What is the difference between AIDA and PADI freediving courses?

AIDA International is the global competitive and educational standard for freediving, recognized at every serious freediving destination. PADI Freediver is a parallel recreational program. Jordan Freedivers teaches AIDA exclusively because it is the standard used by serious freedivers worldwide.

How much do freediving courses cost in Aqaba, Jordan?

AIDA 1 is 120 JOD (1 day), AIDA 2 is 280 JOD (3 days), AIDA 3 is 350 JOD (4 days), and the combined AIDA 2+3 path is 600 JOD (7 days, saves 30 JOD).

Do I need previous experience to take an AIDA freediving course?

No. AIDA 1 and AIDA 2 are open to anyone in good health with basic swimming ability. AIDA 3 requires an AIDA 2 certification.

How deep will I dive on each AIDA course?

AIDA 1 reaches 10 m. AIDA 2 reaches 12–20 m. AIDA 3 reaches 24–30 m. The AIDA 2+3 combined path takes you from beginner to 30 m+ in 7 days.

Where are Jordan Freedivers courses held?

All courses are held at Tala Bay in Aqaba, on the Jordanian Red Sea coast. Water is 22–28°C year-round with 20–40 m visibility, and depth is accessible within ~10 minutes from shore.

AIDA International Curriculum

Freediving Courses in Aqaba, Jordan

The full AIDA freediving course path in Aqaba — from your first breath-hold to advanced depth, taught in Tala Bay on the Red Sea under the AIDA International standard.

LEVEL 01

AIDA 1

Introduction Freediver

A one-day introduction to freediving under the AIDA International standard. Covers the basics of breath-hold physiology, relaxation, and a first guided depth session in open water.

·Freediving theory & safety basics
·Breathing, relaxation & recovery breaths
·Static apnea (breath-hold at the surface)
·Dynamic apnea (horizontal swim on one breath)
·Equalization fundamentals (Valsalva → Frenzel intro)
·One open-water session to 10 m
·AIDA 1 international certification

INCLUDED IN THIS COURSE

+1 theory session
+1 confined-water session
+1 open-water session
+Free AIDA International student account (digital cert & e-learning)

120 JOD

Duration: 1 day
Depth: To 10m

LEVEL 02

AIDA 2

Freediver

The first autonomous freediver qualification. Three days covering physiology, Frenzel equalization, full safety and rescue procedures, and depth diving to 20 m.

·Freediving theory, physiology & risks
·Frenzel equalization technique
·Static apnea (target 2:00) & dynamic apnea (target 40 m)
·Constant Weight (CWT) and Free Immersion (FIM) to 12–20 m
·Buddy system, safety & rescue from depth
·Equipment selection and weighting
·AIDA 2 international certification

INCLUDED IN THIS COURSE

+2 theory sessions
+2 pool / confined-water sessions
+3 open-water sessions
+Free AIDA International student account (digital cert & e-learning)

280 JOD

Duration: 3 days
Depth: 12 – 20m

LEVEL 03

AIDA 3

Advanced Freediver

For freedivers committed to going deeper. Builds on AIDA 2 with advanced physiology, mouthfill equalization, freefall technique, and rescues from 20 m.

·Advanced physiology & mammalian dive response
·Mouthfill equalization introduction
·Freefall technique & body trim
·Static apnea (target 2:45) & dynamic apnea (target 55 m)
·CWTB / FIM to 24–30 m
·Rescue from 20 m & advanced safety
·AIDA 3 international certification

INCLUDED IN THIS COURSE

+2 theory sessions
+2 pool / confined-water sessions
+4 open-water sessions
+Free AIDA International student account (digital cert & e-learning)

350 JOD

Duration: 4 days
Depth: 24 – 30m

COMBINED

AIDA 2+3

Combined Path

The complete path. Take AIDA 2 and AIDA 3 back-to-back as a single 7-day program — the most efficient way from beginner to confident deep diving, with both certifications on completion.

INCLUDED IN THIS COURSE

+4 theory sessions
+4 pool / confined-water sessions
+7 open-water sessions
+AIDA 2 & AIDA 3 international certifications
+Free AIDA International student account (digital cert & e-learning)

Save 30 JOD vs. separate

600 JOD

Duration: 7 days
Depth: To 30m

Training Sessions

Practice & coaching for certified freedivers

Non-certification sessions for AIDA 2+ divers who want to keep diving between courses.

ONE-TO-ONE

Coaching Session

One-to-one with an AIDA instructor. Technique, equalization, depth progression, or training for a personal goal.

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GUIDED LINE

Fun Dive / Training Dive

Guided line session for certified freedivers who want pool or depth practice without enrolling in a course.

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AIDA vs PADI

Why we teach the AIDA curriculum

AIDA International and PADI Freediver are the two recognized freediving certifications worldwide. Both are valid — but they're built around different priorities. Here's how they compare so you can choose with open eyes.

AIDA INTERNATIONAL

Sport-first, depth-focused

+Founded 1992 by competitive freedivers — the federation behind world-record events.
+Higher depth and apnea targets at every level (AIDA 2 = 16 m, AIDA 3 = 24 m).
+Stronger emphasis on rescue technique from depth.
+The default standard at competitions and serious freediving destinations.

PADI FREEDIVER

Recreational, dive-shop friendly

·Launched 2015, built on PADI's scuba network.
·Lower depth targets (PADI Freediver = 10 m, Advanced = 20 m).
·Familiar brand if you already hold a PADI scuba card.
·Widely available at scuba resorts, less common at competition venues.

Both certifications cross-credit at most schools, so an AIDA card is recognized worldwide. We chose AIDA because it's the standard the sport itself uses — and because the depth progression matches the diving you can actually do here in Tala Bay.