8 Day Bali Freediving Retreat

Eat. Pray. Dive
Slowly, respectfully, and with purpose

Bali retreat at a glance
Location:
Amed, Bali (4 nights); optional Ubud extension (3 nights)
Duration:
5 days / 4 nights (Amed base) or 8 days / 7 nights (with Ubud Extension add-on)
Accomodation:
Coral View Villas Amed (hotel, Jemeluk Bay, walking distance to Apneista), Amed + Grand Sehati Inn & Spa, Ubud
Group size:
maximum 4 guests
Level:
Beginners welcome — no experience required
Certification:
Optional add-on — Wave 1 (beginner) or Wave 2 (advanced)
Freediving:
Guided sessions in Jemeluk Bay (training lines) + 1 session at USAT Liberty, Tulamben
Who is it for:
Women, beginner to intermediate, solo-traveller friendly
Approach:
low-impact, respectful, safety-first

Highlights

• Freedive the USAT Liberty wreck on a single breath: descend through a coral-encrusted WWII wreck in silence, without tanks — one of the most unusual freediving experiences in the world.

• Train in Jemeluk Bay, one of the world's best freediving bays: calm, clear, sheltered water with permanent training lines. Learn or deepen your practice somewhere the conditions are actually kind to you.

• Amed's most respected freediving school: Apneista. Patient, precise, deeply rooted in the bay's freediving community.

• A two-halves week — ocean breath, then sacred water: four days of freediving in Amed, three days in Ubud moving through waterfalls, rice terraces, and a closing Tirta Empul melukat water-purification ceremony.

• Optional coral restoration with Ocean Gardener: spend an afternoon in a working coral nursery, snorkel the restoration site with a marine biologist, plant your own fragment.

• Small group, women-only, solo-traveller friendly: kept intimate on purpose. You are not a number on a trip list — you are one of a few.

• Founder-led and Swiss-organised: a real person (Rocío) behind every booking, answering questions before, during, and after the retreat.

*Available at an additional cost to support local ecosystem projects.

What’s Included

• Airport pickup and drop-off (Denpasar DPS)
  [Transfer to Ubud available with optional Ubud Extension add-on]

• 4 nights accommodation at Coral View Villas Amed (boutique villas,

  Jemeluk Bay, walking distance to Apneista)

• Daily breakfast at your Amed hotel (Coral View Villas Amed)

• Guided freediving sessions in Jemeluk Bay — training lines, line work, open-water depth practice

• 1 freediving session at the USAT Liberty wreck, Tulamben

• All standard freediving equipment (mask, wetsuit, fins, weights, buoy)

• [Ubud cultural visits available with optional Ubud Extension add-on]

• [Temple fees included only if Ubud Extension add-on is taken]

• WiFi at the hotel

• Host support before, during, and after the retreat

What’s Not Included

• Flights to and from Bali

• Travel insurance (required)

• Lunch and dinner

• Freediving certification course — optional add-on at booking

• Underwater photoshoot — optional add-on

• Welcome massage — optional add-on

• Personal expenses and optional activities

Volunteer in a marine conservation project

For those who feel called to give something back to the ocean, an optional conservation experience can be arranged in Amed with NGOs such as Ocean Gardener or Livingseas Asia.

These are not staged activities, but real restoration projects led by marine biologists and local teams. You may take part in coral reef recovery, support underwater nurseries, and learn how fragile ecosystems are being rebuilt — one fragment at a time.

Contribution from approximately 80–100 USD supports ongoing reef restoration, research, and local conservation efforts.

Participation is always optional, and designed as a quiet, meaningful way to connect more deeply with the ocean.

How booking works

1. Reserve your place
   Send an enquiry or secure your spot for the Bali retreat.

2. Confirm your setup
   We confirm your room, your freediving or scuba path, and any optional add-ons.

3. Prepare for arrival
   You receive your retreat guide, practical details, and support before you travel.

Welcome to Bali

Bali is one of those rare places where the ocean, the land, and the spiritual feel genuinely inseparable. This retreat brings together two of the island's most distinctive settings: Amed, a quiet coastal village on Bali's northeast coast known for its black-sand beaches, calm and clear water, and a freediving community that takes the practice seriously, and Ubud, the cultural heartland of the island, surrounded by rice terraces, jungle, and centuries of temple life.

