Freediving Courses & Training

Flamingo Bay, Costa Rica

Two free divers underwater next to a freediving buoy, preparing to breathe up for a dive, with ocean water and bubbles around.
Freediving, Molchanovs, Costa Rica, Guanacaste, Flamingo Bay, Tamarindo, Potrero

Discover Freediving

This two-part workshop will teach you the fundamentals of proper breathing and swimming techniques to safely enable you to experience calm and relaxation while diving past 5m depth.

This course includes:

  • 1-hr theory/pool training

  • 2-hr open water diving session

  • All required gear

This course is for anyone interested in learning to freedive, no prior experience is required.

1 day |  $150

Register Now
Silhouettes of three freedivers holding onto a buoy underwater, viewed from below with sunlight filtering through the water. Altum freediving, Molchanovs Freediving Courses, Freediving Costa Rica, Altum Spearfishing, Freediving Wave 1, Discover Free

Molchanovs Wave I

The Molchanovs Lap / Wave 1 Beginner Freediver course will take you through a fun and relaxed experience with a strong focus on making you a safe freediver.

This course includes:

  • 2-hr freediving theory

  • 1-hr equalization training

  • 2 1-hr pool sessions

  • 3 2-hr open water diving sessions

  • All required gear

This course is for anyone interested in learning to freedive, no prior experience is required.

4 days |  $500  

  • Dive into the depths of possibility with Molchanovs Wave I Freediving Course! Embark on an exhilarating journey where every breath unlocks new horizons. Picture yourself in crystal-clear waters, surrounded by the serene beauty of the ocean, as you delve into the art of freediving.

    Our course isn't just about mastering techniques; it's about finding the extraordinary within yourself. Led by seasoned instructors, you'll be guided through the transformative experience of discovering your edge and learning how to gently push that edge to unleash your full potential.

    Feel the rush of adrenaline as you challenge yourself to dive deeper, hold your breath longer, and explore the mysteries beneath the waves. But this journey isn't just about depth; it's about mindfulness, self-discovery, and pushing beyond your comfort zone.

    Whether you're a beginner or an experienced freediver, our Wave I course offers something for everyone. Learn essential safety protocols, perfect your technique, and gain the confidence to explore the underwater world with ease.

    Join us and become part of a community passionate about the ocean, adventure, and personal growth. Embrace the unknown, break free from limitations, and experience the magic of freediving. Are you ready to dive deeper than ever before? Sign up now and let the waves of transformation carry you to new heights!

  • Pool requirements:

    1) 1 min 30 sec static breath hold

    2) DYNB 30M

    Open Water requirements:

    1) CWTB & FIM 12-20M

    2) CWTB Buddying 6-10M

    3) Rescue from 6-10M

Register Now
Freediver securing a safety lanyard at a buoy during a Molchanovs Wave 2 course in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Molchanovs Wave II

As a Molchanovs Wave 2 Advanced Freediver you will extend your limits further in all disciplines (up to a depth of -30m), becoming more proficient in no-fin techniques. You will continue your breathing education and improve the Frenzel equalization maneuver with specialized drills, tips, and guidance while continuing your exploration of depth and distance dives.

This course includes:

  • 2 hr freediving theory

  • 2 1-hr equalization workshops

  • 2 1-hr pool sessions

  • 5 2-hr open water diving sessions

  • All required gear

Requirements: Must be Molchanovs Wave I certified

5 days |  $600  

  • Molchanovs Wave II course is an advanced freediving program designed to enhance freedivers' skills and knowledge beyond the basics. It builds upon the fundamentals learned in Wave I, focusing on deeper dives, longer breath holds, and more refined techniques. The course covers advanced equalization methods, such as Frenzel and Mouthfill, essential for diving to greater depths with safety and efficiency.

    Participants delve into the physiology of breath-holding and deep diving, understanding how the body adapts and reacts underwater. Through theory sessions and practical exercises, students learn about advanced safety procedures, including rescue techniques and emergency management, crucial for diving at deeper depths.

