Dahab, Egypt · Pool & Open Water
Beginner Freediving Course in Dahab
Your first full freediving certification. Learn breath control, equalisation and safety from scratch over 2.5 days in the best conditions on earth.
AIDA & SSIThe Beginner Course is your first full freediving certification: AIDA 2 or SSI Level 1. Over two and a half days you move from the pool to the open water, building confidence and technique at every step.
Both certifications are internationally recognised and allow you to dive with a buddy to 20 metres. Requirements are the same for both agencies. Tell us which you prefer when you book.
Dahab is one of the best places in the world to do this course. The warm, calm water at the Lighthouse means your nervous system relaxes before you even start, which creates a good learning environment for your first freediving experience.
What the course looks like
Morning theory (about 2.5 hours): physiology, equalisation, the buddy system, and the breathing cycle. Then two pool sessions at The Gate Freediving. First session covers relaxation, static apnea, duck dive technique and basic finning. Second session moves into dynamic apnea and free immersion.
Two sessions at the Lighthouse reef, a short drive from the center. You start with vertical orientation dives, free immersion down the line, and your first constant-weight dives. Most students reach between 10 and 18 metres on day two.
One open-water session to complete your certification requirements: 12 metres constant weight, 40 metres dynamic apnea, 2-minute static apnea. Debrief with your instructor. Your digital card is processed and arrives within a few days.
Is this course for you?
- You can swim but have never held your breath underwater
- You want a recognised certification, not just a taster
- You have 2.5 days in Dahab and want to use them well
- You prefer small groups with proper safety in place
- You have ear problems that prevent equalisation
- You are not yet comfortable in open water
- You are under 18 without parent or guardian consent
Never dived at all before? The Introduction to Freediving is a session in pool and open water with no certification required. Start here instead →
Before you start
- Minimum age 18 (16 or 17 with parent or guardian consent)
- Able to swim at least 200 metres non-stop without fins, or 300 metres with mask, fins and snorkel
- No freediving certification required (this is the first level)
What you will learn
- Relaxation and breathing techniques before a breath-hold
- Static apnea: breath-holding in the pool, face-down
- Dynamic apnea: horizontal swimming underwater
- Free immersion: pulling yourself down a rope without fins
- Constant weight: vertical diving with fins
- Equalisation technique for ears and sinuses
- Body position and streamlining underwater
- Safe turns at depth
- Buddy safety and rescue techniques
- Surface protocol
Theory covers
- Introduction to freediving and its disciplines
- The freediving breathing cycle
- Basic physiology of breath-holding
- Equalisation: how and why
- Freediving techniques and body position
- Safety in freediving: the buddy system
- Equipment: what you need and why
- Freediving disciplines explained
To earn your certification
- Static apnea: 2 minutes breath-hold
- Dynamic apnea: 40 metres horizontal swim underwater
- Constant weight: 12 metres depth
- Theory exam: 75% passing score
- Minimum 5 water sessions (2 pool + 3 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 Beginner Freediving Course?
You receive either an AIDA 2 or SSI Level 1 certification, both internationally recognised. You choose which agency you prefer when you book.
Do I need freediving experience for the Beginner Course?
No experience is required. You need to be able to swim at least 200 metres non-stop without fins, or 300 metres with mask, fins and snorkel. Minimum age is 18.
How long does the Beginner Freediving Course take?
The course takes 2.5 days and includes 5 water sessions: 2 in the pool and 3 in open water at the Lighthouse reef in Dahab.
What is included in the price of 310 euro?
Pool sessions at The Gate Freediving, open water sessions at the Lighthouse, all equipment, theory sessions, certification fee, and digital course materials. No hidden costs.
How deep will I dive on the Beginner Freediving Course?
The certification requires a minimum depth of 12 metres. The course is rated to 20 metres. Open water sessions take place at the Lighthouse reef.
What comes next
After the Beginner Course you can dive independently with a buddy to 20 metres. Most students come back for the Advanced Course within a year, or keep their skills sharp with regular training sessions.
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.