guest reviews.

Read all 1,116 reviews on TripAdvisor →

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between SSI Basic Freediver and SSI Level 1?
Basic Freediver is SSI's entry-level course — pool training plus one open-water dive at Racha Island to a maximum depth of 5 metres. SSI Level 1 builds on that with deeper open-water training (CWTB & FIM to 16-20m) over 3 days. You can start directly with Level 1 if you're already comfortable in open water — Basic isn't a mandatory prerequisite.
Is SSI Basic Freediver a standalone certification, or do I need to book Level 1 afterward?
Basic Freediver is a genuine standalone certification — you'll be certified to freedive safely with a buddy in pool and confined water up to 5 metres. It's entirely up to you whether you continue on to SSI Level 1 for deeper open-water training.
What skills will I learn, and what's the pass standard?
To certify in Basic Freediver you'll complete confined-water pool skills (static and dynamic apnea fundamentals) plus one certifying open-water dive to a maximum depth of 5 metres. We also cover freediving theory, equalization, safety, and buddy rescue skills — there's no specific breath-hold or distance target to hit, the focus is on safe, comfortable technique.
How many students per instructor?
We keep groups small for safety and quality of coaching, so you get hands-on, personal attention throughout both days.
Can I do the course if I struggle to equalise?
Yes — equalisation is one of the first skills we teach, starting in the pool on Day 1 where there's no depth pressure to manage. By the time you head to Racha Island on Day 2, you'll have practiced proper technique in a controlled environment before applying it at a shallow, beginner-friendly depth.
What should I bring to the course?
Just swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle. We provide all freediving equipment — mask, fins, wetsuit, weight belt — included in your course price. If you have your own mask or fins you're comfortable with, feel free to bring them.
Is freediving safe for beginners at SSI Basic level?
Yes. Day 1 takes place entirely in a controlled pool environment, and your Day 2 open-water dive at Racha Island is capped at 5 metres with a qualified SSI Instructor supervising every dive and buddy pair throughout.
Can I do the course alone, or do I need a buddy?
You don't need to bring a buddy — most students book solo. Buddy safety protocols are taught as part of the Basic Freediver curriculum, and you'll practice with another student or your instructor throughout both days.
What happens if I don't pass the assessment?
There's no rush and no pressure. If you're not quite there by the end of Day 1, we'll work with you on extra pool time before heading out to Racha Island — most students just need a little more practice with equalisation or relaxation.
Do you offer private courses?
Yes — if you'd prefer one-on-one instruction or want to book the course privately for your group, just message us and we'll arrange it. Private courses follow the same SSI Basic Freediver curriculum and certification, with full flexibility on scheduling.
Do I need any prior experience or swimming ability?
No prior freediving or diving experience is required — just be fit to swim. Before your open-water session, we'll run a short water fitness evaluation (a swim assessment and a survival float) to make sure you're comfortable in the water.
Does the weather or season affect the course?
Day 1 at Chalong Pool runs year-round regardless of weather. Day 2's Racha Island boat trip can be affected by sea conditions during the monsoon season (roughly May–October) — if conditions aren't safe on your scheduled day, we'll reschedule your open-water session at no extra cost.
💯 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
  • ✔ Questions before booking? WhatsApp us — replies within a few hours, 8am–8pm daily
💳 BOOKING

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