Over eight days, you will move between salt water and sacred water — between the particular stillness of a long breath-hold and the quiet of a landscape shaped by ritual and intention. The retreat is designed to feel calm, meaningful, and easy to navigate alone.

What you will experience

Amed: ocean training days on Bali’s quieter east coast
Amed is widely used for freediving training thanks to calm bays and shore access that makes progressive sessions easier to run with minimal logistics.

Tulamben: a historic wreck session at the USAT Liberty
The USAT Liberty was torpedoed in 1942 and later moved underwater after the 1963 Mount Agung eruption tremors; it now lies at depths roughly 7.6–30.5m (depth and access depend on conditions and your training level).

Ubud: rice terraces, culture, and ceremony
Bali’s rice terraces and water-temple culture are deeply connected through irrigation systems and religious practice, recognised in UNESCO’s description of Bali’s cultural landscape.

Your retreat includes time for terraces, temples, and a respectful closing purification experience at Tirta Empul (founded around 962 AD in many common references).

Typical day

Training days in Amed

Morning: briefing + ocean session (technique, safety, comfort-based progression)
Midday: rest, journaling, lunch on your own terms
Afternoon: second session (pool or ocean depending on conditions and path)
Evening: free time, early dinner, calm group connection

Cultural days in Ubud

Morning: slow start + breakfast
Daytime: guided cultural visits (temple/terraces) + optional personal exploration
Late afternoon: rest time
Evening: unstructured, quiet integration

Freediving path (breath-hold):

Ideal for guests drawn to breathwork, relaxation, equalisation, and calm underwater progression.
Options may include:

• Freediving Level 1

• Freediving Level 2

A Note on Certification

You choose your level at the time of booking. AIDA 2 / Wave 1 (beginner) is the entry-level course and runs over two days. It covers breathwork and relaxation techniques, static and dynamic apnea, and open water dives. No prior experience is required.

AIDA 3 / Wave 2 (advanced) is for those who already hold a beginner certification and want to go deeper. This course runs over three days and includes advanced equalization, deeper dives, and rescue skills.

Your school is confirmed at booking based on availability and the level that’s right for you. You will be matched with either Ocean Prana Freediving & Yoga or Apneista Freediving & Yoga School — both based in Jemeluk Bay, Amed, both with exceptional instructors and ideal training conditions.

Apneista Freediving & Yoga School — Jemeluk Bay, Amed

The first freediving school in Bali, established on the beachfront of Jemeluk Bay. Courses grounded in the Molchanovs freediving system, with deep integration of yoga, breathwork, and meditation. 25-metre training pool at Blue Earth Village. A non-competitive ethos and genuinely international community.

Kwab Edusei — Freediving Instructor and co-founder of Apneista. His approach integrates breathwork, nervous system regulation, and equalization within a framework that values awareness as much as performance.

“Progress comes from relaxation and patience rather than force.”

Matthias Misof — Molchanovs Instructor Trainer, over 10 years in freediving and coaching. Competition safety diver. Classes structured around efficiency, awareness, and relaxation rather than physical effort.

“Relaxation creates progress. When the mind becomes calm, performance improves naturally.”

Ocean Prana Freediving & Yoga — Jemeluk Bay, Amed

Founded by Yoram Zekri — former world vice-champion of freediving, French national multi-record holder, and one of fewer than thirty AIDA Instructor Trainers globally. Beachfront on Jemeluk Bay, 15 metres from the water. Pool, yoga studio, organic café, and on-site accommodation.

Sophie Devonport — Master AIDA Instructor. Before dedicating herself fully to freediving in 2016, she spent ten years in the professional scuba industry. Her teaching is grounded in nervous system regulation, breath awareness, and the internal conditions that allow the body to do what it is naturally capable of.

“Progress comes from relaxation, not force. When the mind becomes calm, the body follows.”

Underwater memories

During selected moments of the retreat, our highly trained instructors will capture underwater videos of you, so you can stay fully immersed in the experience while your memories are beautifully documented.

Meet the local experts behind your Amed & Ubud retreat

Your Full Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Bali / Transfer to Amed

Morning: Arrive in Bali (DPS). Your private driver meets you at the airport and transfers you to Amed — approximately 2.5 hours along Bali’s northeastern coast.
Afternoon: Check in at your accommodation in Amed, steps from the water.
Evening: A gentle first evening — dinner at leisure, early sleep, and the sound of the sea outside your window.

