Skip to main content FR DE IT
Advanced freediver descending along a dive line during training in the Gulf of Thailand

Apnea Total Level 2 Certification

Advanced Freediving Course in Koh Samui

3 Days. 12,000 THB. Max 3 Students. Frenzel Mastery. Sail Rock and Koh Tao.

Check Available Dates See Full Schedule
3 Days Course Duration
12,000 THB All Inclusive
25-35m Depth Range
3 Max Students Per Course

This Course Is for You If...

You hold a Level 1 certification and want to push past 20 meters

Your equalization is holding you back and you want to master Frenzel with individual coaching

You want real depth coaching in small groups, not 6 students sharing a single line

You want to train at Sail Rock and Koh Tao with warm water and excellent visibility

You want advanced rescue skills that make you a safer buddy at depth

You are ready for an internationally recognized Level 2 certification

Requires a Level 1 freediving certification and comfort at 15+ meters depth.

Your 3 Day Schedule

The Advanced Course runs Monday to Wednesday every week. Each day builds on the one before, moving from theory and pool work to deep open water training.

01 Monday

Mammalian Diving Reflex, Static Apnea and Pool Training

Morning

  • > The Mammalian Diving Reflex: how your body adapts underwater
  • > Static apnea theory and breathing techniques
  • > Dry breath-hold exercises with individual coaching

Afternoon

  • > Pool session: static apnea with progressive breath-holds
  • > Dynamic apnea and streamlining technique
  • > Static apnea safety and rescue practice
02 Tuesday

Advanced Breathing, Exhale Dives and Open Water

Morning

  • > Four-section breathing technique for deep diving
  • > Exhale dive theory: trigger your diving reflex earlier
  • > Lung volumes, stretching, and dive preparation

Afternoon

  • > Boat trip to Sail Rock or Koh Tao
  • > Exhale dives and open water depth training
  • > Individual technique coaching after each dive
03 Wednesday

Deep Dives, Equalization Mastery and Safety

Morning

  • > Deep dive planning and visualization techniques
  • > Frenzel mastery: balloon exercises and soft palate control
  • > Advanced safety diver and rescue training

Afternoon

  • > Deep dives with individual depth coaching
  • > Rescue procedure practice from depth
  • > Course debrief and Apnea Total Level 2 certification
Check Available Dates

What You Will Learn

Six core skills that separate advanced freedivers from beginners. Each one gets dedicated coaching time during the course.

Frenzel Equalization

The technique that unlocks depth. Equalize using your tongue instead of your jaw, allowing comfortable descent past the point where Valsalva fails. Individual drills, balloon exercises, and soft palate control.

Static Apnea

Build breath-hold confidence, train your Mammalian Diving Reflex, and learn to stay relaxed through contractions. Most students surprise themselves on Day 1.

Advanced Rescue

Deeper dives demand stronger safety skills. Blackout recovery at depth, surface rescue protocols, and calm emergency management. These skills protect you and every diver you buddy with.

Exhale Dives

Diving after a partial exhale triggers your diving reflex earlier, simulates deeper pressure at shallow depth, and dramatically improves equalization. One of the most effective tools in advanced training.

Constant Weight Technique

Refine your duck dive, freefall position, and turn at depth. Efficient body position and kick cycle determine how deep you can go on a single breath.

Mental Preparation

Visualization, breathe-up routines, and managing the urge to breathe calmly. Diego Pauel teaches practical techniques that work under real diving pressure, not theory from a textbook.

Advanced freediving students preparing for a deep dive session in the Gulf of Thailand

What Is Included

Everything you need for 3 days of advanced training is covered in the course price. No hidden fees.

All Equipment

Long fins, mask, wetsuit, weight belt, lanyard, and nose clip. Professional grade gear, fitted to you.

Apnea Total Level 2 Certification

Internationally recognized certification issued on completion.

Boat Trips to Dive Sites

Speedboat transport to Sail Rock and Koh Tao. No ferry, no crowds. Direct from Koh Samui.

Photos and Videos

Underwater photos and video footage of your dives to review technique and share.

Theory Materials

Digital course manual covering advanced freediving theory and physiology.

Your Safety Comes First

Safety at Depth

Deeper dives demand higher standards. Diego Pauel does not cut corners on safety. Every protocol, from group size to emergency equipment, is designed for training at 25 meters and beyond.

