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A freediving student training on the line with an instructor

Freediving courses in Koh Tao

From your very first breath-hold to instructor level, taught through Molchanovs Freediving Education and Apnea Total. Choose the pathway that fits your goals.

Every course at Orenda is run in small groups, led by an Instructor Trainer, and includes free underwater video footage. Most courses can be taken from our sailing boat or shore-based, whichever suits you best. Not sure where to start? Discover Freediving is the gentlest way in. Already certified? Jump to Level 2, Level 3, or coaching.

Choose your pathway

We teach two internationally recognised systems, side by side. Whichever you choose, each level builds on the last, so you can start as a complete beginner and keep going as far as you want to.

Molchanovs Freediving Education

A structured Wave system, from Wave 1 to Wave 3 and beyond, with a strong focus on technique and progression.

Apnea Total

A clear, level-based pathway from Level 1 to Instructor, widely recognised and quick to get started with.

Every course, from your first breath to teaching

Start wherever you are and work down one step at a time. Discover, the three certification levels, the instructor track, and coaching are all here. Open any course to read the full details.

Discover Freediving freediving course in Koh Tao Half day · Pool

Step 01 · 12 m

Discover Freediving

Your first breath beneath the surface. No tanks, no noise, just you and the sea, with an experienced instructor beside you the whole way.

Your first taste of freediving, designed for complete beginners. Choose a relaxed half-day in the pool or a full day in open water, whichever feels right for you.

  • Pool Experience

    Half day · Pool

    3,000 THB (~79 €)

    Step into the world of freediving with a safe, exciting half-day experience designed to introduce you to the fundamentals. Learn the art of breathing, equalization, and relaxation in the pool under expert guidance.

    Learn more
  • Open Water Experience

    1 day · Max depth 12 m

    4,000 THB (~106 €)

    Take your first breath beneath the waves with our Apnea Total Discover Freediving Open Water Experience. Learn the basics of equalization, breath control, and open water technique as you safely explore down to 12 meters max, guided by experienced instructors.

    Learn more
Level 1 freediving course in Koh Tao 3 days · Max depth 12 m

Step 02 · 20 m

Level 1

Build strong foundations in equalization, relaxation, and safety, and earn your first certification. Choose your preferred pathway.

Your first certification, taught through two recognised systems. Pick the pathway that fits your goals and the time you have.

  • Molchanovs Wave 1

    3 days · Max depth 12 m

    10,900 THB (~288 €)

    Your first step into the Molchanovs education system. Learn freediving basics through theory, pool, and open water. Build strong foundations in equalization, relaxation, and safety. Includes Molchanovs Wave certification (if requirements met) and full equipment.

    Learn more
  • Apnea Total Freediver Level 1

    2 days · Max depth 20 m

    7,500 THB (~198 €)

    Dive deeper into the art of freediving. Master foundational techniques, efficient movement, breath control, and safety. This is your full Level 1 certification and the beginning of your deeper journey. Apnea Total certificate included.

    Learn more
Level 2 freediving course in Koh Tao 4 days · Max depth 24 to 30 m

Step 03 · 30 m

Level 2

Build on your foundation, refine freefall, and dive deeper with confidence.

For certified freedivers ready to go deeper. Refine your freefall and relaxation through your chosen system.

  • Molchanovs Wave 2

    4 days · Max depth 24 to 30 m

    14,900 THB (~393 €)

    Take your freediving to the next level. Master advanced equalization, refine freefall, and dive deeper with confidence. This course expands your breath-hold capacity and safety skills and introduces deeper relaxation techniques. Includes CNF discipline and the Molchanovs Wave 2 certificate (if requirements met).

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  • Apnea Total Advanced Level 2

    3 days · Max depth 30 m

    10,900 THB (~288 €)

    This immersive course blends science, breath mastery, and advanced techniques for deeper dives and longer breath-holds. Includes static apnea and dynamic. Apnea Total certificate included.

    Learn more
Level 3 / Master freediving course in Koh Tao 4 to 5 weeks · Max depth 46 m

Step 04 · 46 m

Level 3 / Master

Where elite performance and deep personal transformation meet. Refine technique, increase depth, and train with personalised coaching.

Advanced, semi-professional training with personalised coaching. Choose the depth of commitment that suits you.

  • Full Master Course

    4 to 5 weeks · Max depth 46 m

    36,000 THB (~950 €)

    Grow into your full potential with deep, intentional training. From mastering the freefall to exhale dives, physiology, and advanced safety. Includes 20 water sessions, 5+ workshops, dynamic and static pool training, personalized plans and feedback, and exploration fun dives. Apnea Total or Molchanovs Wave 3 certificate if requirements met.

    Learn more
  • Half Master Course

    10 water sessions · Max depth 40 m

    20,000 THB (~528 €)

    A powerful alternative when you do not have time for a full Master. With 10 personalized water sessions, you go deep into technique, mindset, and physical adaptation. Can include the Molchanovs Wave 3 certificate (if requirements met).