    The course emphasizes mental training and relaxation techniques to manage the physiological and psychological challenges of deep diving, fostering a calm and focused mindset essential for success. Students also explore specialized equipment and gear used in advanced freediving, gaining insights into their functions and maintenance.

    Practical sessions include static apnea and dynamic apnea training, honing breath-holding abilities and improving overall endurance. Open water sessions provide opportunities for depth training, where students practice controlled descents and ascents while applying learned techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors.

    Upon completion, participants gain a deeper understanding of freediving principles, improved technical skills, and increased confidence for diving at advanced levels. Molchanovs Wave II equips freedivers with the knowledge and expertise needed to explore deeper waters safely and with precision.

  • Pool requirements:

    1) 2 min 30 sec static breath hold

    2) DYNB 50M

    3) DNF 35M

    Open Water requirements:

    1) CWTB & FIM 24-30M

    2) CNF 15M

    3) CWTB Buddying 10-15M

    4) Rescue from 15M

Register Now
Two free divers underwater, one wearing a black wetsuit with a snorkel mask, and the other wearing a light-colored wetsuit with a head covering and snorkel, engaged in a rescue drill as part of safety diver training.
Freediving, Molchanovs,Costa Rica

Molchanovs Wave III

As a Molchanovs Wave 3 Master Freediver you are already halfway on your journey to becoming an aquatic mammal. You will be able to comfortably dive up to 40 meters deep, demonstrate proper technique in all pool and depth disciplines, and you will develop an understanding of advanced physiological and mental implications.

This course includes:

  • 2-hr freediving theory

  • 2 1-hr equalization workshops

  • 2 1-hr pool sessions

  • 7 2-hr open water diving sessions

  • All required gear

Requirements: Must be Molchanovs Wave II certified

7 days |  $700  

  • Molchanovs Wave III course represents the pinnacle of freediving education, offering a comprehensive program for experienced freedivers seeking mastery in the sport. Building upon the skills acquired in Wave II, this course delves deeper into advanced techniques, physiology, and safety protocols.

    Students delve into the intricacies of advanced equalization methods, such as the Mouthfill and Reverse Packing, crucial for diving to extreme depths with efficiency and safety. The curriculum explores in-depth the physiology of deep diving, including the body's adaptations and responses to increased pressure, preparing participants for the unique challenges of diving beyond conventional limits.

    Safety remains paramount, with an emphasis on advanced rescue techniques, emergency management, and risk mitigation strategies tailored to extreme diving scenarios. Theory sessions cover topics like blackout prevention, gas narcosis, and decompression sickness, equipping divers with the knowledge to navigate hazardous situations effectively.

    Practical sessions focus on refining breath-holding techniques, increasing endurance, and mastering controlled descents and ascents in challenging conditions. Open water sessions provide opportunities for depth training under the guidance of experienced instructors, allowing students to push their limits while maintaining safety protocols.

    Throughout the course, mental training and psychological preparation play a pivotal role, helping divers cultivate focus, relaxation, and confidence in high-pressure environments. By the end of Wave III, participants emerge as elite freedivers, equipped with advanced skills, deep understanding, and unwavering confidence to explore the depths with precision and safety.

  • Pool requirements:

    1) 3 min 30 sec static breath hold

    2) DYNB 75M

    3) DNF 50M

    Open Water requirements:

    1) CWTB & FIM 34-40M

    2) CNF 25M

    3) CWTB Buddying 20M

    4) Rescue from 20M

    5) Surface tow 20M

    6) Retrieval of an incapacitated freediver from 30M

Register Now

Open Freediving Training: Depth & Pool

Sharpen your skills with expert-led training sessions designed for certified divers and spearfishers who have completed a training course with us. Whether you're preparing for a competition, a certification, or bettering your underwater photography, our instructors provide personalized feedback in a high-safety group environment.

