On June 14, 2025, Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić achieved an extraordinary feat by setting a new Guinness World Record for the longest voluntary breath hold underwater, clocking an astonishing 29 minutes and 3 seconds. This remarkable accomplishment, performed in a three-meter-deep pool at the Bristol Hotel in Opatija, Croatia, surpassed the previous record by nearly five minutes, redefining the limits of human endurance. Maričić’s record-breaking performance not only captivated the 100 spectators and five official judges present but also drew global attention to the sport of freediving and the importance of ocean conservation.
Maričić, a seasoned freediver and member of the Adriatic Freediving group, prepared meticulously for this attempt. Lying on his back at the bottom of the pool with his hands behind his head, he remained motionless for nearly half an hour, demonstrating unparalleled mental and physical control. The attempt was oxygen-assisted, a technique permitted under Guinness World Records guidelines, where Maričić inhaled pure oxygen for 10 minutes prior to submersion. This process, known as denitrogenation, significantly increased his blood oxygen levels, allowing his lungs to hold approximately three liters of oxygen—five times the normal capacity of a healthy adult. This preparation enabled him to outlast the breath-holding capabilities of many marine mammals, including bottlenose dolphins, which typically manage around 14 minutes, and even rival harbor seals, known for their 30-minute dives.
Reflecting on the experience, Maričić noted, “After the 20-minute mark, everything became easier, at least mentally,” though he admitted the physical strain, particularly on his diaphragm due to contractions, intensified as time progressed. His ability to push through this discomfort underscores the intense training and mental discipline required for such a feat. “It’s not about how much you inhale, it’s about how little you need,” Maričić said. “No panic, no thoughts, just silence. That’s how you make it to 29.”
Maričić is no stranger to pushing human boundaries. A professional freediver, he has previously set records, including the longest underwater walk on a single breath, covering 107 meters in 2021, though that record was recently surpassed. He also holds a CMAS men’s record for dynamic apnea with bi-fins, swimming 264.7 meters in 2019, and has won medals at the AIDA and CMAS World Championships, including a gold and two bronzes in 2021. His adventures extend beyond freediving, having swum with sharks, whales, and dolphins, led expeditions to Kilimanjaro and Elbrus, and even walked a rope over a canyon. Maričić’s diverse experiences highlight his relentless pursuit of challenges that test both body and mind.
Unlike many athletes, Maričić has stated he requires minimal preparation for breath-hold records due to his extensive freediving experience. “As a professional freediver, I don’t really need to prepare that much for any breath-hold record,” he said in 2021, emphasizing his confidence in his abilities and the importance of the right setting for such attempts. Even without oxygen assistance, Maričić can hold his breath for over 10 minutes, far surpassing the average person’s 30-to-90-second capacity.
Beyond personal achievement, Maričić dedicated his record-breaking attempt to raising awareness about ocean conservation. As part of the “Fit for the Ocean” campaign, which supports Sea Shepherd’s efforts to combat illegal fishing, his performance served as a platform to highlight the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems. The oceans, which he trains in and cherishes, face significant threats from overfishing and pollution, and Maričić’s record was a powerful reminder of the fragility of these environments. “The seas are under threat, and even human extremes pale next to the challenges marine ecosystems face,” he noted, according to Guinness World Records.
Maričić’s record, while awe-inspiring, was made possible through a combination of physiological preparation and mental fortitude. By breathing pure oxygen for 10 minutes before the dive, he supercharged his blood, dissolving oxygen not only in his red blood cells but also in his plasma—a process that cannot occur under normal circumstances. This allowed his body to store significantly more oxygen than usual, extending his safe apnea time far beyond the typical eight minutes achievable by most people using this method. Additionally, Maričić employed techniques to slow his body’s oxygen consumption, such as lowering his heart rate, a skill honed through years of freediving training. These methods mirror the natural adaptations of marine mammals like harbor seals, which can reduce their heart rate from 100 to 10 beats per minute underwater.
For comparison, the unaided breath-hold record (without pre-breathing pure oxygen) stands at 11 minutes and 54 seconds for men, set by Serbian Branko Petrović, and 11 minutes and 35 seconds for women, set by Frenchman Stéphanie Mifsud. Maričić’s oxygen-assisted record, while in a different category, demonstrates the extraordinary potential of human physiology when combined with advanced techniques and rigorous training.
As a pioneer in the relatively young sport of freediving, Maričić continues to inspire both athletes and advocates. His record is a testament to the power of human resilience, the importance of mental clarity, and the need to protect the oceans that inspire such feats. With plans to compete in future AIDA and CMAS World Championships and explore new record attempts, Maričić’s journey is far from over. For now, his 29-minute and 3-second breath hold stands as a monumental achievement, reminding us that the limits of human potential are often beyond what we imagine possible.
