While there’s a ton of information available for scuba diving enthusiasts highlighting top dive sites around the globe, resources for freedivers seem scarce. It is hard to find destinations for freedivers, as not all sites that cater to scuba divers are suitable for freediving—some can be inaccessible or challenging due to surface or underwater conditions. Nonetheless, the allure of the underwater realm—from enchanting coral reefs to enigmatic shipwrecks—is just as captivating for freedivers. Whether you are an experienced freediver or at the beginning of your aquatic adventures, this guide aims to introduce you to some mesmerizing, bucket list destinations for freedivers.
Lets Take a Look at these Best Destinations for Freedivers
1. The Blue Hole, Dahab, Egypt
Dahab is a true mecca for freediving, and is the place where one of the first true freediving centers started out and still operates today, training from beginners up to instructor level. One of the most famous dive sites in this area, which is a fantastic site for freedivers is the Dahab Blue Hole, a world-renowned sinkhole stretching over 90m / 300 feet deep. This place is known for its abundant marine life, great visibility, unique geological formations, locals consider it a magical place. This site is onbe of the great destinations for freedivers and offers an unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
The main highlights of diving in the Blue Hole are enjoying and exploring the underwater arches and tunnels, seeing the stalactites and stalagmites, and encountering an array of colorful marine life, including reef sharks, turtles, corals, and the typical fish of the Red Sea.
Discover more about Egypt and diving in the Red Sea
2. Dean’s Blue Hole, Long Island, Bahamas
As a freediver, you must visit and discover the beauty of Dean’s Blue Hole, the deepest known blue hole in the world. With its sapphire-blue waters and dramatic underwater cliffs, this destination attracts freedivers from across the globe.
Highlights:
Highlights of this dive site include descending into the abyss, in a location where many freediving competitions have been held and many world records been set. The record for the deepest freedive here was set at 122m/400 feet in July 2023.
Deans Blue Hole is a thriving marine ecosystem with the chance to spot snapper, jacks, tarpon or even rays, turtles, and, if you have a good eye, maybe even a tiny seahorse. Dahab is a great location to dive with friends or head there alone and you are sure to meet some other solo travelling freedivers that you can buddy up with.
3. Amed, Bali, Indonesia
Bali is another mecca for freedivers and one of the most popular destinations for freedivers. Here you will find many freediving centers to choose from. Amed is a beautiful coastal town along the eastern shores of Bali and offers the perfect location to immerse yourself into a different culture, taste local cuisine and spend your days relaxing and diving. In most areas of Amed you can dive straight from the shore. Just make sure that someone on land knows where you are going and that you never dive alone. Amed is a paradise for freedivers of all levels with wall dive sites covered in vibrant corals and diverse marine life.
Highlights:
The main highlights of this area include freediving in a real-life aquarium (without the glass walls), exploring the famous USS Liberty Shipwreck and diving along the magnificent coral walls.
Eco Tip: When freediving close to the reef, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and what your fins are doing to ensure you do not accidentally damage the marine life.
4. Kona Coast, Hawaii, USA
Embark on an aquatic adventure along the Kona Coast, home to some of Hawaii’s most spectacular dive sites and a fantastic destination for freedivers. From lava tubes to underwater lava formations, this destination promises an unforgettable freediving experience. The Kona (west) coast of Hawaii is the safest and most enjoyable for freedivers as it is more protected than the coasts on the north, south or east side which can have more waves and currents.
Highlights:
The Kona coast in Hawaii offers interesting underwater topography, which creates a great shelter for schools of tropical fish, turtles, and if you are lucky some larger pelagics. There is a location on the island where you can freedive with manta rays at night and you may be lucky enough to encounter dolphins while in the water.
5. Tofo Beach, Mozambique
Tofo Beach in Mozambique is a hidden gem of turquoise waters and golden sandy beaches, located on the southeastern coast of Mozambique. It is known among divers for its pristine reefs and encounters with gentle giants like whale sharks, this destination offers a magical freediving experience.
Highlights:
Tofo is renowned for its “big encounters”, pelagic encounters such as humpback whales, manta rays, whale sharks, sharks, and rays and is a great destination for freedivers. These encounters and the vibrant reefs are what attract diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The best season for diving here is between May and October.
As we conclude our journey through the best destinations for freedivers, we hope you’ve been inspired to explore these incredible underwater worlds. Whether you’re drawn to the depths of the Blue Hole in Egypt, the crystal-clear waters of Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas, or the vibrant reefs of Amed in Bali, there’s a freediving adventure waiting for you around every corner. So grab your mask and fins, Renew your DiveAssure plan, and dive into the adventure of a lifetime!