I've been fortunate to train or teach at some impressive dive spots throughout my freediving career (Bali, Gili Air, Panglao, Kagoshima, Kalamata) . My first deep pool experience was at DIveCube in Taichung, Taiwan, where the 21-meter depth felt revelatory. But when I learned about DiveHub in Dongguan, China - with its staggering 46-meter depth—I knew I had to experience it firsthand.

Following my mother's passing, my father relocated from Las Vegas to Huizhou, China, which happens to be just 1 to 1.5 hours from DiveHub. This proximity has become an unexpected gift: now, every visit to see my dad includes training sessions at one of the world's deepest dive pools. I visit often enough that I have now left a set of equipment at my dad's. 

Where is DiveHub?

DiveHub is located in Dongguan, a major manufacturing hub in Guangdong Province, China. The facility sits 1 to 1.5 hours from the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border, making it surprisingly accessible for international visitors flying into Hong Kong.



Dongguan itself is worth noting—it's rapidly modernizing beyond its manufacturing roots, with high-end shopping centers, diverse dining options, and an increasingly international atmosphere. DiveHub reflects this evolution perfectly: world-class facilities in an unexpectedly cosmopolitan setting.

How to Get There from Hong Kong

The most straightforward route from Hong Kong:

1. Cross the border at Lok Ma Chau or Lowu
2. Take a Didi (Chinese equivalent of Uber) or high-speed train to Dongguan
3. Budget approximately 1 to 1.5 hours for the journey

Our Didi ride cost around ¥120.

Essential apps before you go:

• WeChat (for bookings and payments)
• Baidu Maps or A Maps (Google Maps doesn't function well in mainland China)

Note: If you have international roaming, you can typically access Google, Facebook, and Instagram, but Google Maps remains largely unusable for navigation within China.

How to Make Reservations

All bookings are handled through WeChat, which functions as WhatsApp, social media, and payment platform rolled into one. You can browse available time slots, book your session, and complete payment—all within the app.

I successfully navigated the booking process with elementary-level Chinese reading skills and translation apps. If you don't speak Mandarin, a combination of Google Translate, WeChat's scan/translate feature, and patience will get you through.

Facility Specifications

Pool Features:

• Maximum depth: 46 meters
• Water temperature: 29–30°C year-round
• Visibility: Crystal clear
• Unique amenities: Underwater mirrors for technique analysis and memorable photos

Facilities:

• Modern locker rooms with facial recognition access
• Clean showers and changing areas
• Rental equipment available for both scuba and freediving
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The pool layout accommodates all skill levels effectively. Beginners and intermediates will find the graduated depths ideal for progression, while advanced freedivers can work on FRC (functional residual capacity) or RV (residual volume) dives. The facility is also well-suited for conducting full freediving courses, with sufficient depth variety and space for non-depth skills training.

Additional Amenities

On-site:

• Coffee service in the lobby (also available via their app)
• Selection of draft beers with diving-themed names like Frenzel, Narcosis, and BTV
• Time slot reservation system for deep section access (arranged upon check-in)

Nearby:

• Adjacent hotel offering discounted rates for freediving instructors
• Modern shopping center 5–10 minutes away, featuring a restaurant district and international supermarket

After our session, we discovered an excellent lamb restaurant in the nearby mall—highly recommended for post-dive dining.

Final Assessment

DiveHub represents world-class freediving infrastructure at an accessible price point.

Whether you're taking your first steps into depth training, working on intermediate skills, or teaching courses, the facility accommodates your needs with professionalism and thoughtful design.

Given my regular visits to see my father in the area, I'll be returning to DiveHub consistently—to train, to teach, and to continue exploring what 46 meters of warm, clear water has to offer.

If you're in the region and interested in buddy diving or exploring freediving instruction, reach out. The deep end is always better with good company.