Dumagat Freedive
Dumagat Freedive
5
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view

About
A locally operated professional freediving center in the Philippines, the center offers courses from beginner to instructor levels. Formerly situated on the island of Romblon, it has since moved to Dauin in Negros Oriental. With access to depth within swimming distance, we can spend more time freediving instead of spending a great deal of time boating or traveling from the shop to the dive site. Dumagat Freedive delivers personalized courses using SSI's world-class training methods, materials, and standards. The name Dumagat refers to a tribe of semi-nomadic people living in the coastal areas of Luzon, Philippines. The closest English translation of the name would be sea-dwellers or sea gypsies. The name rings nice and goes with our desire to always be by the sea. Learn and experience freediving in Dauin with the country’s most experienced and longest-tenured professional freediving instructor. Come and see us for your next freediving adventure!
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5.0
43 reviews
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Ella S
Unawatuna, Sri Lanka8 contributions
Feb 2021
I recently did my level 1 freediving course with Emil and I couldn't recommend Dumagat Freedive enough. Emil is enthusiastic and knowledgable taking the time to ensure you get the most out of your course and giving you the tools to take your freediving further. I feel as though he went above and beyond what I expected during the course and I always felt very safe and comfortable. Roll on level 2!
Written February 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
laura_p
Dumaguete City, Philippines11 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
I never planned on becoming a freediving instructor, but after a few training sessions with Emil I was hooked.. Emil is passionate about the ocean and understands how we can connect to it and dive into ourselves when we freedive. Deep meditation.
He is knowledgable and professional, and at the same time personal and patient. He is able to find the balance between pushing you to challenge yourself but not feeding the ego. I always felt safe, and trusted I was in good hands - which played a major role in gaining depth and attempting new personal bests.
I completed my master program through to Level 2 instructor with Emil and could not have asked for a better experience - I will always be grateful to Guruji 😆🙏💗
He is knowledgable and professional, and at the same time personal and patient. He is able to find the balance between pushing you to challenge yourself but not feeding the ego. I always felt safe, and trusted I was in good hands - which played a major role in gaining depth and attempting new personal bests.
I completed my master program through to Level 2 instructor with Emil and could not have asked for a better experience - I will always be grateful to Guruji 😆🙏💗
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sita
1 contribution
Sep 2019
I found out about this freediving school six years ago. I visited the small island (Romblon) they used to be located on and heard great things about it. Four years later I finally got around to returning to the Philippines and thought I do a the SSI Level 1, just to try the sport out. I had the most amazing time, went down to 20 meters on the second day and down to 25 meters on the third day. I now train regularly but Emil has thought me about as much in three days as I have learned in a year of pool training. He is not only a highly skilled free diver and amazing teacher but also, like a lot of Filipinos, an EPIC host. He tailors his teachings to his students skill level, personalities, abilities, and even weaknesses. One of the kindest people you'll meet, who loves what he does and loves passing on his skills.
I have not been to the location of the new school but I am sure he has picked a stunning spot :D
I can strongly recommend this school if you are after an off-the-grid experience! I can't wait to return soon and check out his new set up :)
Thanks Emil
I have not been to the location of the new school but I am sure he has picked a stunning spot :D
I can strongly recommend this school if you are after an off-the-grid experience! I can't wait to return soon and check out his new set up :)
Thanks Emil
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janska
Tübingen, Germany1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Friends
It was my second time coming to Dauin to freedive with Emil. To me it’s very important to learn from someone who is very responsible when it comes to safety. With Emil you can clearly see that he has years of experience. He finds the perfect balance between teaching, encouraging and fun with diving. He adapts very well to the individual abilities of his students, whether beginner or experienced. You can clearly see his deep-seated passion for freediving. He focuses on technique and safety combined with fun diving. I have learned a lot from him in quite a short time and have grown beyond myself thanks to his help. He always meets you at eye level and is very happy to share his knowledge.
I genuinely enjoyed diving with Emil a lot, if you’re thinking about trying freediving or getting better at it - Emil is definitely the right Person to come to and Dauin is a great place to stay in!!!