Emergency Oxygen on Every Boat

Diego Pauel holds certifications in emergency first aid and oxygen administration. O2 equipment is on board for every single open water session.

Maximum 3 Students

Most schools run 6 to 8 students per instructor. With 3, you are always closely supervised. Diego Pauel stays within arm's reach during every dive.

Apnea Total Protocols

All courses follow Apnea Total safety standards including mandatory rest intervals, depth limits based on equalization, and progression that matches your comfort level.

No Depth Pressure

Apnea Total does not use performance tests. Certification is based on learning the techniques and demonstrating safety skills, not hitting a specific number on a depth gauge.

Freediving safety briefing with instructor before a deep dive session

Emergency O2 on Every Boat

Not every school in Thailand operates this way.

Prerequisites

This course is designed for certified freedivers who want to go deeper. To enroll, you must meet these requirements:

1

Hold a recognized freediving certification: Apnea Total Level 1, AIDA 2, SSI Level 1, PADI Freediver, or any equivalent from a recognized agency.

2

Be comfortable diving to 15 to 20 meters: You do not need to reach 20 meters perfectly every time, but you should be familiar with depth and know how to equalize with the Frenzel technique (even if it needs work).

3

Be in good physical health: No medical conditions that prevent freediving. If you are unsure, ask Diego Pauel before booking.

Not sure if you qualify? Message Diego Pauel on WhatsApp. He will review your experience and let you know if the Advanced Course is the right fit, or if a refresher day would help you prepare.

Diego Pauel, Apnea Total certified freediving instructor based in Koh Samui, Thailand
Your Instructor

Diego Pauel

Diego Pauel has been teaching freediving from Koh Samui since 2021. He holds instructor certification from Apnea Total and additional credentials from the Oxygen Advantage, Breatheology, International Breathwork Foundation, and Breathing Cold programs.

He teaches equalization from direct experience with the same challenges his students face. Every dive gets clear technique coaching, honest feedback, and an instructor within arm's reach.

Full Bio
Freediving group at surface near Koh Samui

What Students Say

He takes time for each participant, accompanies you every second underwater, and gives constructive feedback. I went from nervous to 20 meters in 3 days.
Jonas, Germany
Amazing what you can do in 2 days. I went from 12 meters to 20 meters and spotted a whale shark at Sail Rock.
Glynnis
The patience, knowledge, passion, and kindness. He helped me overcome my fears underwater.
Dominique

Course Questions

What prerequisites do I need? +
You need a Level 1 freediving certification from Apnea Total, AIDA 2, SSI Level 1, PADI Freediver, or equivalent. You should be comfortable diving to at least 15 meters.
What depth will I reach? +
There is no fixed depth target. Apnea Total does not use performance tests. Diego coaches each student individually based on their equalization, technique, and comfort level. Most students work toward 25 to 35 meters depending on progression.
What equalization will I learn? +
You will master the Frenzel equalization technique with individual coaching, dry drills, and balloon exercises for soft palate control. Diego also gives a brief introduction to mouthfill concepts to prepare you for future training.
Can I take Level 2 right after Level 1? +
Both courses run Monday to Wednesday in different weeks. Complete the Beginner Course one week and start the Advanced Course the following Monday. Many students do both courses back to back.
What dive sites will we train at? +
Open water training takes place at Sail Rock and around Koh Tao, two of the best freediving sites in the Gulf of Thailand. Conditions are ideal for deep training with warm water and good visibility.
What if I cannot equalize deep enough? +
Diego works with your body and current ability. If equalization is the limiting factor, he will spend extra time on Frenzel drills, balloon exercises, and minimum pressure technique. Apnea Total certification is based on learning the techniques and demonstrating safety skills, not hitting a specific depth.

Have a question that is not listed here?

Ask Diego Pauel on WhatsApp

Choose Your Experience

Same advanced training. Pick the group size that suits you.

Group

12,000 THB/person

Up to 3 students

Private Duo

28,000 THB

14,000 THB/person

Private 1-on-1

22,000 THB

Exclusive personal coaching

Book Your Course

Advanced Freediving Course (Apnea Total Level 2) -- From 12,000 THB

3 Days, Mon to Wed. Group or Private. All equipment and certification included.

Loading availability...

Check Availability