Day 2 — Freediving Training, Day One
Morning: Breakfast, then your first session with your certified freediving instructor. You will begin with the theory and physiology of breath-hold diving, relaxation and breathwork techniques, and your first pool session.
Afternoon: Static and dynamic apnea practice in the pool. By this afternoon, you will have already held your breath longer than you thought you could.
Evening: Free time to rest or explore the beachfront.

Day 3 — Freediving Training, Day Two / Open Water
Morning: Your first ocean dives — descending the line, equalising, moving through the water on a single breath. Your instructor is with you at every moment.
Afternoon: Continued open water practice. Advanced students work on deeper dives, rescue skills, and equalization.
Evening: Sunset by the water. A free evening in Amed.

Day 4 — USAT Liberty Wreck Freedive — Certification Day
Morning: An early start for the most memorable experience of your certification: a freedive at the USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben. Torpedoed in 1942, resting just metres from shore, encrusted with coral and alive with marine life. To descend on one breath through its structure is something quite unlike anything else. Underwater footage included.
Afternoon: Return to Amed. Beginner students receive their AIDA 2 / Wave 1 certification. Advanced students complete their final dives and receive their AIDA 3 / Wave 2 certification.
Evening: Celebrate. A free evening in Amed.

Day 5 — Transfer to Ubud
Morning: A free morning in Amed — a last swim or slow breakfast by the sea.
Afternoon: Your private driver takes you to Ubud — approximately three hours through the mountains and terraced valleys of central Bali.
Evening: Check in at Grand Sehati Inn & Spa. Dinner at leisure.

Day 6 — Ubud — Waterfalls, Rice Terraces & Luwak Coffee
Morning: An early start — out before the crowds to reach the waterfall by 8AM, when the valley is quiet and the light is still soft.
Afternoon: Tegalalang Rice Terraces and a stop at Bali Pulina for a traditional luwak coffee tasting.
Evening: Free evening in Ubud — some of Bali’s best restaurants within easy walking distance.

Day 7 — Ubud & Tirta Empul Purification Ceremony
Morning: A slow morning — sleep in, explore the Ubud market, or enjoy the greenery of the inn.
Afternoon: Visit Tirta Empul for respectful participation in the melukat water purification ceremony — a Balinese Hindu ritual of cleansing and renewal practised here for over a thousand years. Sarong and guidance provided.
Evening: Closing dinner or final evening at leisure.

Day 8 — Departure
Morning: Breakfast and a slow check-out.
Afternoon: Private transfer to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).
Evening: Travel onward — certified, renewed, and carrying something real from Bali.

What Makes This Retreat Bali

The USAT Liberty Shipwreck — Tulamben, Amed A US Army cargo ship torpedoed in 1942, the Liberty was pushed ashore and eventually rolled into the sea in 1963 after a volcanic eruption. Today it rests at 5 to 30 metres and is one of the most accessible and visually extraordinary dive sites in the world — its hull now a continuous living reef of soft corals, reef fish, and schools of jackfish that circle it in slow, unhurried orbits.

Lempuyang Temple — The Gates of Heaven Perched on the slopes of Gunung Lempuyang in East Bali, this ancient temple complex offers one of the island's most iconic views — a stone split gate framing the sacred volcano beyond. It is one of Bali's nine directional temples, believed to protect the island from negative forces. A place of genuine spiritual weight, not a backdrop.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace — East Bali Built in 1946 by the last king of Karangasem, Tirta Gangga is a network of tiered fountains, ornamental pools, and stone sculptures fed by natural springs. The name means Water of the Ganges. Walking through it is a lesson in how Balinese culture understands water — not as a resource, but as something sacred and alive.

Tirta Empul Temple — Water Purification Ceremony One of Bali's most important temples, built over a thousand years ago around a natural spring that Balinese Hindus believe possesses holy healing powers. The purification ritual — moving through a series of fountains in a specific sequence — is a genuine act of spiritual renewal that locals practise regularly, not a performance for visitors. To close the retreat here is intentional. You began in the ocean. You end in holy water. The circle completes.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is created for those who want to discover what it feels like to move through the ocean on a single breath — in one of the most extraordinary environments in Southeast Asia.

