Freediving in Crete
Experience the freedom of the Mediterranean Sea with professional freediving instruction in the beautiful waters of Crete.
Contact UsFreedive Crete, based in Plakias, southern Crete, Greece, offers professional freediving courses certified by Molchanovs and SSI. Our freediving programs range from beginner Discovery sessions to advanced Wave 2 certifications, conducted in the pristine waters of the Libyan Sea with year-round visibility exceeding 20 meters and water temperatures from 20-27°C.
What is Freediving?
Freediving is the art of exploring underwater on a single breath. It requires relaxation, technique, and mental focus to dive below the surface without equipment. Practiced for recreation or sport, freediving connects you with the ocean in a pure, silent way, enhancing body awareness.
Our Teaching Methodology
We follow a structured approach that combines theory, practice, and personalized attention to ensure optimal learning and skill development.
Scientific Approach
Comprehensive coverage of freediving physics, physiology, and safety protocols.
Individual Focus
We match your learning style and pace.
Safety First
Your safety is our top priority. We maintain the highest safety standards in all our courses.
Goal-Oriented
We tailor our courses to your specific goals and skill level.
Freediving Courses & Experiences
From beginner courses to advanced certifications, explore our comprehensive freediving programs.
Discover Freediving
Take your first breath into the world of freediving with our introductory course.
- Equipment introduction
- Basic breathing techniques
- Shallow water exercises
Molchanovs
Molchanovs Wave 1
€330-560
Molchanovs Wave 2
€390-650
Molchanovs Wave 3
€440-750
SSI
SSI Level 1
€290-490
SSI Level 2
€330-560
SSI Level 3
Coming Soon
AIDA
AIDA 2
€330-560
AIDA 3
€390-650
AIDA 4
€440-750
Freediving Expeditions
This course is designed for beginners who want to learn the basics of freediving.
- Equipment introduction
- Breathing techniques
- Safety guidelines
Our Certifications & Partnerships
We are proud to be certified and affiliated with the world's leading freediving and spearfishing organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is freediving safe for beginners?
- Yes, freediving is completely safe for beginners when taught by certified instructors. Freedive Crete maintains a maximum 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio and follows Molchanovs safety protocols. All courses in Plakias start with land-based breathing exercises before water sessions, and we provide constant supervision during every dive.
- How long does it take to learn freediving?
- Most beginners achieve 2-3 minute breath-holds and dive to 10-15 meters depth within a 2-3 day Wave 1 course. The Molchanovs Wave 1 certification at Freedive Crete takes 2-3 days, while SSI Level 1 requires 2 days. Advanced skills like 20+ meter dives and 4+ minute static apnea develop over 4-8 weeks of regular training.
- What are the prerequisites for a freediving course?
- You must be comfortable in water and able to swim 200 meters continuously. No scuba diving or freediving experience is required for beginner courses. All students complete a medical questionnaire before training, and anyone with respiratory or cardiac conditions should consult a physician beforehand.
- What is the best time to visit Crete for freediving?
- May through October offers the best freediving conditions in Plakias, Crete. Water temperatures range from 20°C in May to 27°C in August. June through September provides optimal conditions with 25-27°C water, 20+ meter visibility, and calm seas. Our peak season is July-August, so book early for these months.
- What equipment do I need to bring?
- You only need to bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Freedive Crete provides all specialized equipment for certification courses, including long-blade freediving fins, low-volume masks, 5mm wetsuits, weight belts, buoys, and lanyards. All equipment is professional-grade and properly sanitized between uses. For training and coaching sessions, equipment rental is available separately.
What Our Students Say
Hear from our community of freedivers about their experiences
Based on 47 reviews on Google
I just finished my freediving course and honestly, it was such an amazing experience -- definitely 5 stars from me. Lampros is a great instructor, he was super friendly, really clear with his explanations and made safety a priority.
Kevin Ryser
I did my Wave 2 with Lampros. He is a very good Instructor who has a very good eye for details in your technique and is able to explain everything nice and clear. I really enjoyed the time having him as an Instructor and had a lot of fun.
Marius Schreiner
Wave 2 Student
In early August, my son and I joined Lampros from Freedive Crete for several coaching sessions in Plakias. My goal was to improve equalization beyond 20 m, and Lampros immediately tailored the training to my needs -- minimal theory, maximum practice.
iRina T
I spent a full week with Lampros, and must say it was transformative. We covered a huge amount of ground, transitioning my SSI L1 to Molchanovs Wave.
Daniel W
Incredible Freediving Instructor! I cannot recommend this instructor enough! With his expert guidance, I was able to significantly improve my freediving technique and depth in just a few sessions.
Katharina
If you are looking for freediving in Crete, this is the place for you. I obtained my CMAS II certificate during my holidays. Lampros speaks English very fluently and is highly competent. I was able to learn a lot and systematize my knowledge.
Natan Gorecki
CMAS II Certification
Just finished Wave1. Lampros his knowledge, experience and calm made all the difference. Thanks for a couple of great days with a great result.
Mark Lelieveld
Wave 1 Student
I recently took my first freediving course with Freedive Crete, and it was an incredible experience. Lampros is a passionate instructor, he was excellent at easing me into the process, explaining the technical aspects clearly, and being patient in the water.
Maan al Bachari
Wave 1 Student
I came to Crete to dive here and enhance my technique. Lampros is an amazing, very professional and precise instructor who helped me so much to improve and dive in a safe way.
Sunny Pfalzer
Wave 2 Student
I've done freediving with different dive centers during my travels, and Lampros is the coolest, most attentive, and most pleasant instructor I've ever met. I highly recommend him regardless of your level; he'll adapt to you.
Camille S
I did my CMAS certificate and also a spearfishing trip with Lampros. Even the theory was funny and I learned a lot. With his good teaching and his calm being I was able to make a 4:30min static apnea without training.
Philip
CMAS Student
CMAS Certification
I was freediving and spearfishing with Lampros. The freediving conditions were fantastic -- the best conditions I ever had! Lampros managed to plan the sessions at places with smooth seas, even on days with strong wind.
Georg Janisch
Discovery Freediving Graduate
Discovery Freediving
I did 4 days of Apnoe (free diving) training at Plakias, Crete, together with Lampros as my instructor. But at first we met, had a coffee, and discussed what my aims are. The 4 days were just that: great, personalized progress, and for a good price.
Chris UI
Apnoe Student
Lampros is a very friendly and patient instructor who makes you feel comfortable and also ensures you feel safe while diving. I took freediving sessions with him, and even as an experienced freediver, I received many valuable tips and suggestions to further refine my technique.
David Nicolay
Wave 2 Student
Wave 2 Certification
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