Coming Soon
〰️
Coming Soon 〰️
Discover the underwater world of Vanuatu
Learn to Freedive in Paradise
Blue Hole Freediving - Espiritu Santo Vanuatu.
The blue holes of Santo Vanuatu are a fantastic option for beginners, offering calm, crystal-clear freshwater and a relaxed environment to build confidence in freediving. With a maximum depth of around 18 metres, they provide the perfect setting to practise breathing, relaxation, equalisation and technique while enjoying a truly unique Vanuatu experience.
Reef Freediving in Ambuie Bay - Aore Island Vanuatu
Discover reef freediving in the crystal-clear waters of Ambuie Bay, Aore Island. Explore vibrant coral reefs and tropical marine life while developing your breath-hold and freediving skills in a beautiful, relaxed environment. A great option for both beginners and experienced freedivers.
Meet Your Instructor
Xande Wheldon
Growing up in Far North Queensland on the Great Barrier Reef, Xande has been in and around the ocean from a very young age. He started out with a passion for spearfishing, which led him to focus on improving his breath-hold and discovering a love for freediving. Today, Xande is a certified freediving instructor who loves sharing his passion for the ocean with others. He’ll make sure you feel comfortable, confident and supported throughout your course, helping you get the most out of your freediving experience in Vanuatu.
Which course is best for you?
-
![free diver at million dollar point]()
Discover Freediving
Experience freediving for the first time.
Discover Freediving is a one-day introductory course designed for complete beginners who want to experience freediving without committing to a full certification course.
The course combines basic freediving theory, breathing and relaxation, equalisation, safety and practical water sessions. You’ll learn the fundamentals of holding your breath, moving efficiently through the water and diving safely with a buddy before putting your new skills into practice.
By the end of the course, you’ll have experienced what freediving is all about and gained the basic skills and confidence to continue your freediving journey or progress into the Molchanovs Wave 1 course.
-
![man freediving in Santo Bluehole]()
Molchanovs Wave 1
Build the foundations of freediving.
Molchanovs Wave 1 is a two-day course designed to give you the knowledge and skills to freedive safely and confidently.
The course combines freediving theory, breathing and relaxation techniques, confined-water training and open-water diving. You’ll learn equalisation, efficient diving technique, buddy procedures and essential freediving safety and rescue skills before putting everything into practice on the dive line.
By the end of the course, you’ll have built a strong foundation for progressing your freediving and, once all requirements are completed, earn your Molchanovs Wave 1 certification.
-
![Pole spearing coral trout]()
Molchanovs Wave 2
Take your freediving to the next level.
Molchanovs Wave 2 is a three-day advanced freediving course designed for certified freedivers ready to develop their technique, increase their depth and become more confident and efficient in the water.
The course combines advanced theory, breathing and relaxation, pool training and open-water sessions. You’ll develop deeper equalisation techniques, improve your finning and freefall, refine your body position and learn advanced safety and rescue procedures while gradually progressing your depth.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a deeper understanding of freediving and the skills to continue progressing safely and confidently, with Molchanovs Wave 2 certification awarded once all course requirements are completed.
Solwota Freediving Retreat - What to Expect in 2027
-
![Scenic landscape with a mountain range in the background, a lake in the middle, and grassy fields in the foreground under cloudy skies.]()
More Than a Course. A Complete Island Adventure.
Leave the busy world behind and immerse yourself in one of the South Pacific's most untouched destinations. Our small-group retreats combine professional freediving instruction, unforgettable island adventures, authentic Vanuatu culture, and beachfront living—all from our private retreat on beautiful Aore Island.
Whether you're discovering freediving for the first time or chasing your next adventure, Solwota is where lifelong memories begin.
-
![Snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky with green hills and a small modern building at the base.]()
Stay in Tropical Island Bungalows
Wake beneath towering rain trees in our handcrafted island-inspired bungalows, just moments from the ocean. Designed to blend naturally with the surrounding landscape, every bungalow offers a peaceful place to relax after a day of adventure.
-
![Modern building with vertical wooden slats and a large window, set against a mountainous landscape with grassy terrain in the foreground.]()
Become a Certified Freediver
Learn to freedive with experienced instructor Xande, who will guide you through every step of your journey. Throughout the retreat you'll complete your internationally recognised Wave 1 Freediving Certification, learning breathing techniques, safety procedures, equalisation, and confidence in the water—all in warm tropical conditions.
No previous experience is required.
-
![A modern wooden house overlooking a lake with mountains in the background, during sunset or sunrise.]()
Discover the Best of Vanuatu
Our retreat extends far beyond the classroom. We'll take you to some of Vanuatu's most spectacular natural attractions, including: Crystal-clear Blue Holes, Stunning coral reefs around Aore and Santo, Millennium Cave, Hidden beaches and island escapes, Incredible snorkelling and freediving locations, Local villages and authentic cultural experiences.
Every day offers something new to explore.
-
![A modern house on a hillside with rolling green fields and mountains in the background.]()
Small Groups. Personal Experience.
Keeping our retreats small allows us to provide personalised coaching, relaxed schedules, and genuine connections. You'll never feel like just another student.
From your first breath hold to your final farewell, Xande and the Solwota team are there to make your experience unforgettable.
-
![drone footage of aore island dugong in the bay]()
Dive in Paradise
The waters surrounding Aore Island are home to vibrant coral gardens, turtles, reef fish, and exceptional visibility. Throughout the retreat you'll gain confidence while exploring some of the South Pacific's most beautiful underwater environments.
It's the perfect place to slow down, disconnect, and experience the ocean as it was meant to be.
Pre-Bookings Now Available
Our Freediving in Vanuatu program is launching soon and we are now taking expressions of interest and pre-bookings.
Spaces will be limited, so if you would like to join us for a Discover Freediving Experience or a Wave 1 Course get in touch with us to reserve your space.
Tell us your preferred dates, number of people and which course your interested in, and we will get back to you with availability and details.
