What Are The Best Destinations For Competitive Freediving?
Competitive freediving is the ultimate test of breath-hold diving, demanding physical discipline, mental focus - and the perfect environment. Calm seas, minimal currents, consistent depths, and strong safety infrastructure are essential. Whether you are preparing for a competition or a personal best, these destinations offer ideal conditions to go deeper and train smarter.
Best Places in the World for Competitive Freediving
From iconic blue holes to serene coastal bays, these freediving hotspots are trusted by top athletes around the world.
1. Dahab, Egypt
Situated on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, freediving in Dahab is legendary thanks to its famous Blue Hole, offering depths of nearly 100 meters close to shore. Conditions are typically calm, with visibility up to 30 meters and temperatures ranging from 21°C to 29°C.
The area hosts several competitions annually and is home to a thriving freediving community. SSI-certified centers provide depth lines, safety protocols, and expert coaching, making Dahab a basecamp for both elite athletes and those starting their depth journey.
Beyond its natural features, Dahab offers a strong support network for athletes. Freedivers often stay for extended training blocks, benefiting from affordable accommodation, dive-friendly cafes, and a vibrant community of like-minded ocean athletes.
2. Panglao, Philippines
Panglao Island in the Bohol region has become a go-to for freedivers in Asia. With direct shore access to deep drop-offs, current-free waters, and year-round sea temperatures of 27°C to 30°C, it is perfect for depth training.
Panglao regularly hosts top-tier competitions and boasts professional SSI training centers offering structured programs and robust safety systems. Its tranquil island atmosphere makes it a favored destination for both serious athletes and dedicated learners.
International divers appreciate Panglao's accessibility, and the availability of freediving gear and services tailored to visiting athletes. With its mix of cultural warmth and high-level facilities, it is easy to feel both at home and professionally supported here – especially for those pursuing competitive freediving goals.
Want to become a deep freediver? Read this: Master Deep Freediving: Essential Techniques, Training & Tips
3. Kalamata, Greece
Located on the southern coast of Greece, Kalamata is a recognized hotspot for competitive freediving, offering immediate access to depths over 100 meters in the Messinian Bay. The bay is free of strong currents, with visibility often reaching 30 meters and water temperatures between 22°C and 26°C from May through October.
Kalamata has hosted several prestigious depth competitions, including the AIDA World Championships, solidifying its status as a trusted site for record-setting performances under internationally recognized safety standards.
It has earned a solid reputation among Europe's freediving community, thanks to its consistent conditions, competition history, and supportive local infrastructure.
4. Larnaca, Cyprus
Larnaca is a growing favorite for freedivers in the Mediterranean. It offers easy access to 100-meter depths, consistent 30-meter visibility, and warm waters ranging from 24°C to 28°C. The town regularly hosts freediving competitions and is supported by SSI-certified centers offering courses, safety teams, and training infrastructure.
While still quieter than other locations, Larnaca's reliable conditions and tight-knit community make it a smart base for competitive training. Many SSI centers operate from platforms or boats directly over training sites, allowing divers to focus on depth sessions without long surface swims.
Combined with warm hospitality and Mediterranean charm, it is an increasingly popular European base for competitive freediving training and events.
5. Dean's Blue Hole, Bahamas
Dean's Blue Hole on Long Island in the Bahamas is one of the most iconic sites in the freediving world, with depths exceeding 200 meters and virtually no current thanks to its sheltered location. Water temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C, and visibility typically exceeds 30 meters.
The site hosts the prestigious Vertical Blue competition and offers purpose-built safety systems tailored to elite-level competitive freediving performance. While there are fewer dive centers than in larger tourist hubs, the infrastructure here is specialized and highly professional.
Though more remote and less equipped for beginners, Dean's Blue Hole offers an unparalleled freediving environment for those training at the highest level, with minimal surface disturbance and precise technical support available.
Curious who is leading the charge in elite freediving? Check out: Who to Watch in 2025: Best Freedivers in the World.
6. Dominica, Caribbean
Dominica - often called the "Nature Island" - is gaining momentum in the world of competitive freediving, offering dramatic underwater drop-offs just off the coast, giving freedivers immediate access to training depths of over 100 meters. Calm seas, 20–30 meter visibility, and water temperatures from 27°C to 30°C make for ideal training conditions.
With its volcanic origins and unspoiled terrain, Dominica offers not just depth but immersion in raw nature. Divers often train alongside dramatic drop-offs framed by lush rainforest backdrops and natural hot springs.
The island has hosted international events and is home to pristine waters and a growing freediving culture – it is quickly becoming a fixture on the competitive circuit.
7. Cenotes of Yucatán, Mexico
For those seeking a unique challenge, the cenotes of Yucatán deliver crystal-clear, freshwater freediving. Cenote Ucil, for instance, drops beyond 110 meters, with visibility often exceeding 40 meters and stable water temperatures around 25°C.
These limestone sinkholes are ideal for technical depth training, and while not oceanic, they have gained popularity for record attempts and specialty events. SSI-certified centers in the region are equipped with the right safety gear, depth lines, and knowledgeable freediving instructors.
The tranquil, surreal atmosphere of the cenotes allows divers to focus deeply on technique without distraction. Many cenotes are surrounded by jungle, creating a stillness and acoustic silence unique to freshwater cave systems. SSI instructors in the region often specialize in both freediving and cave safety, making it possible to train in conditions that are both peaceful and highly controlled.
Just Getting Started?
If you are new to the sport, here is how to begin your freediving journey: Courses, Gear & Tips for Beginners
Want to Go Further?
If you are already training and looking to refine your depth performance, SSI's Performance Freediver course is designed to help you push your limits safely. With advanced techniques, mental training, and expert coaching, it is the next step for serious athletes preparing for competition or personal breakthroughs.
Ready to Dive Deeper?
Whether you are chasing a record or training for your next competition, the environment matters. From the deep calm of Dahab's Blue Hole to the surreal beauty of Mexico's cenotes, these destinations offer more than depth - they offer the right conditions to thrive.
If you are feeling inspired to train in one of these world-class competitive freediving destinations, explore trusted SSI dive centers to find safety-focused professionals who can help you reach your next goal.