Depth Training: 4 hrs | $100 per person

Pool Session: 90 min | $20 per person

Elevate your technique, breath-hold, and relaxation. Book your spot today!

Register Now

1:1 Personalized Freediving Coaching

Elevate Your Connection to the Deep

Whether you are looking to break through a depth plateau, master your mouthfill, or simply prefer a private, tailored environment, our 1:1 coaching sessions provide the ultimate fast-track for your freediving journey. Led by Lead Instructor Frank Gutierrez, these sessions are customized entirely to your current skill level and personal goals.

What’s Included:

  • Customized 3-Month Training Plan: Call today to schedule a goal-setting consultation to target your specific needs, such as improving CO2 tolerance, calming your anxiety, or deep diving mental prep.

  • Elite Instruction: Benefit from Frank’s expertise in building a safe and relaxing container for growth, allowing you to push past perceived limits in a secure, controlled environment.

  • 2x Depth Sessions/Month: Open water dive sessions in Playa Flamingo focused on depth, equalization, and comfort in the ocean

  • 4x Pool Sessions/Month: Weekly pool sessions at La Paz dedicated to CO2 tolerance, technique refinement, and dynamic training

  • Technical Video Analysis: (Optional) Receive real-time feedback and video review of your form and streamlining to optimize your efficiency in the water.

  • Premium Gear Provided: Full access to professional gear, including mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit, dive buoy, and safety lanyards, is included.

Perfect For:

  • Beginners who want a low-pressure environment to focus on relaxation and basic skills

  • Advanced Divers looking to refine technical equalization or mental visualization techniques

  • Busy Professionals who require a flexible schedule that fits their work schedule

Booking Details

  • Location: Theory and pool sessions at Casa Altum and La Paz at Mar Vista; open water sessions from the Sick Love in Playa Flamingo

  • Prerequisites: All levels welcome

  • Investment: $250/month, 3 month minimum commitment

Register Now

Meet the Instructor

Frank Gutierrez, Molchanovs Freediving Instructor

For Frank, the ocean is the ultimate teacher of surrender. Originally from Venezuela, Frank moved to the Guanacaste coast in 2018 and has spent every year since mastering the unique currents and conditions of Flamingo Bay. As an avid spearo and elite freediving, windsurfing, and sailing coach, he brings a dynamic blend of athletic precision and a deep love for the sea to every session.

Frank believes that true depth is not achieved by fighting the water, but by relaxing into it. Moving beyond standard technical coaching, he focuses heavily on the "mental game"—teaching unique breathing and visualization techniques that help students move past mental blocks to reach new personal bests.

Specializing in the "safety container," Frank ensures that every diver feels secure enough to push past their perceived limits. Whether you are a beginner taking your first breath-hold or an advanced diver refining your Frenzel or mouthfill technique, Frank’s calm and patient approach creates the perfect environment for growth. He invites you to view the ocean as a mirror, guiding you through an adventure that is as much about exploring your internal landscape as it is about exploring the blue.

 Freediving FAQs

  • Freediving can be an incredibly immersive and transformative experience. Picture yourself descending into the depths of the ocean with only a single breath, feeling the pressure of the water increasing around you as you sink further down. At first, there's a rush of excitement and anticipation, but as you relax into the rhythm of your breath and movements, a sense of calmness envelops you.

    As you dive deeper, the sounds of the surface fade away, replaced by the gentle hum of the underwater world. The sensation of weightlessness is profound, as if you're floating in space, disconnected from the constraints of gravity. Every movement feels deliberate and controlled, your body adapting to the underwater environment with each stroke and kick.

    Time seems to slow down, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of your surroundings—the vibrant colors of the coral, the graceful dance of marine life, and the play of light filtering through the water above you. There's a sense of peace and tranquility that washes over you, a feeling of being one with the ocean and its inhabitants.

