Sponsor Spotlight 2026: Freediving Planet

Nestled in the world-famous diving destination of Moalboal, Cebu, Freediving Planet has become one of the most recognized freediving centers in the Philippines, welcoming students and athletes from around the globe. Built on a foundation of passion, education, safety, and ocean appreciation, the center has helped thousands of people discover the beauty of the underwater world on a single breath.

Established in 2012, Freediving Planet has grown from a passionate vision into a thriving international freediving community. Today, the center is supported by a dedicated team of local and international professionals who share a deep passion for the ocean, education, and the advancement of freediving. Beyond its flagship location in Moalboal, Freediving Planet has expanded its presence to Dumaguete and, more recently, Boracay, bringing its commitment to quality freediving education and experiences to even more destinations across the Philippines.

Since its establishment, Freediving Planet has focused on providing professional freediving education ranging from beginner experiences to instructor-level certifications. The center offers training under internationally recognized organizations including AIDA, Molchanovs, and PADI, allowing students to follow different educational pathways while maintaining high training standards.

Beyond the Surface

What makes Freediving Planet unique is its approach to teaching. Classes are designed with a strong focus on relaxation, self-awareness, and individual progression. Small group sizes allow instructors to provide personalized coaching while maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. Students are encouraged to develop confidence, proper technique, and a deeper understanding of the mental and physical aspects of freediving.

The Ocean at Your Doorstep

The location itself offers exceptional conditions for training. Moalboal’s famous coastline provides easy access to deep water, vibrant coral reefs, and the legendary sardine run. Just minutes from the center, divers can experience dramatic drop-offs, crystal-clear water, schools of sardines, sea turtles, and an incredible variety of marine life. Whether training from shore or boat, divers can enjoy conditions that are suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes.

Hidden Treasures of the Deep

In addition to its renowned training grounds, Freediving Planet provides access to some of the region’s most iconic underwater attractions. Experienced freedivers can explore the breathtaking Cathedral, a dramatic underwater cavern that showcases the natural beauty of Moalboal’s underwater landscape. Certified and experienced freedivers can venture into the mysterious Skull Cave and dive alongside the impressive Moai underwater statues, both of which have become favorite destinations for underwater exploration and photography. The center is also home to the beloved Mermaid attraction, a popular site that offers unforgettable underwater memories for visitors and divers alike.

Past the reef

The Moai Statue : Moalboal’s Deep-Water Icon Statue

Hidden within Moalboal’s house reef and directly accessible from the Freediving Planet center, the Moai Statue rests at a depth of 33 meters, making it a destination reserved for advanced freedivers. Installed by Freediving Planet instructors and students, this underwater monument was created as a unique training landmark and underwater playground. Over time, it has evolved into one of Moalboal’s most recognizable deep-diving attractions, offering skilled freedivers the opportunity to combine exploration, performance, and adventure in the heart of Cebu’s vibrant marine environment.

Skull Cave

Tucked beneath Pescador Island, the Skull Cave—also known as the Cathedral Cave—is one of Moalboal’s most spectacular underwater landmarks. Sunlight illuminates the cavern’s dramatic interior, creating a breathtaking cathedral-like atmosphere. Due to its depth of 20–32 meters, this site is exclusively recommended for advanced certified freedivers, offering a unique and rewarding experience for those with the skills to explore it safely.

The Mermaid of Moalboal

It is a modern underwater landmark created by freediver and artist Alex F. during the pandemic. After being swept to a depth of 53 meters by Typhoon Odette in 2021, the 500-kilogram statue was remarkably recovered almost unharmed and returned to its original location. Today, she remains a symbol of resilience and one of Moalboal’s most beloved underwater attractions.

Sardines run

The Moalboal Sardine Run is a spectacular, year-round natural phenomenon where millions of sardines congregate just 20 to 30 meters off the shores of Panagsama Beach in Cebu, Philippines. It is highly unique for its accessibility, allowing snorkelers and divers to witness massive, swirling bait balls without the need for a boat.

Educating Freedivers, One Breath at a Time

Environmental awareness also plays an important role in the school’s philosophy. Freediving Planet promotes respect for marine ecosystems and encourages sustainable practices among its students and visitors. By combining education with ocean stewardship, the center helps foster a deeper connection between people and the sea.

Beyond certifications and training, Freediving Planet has built a community that brings together ocean lovers from different backgrounds and cultures. Through coaching sessions, fun dives, workshops, competitions, and special events, the center continues to inspire people to explore the underwater world responsibly and safely.

Advancing Safety Through Innovation

In addition to its educational initiatives, Freediving Planet has contributed to the broader freediving community through the production of the Freediving Planet safety lanyard. Designed with Safety, Reliability, and performance in mind, these lanyards are used by freedivers and training centers around the world, reflecting the organization’s commitment to innovation and safety within the sport.

A Legacy of Passion and Experience

A Pioneer of Modern Freediving Education

Jean-Pol B. Francois

One of the key figures behind Freediving Planet is Instructor Trainer Jean-Pol François, a respected name in the international freediving community. His extensive experience in education, judging, and competition development has helped shape the center into one of the leading freediving training facilities in Asia. The school is also known for being among the first instructor training centers in the Philippines and one of the few facilities offering specialized judge training programs.

A freediver since 1990, JP belongs to the pioneering generation that helped transform freediving from a niche activity into a globally recognized sport. Throughout his career, he has combined his passion for the ocean with a strong commitment to education, becoming one of the most influential instructor trainers in Asia.

His credentials span multiple leading freediving organizations, including AIDA, PADI, and Molchanovs. Beyond teaching, he served as AIDA Education Officer for six years, helping establish and develop international educational and judging standards that continue to influence the sport today.

Suzanne Lim

Suzy’s journey to becoming a professional freediver is built upon a diverse background as a scuba diving instructor, competitive swimmer, scientist, and pharmacist. In 2012, she discovered freediving and co-founded Freediving Planet, helping establish one of Hong Kong’s first freediving clubs and contributing to the sport’s early development in the region.

Since beginning her competitive career in 2017, Suzy has represented both Hong Kong and France on the international stage, earning multiple medals and setting Hong Kong National Records in CWT, CWT-BF, and CNF. She was also selected to represent France at the AIDA Depth World Championships in 2019 and 2021.

Organizers of AIDA Asian Freediving Cup 2026

Just One Breath Freediving
Freedive SuperHOME