Travel Moment: Learning to freedive with South Africa’s finest

There’s something utterly transformative about the moment you slip beneath the surface of the ocean, leaving the noise of the world above behind. This was exactly what I experienced during my freediving adventure in South Africa, a country known not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its incredible marine life.

My journey began in the coastal town of Cape Town, where I met my instructor, a seasoned freediver with years of experience exploring the depths of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Freediving, I quickly learned, is as much about mental discipline as it is about physical skill. It’s about finding calm in the chaos, trusting your body, and connecting with the underwater world in its purest form.

Our first lesson took place in a quiet cove near Simon’s Town, where the water was crystal clear and the kelp forests swayed gently in the current. After a thorough safety briefing and some breathing exercises on the shore, we waded into the cool, refreshing water. The sensation of holding my breath and diving down, even just a few meters, was both exhilarating and humbling. I felt weightless, free, and completely present in the moment.

As my confidence grew, so did my appreciation for the marine life around me. Schools of silvery fish darted past, and curious seals playfully circled below. My instructor pointed out colorful starfish and tiny crabs hiding among the rocks. It was a reminder that freediving isn’t just about depth—it’s about slowing down and observing the intricate beauty of the ocean.

The highlight of the experience came on the final day, when we ventured further out to explore a shipwreck. Descending alongside the rusted hull, surrounded by swirling fish and shafts of sunlight piercing the water, I felt a profound sense of connection to the ocean and its mysteries. It was a moment of pure magic, one that will stay with me forever.

Learning to freedive in South Africa wasn’t just about mastering a new skill—it was about embracing a new way of seeing the world. It taught me to breathe deeply, move mindfully, and appreciate the quiet wonders beneath the waves. If you ever have the chance to try freediving, especially in a place as breathtaking as South Africa, take it. It’s not just an adventure; it’s a journey into yourself.