    But there's also an underlying awareness of your body's limitations and the need to respect the ocean's power. With each passing moment, the urge to return to the surface grows stronger, a reminder of the delicate balance between exploration and safety.

    Overall, freediving is an exhilarating and deeply meditative experience that allows you to connect with the natural world in a way that few other activities can replicate. It's a journey of self-discovery and exploration, both inward and outward, that leaves you feeling humbled and inspired by the wonders of the underwater realm.

  • Freediving is a sport that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, but it's important to approach it with caution and respect for the underwater environment. Here are some types of individuals who might find freediving appealing:

    1. Water Enthusiasts: If you love spending time in the water and have a passion for exploring the underwater world, freediving could be a natural extension of your interests.

    2. Swimmers: People who are comfortable in the water and have a good level of swimming proficiency may find freediving to be an exciting challenge.

    3. Adventure Seekers: If you're someone who enjoys pushing your limits and trying new experiences, freediving offers a unique opportunity to explore the depths of the ocean on a single breath.

    4. Yoga Practitioners: Freediving requires a combination of physical and mental discipline, similar to the focus and mindfulness practiced in yoga. Some yogis find freediving to be a complementary activity that enhances their connection to the natural world.

    5. Nature Lovers: If you're drawn to the beauty and serenity of the ocean, freediving allows you to immerse yourself in its wonders and observe marine life in its natural habitat.

    6. Fitness Enthusiasts: Freediving can provide a full-body workout, requiring strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Many people find it to be a rewarding way to stay in shape while enjoying the benefits of being in the water.

    However, it's important to note that freediving is not without risks, especially for those who are inexperienced or unprepared. Proper training, safety protocols, and knowledge of underwater physiology are essential for anyone interested in trying freediving. If you are curious and want to learn more about how to freedive safely and explore the underwater world on a single breath, book a freediving course with us today!

  • Freediving involves diving underwater without the use of breathing apparatus, relying solely on holding one's breath. There are several risks and hazards one must be aware of in order to safely practice freediving or spearfishing. Proper training, knowledge of safety protocols, understanding one's limits, and diving with a buddy are crucial for reducing these risks. Additionally, environmental factors such as currents, marine life, and visibility can also affect safety. With proper preparation and adherence to safety guidelines, freediving can be enjoyed safely as a rewarding and exhilarating experience.

  • No prior freediving experience is required! However, you should be a confident swimmer and comfortable in the water. Our Wave 1 course covers all the foundations, from physiology and relaxation to proper breathing and safety techniques.

  • Certification courses (like Wave 1 or 2) follow a specific curriculum to teach you new skills and safety protocols. Open Training is for already-certified divers who want to hone their technique, improve breath-hold time, or train for competitions under professional supervision.

  • Yes. For all our courses and training sessions, we provide all required specialized gear, including masks, snorkels, fins, weights, and safety lanyards.

  • Equalization challenges are very common for beginners. Our instructors specialize in teaching both Frenzel technique and mouthfill and will work with you at your own pace in the pool and open water to ensure you can dive comfortably and safely.

  • Theory and static pool sessions typically take place at Casa Altum, dynamic pool sessions are typically held at La Paz at Mar Vista (5 min drive from Casa Altum), and our open water sessions are held on our boat, the Sick Love (3 min drive from Casa Altum), in the beautiful waters of Playa Flamingo and the surrounding Guanacaste coast.

Female free diver with red hair, wearing a white mask and belt and a black wetsuit, lets the line slide through her hand as she rises to the surface underwater in the blue ocean. Freediving, Molchanovs, Costa Rica, Guanacaste, Flamingo Bay, Tamarindo
Taking my freediving level I & II courses with Frank has been an incredible experience. He is a knowledgeable, thorough, and safety-oriented instructor. His guidance has allowed me to go deeper in the ocean and into my own mind than I realized was possible.
— Arlen, Molchanovs Wave II Certified Freediver

Book Your Altum Adventure Today

BOOK NOW