Review Author: Heinzerberg, Singapore

Review Date: 08 Mai 2017

Review Body: How do you create a place where people meet, come together and discuss their passions, hobbies and the sport? Simple. You create a hub. Easier said than done, I would say. The difficulty comes in the execution. That is the exact challenge that Ocean Prana took up 1 year ago and I must say things have come a long way. The founder, Yoram Zekri, with multiple records and 27 years of free diving experience under his belt has a dream to build a free diving village in Amed, Bali. If you step into Ocean Prana, you can literally see that the infrastructure is extremely favourable for like-minded free divers who want to focus on training, yoga, relaxation or just find a cosy home. First, in this village, you get clean and awesome accommodation. My favourite is the top bunk as the air-condition is less strong so you will have to worry about sinus issues. Instead of having to worry about where to stay, this village has everything and you can go for training in the day and take a rest in the bungalows at night. The other cool hangout area is the 2nd floor stretching/yoga space that is connected to the main building. This is where you train for static, relax or go for yoga sessions at 630pm every evening. Time for diving! Simple. The beach is just in front of you. No transport, just a slow walk and there you are with the mouth of the sea welcoming you for your next record. Marine, the manager of the shop, is amazing! She makes it easy for you to settle in and has everything well planned out so you can just focus on that breath-hold and forget about the contractions in the diaphragm. ;P My instructor, Cristian, is a national record holder for static breath-hold. He's extremely patient and can make you achieve the unattainable. When I first started, I never believed I could hit certain milestones. However, under his tutelage, I was able to achieve it. Of course, there's much more to go. (P.S: Ask him to do the bubble rings, he's extremely good at it) I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to do one session with both Yoram and Cristian. Everyone's family and only have your best interest at heart. So go forth and do that 50m dive! I hope to come back soon. I'm looking forward to see more developments in the village. I'm not sure what else I can ask for as the way it is now. It's perfect. P.S There are 2 pigs living in the village. Find them! P.P.S: Curry Chicken For Lunch Is Awesome.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Glovanni d, Thailand

Review Date: 19 Mai 2018

Review Body: I am a dive centre manager, PADI IDC Staff Instructor and Freediver Instructor. I decided to invest my holiday time to become an AIDA Freediving Instructor as well. After a lot of research on internet I selected Ocean Prana because it was looking like having the right feature for me: small place, designed with the attention on favouring a relaxing atmosphere and built with just natural materials (Bambù), but especially directed by a competent and experienced AIDA Instructor Trainer. When I contacted them in order to check if the appearance was consistent with the reality, I had only positive feedbacks, with all my e-mails replied promptly and extensively. Once I reached the place the same positive impression continued: the staff helped me to find an accommodation with kitchen nearby, as I requested, and a couple of days later I met with Yoran and started my training. Initially I had to do a few coached dives in order to achieve the performance requirements for the course, which turned out to be very useful to improve my technique as well. The instructor course ran really smoothly and once I finished it I had the chance to teach a few courses under the direct supervision of Yoram, who kept coaching me and providing me with useful advices. Overall I have been completely satisfied with my experience, and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who would like to become and AIDA instructor, as well as to those ones who wants to approach the world of freediving for the very first time. A high level of professionality and a really welcoming environment are the key features that can be appreciated in Ocean Prana from the very first step in until the goodby.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: JonHammerDK, Denmark

Review Date: 22 Okt. 2016

Review Body: A beautiful bamboo construction across the road from the best part of the beach in Amed, is Ocean prana. Marine in the reception was extremely helpful answering questions over the phone, getting us cheap transport from kuta and finding a beautiful place to stay 5 minutes walk from the center. She also showed us where to go in the area on bike and made a lovely coffe! After the warm welcome from Marine we talked with Wildor A.K.A Will. Awesome freedive instructor! Very knowledgeable about his work and good at fitting the traning to your individual needs! That was exactly what I needed coz I have problems with my ears. He help me find the problem and when it was clear I needed to go to a doctor, he then trained me in other things like breath holding techniques, so when I get my ears fixed I have the breath hold needed for a long dive! All in all we had a fantastic time at Ocean Prana. I haven't been much around Bali but it's definitely the best place and the best experience I had in Bali! We even walked around to all the freedive centers in Amed and Ocean Prana was definitely the most friendly and helpful! Many thanks to the good crew at Ocean Prana for an awesome time and good instructions!! All best to you guys! -Jon