I genuinely enjoyed diving with Emil a lot, if you’re thinking about trying freediving or getting better at it - Emil is definitely the right Person to come to and Dauin is a great place to stay in!!!
Written March 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dants and An
1 contribution
Jan 2023
This was our first freediving experience!
We absolutely loved it, Emil was very patient, went over the theory thoroughly and even brought along a camera to film our adventure, an unforgettable experience.
The water was incredibly calm despite the rain and we saw a variety of different sea life at different depths.
Not once did I feel insecure or anxious despite my swimming skills.
We absolutely loved it, Emil was very patient, went over the theory thoroughly and even brought along a camera to film our adventure, an unforgettable experience.
The water was incredibly calm despite the rain and we saw a variety of different sea life at different depths.
Not once did I feel insecure or anxious despite my swimming skills.
Written January 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reana
2 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
I chose Dumagat Freedive for a discover Freediving. I wanted to find out if I could enjoy freediving. My instructor made sure I felt comfortable and safe at all times. I was suprised by the quick progress I made with his step by step guidance.
Soon after that I also did also my level 1 course there. It was an amazing experience!
For sports as diving it is very important to choose well who you trust and from whom you learn.
I can recomend Dumagat Freedive 100% !!!
Soon after that I also did also my level 1 course there. It was an amazing experience!
For sports as diving it is very important to choose well who you trust and from whom you learn.
I can recomend Dumagat Freedive 100% !!!
Written April 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike G
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Solo
Emil is an incredible instructor, badass in the water, and a great guy. My experience at Dumagat Freedive increased my knowledge, technique, and appreciation for freediving and life in general. Emil is a consummate professional, while remaining friendly, patient, and endlessly helpful. After taking level 1 and 2, I wanted to stay longer and soak up as much knowledge and instruction as I could.
I give Emil and Dumagat Freedive my highest recommendation!
I give Emil and Dumagat Freedive my highest recommendation!
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TJ V
3 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Was great experience earning Level 1 Cert.
Its exciting improve after each dive and training session, going deeper and staying down longer.
Instructor Laura easily identified my weak areas and allowed me to sharpen my skills. Helped me with the relaxation, focus, and confidence. And was fully involved every step of the way.
Anahaw is the perfect spot for vegetarian food and yoga, bringing you full circle with your Freedive training.
Its exciting improve after each dive and training session, going deeper and staying down longer.
Instructor Laura easily identified my weak areas and allowed me to sharpen my skills. Helped me with the relaxation, focus, and confidence. And was fully involved every step of the way.
Anahaw is the perfect spot for vegetarian food and yoga, bringing you full circle with your Freedive training.
Written February 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Callum L
2 contributions
Sep 2019
This review definitely falls under the category of better late than never! Emil is one of the most hospitable and kind people I've met in recent history both in the water and out. He's an excellent instructor and brought me up to a level 2 SSI freediver with a 26m dive and a 3:30 breath hold. When they preach that a good freediver has a calm and relaxed mind, Emil knows how to get you to that level of zen to do it and then some! When it comes to bumping up to the next level, I'll be making another trip to the Philippines.
Thanks Emil, Im sorry it took so bloody long to get this done! Been a busy bee. Hope you're well!!
Callum
Thanks Emil, Im sorry it took so bloody long to get this done! Been a busy bee. Hope you're well!!
Callum
Written August 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Florian H
2 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
I've done my entry to the freediving world (SSI Level 1) with Emil. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot within only a couple of days. With his calm style of teaching, he keeps you in the right mindset (even if you struggle) and successfully leads you through the course!
Thanks, Emil, I hope I'll come back one day to do some more advanced training with you!
Thanks, Emil, I hope I'll come back one day to do some more advanced training with you!
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dumagat Freedive
Negros Oriental, Philippines180 contributions
Sorry for the much delayed reply. Cost depends on the course that you intend to take. You may check our website and click courses to find out more. Also, you may send us an email directly for faster reply. Thank you.