Advanced Freediver Course in Malta and Gozo

Designed to take you to a whole new level of freediving with deeper dives and longer breath-holds

Intermediate Freediving Course

Learn Freediving in Malta and Gozo - Freediver Course picture 1

Duration: 3 days
Sessions: 3 academic + 1 confined + 2 open water
Depth: up to 40m
Level: Intermediate
Certification: Apnea Total Advanced Freediver (40m)
Location: Malta and Gozo

350 €

INCLUDES:

Course Materials
Freediving Equipment
Transportation to/from dive site
Videos & Pictures
Water and Snacks
Freediving Certification (upon successful completion)

Learn Freediving in Malta and Gozo - Freediver Course picture 2

Take your freediving to the next level with our Advanced Freediver Course in Malta and Gozo. Designed for certified freedivers ready to progress beyond the fundamentals, this intermediate freediving course focuses on deeper dives, longer breath-holds, and advanced equalization, relaxation and deep diving techniques.

Whether you want to dive deeper, improve your spearfishing, stay underwater longer, or simply challenge yourself, this advanced freediving course will help you progress safely while feeling more relaxed and in control underwater.

Apnea Total Malta is based in St Paul’s Bay and San Lawrenz, giving you access to both Malta and Gozo where freediving conditions are optimal.

Book your 3-day advanced course HERE

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Advanced Freedivers cheering after an amazing session in Gozo

WHO IS OUR ADVANCED FREEDIVER COURSE FOR?

This intermediate freediving course is for certified freedivers who are ready to progress beyond the fundamentals and train at an advanced level.

This 3-day certification course is a must for freedivers who want to expand their knowledge, dive deeper, hold their breath longer, and develop better equalization, relaxation and rescue skills.

To join the Advanced Freediver Course, you must already hold a freediving certification from Apnea Total or an equivalent recognized agency.

If you’re not certified yet, the best place to start is with the Freediver Course, which can be taken on its own or combined with the Advanced Freediver Course.

What is the Advanced Freediver Course?

Our Advanced Freediver Course in Malta and Gozo is a 3-day intermediate freediving program combining theory, confined water training, and deep open-water sessions. The course is structured to progressively build your physical and mental abilities.

The 1st day of the Advanced Freediver Course is dedicated to Static Apnea, a discipline that focuses on breath-holds. During this session you will learn to hold your breath for over 3 minutes, improving both mental and physical control. For further information, please read the webpage dedicated to Static.

During the theory sessions you will deepen your understanding of freediving, its physics and physiology; dive deeper into mental readiness by elevating your relaxation skills and mastering visualization; refine thoracic stretching techniques and dry training exercices to increase your lung capacity; advance your breathing for deep freediving and exhale dives, and how to correctly perform Frenzel equalization.

During our deep diving water sessions, you will progressively achieve new depths with knowledge and comfort. Our experienced instructor will be by your side at all times while under the water. We will help you minimize your oxygen consumption by honing your constant weight and free immersion techniques, including better buoyancy control for a streamlined and efficient freefall. As equalisation is a key component of freediving, we will also optimise the practice of the Frenzel manoeuvre.

Advanced Freediver in Gozo in a black open cell wetsuit descending with the lanyard to the depths

What Will You Achieve?

By the end of the Advanced Freediver Course, you will be diving deeper with more confidence, holding your breath for over 3 minutes, and reaching depths of more than 30m. You will sharpen your rescue and buddying skills, improve your overall technique, and develop greater relaxation, stronger visualization, and better deep equalization skills.

You will discover your physical and mental limits, and learn how to safely go beyond them to improve your underwater performance.

Why continue your freediving education with us in Malta & Gozo?

EXPERIENCED & SUPPORTIVE INSTRUCTORS

Our instructors combine years of professional experience, strong safety standards, a supportive teaching approach, and a deep understanding of individual needs.

During your deep sessions, you will be closely supervised at all times by experienced instructors who dive with you throughout the course, whatever the depth. You will be guided step by step, so you can progress with confidence, improve your technique, and safely push your limits.

PERSONALIZED APPROACH

No two freedivers are the same and every freediver progresses differently, which is why we tailor our coaching to your comfort level, technique, and goals instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

We keep our groups small to ensure you get more individual attention, clear feedback, and close supervision throughout the session.