Review rating: 5

Review Author: MillyMolly_D, Cornwall

Review Date: 09 Nov. 2016

Review Body: After years of wanting to learn to freedive I recently had the opportunity to do so and Ocean Prana Bali proved to be a great place to begin my freediving journey... Despite booking last minute (the evening before) the whole team were very friendly and helpful. The location in Jemeluk Bay, Amed and the new premises are excellent with the space being a very comfy place to hangout, meet new people and learn. The course itself was led by Will who was a great instructor and we all came away surprised at how much we were able to achieve over the two days. The highlight being a trip to the Liberty wreck in nearby Tulumban. The weekly BBQ was fun and my daughter was also invited and made to feel welcome. This was my 3rd visit to Bali but first time in Amed and I was pleased to discover a beautiful (and much more tranquil) place than the south. Altogether this was a highly recommended experience... special thanks to Marine and Will, wish you all the best for the future :-)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: AntonAmelia

Review Date: 13 Nov. 2018

Review Body: Excellent service and teaching!! Highly recommend. My husband and I have high expectations for courses and this exceeded it. Yay! Lunch is amazing as well (chicken curry) which is included. Morning is theory 1-2 hours. Very well explained and not boring! Then you spend time in the pool. The pool was made just for free diving! Johan (lovely French man) built the place and is a world champion free diver. Very kind and patient. Then had lunch and went to the ocean. Felt comfortable and in good hands. Went to 10m comfortably. He swims down with you every time :) then takes a go pro video at the end of you. Did course with my husband. One day beginners course. You do one swim in ocean. Other companies don’t offer one day, only two days and first day is heavy on theory. Where as here you have the option to come back next day and have a guide and do E.g. US liberty ship wreck free dive for US 50 Highly recommend. Organized company and excellent quality.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Simona5556, Germany

Review Date: 16 Mai 2017

Review Body: I compared a number of freediving schools around Bali and decided for this one although it was more expensive, because it had good reviews and because I wanted to do it with AIDA rather than another organisaton. And it was the right decision, i thoroughly enjoyed my course (Aida2) with a great instructor (Christian) who has a very calm and comforting way of teaching during the practical sessions, I learned so much! The staff at ocean prana is very friendly and attentive, facilities are good and clean and location is across the road from the beach. It would have been nice to have the Yoga sessions as a free goodie to the course as it rounds up the whole experience, asking for additional 100k for every lesson is quite a number.. but it's up to you. Would definitely recommend if you're interested in freediving, im already thinking about coming back to learn more.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rui P

Review Date: 13 Feb. 2017

Review Body: I had my first freediving experience with Ocean Prana and absolutely loved it! Marine, Yoram and every fellow freediver greeted me as soon as I came in and Wildor (my instructor) made sure I always felt safe and confident - no rushing through the drills. Afterall, that's essencial to stay calm, focus and freedive. They take care of everything for you (arrange accommodation, lunch, equipment and even transportation, if you need it), are happy to help and give you some tips to entertain yourself while in Amed. I'd definitely recommend anyone who wants to try freediving do come here and let them do what they do best: help you have one of the nicest experiences exploring the underwater world. It's a completely different sensation, as compared to scuba diving, while staying more focused on yourself and the changing power the water has on you.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: EMIKOK61