This retreat is for you if you:

• Are curious about freediving and want to learn in a calm, expert-led environment

• Are drawn to Coron’s unique landscapes — Barracuda Lake, the Ghost Fleet, the dugongs

• Prefer a small, intimate group (max 4) over a large dive operation

• Are travelling solo and want structure and genuine support

• Care about ethical wildlife encounters and responsible travel

• Want to return home with a real certification and a changed relationship with the sea

This retreat is probably not for you if you:

• Are looking for a party atmosphere or a high-energy group dynamic

• Want a packed activity schedule with no downtime

• Are not comfortable with the idea that wild animal encounters are never guaranteed

You don’t need experience. No prior freediving is required for the beginner course.

Where You’ll Stay - Amed

Your accommodations are carefully selected across every island to match the retreat's rhythm. At each stop, you stay in a private room designed for rest and comfort after your ocean sessions and explorations.

Your retreat unfolds across two of Bali's most captivating landscapes.

On the coast of Amed, you’ll rest in a charming lodge where the sea is your backdrop. Rooms open onto private balconies, the air is salt-kissed, and the pace of life slows to match the rhythm of the tides. A dedicated dive training pool on site allows you to practice and refine your skills in a safe and focused environment, while the open ocean is just 100 metres from your door. A daily breakfast is included, ensuring you start each morning nourished and ready for the adventures ahead. After a day in the water, unwind by the pool or gather with fellow travellers at the bar — good food, good company, and the warm glow of an Amed sunset always within reach.

Where You’ll Stay - Ubud

In the cultural heart of Ubud, your stay shifts to a serene boutique sanctuary nestled among lush tropical gardens. Elegant rooms with private balconies overlook a sparkling outdoor pool or peaceful garden, while a full-service spa, rooftop terrace, and on-site restaurant complete the picture of refined comfort. Just steps from sacred temples, art museums, and the iconic Monkey Forest, the location places you at the very soul of Ubud — while the calm interiors ensure you always have a quiet refuge to return to.

Ethical approach and wildlife responsibility

We follow a low-impact approach to wildlife encounters: no touching, no feeding, no teasing, no blocking an animal’s path, and no forcing an interaction.

Where relevant (for example, visits to forest areas in Ubud), we align guest behaviour with established guidance for observing long-tailed macaques responsibly. This includes keeping a respectful distance, avoiding direct eye contact, not showing teeth or smiling at the monkeys, securing loose belongings, and allowing the animals to move freely without interference. Monkeys are intelligent and curious, but they remain wild animals and should never be encouraged to interact closely.

Wildlife encounters can never be guaranteed or controlled. The intention is not to create staged experiences, but to observe respectfully and allow animals to remain calm in their natural environment.

The point is not to “collect” animals — it is to meet nature with awareness and respect.

Safety and responsibility

Safety is never a vibe. It’s a system.

All underwater sessions are conducted by certified professionals through partner schools and operators. Ocean Calling Retreats coordinates the retreat experience and logistics, but does not act as a freediving or scuba instructor, and does not make in-water safety decisions—those are made by the licensed professionals running the sessions.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical and emergency cover, and appropriate freediving or scuba coverage depending on your chosen path.

Insurance can be added during checkout at the time of booking.

Questions before booking?

Message us, happy to help you choose freediving vs scuba.

What guests often say

Guests often describe Ocean Calling Retreats as calm, supportive, and deeply memorable. Many mention feeling safe in the water, welcomed as solo travellers, and grateful for the small-group atmosphere. Others speak about the slower pace, the thoughtful guidance, and the way the experience stayed with them long after the retreat ended.

For many guests, this is more than a diving holiday. It is a small-group ocean retreat designed to feel personal, safe, and meaningful — especially for travellers looking for a more intentional way to experience the ocean.

To read recent feedback and follow the journey, you can explore our reviews and social platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Which country does Bali belong to?

Bali is an island in Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia. Entry requirements follow Indonesian immigration policies.

Official information:
https://www.indonesia.travel
https://www.imigrasi.go.id

What language is spoken?

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language.

English is widely spoken in tourism, hospitality, and diving environments throughout Bali.

What currency is used?

Indonesia uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Credit cards are widely accepted in Bali, especially in hotels and restaurants. Cash is useful for small local shops, temples, and markets.

ATMs are available in both Amed and Ubud.

Currency information:
https://www.bi.go.id

Travel & Entry

Do I need a visa?

