Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you'll find answers to common questions about the event. We aim to provide all the information you need for an experience.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out!

What is South Florida Freedive Fest?

South Florida Freedive Fest is a 6-day community event celebrating freediving, ocean connection, and the South Florida lifestyle. Expect workshops, yoga, friendly competitions, ocean adventures, and community cookups — open to all levels, from curious beginners to experienced divers.

Do I need to be a certified freediver to join?

Yes — all participants must hold at least a basic freediver certification to join. This ensures that everyone has a solid understanding of safety protocols and fundamental freediving techniques.

If you already have a basic freediving certification, you may have the opportunity to complete your full Level 1 certification during the festival. Please contact us in advance so we can prepare the necessary paperwork and coordinate your evaluation.

What if Im not yet freedive certified?

No worries! We offer freediver certification courses leading up to the festival, so you can get Level 1 certified and be ready to dive in with the group.

If you’re interested, just reach out to us for course dates and details — we’ll help you get set up and prepared for the fest!

Can I earn my certification while I’m at the fest?

South Florida Freedive Fest is designed to focus on training, community, and skill development, not formal certification courses. Because of the event’s structure, schedule, and safety logistics, we’re unable to accommodate full certification courses during the festival.
That said, if you’re looking to advance your skills or prepare for a higher-level course, you’ll absolutely gain more hands-on experience and coaching over these 4–5 days than you would in a typical certification setting. Think of it as a training-intensive experience that will set you up for success in your next certification.

Where should I stay?

We recommend our host hotel the Best Western Palm Beach Lakes, where most attendees and instructors will stay. It’s affordable, convenient, and keeps you close to the action. This is also where the workshops & community cook ups will be held. We have a limited room block and able to offer Freedive Fest participants a discounted rate

If you want a more resort-style vacation experience, check out The Singer on Singer Island — great for couples or anyone wanting more of a beachy, relaxed vibe.

How do I get there?

The closest airport is Palm Beach International (PBI) — just 3 miles from the Best Western.

You can also fly into Fort Lauderdale (FLL- 50 miles) or Miami (MIA- 77 miles) and take the Brightline or Tri-Rail to West Palm Beach.

The Best Western offers a free shuttle from PBI for guests staying there.

Do I need to rent a car?

Not necessarily! We’ll add you to our private SFFF WhatsApp group chat to help coordinate carpooling. Many participants share rides to dive sites, so it’s easy (and eco-friendly).
If you prefer independence, rental cars are available nearby or at the airport.

Is the competition open to everyone?

Yes! Our friendly competition is open to all certified freedivers. The goal is to introduce new divers to the competition world in a fun, low stress setting. It’s about celebrating personal progress and supporting one another — not high-pressure performances.

Can I come alone?

Absolutely! Most people come solo and leave with a crew of new dive buddies. The event is designed to be welcoming — no cliques, no pressure, just ocean-loving humans coming together.

Can I bring my spouse or significant other?

Yes, absolutely! We love when partners join the fun. Your spouse or significant other is welcome to attend the social events and dry workshops throughout the festival.

Due to logistics and additional costs (such as boat and pool access), they won’t be able to join the in-water training sessions, but there will still be plenty of ways for them to connect with the community and enjoy the experience alongside you.

What if I can't come anymore? Are tickets refundable?

Tickets are non-refundable but transferable. If you can’t make it, you can transfer your ticket to another diver by contacting us before July 1st.

Putting on this event is very time intensive, includes a lot of planning and logistics. We have a large amount of external fees to put on this event which is why each ticket is non-refundable. In order to keep our business sustainable and activities enjoyable we must adhere to a stern cancellation policy. Thank you for understanding.

What if I can’t attend the whole event?

You’re welcome to join for as many days as you’re able to, but please note that we can’t offer refunds or partial discounts if you only attend a portion of the event.

If you plan to arrive late or leave early, just let us know in advance so we can coordinate logistics and make sure the group runs smoothly. We’ll do our best to ensure you still get a meaningful and memorable experience while you’re with us.

Can I purchase a day pass?

Due to the extensive logistics involved—such as coordinating boats, safety teams, and weather-dependent scheduling—we’re not offering day passes.

We’ve found that the true value and magic of the event come from being immersed in it for the full duration. The community connections, progressive training, and shared experiences build each day—something that’s hard to capture in just a single session!