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  • Molchanovs Wave 3

    6 to 7 days · Min depth 34 m

    18,900 THB (~499 €)

    Take your freediving to a semi-professional level. Learn advanced equalization (mouthfill), FRC diving, stretching, and mental training. Includes 3 theory sessions, 2 pool sessions, 5 open water sessions, full equipment, certification. Can be done during a Master or Half Master course.

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Instructor freediving course in Koh Tao 2 to 4 weeks

Step 05

Instructor

Teach with clarity. Guide with heart. Lead with purpose. Train under an Instructor Trainer and turn your passion into a career.

Turn your passion into a profession, mentored directly by an Instructor Trainer. Certify in your chosen system or cross over from another agency.

  • Apnea Total Instructor Course (ATIC)

    2 to 4 weeks

    45,000 THB (~1,188 €)

    Teach both beginner and advanced freediving courses, blending psychology, safety, pedagogy, and real-world experience. Includes instructor certifications, small-group mentoring, and the option to teach globally or join the Orenda team.

    Learn more
  • Molchanovs Instructor (IC)

    10 days

    45,000 THB (~1,188 €)

    Become a Molchanovs Wave 2 Instructor and gain the knowledge, confidence, and hands-on experience to lead Wave 1 and Wave 2 students. Includes complete W2I training with instructor evaluations, theory and dry-practice pedagogy, confined and open-water teaching sessions, personalized feedback and mentorship.

    Learn more
  • Instructor Crossover

    5 to 7 days

    25,000 THB (~660 €)

    Already an instructor with another agency? Transition smoothly into your chosen system. Learn the teaching methods, standards, and course structures while validating your performance requirements.

    Learn more
  • Instructor Crossover Online

    10 to 12 contact hours, fully online

    19,000 THB (~502 €)

    Cross over to Molchanovs without travelling to Thailand. A fully remote instructor crossover with live video coaching and a 12-month window to submit your water skills for evaluation.

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Coaching & Training freediving course in Koh Tao 2 hr · One-to-one · 5-pack 10,000 THB (~264 €)

Step 06

Coaching & Training

Need more water time? Plateaued in your practice? Want to train on your terms? Sessions are fully customized to your goals.

Targeted water time for any level, from one-to-one coaching to autonomous buddy training and underwater photoshoots.

  • Personalised Coaching Sessions

    2 hr · One-to-one · 5-pack 10,000 THB (~264 €)

    2,200 THB (~58 €)

    Fully customized to your goals, depth, technique, equalization, and mental strategy. Each session includes pre-dive preparation, technique analysis, and targeted stretching, followed by a 2-hour in-water coaching session from our sailboat. Includes performance analysis, a custom training plan, and GoPro video footage. Pool coaching also available.

    Learn more
  • Autonomous Training

    2 hr · Buddy system · 5-pack 7,000 THB (~185 €)

    1,500 THB (~40 €)

    Refine your skills with a paired buddy system. You are teamed with someone at your level or higher, providing safety for each other throughout a 2-hour session. Requirement: certified Level 2 / Advanced Freediver (30 m) minimum. Own your gear? Enjoy a 300 THB discount per session.

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  • Static Apnea Clinic

    1 day · 3-minute breath-hold goal

    3,000 THB (~79 €)

    Unlock the full potential of your breath. Spend one day diving into the art of stillness, mastering relaxation, and exploring breath-hold performance. Add-on: a Dynamic Apnea session (+1,000 THB). Can also be included as part of the Apnea Total Advanced (Level 2) course.

    Learn more
  • Underwater Photoshoot

    With photographer & modeling coach

    3,000 THB (~79 €)

    Express yourself beneath the surface with our professional underwater photographer and modeling coach. Costumes provided. Ideal for artists, creators, or anyone seeking stunning underwater visuals.

    Learn more

When can I do this?

We plan around sea conditions, not a fixed timetable, so most courses run flexibly through the week. Here is roughly when each level is available.

Discover Freediving
Most days
Beginner Course / Level 1
2 to 3 days per week
Advanced Course / Level 2
3 to 4 days per week
Coaching & Training
Most days
Master / Level 3
Request dates (min 2 students)
Instructor Courses
Request dates (min 2 candidates)

All courses and boat trips are subject to weather and tide conditions. We always check the forecast in advance and may adjust the schedule so you get the best and safest experience on the water.

Prices at a glance (THB)

All prices in Thai Baht. Free underwater video footage is included on every course and cruise. Prices may vary with season and group size, message us to confirm.