Many travellers can enter Indonesia using a Visa on Arrival (VOA), valid for 30 days and extendable once, or an e-VOA purchased online before arrival.

Travellers from the EU/Schengen area, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Switzerland are generally eligible, depending on passport validity.

Official visa information:
https://www.imigrasi.go.id

How do I get to Bali?

You fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar.

Transfers between locations during the retreat are arranged.

Airport information:
https://www.bali-airport.com

Season & Environment

What is the weather like?

Bali has a warm tropical climate year-round.

Air temperature: 27–32°C
Water temperature: 27–29°C

Expect mostly sunny weather with occasional short tropical showers.

Ocean Experience

Do I need experience in freediving?

No. Beginners are welcome.

Amed’s calm bays offer very good conditions for learning freediving safely and progressively.

What if I feel nervous about holding my breath?

Feeling unsure is very common.

Freediving focuses on relaxation and technique rather than performance.

You are always guided safely and progress at your own pace.

There is no pressure to reach a certain depth.

Can I choose between freediving and scuba diving?

Yes. You may choose a freediving or scuba diving certification path depending on your interests.

Both options are beginner friendly.

Is equipment included?

Yes. Standard freediving or scuba diving equipment is included within the course framework.

Equipment rental is included during the scheduled training sessions and certification activities. Outside of course sessions, equipment rental is not included but can be arranged locally if desired.

If nitrox is selected, the dive centre may charge an additional fee.

What ocean life might we see?

In Amed and Tulamben, marine life may include:

reef fish
coral reefs
sea turtles
macro marine life
occasionally dolphins

Wildlife encounters happen naturally and respectfully.

Sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Accommodation & Group

Where do we stay?

Accommodation is in two boutique properties:

one in Amed on Bali’s eastern coast
one in Ubud in the island’s interior

Both locations are selected for their calm atmosphere, connection to nature, and proximity to the experiences included in the retreat.

Guests can choose between a private bedroom or a shared bedroom, depending on their preference and availability.

Is this a resort?

No. The accommodation consists of small boutique-style properties chosen for their calm atmosphere and connection to the environment, rather than large commercial resorts.

Can I stay in my own hotel or villa?

Yes. If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, the retreat can be adapted to include guiding, equipment, and activities only.

Is this retreat suitable for solo travellers?

Yes. Most guests join solo.

The small group environment allows connection while maintaining personal space.

How many guests will join?

The group is intentionally small to allow personalised guidance and a calm atmosphere.

Meals & Daily Life

Are meals included?

Breakfast is included daily.

Lunch is not included. During training sessions, lunch can be pre-ordered directly at the school café for convenience, allowing the group to eat together without losing time between sessions. Payment is made directly at the café.

During activity days, we usually eat together at local restaurants. Meals are paid individually.

Dinner is flexible, allowing each person to choose freely according to personal preference and explore local restaurants.

You will always be informed in advance about the daily schedule so you can plan comfortably.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes. Both accommodations offer Wi-Fi suitable for messages, calls, and light work.

Amed is quieter and more remote than Ubud, but connection is generally stable.

Booking & Practical Information

Will I receive underwater photos?

Yes. Underwater photos are taken during selected moments of the retreat, including freediving sessions and the Tulamben shipwreck experience.

Images are shared after the retreat.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Your policy should ideally cover:

medical care
freediving or scuba diving activities
travel interruption

You may have the option to purchase travel insurance during checkout when completing your booking.

Common providers:

https://dan.org
https://www.worldnomads.com

Do I need vaccinations for Bali?

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for most travellers entering Indonesia.

Common travel recommendations may include:

Hepatitis A
Tetanus
Typhoid

Recommendations vary depending on personal health and travel history.

Travellers should consult their doctor before departure.

Health information:

https://www.who.int
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/indonesia

Preparation

What should I pack?

A detailed packing list will be sent before the retreat.

Typical items include:

light clothing
swimwear
reef-safe sunscreen
comfortable footwear
modest clothing for temple visits (shoulders and knees covered)

Reef-safe sunscreen guidance:

https://savethereef.org

Policies

What is the cancellation policy?

Please refer to the cancellation policy here:

https://oceancallingretreats.com/cancellation-policy

If your booking is made through an external platform, the applicable cancellation terms will be those provided by that platform at the time of booking.

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