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FREEDIVING CERTIFICATIONS

The Apnea Total Advanced Freediver Certification is internationally recognized and accepted worldwide, giving you the freedom to continue your freediving journey across the globe.

WORLD-CLASS FREEDIVING CONDITIONS

Malta and Gozo are among Europe’s top freediving destinations, offering exceptional visibility, warm Mediterranean waters, deep dive sites (especially Gozo), and ideal conditions for freediving training nearly year-round.

Advanced Freediver Course Structure

Day 1

Classroom DAY 1

Mammalian diving reflex
Preparation for static apnea
Specific breathing techniques
Breath hold exercises
Mind & body control techniques
Freediving training routines

Water Session DAY 1

Body position and relaxation
Preparation for a maximum breath-hold
Maximum static apnea attempts
Minimum 3 minute breath-hold
Practice of safety procedures

Day 2

Classroom DAY 2

Advanced 4-section breathing
Pre-dive breathing pattern
“Negative Pressure Static Apnea” (NPSA)
Benefits and techniques of “exhale dives”
Body and mind adaptation to great pressure

Water Session DAY 2

NPSA preparation
Specific breathing for exhale diving
Exhale dives (max. depth 25m)
Practice of equalization techniques
Body relaxation
Energy efficiency in the water
Full lung dives with a maximum depth of 30 meters

Day 3

Classroom DAY 3

Review of exhale dives from Day 2
Stages and preparation for deep diving
Visualization
Thoracic stretches
Lung capacity increasing exercises
Deep equalization techniques

Water Session DAY 3

Stretching and breathing exercises prior to the water session
Full preparation for a deep dive
Exhale dives with a maximum depth of 30 meters
Full lung dives with a maximum depth of 40 meters

Do you have any questions? Get in Touch !

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What our students say about their experience!

See all our reviews

    
 
 
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   Paul Devenny 
 28 October 2026
 
 
  Had a wonderful cave exploration session with Arturo. Unbelievably beautiful experience made possible with excellent guidance, equipment and knowledge.
Had a free immersion session in the afternoon also where each dive was a PB..
Comfortable, relaxed and breaking new territory. Expert awareness and understanding.. every small detail of each dive observed and knowing how to guide and inform, to progress. Thank you Arturo 👍
  
 
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   Gabor Kokai 
 27 October 2026
 
 
  Very friendly and professional team! I spent an unforgettable time with them :-) They reacted quickly to all my needs.
We did 4 expedition dives with Reggie, including cave and wreck dives. She is very calm, helpful, and always smiling :-)
Before the very first dive, she fixed my equalization difficulties in 2 minutes—I didn't think that was possible!
I felt completely comfortable and safe with her, even in the caves and inside the shipwrecks. She pushed my limits noticeably yet gently.
I would definitely like to return for an advanced course!
  
 
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   Adrian Wangerin 
 27 October 2026
 
 
  I had a wonderful time with Regina: she's incredibly empathetic, has a great understanding of the psychological side of freediving, and at the same time works meticulously on refining and optimizing your technique. I felt completely at ease with her, she's a wonderful person with great energy, and I'd come back anytime. Highly recommended!
  
 
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   Adrian Wangerin 
 27 October 2026
 
 
  I had amazing days in the water with Arturo: he's a true expert and an excellent teacher who values safety just as much as exploration and adventure. On top of that, he's super friendly, always there to help with any problem, and goes to great lengths to make sure his clients have a really good time. Highly recommended!
  
 
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   Antonio Floris 
 26 October 2026
 
 
  I completed my freediving course here, and it was an amazing experience!

The facilities are excellent, and the instructors are highly skilled and professional.
Reggie was fantastic at helping me understand and feel what was happening in my body throughout the training.

I highly recommend Apnea Total Malta to anyone interested in freediving!
  
 
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   Kate Eynon 
 24 October 2026
 
 
  Apnea total freediving in Gozo was incredible. I booked my two teenage children (18 and 15) in with Arturo and he was amazing with them. They learnt so much from his expert tuition and really appreciated his humour. His English was perfecto! They both flourished with his guidance and completed their freediver course. He also sent us amazing footage of them freediving - memories to cherish forever. I 100% recommend Apnea for a freediving certification and experience.
  
