Freediving in Bahía Solano: Explore on a Single Breath
For certified freedivers visiting Bahía Solano, this is the ultimate way to explore the wild Pacific coast of Colombia. Our guided boat trips are led by expert local freediving professionals who prioritize safety, intimate group sizes, and true ocean immersion. You bring your breath and your certification; we handle the rest—boat transport, surface support, lines, and local dive insurance are all completely included.
Make the Ocean Your Story
Half-day open ocean excursions—crafted for certified freedivers.
What Are Freediving Fun Dives?
Our Freediving Fun Dives are specialized, guided boat excursions designed specifically for certified freedivers who want to apply their skills in the dynamic Chocó region. Without the noise of scuba bubbles, you become part of the marine ecosystem. We explore sunken pinnacles, drift along dramatic coastlines, and always provide a dedicated surface buoy and safety diver, ensuring your Pacific adventure is as secure as it is thrilling.
What you’ll do (step‑by‑step)
- Meet & Welcome (08:00 AM): Arrive at the Ankla Azul dive center. We will verify your freediving certification, check your gear, and review our dedicated safety protocols and ocean conditions.
- The Boat Ride: Head out into the Pacific. The ride itself is an adventure, offering stunning views of the lush Chocó jungle meeting the sea.
- Warm-Up & Acclimatization: Once at the site, we deploy the surface float and lines. You will have time to do your breathe-up, relax your mammalian dive reflex, and complete warm-up pulls.
- Guided Exploration: Drop down and explore the reef. Your guide will point out local marine life, navigate the underwater topography, and always provide a safety protocol on your ascent.
- Debrief & Relax: Return to the boat for fresh fruit, hydration, and a breakdown of your best dives before heading back to the harbor.
Who it’s for (requirements)
Certification Prerequisites: Must hold a recognized basic Freediving certification (SSI Freediver, PADI Freediver, Molchanovs Wave 1, or equivalent). Uncertified guests must take an introductory course first.
Age: Minimum 12 years old.
Comfort Level: You should be completely comfortable swimming in open ocean conditions.
Medical Clearance: You must provide a standard medical statement declaring you fit for freediving activities prior to getting in the water.
Diving the Colombian Pacific is thrilling, but it requires local expertise. We handle the underwater navigation, monitor the currents, and manage the logistics so you can relax, drift at your own pace, and focus entirely on the magic around you.
Price & booking
Departures: 8:00 AM (Subject to weather and ocean conditions) Duration: Half-Day (Typically 2-3 hours on the water)
Boat Transport: Scenic rides to the best local freediving sites in Bahía Solano.
Expert Local Guide (SSI Pro): A professional freediving guide and dedicated safety diver.
Surface Support: Surface float, safety lanyard, and descent line.
Weights: Weights and weight belts included.
Snacks & Drinks: Tasty snacks and hydration to stay energized.
Dive Insurance: Comprehensive local coverage for your absolute peace of mind.
What’s included
One Seassion
One Day
350.000 COP
Next level:
The SSI Advanced Freediver Course
Ready to dive deeper and hold your breath longer? Turn your Pacific fun dives into an upgraded certification. The SSI Advanced Freediver course teaches you advanced equalization techniques, freefalling, and training tables to safely expand your limits in the ocean.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be certified to join a Freediving Fun Dive?
Yes. For safety and liability reasons, you must hold at least an entry-level freediving certification from a recognized agency. If you are not certified, we would love to teach you! Check out our beginner freediving courses to get started.
Can I do target depth training?
While our fun dives are primarily focused on reef exploration and wildlife encounters, we can dedicate a portion of the session to line diving for depth, provided ocean conditions allow and it falls strictly within the limits of your current certification.
What thickness wetsuit do I need?
The water temperature in Bahía Solano generally ranges from 26°C to 28°C (79°F to 82°F). A 1.5mm to 3mm open-cell freediving wetsuit is highly recommended to protect against the sun, stinging plankton, and mild chill during breathe-ups on the surface.
Will I see whales while freediving?
If you visit between July and October, humpback whales migrate through our waters. While we strictly follow local regulations regarding swimming with whales, hearing their songs underwater while you hold your breath is an unforgettable, almost guaranteed experience during the season.
Need Help Planning Your Pacific Adventure?
It is completely normal to have questions before traveling to the wild Chocó. Here is what our team can help you with:
Medical Questions: Not sure if a specific condition affects your ability to dive safely?
Scheduling: Want to check our boat availability or coordinate your SSI course dates?
Custom Trips: Traveling with a dive club or a large group to Bahía Solano?
Don't guess—just ask! Send us a message, and our active SSI instructors will put your mind at ease and help you plan the perfect trip.
What Divers Say
400+ Reviews
Vinha Damanta
"I did 3 dives with the guys from Ankla Azul and all three were great... The diveshop gives much attention to safety and following the right procedures which gives you a very safe feeling. They have excellent gear almost new do they kit you out like a pro."
Magda K
"The dive center impressed us a lot – the equipment was top quality, making every dive comfortable and safe... Besides scuba diving, we had the chance to try freediving, which at the waterfall was an absolutely unique experience."
Nicole Reynolds
"I spent three days with the Ankla Azul team for scuba diving and it was an incredible experience... Ja, the main dive master and instructor, takes pride in his diving excursions and it's clear he has a huge love for Bahia Solano and the wildlife here."
Gloria Guillin Cuello
"This time, I did my first dive with Ankla Azul and three other friends. The experience was spectacular, from the beginning of the training to the practice session. Our instructor demonstrated kindness and knowledge, providing us with a safe guide."
Adèle B
Absolutely amazing experience! The dive was unforgettable, we could hear the whales singing underwater the entire time... The team at Ankla Azul is super professional, the equipment is top quality, and everything felt very safe and well-organized."
Dayana Jamaica
Excelente experiencia, Andres y Victor son unos duros, muy amables, atentos, cuidadosos, nos hicieron sentir seguras todo el tiempo y disfrutar del buceo aun nosotras sin saber nada, la pasamos muy bien, 100% recomendado
More Than Kicking Your Fins
At Ankla Azul, diving is more than kicking your fins. It's patient teaching, sharp safety, and real care for the place we call home. As an SSI Instructor Training Center and an SSI Blue Oceans Center (2025 award), we blend skill-building with ocean awareness—Fish ID, coral nursery work, community education, and rescue support—so every dive grows confidence and respect for Bahía Solano's wild Pacific.