Are you a freediver looking to push your skills to the limit? Do you want to dive into as many places around the world as possible? If yes, you’ve come to the right place. We understand the drive that adventure lovers have to experience the most thrilling limits of their chosen sport. That’s’ why we’ve made a list of the top free diving places worldwide that free divers will enjoy. So here are the top spots for freediving!
For those readers who don’t know what freediving is – it is a type of deep-sea diving that is done without any diving/breathing apparatus. Instead, freedivers train to hold their breath for long periods and handle high water pressure as they dive deep into the water. If you want to try, some places have beginner-compatible free diving spots. You’ll also find trainers who can train you in free diving here and certify you for the sport.
So, grab your swimsuit, plan your trip, and head down to these gorgeous waters.
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1. Roatan, Honduras
Roatan has to be too free diving what London is to Tennis. Just like London hosts the prestigious Wimbledon, Roatan is the site for one of the significant free diving championships in the world – the Caribbean Cup Freediving Competition.
The calm weather, the crystal-clear visibility for up to 110 feet (sometimes more significant), and the magnificent 750-foot drop-off just a few hundred yards away from the shore. In addition, Roatan’s waters are home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs and awe-inspiring shipwrecks. You’ll also be able to spot whale sharks here – those gentle giants who’re’ pretty shy and who you won’t typically be able to catch a glimpse of this quickly elsewhere.
2. Kona, Hawaii Island
Want to dive thousands of feet under the shore? Would you like to explore pristine reefs home to some of the strangest marine life on the planet? Do you want to swim in a sea home to stellar volcanic landscapes and clear glass waters? Then, the lava tubes and underwater caves are excellent places for freedivers to explore.
Kona is also a wonderful place to see nesting animals swim up to the shore. Plenty of animals keep you company here, from Galapagos sharks to sea turtles to nudibranchs to manta rays.
3. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
In Indonesia, the Gili Islands are a cluster of three islands: Trawangan, Air, and Meno. Trawangan is the best freediving spot for beginners and experts alike.
This freediving spot is a favorite for lovers of aquatic life. You’ll find various creatures, including reef sharks, barracuda, tuna, trevally, eagle rays, and many fishes, such as pufferfish, butterflyfish, snappers, damselfish, and more, swimming around the reefs here.
You’ll need to take a boat a little distance from Trawangan and come across a beautiful 650-foot drop-off where you can free dive.
4. New Providence, Bahamas
The capital of the Bahamas, Nassau, on New Providence Island, provides one of the world’s most pristine and engaging free diving sites. These waters are home to many wrecks, some in the James Bond movies. It is also home to the Great Bahama Bank, with many crevasses, caves, and hidden spots rich in marine life.
Many freedivers love going down to the Razorback Wall, which drops into the blue abyss. Here, you’ll get to swim in waters that sharks frequent. But don’t worry; it is safe, and there are plenty of instructors around who’ll’ keep you safe.
5. Riviera Maya, Mexico
If you’re keen on exploring the waters around the Americas, then Mexico’s Riviera Maya is another free diving spot you shouldn’t ignore. Experienced freedivers better explore this since technical knowledge is needed to manage the cenotes here.
Three different reef systems are here, starting between 100 and 135 feet and then going deep. While you won’t be able to explore the entire depth of the drop-off, the difficulty level here is bound to get experienced free divers, an experience they will never forget.
Another reason the Riviera Maya is a great freediving spot is that it is one of the few places in the world where you can do nighttime diving.
6. Sri Lanka
The final destination on our list isn’t a single beach but many. The entire country of Sri Lanka boasts excellent spots for freediving in the majestic Indian Ocean. Swami Rock is one site where underwater temples were destroyed in the 17th Century. Colombo’s’ underwater Gorgonian Gardens are a must-see. But, again, this one is for certified deep divers and not for everyone.
Navy Island is home to spectacular marine animals, and Bull Dog Reef defies human expectations regarding the sheer beauty of the coral reefs. Cargo Wreck takes you down to explore the Pecheur Breton wreckage for history buffs. This spot is open only for certified deep-sea divers. And then there’s the Great Basses Reef – where the Indian Ocean’s warm waters meet the cold Southeast Asian sea and chilling Antarctic sprays. This creates such a unique diving experience that everyone must explore.
Conclusion
So, there you go. The six best spots every free diver must explore. We strongly recommend getting trained and certified in free diving before exploring these spots. That way, you’ll have a safe and enjoyable experience that you’ll love reminiscing about as years pass.
Travel planning is a bit hectic, but with some help, it can be a walk in the park. A top trip planner like Travel-Wise can help you with all your travel needs and make your vacation memorable.
If you are learning to dive free, check out our other article on pro tips to get started free diving.