 
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   Carlos Rey 
 21 October 2026
 
 
  I’m scuba diver and I wanted to try apnea to learn new things.
I chose Gozo island in Malta to do the level 1 freediving course with Apnea Total Malta and the experience was amazing.

The instructor Arturo was fantastic, professional, patient and encouraging, making me feel confortable and confident throughout the training.
I got certified in two days with no problem.

Reaching 20 metres deep with no gear, just fins and mask, was an unforgettable experience.
The crystal-clear, beautiful blue waters and perfect water temperature made the experience even more enjoyable.

I’ll definitely keep practicing, that’s for sure!

I totally recommend it!

THANKS !!!
  
 
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   Ida Cicola 
 20 October 2026
 
 
  This was my second time doing multiple dives with Apnea Total Malta. So happy with the experience, with the instructor, the set up and the teaching. Super nice fun dives around a reef and diving in caves. Would love to come back again!
  
 
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   Moutaz Altrabulsi 
 12 October 2026
 
 
  Spearfishing 🎣

I did my first-ever spearfishing safari with Arturo, an instructor at Apnea Total Malta, and it was hands down one of the best experiences I’ve ever had!

Everything was extremely well organized, with every step explained clearly and professionally. The session was not only exciting but also very informative. Arturo took the time to identify my weaknesses and give me valuable advice to improve my skills, while making sure I enjoyed every moment of the experience.

On top of being an outstanding spearfishing instructor, Arturo also captures amazing professional-quality photos and videos, giving you incredible memories to look back on! 🤿📸

Freediving 🌊

I also did two freediving sessions with Reggi, and the improvement was honestly crazy!

I used to struggle with a high heart rate on the surface, relaxing properly, and some technical issues. After just the first session, following Reggi’s advice, I was surprised to reach 30 metres and set a new PB of 32 metres! 🤯

I’ve tried several freediving schools and instructors, but one thing I’ve often missed is the fun and enjoyment. Reggi manages to combine real progress with a fantastic atmosphere and positive vibes, even when seasickness decides to join the session! 😂

It was a great mix of learning, improvement, and pure fun. I can’t wait to come back for another session!

Overall, I highly recommend Apnea Total Malta to anyone interested in spearfishing or freediving. Whether you want to improve your skills, challenge yourself, or simply enjoy an unforgettable experience in the sea, you’re in great hands.

You definitely won’t be disappointed! 🤙🏼
  
 
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   Nina Dostal 
 9 October 2026
 
 
  Ich habe bei ApneaTotal meinen Advanced Freediver Kurs gemacht und würde es auf der Stelle wieder hier tun! Meine Instruktorin Reggie war stets bemüht, dass ich mich wohl und sicher fühle. Sie war die ganze Zeit so aufmerksam und hat mir dabei so viele Tipps gegeben, wie ich gewisse Dinge verbessern kann. Außerdem war alles total flexibel und unkompliziert, gleichzeitig hab ich mir so viel von diesem Kurs mitgenommen und so schöne Tauchsessions gehabt. Ich kann ApneaTotal jedem empfehlen, der auf Malta nach einer guten Freediving Schule sucht!
  
 
 
  
 
 
   Trustindex rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 554 reviews

FAQ Advanced Freediver Course

Why become an Advanced Freediver?

I am already a certified freediver, can I crossover to Apnea Total?

Can I bring my own equipment in the AFD?

Prerequisites for the Advanced Freediver Course

How long is the AFD? When can I start? What is included?

The Advanced Freediving course runs for 3 days and is divided into 3 theory/breathing sessions, 1 confined water session and 2 deep water sessions.

The Advanced Course can be scheduled at any time on request, subject to instructor availability. This certifying freediving course includes all required freediving equipment, transportation, snacks, water, photos of water sessions, access to online course materials and an internationally recognised freediving certification upon successful completion of the course requirements.

How can I join an Advanced Freediver Course?

Book your course by filling out the contact form below or send us an e-mail, a WhatsApp, a facebook Messenger or just call us to check availability. Once we agree on dates, a non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your booking.