Apnea Total is a dedicated freediving school on Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, and one of the oldest and most established freediving organisations in the world. Founded in 2004, the Koh Tao centre is the headquarters of the Apnea Total Education System, a training system that has since grown into a network of partner schools across multiple countries. From its base on the main beach of the island, it has introduced thousands of visitors to the sport, welcoming complete beginners alongside experienced and competitive freedivers on the principle that freediving is for everyone, whatever your background in the water.
A purpose-built freediving centre
Unlike scuba operations that add freediving as a side activity, Apnea Total is built around the discipline from the ground up. The centre features modern air-conditioned classrooms equipped with audio-visual tools and comfortable, spacious seating, a library of freediving literature, photography and video, an on-site freediving equipment shop, a booking and administration office, a dedicated equipment room with a washing area, and shower and toilet facilities. Training is supported by a dedicated freediving boat and a team of experienced, multilingual instructors who keep groups small so every student gets close, personal attention.
The Freediver Course for beginners
The core entry point is the Freediver Course, run over two days and priced at 7,000 Baht. Each day is split into a morning classroom session and an afternoon water session. In the classroom, instructors introduce the disciplines of freediving, equipment familiarisation, duck-dive and finning technique, equalisation, breathing and recovery-breathing techniques, hydration and diet, and, on the second day, yogic pranayama breathing and full safety procedures. In the water, sessions run at an absolute maximum of three students per instructor, with an instructor beside every diver at all times regardless of depth.
Students progress along the dive line to a maximum of 12 metres on the first day and up to 20 metres on the second. Certification requires a single rescue exercise from a depth of 6 metres. On completion, freedivers receive their certification along with private online access to the course materials so they can keep their knowledge fresh. Those who fall for the sport can roll straight into the Advanced Course if they have a few more days on the island.
Junior freedivers and family options
For younger visitors, the Junior Freediver Course welcomes children from age 11, following the same structure and techniques as the adult course with a reduced depth limit of 12 metres and no rescue requirement. The only prerequisite across the beginner courses is being able to swim 200 metres unaided, with or without fins.
Advanced, master and professional training
Beyond the entry level, Apnea Total offers a complete progression. The Advanced Freediver Course develops longer breath-holds, exhale diving and more advanced breathing techniques. The Master Freediver Course is designed for committed freedivers taking their training to a higher level. Those thinking about a career can go professional through the Freedive Instructor Course, which builds both teaching skills and freediving knowledge, right up to instructor trainer at the organisation’s headquarters.
Coaching, line training and fun dives
The school also caters to freedivers who already hold a certification. One-to-one coaching and structured line training help divers refine technique and push their personal bests, while freediving fun dives give certified freedivers a chance to explore the water with a guide. Dedicated freediving training camps run periodically for those looking to train intensively over a longer stay.
With a purpose-built centre on Sairee Beach, a strong safety record, an on-site retail shop and a full pathway from a first breath-hold to instructor trainer, Apnea Total stands as one of the most complete and long-established freediving destinations on Koh Tao.