Review Date: 11 Sep. 2016

Review Body: This was my first visit to Amed for Freediving. Yoram and team were very friendly and helpful. Yoram organised car from airport to Amed for me and I stayed at Kirana Homestay, which was fantastic too. The beach was just a minute to walk from Ocean Prana. Water temp was around 30 degrees so it was very comfortable under the water without wetsuits when I had deep dive training there. I could have a shower and had a nap upstairs after the training. It is a very comfortable space. Wifi accessible is also good point. The instructors are very professional and have good teaching skills so I had a lot improvement from the training. I really enjoyed there. Thank you Yoram and team! There will be organic cafe and accommodations soon so i look forward to the next visit!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Aurovici S, India

Review Date: 20 Sep. 2017

Review Body: I chose Ocean Prana to do my AIDA 3 star mainly due to the good reviews and I can say that I was not disappointed! Right from the start Marine took care of arranging my taxi from the airport and accommodation in their excellent hostel. Upon arrival I was happy to see the large bamboo structure that houses the school. I settled in the clean and cool hostel. I did my course with Maria who was an excellent instructor and I really enjoyed learning with her. The school is right across from the ocean and one only has to swim a short distance to be able to dive. I also enjoyed the breakfast and lunch at Ocean Prana as well as all the friendly staff. The atmosphere is relaxed, the stay comfortable and the course superb. Thank you Ocean Prana for the great experience!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Dario Carpenito

Review Date: 29 Aug. 2017

Review Body: I spent at O.P. two months to become an instructor, what a great place and people! Yoram the owner is a French national champion multi-record holder with more then seventeen years of experience, who better than him to learn from. There are also two others instructors Cristian and Maria really professional and available all the time. The hostel is super relaxing, 100 m from the ocean. There are two big bungalows with six beds each, a/c, wifi, hot shower, yoga class and much more. Marine the manager is really friendly and always available to satisfy any request. Also the local guys working there as cleaner, gardener, maintainer are super nice. Overall an high recommended place where spend some time and learn about the wonderful world of freediving...

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Scubafreak77

Review Date: 24 Juni 2017

Review Body: Freediving training was very good, professional approach, solid stretching before, safety briefing. Diving spot just in front of the facility, short walk and then swim from the beach. Protected Jemeluk bay provides good opportunity for various depths, minimal swell as well as current. Our instructor was very attentive, leaving space for own training program but providing useful advice. Well recommended for any freedivers visiting Bali! One thing that surprised me - the price for a coached dive with equipment rental was the same as with using own equipment. Usually, gear costs some money as well as has to be serviced and replaced, so one would think that diving with own gear might be priced lower. Nevertheless, I truly enjoyed the whole experience.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: AndraB75, The Netherlands

Review Date: 18 Aug. 2017

Review Body: I am advanced Scuba diver but wanted to experience freediving properly. Did my research and chose Ocean Prana Freediving & Yoga. The facilities of Ocean Prana are good, the classroom = yoga studio is small but adequate. Equipment is in decent/good condition. Courses are ran in small groups so have the 'private' tuition feel, then we were 2 students getting acquainted with Freedive 2. Our trainer provided good visuals, sSolid amount of theory, with good weight of safety around freediving, On the practical sessions Maria O the trainer was giving good advise and recommendations in terms of what to do differently and how, often showing it as well how i did (wrong) and how to do (well). Overall good experience, recommended.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Dana F

Review Date: 09 Juli 2018

Review Body: WE only came to Amed for the AIDA 2 course and then we found paradise. We have had so much fun freediving with Yoram for two days. I did my PADI two years ago and haven't had nearly as much fun I've had with Yoram during AIDA 2. He's such a great teacher/instructor, all was really playful without any pressure. My partner Tom turned within three days from "i can't snorkel " to literally a fish in the water. Furthermore, the Ocean Prana place is such a nice hangout place, loving the vibe and people and it's not even fully finished yet... Can't wait to come back for AIDA 3 and more diving fun. Thanks Yoram for reminding me that under water is the place to be :)

