First, a figure: Entry-level freediving courses cost roughly CNY 2,500–4,500 in China, and commonly the equivalent of CNY 1,500–3,000 in Southeast Asia. But this is the listed course price, not what you will actually spend.
Why is it always more expensive than the listed price? Because the course is just the entry ticket. The real costs come afterward: a mask that fits your face, fins that fit, your own wetsuit, and extra days in your itinerary to pass—many people get stuck on equalization, and extra sessions and rebooked travel all cost real money.
- Start with the course. When choosing a course, confirm whether the quote includes equipment rental, open-water boat trips, and certification registration fees.
- Then account for equipment. At the entry level, it is recommended that you bring your own mask; most other items can be rented, so do not buy a full set right away.
- Ask clearly about make-up session rules. Getting stuck on equalization or weather delays may require extra sessions, so ask when you sign up how make-up sessions are charged and whether they can be postponed.
- Finally, leave a flexible budget. Set aside an extra 10–20% to cover extra sessions, retakes, or itinerary changes.
In short: A cheap course is not necessarily a good deal, and an expensive course is not necessarily worth it—look closely at what the quote actually includes. The only exception is safety: a qualified instructor and standard rescue procedures are the budget items you should never cut.