Level 1 Course
Level 1
Freediving course
- Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- 2 day course
- From $520.00
- SSI Freediving L1 Certification


Dive into an adventure
Experience the World Heritage Listed Wet Tropical Rainforest while freediving in a Volcanic Crater lake! This is a unique way of freediving that allows you to take in the sights and sounds of the rainforest while deepening your breath and concentrating on reaching your freedive potential! As our course is conducted in an enclosed crater lake we don’t need to worry about extreme weather conditions and high winds.
We can concentrate all of our energy on becoming more in tune with nature, listening to the sounds of the birds and taking in the beauty around you. This will inevitably help with your relaxation for freediving!
The Aquatic World
Level 1 Freediving course overview
About the Course
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of freediving with our SSI Level 1 Freediving course! Perfect for beginners, this course requires no prior experience and provides you with the training and knowledge needed to safely freedive with a buddy in open water up to 20 meters deep. Earn your SSI Level 1 Freediving certification upon completion of this 2 day course. We are the only freedive school in Queensland that conducts all the water sessions in the incredible crater lakes!

Our comprehensive program covers theory sessions on breathing techniques, dry breath holds, relaxation, physiology, and safety procedures. Day one begins with a scenic drive to Lake Barrine, where you’ll enjoy tea and scones while learning about freediving theory. Then, embark on a short boat tour of Lake Barrine, taking in the beautiful scenery and exploring the flora and fauna. Our local guide will provide you with plenty of information on the history of the area and the local wildlife.
In the tranquil waters of Lake Barrine, you’ll practice static breath holds, dynamic apnea, and depth skills. Learn techniques such as finning, body positioning, and streamlined movements in the beautiful calm lake. The following day, venture into the depths of Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater surrounded by lush rainforest. Discover pull-down and duck dive descents, perfect equalizing techniques, and push your limits to earn your freediving certification!
Conclude your journey at a 90-year-old tea house, surrounded by rainforest and serene lake views. Enjoy a tasty lunch (with vegetarian/vegan options) and take your final exam. Join us for an unforgettable freediving adventure that combines education, exploration, and natural beauty.
Uncover the hidden depths within you today!


Course Highlights
- Dive to a depth of 20m
- Increase your static breath hold
- Freediving in the tropical rainforest
- Snacks and Lunch
- Tea and scones in a historical tea house
Inclusions
- 1x Morning stretching session
- 1x Theory session
- 1x Static breath hold lake session
- 1x Dynamic freediving lake session
- 2x Freediving sessions in a volcanic crater lake
- 1x Digital manuals
- Tea, scones and lunch on the first day
What's on
Course Schedule
*Schedule is subject to change based on capacity and weather conditions*
Day One
7am: Meet in the Scubabo shop, sign paperwork
7:30am: Drive up to the Rainforest, Atherton Tablelands – Lake Barrine
8:30am -10:30am: Theory of Freediving
10:30am – 11:30pm: Stretching, breathing, static breath holds
11:45am – 12:30pm: Break for lunch
1pm – 3pm: In water horizontal dynamic freediving
3:30-4:30pm: Scenic drive back to Cairns
4:30pm: Day one complete!
Day Two
6:45am: Meet in the shop
7am: Depart Cairns for Atherton tablelands
8:30am: Arrive at Lake Eacham/Lake Barrine
8:45am -11:30am: Open water sessions
12pm: Lunch at historic tea house at the crater lake
1pm-2pm: Final Exam and free time
2:30pm – Depart for Cairns
4pm – Arrive in Cairns and the course is finished!
Equipment required
Mask and Snorkel
fins (provided)
Wetsuit (provided)
pLEASE NOTE:
Medical Preresiquites
A dive medical is only required if you fall into one or more of the following categories:
Those with an at-risk medical condition; or are over 45 years of age; or have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 AND a waist circumference greater than 102cm for males and 88cm for females
If you fall into one or more of these categories you will need to obtain a diving medical (AS4005.1) The cost is roughly $100AUD and takes about 45 minutes to complete with a registered diving doctor.
If you are unsure please refer to our SSI Medical Waiver prior to booking.


Feeling Creative?
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNSHIP
Unlock your potential as an underwater photographer with our diving internship program! Designed for those who already hold an open water certification, our program teaches you everything you need to know to become a professional underwater photographer.
But that’s not all – we also teach you the ins and outs of diving, so that you can acquire your dive master certification and take your skills to the next level. Don’t miss this opportunity to dive deep and explore the beauty of the underwater world while developing valuable photography and diving skills!