Dahab, Egypt · Pool & Open Water
Advanced Freediving Course in Dahab
Push deeper. Refine your technique and extend your breath-hold. Your AIDA 3 or SSI Level 2 certification awaits.
AIDA & SSIThe Advanced Course is your AIDA 3 or SSI Level 2 certification. Over three days you build on your beginner course: new techniques, greater depth, and a deeper understanding of what your body does underwater.
Both certifications are internationally recognised and allow you to dive with a buddy to 30 metres. Tell us which agency you prefer when you book.
In Dahab, open water sessions take place at the Lighthouse. For students working towards 24m or more, a session at the Blue Hole (about 20 minutes by car) may also be arranged, one of the most famous dive sites in the world and well worth visiting if you want to go.
What the course looks like
Morning theory covers advanced physiology, Frenzel equalisation, barotrauma and lung squeeze. Two pool sessions in the afternoon: the first focuses on static apnea extension and CO2 training tables, the second on dynamic apnea and free-fall technique.
Two sessions at the Lighthouse reef. Day two is where free-fall becomes real: you relax and sink passively from the neutral point. The focus is on Frenzel equalisation in motion, body position, and steady depth progression. Most students are in the 18 to 26-metre range by the end of day two.
Two final sessions. Cert dives: 24 metres constant weight, 2:45 static, 55 metres dynamic. Students who reach 24 metres or more and want to see the Blue Hole can arrange a session there on day three (note: $20 entrance fee applies). Debrief and next steps.
Is this course for you?
- You have your AIDA 2 or SSI Level 1 and want to dive deeper
- You are comfortable at 12 metres and ready to progress
- You want to understand how your body works at depth
- You are thinking about the Blue Hole and want to do it properly
- You do not yet have a beginner certification
- You struggle with equalisation or have ear problems
- You last dove more than 12 months ago without staying in practice
No certification yet? The Beginner Course is where to start. Start here instead →
Before you start
- Minimum age 18 (16 or 17 with parent or guardian consent)
- Valid AIDA 2 or SSI Level 1 certification (or crossover evaluation from another agency)
- Comfortable diving to at least 12 metres
What you will learn
- Free-fall: relaxing and sinking passively from 10 to 20+ metres
- Frenzel equalisation technique for greater depth
- Mouthfill technique introduction
- Training tables: structured breath-hold training
- Free immersion to greater depths
- Constant weight technique refinement
- Body position and buoyancy optimisation
- Advanced buddy safety and rescue from depth
- Understanding of narcosis and pressure effects
- Planning training sessions safely
Theory covers
- Advanced physiology of freediving
- Equalisation at depth: Frenzel and beyond
- Barotrauma: causes, prevention and recognition
- Lungs at depth: lung squeeze risks
- Buoyancy: how it changes with depth
- Shallow water blackout: causes and prevention
- Training concepts and periodisation
- The mammalian dive response
- Decompression sickness in freediving
- Surface intervals and recovery
- The freediver's code of conduct
To earn your certification
- Static apnea: 2 minutes 45 seconds breath-hold
- Dynamic apnea: 55 metres horizontal swim underwater
- Constant weight: 24 metres depth
- Theory exam: 75% passing score
- Minimum 6 water sessions (2 pool + 4 open water)
Not sure whether to go AIDA or SSI? Read our full comparison before you book.
Frequently asked questions
What certification do I get from the Advanced Freediving Course?
You receive either an AIDA 3 or SSI Level 2 certification, both internationally recognised and valid for diving with a buddy to 30 metres. You choose which agency when you book.
What are the prerequisites for the Advanced Course?
You need a valid AIDA 2 or SSI Level 1 certification, or a crossover evaluation from another agency. You should be comfortable diving to at least 12 metres. Minimum age is 18.
How long does the Advanced Freediving Course take?
The course takes 3 days and includes 6 water sessions: 2 in the pool and 4 in open water at the Lighthouse reef in Dahab.
How deep will I dive on the Advanced Course?
The certification requires a minimum depth of 24 metres. The course is rated to 30 metres. Students progressing well may also do a session at the Blue Hole.
What is included in the price of 360 euro?
Pool sessions at The Gate Freediving, open water sessions at the Lighthouse, all equipment, theory sessions, certification fee, and digital course materials. Blue Hole entrance ($20) is not included.
What comes next
After the Advanced Course you are certified to 30 metres and have the tools to keep progressing independently. Many divers continue with regular training sessions in Dahab, or return for deeper courses when they are ready.
Get in touch
Book this course
Fill in the form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours. No prepayment needed, tell us your dates and we hold your spot.
Emilio and Liam. We run The Gate Freediving ourselves. You dive with us or one of our hand-picked instructors, always a real reply.