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rauno ., Australia

Review Date: 10 Feb. 2017

Review Body: My fiancee an I stayed in Ocean Prana for one week. She did Aida 1* and I did Aida 2* course. I have done some spearfishing before but this course improved my skills a lot! Cristian did really good job when coaching us! I finished Aida 2* easily and then did also Aida 3*! That course took my freediving to another level! I did many dives past 30m! 6 months ago I could only dream about it! Ocean Prana has awesome facilities! So nice bamboo houses. All the necessary equipment for learning is available there. Staff is very friendly! Special thanks to Marine for organizing everything we needed for us! I can't wait to come back and finish Aida 4* with you guys!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: sallygray2016, Australia

Review Date: 17 Sep. 2016

Review Body: What an incredible experience. Love the team, the place and the Ocean Prana vibe! Having been fortunate to travel and do many things in my life, this has to be on my top 3! Being an adrenaline junkie with a love for water was curious to see how it would all add up. This experience totally changed my life in ways I never expected!!! This isn't a quick fix, (although with this team you will become addicted) it's about calm and balance surrounded by awesome people diving together, loving what they do. If you're seeking big blue crystal waters, an experience that changes your life with people that genuinely care and live their passion, then you've found it!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Izi F

Review Date: 08 Juli 2017

Review Body: I came across Ocean Prana by accident - and I totally fell in love with it. The rooms were incredible - the beds were super comfy, there’s aircon that works, outside showers, fresh linen - everything that you could want. The staff were so lovely and really accommodating and made my stay really comfortable. Their daily yoga is addictive and leaves you feeling so chilled but feeling like you've worked hard. I came across free diving whilst I was staying at Ocean Prana and I’m now completely addicted. I thought I’d give the taster session a go and well, now I’m diving deeper than I ever imagined I could physically do.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: tomananda, Australia

Review Date: 08 Juli 2018

Review Body: We attended Yoram's freediving course and absolutely loved it. He's an amazing teacher and we had a wonderful time. We also rented some equipment from the school to do our own dives and it was all easy and relaxed. We had lunch there and really enjoyed the Mie Goreng and the the grilled fish. Both of us were new to the freediving scene and we liked the people who hang out at Ocean Prana. All nice and very interesting. The new pool just got finished as we left and there is more to come, so we can't wait to come back and check out the new stuff on our next trip. See you soon, Yoram.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: svangerve, Indonesia

Review Date: 20 Okt. 2016

Review Body: I did my AIDA 2&3 with Ocean Prana. After some shopping around and not being helped properly at other places, I arrives here. From the beginning I felt comfortable and everything was handled adequate. All equipment is new and of high standard. The instructor, Will, is very easy going, relaxed and give clear instructions and feedback. During the whole course I felt a 100% safe, which helped me relax and progress. The lunch is included, so you don't need to worry about that. You can fully focus on your challenge! ;-) For the people who like yoga... you can do that here aswell.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Mikaela Knops

Review Date: 29 Apr. 2017

Review Body: I did my Aida 2 and I couldn't be happier with my experience from start to finish. Marine was so helpful with organising my accommodation and taxi from the airport late at night. Cristian (instructor) is extremely patient and a great teacher. The place itself is super relaxed, very professional, and calming. To top it off, they have yoga there every day after the diving. I had my first ever yoga class and I'm converted! Thank you so much for making me feel welcome, especially being in a new place and on my own. I totally recommend this diving school to anyone of any level!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: ManuelV1429

Review Date: 25 Feb. 2017

Review Body: This was way more than I expected! Although I am on a budget trip and the course was some $ more than others the add-ons I got were worth so much more. The dorm is basically brand new, lunch and breakfast were delicious, WiFi and water, nice equipment. The whole scenery is not like a school. I felt not like a customer at all, more like a little padawan. Christian my sensei was great! Safe, confident , reassuring but also pushing. I especially liked that he adapted the theory as I know a lot from my scuba instructor course. I loved it! 10/10 would do again.

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Open-Water-Tauchkurs

Itinerary Description: Open-Water-Training: 3 Einheiten Pool-Training: Statische Einheit + Dynamische Einheit