PARTNERS AND RECOGNITIONS
ABOUT
a frontier for
conservation-based freediving
Ankora is a DENR award-winning freediving school based in Siquijor Island, Philippines. Before we became a school for recreational freediving, we were part of a conservation initiative championing regenerative tourism in Siquijor. And that mission has shaped everything we do.
Come freedive with us and discover what we’re fighting to protect.
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Watch this video to know what we're about!
TRAIN WITH US
depth, skill &
ocean stewardship
World class instruction in the waters of the Philippines' legendary healing island. We offer certification courses in freediving as well as long term affordable training packages. Our curriculum goes beyond technique, every course includes education on marine ecosystem stewardship, responsible ocean interaction and the conservation science behind the reefs you’ll be diving in.
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OUR METHOD
A Gentle immersion into depth.
With experience and safe judgement, our instructors will open the door to depths that you didn't know were possible, and you'll get there feeling relaxed and safe. Because we are committed to gradual progress, we focus on long term trainings. Ankora is the only school to offer our certification course students (Wave 1 and 2) complimentary access to group trainings for a month after their course completion. Plus a complimentary contrast therapy (ice bath +sauna) at Lazy Duck Siquijor.
freefall
in
love
FILM WITH US
BEAUTY of THE BLUE
For those seeking artistic expression more than just recreational freediving, this is for you. We've partnered with renowned film and photography professionals to deliver breathtaking (no pun intended) shots beneath the sea. Discover our underwater arts packages>
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OUR FOUNDERS
advocacy MEETS ARTISTRY
John Gasparich is a Molchanovs Wave 2 freediving instructor and lifelong conservationist, shaped by decades of wilderness education in Canada. He came to freediving and discovered that the sport he fell in love with was also a portal to protecting the ocean and the communities who depend on it. As lead instructor at Ankora, he makes sure every course is an opportunity for new freedivers to learn about the ocean they’re diving in and become active participants in protecting it.
Karissa Regaliza is our Chief Advocacy Officer and reigning Aqua Queen of the Universe 2026. A seasoned sustainability advocate and international mermaid performer, she sees the ocean as a stage unlike any other, where artistry and advocacy meet. Today her focus is on leading ocean advocacy initiatives in Siquijor, including programs for plastic-free oceans, while supporting Oceana’s growing presence to protect the waters she calls home.
the ocean heals/
/ what the city breaks
OUR SITES
Where To
Find US?
We are partnered with 7 marine sanctuary sites on the island, you can find us diving in: Maite, Caticugan, Lalag Bato, Olang, Tulapos, Bitaug and Cangbagsa. Support local and talk to anyone in the sanctuaries to inquire about freediving. Our revenue sharing model with them ensures that a portion of the bookings made through our partners sanctuaries goes directly to their local community.
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