Courses

Discover Freediving (Pool)

Half day, pool

3,000 THB (~79 €)

Discover Freediving (Open Water)

1 day, max 12 m

4,000 THB (~106 €)

Level 1, Molchanovs Wave 1

3 days, max 12 m

10,900 THB (~288 €)

Level 1, Apnea Total Freediver

2 days, max 20 m

7,500 THB (~198 €)

Level 2, Molchanovs Wave 2

4 days, 24 to 30 m

14,900 THB (~393 €)

Level 2, Apnea Total Advanced

3 days, max 30 m

10,900 THB (~288 €)

Level 3, Full Master

4 to 5 weeks, max 46 m

36,000 THB (~950 €)

Level 3, Half Master

10 sessions, max 40 m

20,000 THB (~528 €)

Level 3, Molchanovs Wave 3

6 to 7 days, min 34 m

18,900 THB (~499 €)

Instructor, Apnea Total ATIC

2 to 4 weeks

45,000 THB (~1,188 €)

Instructor, Molchanovs IC

10 days

45,000 THB (~1,188 €)

Instructor Crossover

5 to 7 days

25,000 THB (~660 €)

Instructor Crossover (Remote)

10 to 12 contact hours, online

19,000 THB (~502 €)

Coaching & training

Personalised Coaching

2 hr, one-to-one (5-pack 10,000)

2,200 THB (~58 €)

Autonomous Training

2 hr, buddy (5-pack 7,000, minus 300 own gear)

1,500 THB (~40 €)

Static Apnea Clinic

1 day (+1,000 dynamic add-on)

3,000 THB (~79 €)

Underwater Photoshoot

with photographer

3,000 THB (~79 €)

Children on cruises: shared, ages 6 to 11 half price, 12+ full. Private charters, ages 0 to 5 free, 6 to 11 half price, 12+ full.

Molchanovs and Apnea Total

We teach two internationally recognised systems so you can choose your pathway: Molchanovs Freediving Education (Wave 1 to Wave 3 and beyond) and Apnea Total (Level 1 to Instructor). Crossovers between systems are available for certified instructors.

Molchanovs Freediving Education certification logo Apnea Total freediving certification logo

What our students say

Rated 5.0 on Google, 35 reviews from our guests and students.

Training with Nikki was one of the most meaningful experiences of my freediving journey. She helped me realize that depth is not about force, it is about relaxation, awareness, and trust. That shift changed everything.
Will Wong · Freediving course
Did my Level 1 Molchanovs with Nikki. Freediving is mostly a mind game, all about awareness, presence and self control, and for that you need to feel safe and calm. Nikki provided exactly that, combined with professional guidance. Progress felt huge for me in just three days.
Petie Pablo · Molchanovs Level 1
Trust is a huge part of learning this sport, and with Nikki that trust was immediate. I always felt safe and supported underwater. One of my favorite things was that I never felt like just another number chasing a certification. She genuinely cares about teaching freediving the right way.
Adam Giersch · Freediving course
If I had to describe the course in one word it would be transformative. I did my Level 1 freediving course with Nikki and she is amazing, so knowledgeable, easy-going, kind and supportive. Just by watching you underwater she notices what is causing an issue. For me it was a mental blockage, and she tailored the exercises to help me break through it. 10 out of 10, if you have the chance to dive with Orenda, you should.
Luuk van den Hoven · Level 1 course
I waited to write this until after a session with another coach for comparison. I have worked with four instructors so far, all good, but Nikki very easily stands out, she is levels above. Three days of coaching and I learned a ton and made way more progress than I expected. She easily helped me break through a depth plateau that others could not. She is also personable, genuine and just cool to hang out with.
denny miller · Coaching
An 11 out of 10 experience. I did an advanced freediving course, Molchanovs Wave 2, and it was hands down the best diving course I have ever done. Nikki is an amazing instructor, so experienced and skilled, and her approach makes you feel comfortable and safe at all times. Learning to freedive from an old proper sailing boat is next level fun. My only regret is not finding Orenda sooner.
UF · Molchanovs Wave 2

Beginner questions, answered

Is freediving safe?

Yes, when taught properly. All training is led by an Instructor Trainer in small groups, with safety as the foundation of every session. You always dive with a trained buddy and clear protocols.

What if I panic underwater?

It is completely normal to feel nervous at first. We teach relaxation and breathing techniques step by step, in shallow water, so you build calm and confidence before going deeper. You move at your own pace.

Do I need to be fit or a strong swimmer?

You need basic comfort in the water, but you do not need to be an athlete. Freediving is about relaxation, not force. Many of our students are complete beginners.

Is there a minimum age, and can children join?

Our sailing cruises welcome everyone, including families. For freediving courses, please contact us with the ages in your group and we will advise the best option.

What is included and what should I bring?

Courses and trips include the necessary equipment and free underwater video. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and water. We share full details once you book.

How do I book and how fast do you reply?

Send us a message with your preferred course or cruise and dates, by the contact form or WhatsApp. We usually reply within 24 hours.

What happens if the weather is bad?

All courses and boat trips are subject to weather and tide conditions, and safety always comes first. We check the forecast in advance and may adjust the schedule so you get the best and safest experience on the water. Dive sites are chosen daily based on weather and sea conditions to keep every session calm and enjoyable.

Do I need insurance?

We recommend personal travel and health insurance, and many policies cover diving activities, so check your plan. For retreats, travel insurance covering freediving is required and all participants complete a short medical form.

Book your ocean experience

Small groups. Personal attention. Deep transformation. Boat-based freediving courses and coaching, delivered around Koh Tao.

Book your spot