Melbourne Freediving Courses Compared: An Independent Guide (2025)
A consumer-focused comparison of freediving training providers in Melbourne — what to look for, what to ask, and how to choose the right course for your goals.
Choosing where to learn freediving is one of the most important decisions you'll make in the sport. The right training sets you up with safe habits, proper technique, and the knowledge to progress independently. The wrong training can leave gaps that take years to correct — or worse, create safety risks you don't even know exist.
This guide provides an independent overview of freediving course options in Melbourne. We're not affiliated with any provider, don't receive referral commissions, and our only interest is helping you make an informed decision.
Melbourne Freediving Training Providers
Salt Sessions Freediving
Claims to be Melbourne's largest freedive training centre
Offers PADI and Molchanovs certifications
Courses run monthly from the Mornington Peninsula
Also offers Kilsby Sinkhole retreats
Freediving Family / Freediving Australia
Part of a national network (Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth)
Claims to be Australia's largest freediving school
Founded by Adam Stern (8x Australian Champion)
Offers Molchanovs certifications
Maximum 8 students per course, 4:1 student-instructor ratio
Offers unlimited free return sessions if you don't pass requirements
Drifters Freediving
We do not recommend Drifters Freediving. Based on community feedback and documented experiences, we have concerns about training quality and professional conduct. Read our detailed Drifters Freediving review for one student's personal account.
For transparency, here is what Drifters Freediving offers:
AIDA certifications: Levels 1, 2, and 3
AIDA 2 Fundamentals: $660, 3 days (Thursday evening + weekend), pool at MSAC, open water at Port Phillip Bay or Lake Purrumbete
AIDA 3 Advanced: $990+, minimum 4 days, includes Kilsby Sinkhole or Lake Purrumbete sessions
Locations: MSAC Albert Park (pool), Port Phillip Bay, Lake Purrumbete (Camperdown), Kilsby Sinkhole retreats
Additional offerings: Beginner spearfishing course, depth coaching, international retreats (Bali, Solomon Islands)
Despite their course offerings, our recommendation is to consider alternative providers listed in this guide.
Scubabo Dive
Based in Queenscliff with accommodation available
Offers freediving courses alongside scuba training
Can combine with seal snorkelling experiences
Melbourne Freedivers Club
Community-based, volunteer-run club
Not a commercial training provider — primarily for post-certification practice
Weekly pool training sessions
Equipment loans for members
Organised trips to Kilsby Sinkhole, Lake Purrumbete
Understanding Certification Systems
PADI Freediver
PADI is the world's largest scuba certification agency, expanded into freediving. Wide international recognition, but freediving is a smaller part of their business.
Molchanovs
Founded by Natalia Molchanova (the most decorated competitive freediver in history). Designed specifically for freediving from the ground up. Very strong emphasis on technique.
AIDA
The international governing body for competitive freediving. Strong international recognition, especially for competition. Often more affordable courses.
Which system is best? The certification system matters less than the quality of instruction. A great instructor teaching any system will give you better training than a mediocre instructor teaching the "best" system.
What Quality Training Looks Like
Pre-Course Information
Good providers will be clear about dates, times, locations, and what's included before you pay.
Red flag: Vague scheduling, hidden fees, or pressure to book without complete information.
Theory Component
Quality courses include substantial theory covering physiology, equalisation techniques, safety protocols, and risk awareness.
Red flag: Theory rushed through or presented as boring "stuff to get through."
Pool Sessions
Before open water, you should practice static breath holds, dynamic swimming, and rescue procedures.
Red flag: Being taken to depth before demonstrating competence in controlled conditions.
Open Water Training
Quality depth training includes appropriate student-to-instructor ratios (4:1 or better), safety divers in the water, and progressive depth increases.
Red flag: Large groups sharing a single line, pressure to reach specific depths regardless of comfort.
Questions to Ask Before Booking
About the Course
What exactly is included in the course fee?
What's the maximum number of students?
What's the student-to-instructor ratio during depth training?
What happens if conditions aren't suitable on scheduled dates?
What's your policy if I don't meet certification requirements?
About the Instructors
How many courses has the lead instructor taught?
What's their own freediving experience and certification level?
Will the same instructor be present for all components?
About Safety
What's your protocol for a student who loses consciousness underwater?
How many safety divers will be in the water during depth training?
What emergency equipment is present during open water sessions?
Red Flags in Training
Before the Course
High-pressure sales tactics — Quality courses fill naturally
Vague answers about specifics — Disorganisation warning
Extremely low prices — Good training costs money; dramatically cheaper courses often cut corners
During the Course
Safety mentioned but not practiced — Rescue skills should be drilled until automatic
Instructor distraction — Your instructor should be watching you, not checking their phone
Pressure to perform — You should never feel pushed beyond comfort
Inadequate ratios — One instructor managing more than 4 students during depth training is inadequate
Students acting as primary safety — Other students can be backup, but shouldn't be your only safety
After the Course
Certification without competence — Being certified despite not meeting requirements is dangerous
No guidance on progression — A course that ends without direction is incomplete
Understanding Course Costs
Melbourne courses typically range from ~$350 for a one-day introduction to $700+ for full foundation courses including open water certification.
When comparing prices, ensure you're comparing like with like:
Is equipment hire included?
Is certification fee included?
How many days/hours of instruction?
How many open water dives?
A $600 course that includes everything may be better value than a $400 course plus $80 equipment hire plus $50 certification fee plus $100 boat fee.
Making Your Decision
Step 1: Clarify Your Goals
General exploration? Spearfishing? Competition? Marine photography? Different goals may suit different providers.
Step 2: Contact Multiple Providers
Don't book the first one you find. Contact at least two or three providers and ask the questions listed above.
Step 3: Verify Claims
Check social media for recent student posts. Look for reviews. Ask in freediving community groups.
Step 4: Trust Your Gut
If something feels off — pushy communication, dismissive answers, unclear information — listen to that instinct. You're trusting this person with your safety underwater.
After Certification
Certification is a beginning, not an end. Options for continued practice in Melbourne:
Melbourne Freedivers Club — Weekly pool sessions, community, organised trips
Provider pool sessions — Freediving Family runs weekly sessions at MSAC
Independent practice — Pier diving with a buddy
Beyond comparing providers, make sure you know how to evaluate the specific instructor you'll be training with. Our guide on how to evaluate a freediving instructor before you book covers credential verification, red flags to watch for, and essential questions to ask.
Your certification depth is the maximum you demonstrated in controlled conditions. In independent diving, stay well within your limits while you build experience.