Dahab, Egypt · Pool & Open Water

Beginner Freediving Course in Dahab

Name: Beginner Freediving Course
Price: 310 EUR
Availability: InStock

Your first full freediving certification. Learn breath control, equalisation and safety from scratch over 2.5 days in the best conditions on earth.

AIDA & SSI

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2.5 days

Duration

20m

Max depth

Water sessions

€310

Price

The 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.

New to the area? Read our guide to freediving in Dahab.

What the course looks like

Day 1 · Theory and pool

Learning the fundamentals

Morning theory (about 2.5 hours): physiology, equalisation, the buddy system, and the breathing cycle. Then two pool sessions at The Gate. First session covers relaxation, static apnea, duck dive technique and basic finning. Second session moves into dynamic apnea and free immersion.

Day 2 · Open water at the Lighthouse

Into the blue

Two sessions at the Lighthouse reef, a 5-minute walk 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.

Day 3 (half day) · Certification dives

Earning your card

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?

Good fit if 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

Maybe not yet if you

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 one-day 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, 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.

Advanced Course: 30m, 3 days Training sessions in Dahab AIDA vs SSI: full comparison

Pricing

Beginner Course

€310

Full AIDA 2 or SSI Level 1 certification. Your choice of agency.

Pool sessions at The Gate
Open water sessions at the Lighthouse
All equipment
Theory sessions
Certification fee
Digital course materials

Book this course Ask on WhatsApp

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Available as AIDA or SSI certification

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Small groups, max 2 per instructor

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Buddy system always in place

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Best pool in Dahab included

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Instructors speak NL, EN, ES, AR

Get in touch

Book this course

Fill in the form and we will get back to you within 24 hours. Prefer a faster reply? message us on WhatsApp.

No prepayment needed. Tell us your dates and we hold your spot.

Emilio and Liam We run The Gate ourselves, and you dive with us or one of our hand-picked instructors. Small groups, max 2 per instructor, always a real reply.