Croatian Freediver Sets Guinness World Record With 29-Minute Underwater Breath-Hold

Croatian Freediver Sets Guinness World Record With 29-Minute Underwater Breath-Hold

Croatian freediver Vitomir Maricic has set a Guinness World Record after holding his breath underwater for an astonishing 29 minutes and three seconds, surpassing the previous record by nearly five minutes.

The record was achieved on June 14, 2025, at the Bristol Hotel in Opatija, Croatia, where Maricic remained submerged in a three-metre-deep pool under the supervision of official freediving judges and timekeepers. About 100 spectators witnessed the attempt.

His performance broke the previous Guinness World Record of 24 minutes and 37.36 seconds, set by fellow Croatian freediver Budimir Sobat in 2021.

A key factor behind the extraordinary achievement was the use of pure oxygen before the attempt. Maricic breathed pure oxygen to increase the amount available in his body, making the record an oxygen-assisted breath-hold rather than an unaided freediving performance.

Despite the preparation, the challenge remained physically demanding. Maricic said his diaphragm contractions became increasingly intense during the final stages, although he found the experience mentally easier after the 20-minute mark. He had spent months preparing for the record attempt.

Beyond setting a world record, Maricic used the achievement to draw attention to ocean conservation and the importance of protecting marine environments. The attempt also supported efforts to raise awareness and funds for ocean-protection campaigns.

The record highlights the extraordinary limits of human endurance, while underscoring the specialised preparation and supervision required for extreme underwater breath-holding.

Croatian Freediver Sets Guinness World Record With 29-Minute Underwater Breath-Hold