8 Green Fins dive resorts for a sustainable scuba vacation
Want to plan a sustainable scuba vacation? Get inspired with this collection of Green Fins dive resorts, all of which are committed to reducing their environmental impact.
Our underwater world supports a spectacular diversity of marine life – it’s something we don’t take for granted. Scuba diving is something we consider a privilege and we love the once-in-a-lifetime experiences it offers.
However, our underwater adventures can have negative impacts, if done irresponsibly. Anchors dropped on reefs kill coral colonies. Careless fins stir up smothering sediment. People touching coral can injure the living tissue.
Encouragingly, an initiative called Green Fins is helping the marine tourism industry across the globe to prioritise sustainability.
Established by the Reef-World Foundation and UN Environment Programme, Green Fins is on a mission to reduce tourism’s negative impacts. It partners with dive shops, resorts, communities and governments to implement eco-friendly practices that protect marine habitats.
By following a comprehensive code of conduct, Green Fins dive resorts adhere to simple guidelines that can have big knock-on effects.
The program empowers divers, snorkellers and communities to make positive changes. All while ensuring humans can continue to experience the magic of our underwater world for future generations.
In this article, we’ll highlight 8 Green Fins dive resorts around the world where you can enjoy an eco-conscious stay. It’s a simple way to support communities putting our marine environments first.
Aside from Green Fins dive resorts in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, we’ll highlight properties in the Maldives, Jordan, Fiji and Japan.
To learn more about Green Fins certification, check out our detailed article here.
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Ceningan Divers, Bali, Indonesia
Tucked away amidst the mangrove forests of Nusa Ceningan (an island off the southeast coast of Bali) is this Green Fins dive resort. In our opinion, it’s a fantastic example of eco-friendly travel done right.
Ceningan Divers blends seamlessly into its surroundings through the use of local building techniques and natural materials. Despite its secluded location, it provides easy access to some of Bali’s top dive sites.
When staying at Ceningan Divers, you can embark on morning boat dives to see manta rays and mola mola. Then, return to relax amidst the resort’s peaceful grounds. For those seeking adventure after dark, night dives are available as well.
Ceningan Divers’ 5-star PADI centre makes it an ideal spot for new divers to learn the ropes and experience their first underwater adventures. It’s complete with a training pool, air-conditioned classrooms and highly skilled instructors.
With its Green Fins certification, you can rest easy knowing your stay at Ceningan Divers supports positive conservation efforts, rather than contributing to the degradation of Indonesia’s coral reefs.
“The diving was outstanding with tremendous diversity and quantity of fish.” – Kip (read more reviews here)
You’ll find more eco-friendly Indonesian dive resorts here.
Evolution Dive & Beach Resort, Malapascua, Philippines
Positioned on the golden sands of Malapascua Island, this eco-friendly Philippines dive resort oozes tropical charm. Guests can choose between air-conditioned or fan-cooled rooms, all just steps from the beach.
But what really sets Evolution apart is its legendary dive operations, which are run according to Green Fins principles.
As one of Malapascua’s leading dive centres, Evolution has state-of-the-art equipment for recreational, technical, trimix and CCR rebreather diving.
While the island is famed for its daily sightings of thresher sharks at Monad Shoal, there’s much more to discover. You can also explore colourful coral reefs, fascinating macro life and historic wrecks like the Dona Marilyn and Mogami Maru.
That being said, Evolution offers more than just world-class diving. This sustainable Philippines dive resort is staunchly committed to eco-friendly practices. It has been named one of the Top 10 Green Fins members worldwide for three consecutive years.
This reflects Evolution’s sustainable operations that minimise its environmental impact. It achieves this through renewable energy usage, responsible waste management and promotion of marine conservation initiatives.
“Superb dive trip and stay at Evolution – highly recommended.” – Jerome (read more reviews here)
You can discover more eco-friendly dive resorts in the Philippines here.
Sau Bay Resort & Spa, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Positioned on the shores of Fiji’s second largest island is Sau Bay, an eco-friendly dive resort and a Green Fins member. It’s just a 10-minute boat ride away from the kaleidoscopic coral gardens of Rainbow Reef.
In our opinion, this hidden gem provides the ultimate island getaway for divers seeking a luxurious yet sustainable escape.
Spanning 100 acres of tropical rainforest, Sau Bay is a pioneering PADI Eco Center, dedicated to small-group luxury diving and ocean conservation.
A white sand beach fringes the property and overlooks a healthy house reef that supports an abundance of life.
Certified divers can enjoy guided scuba tours to sites brimming with sea fans and schools of tropical fish. Meanwhile, snorkellers can spot sea turtles gliding through the shallows.
As one of Fiji’s top sustainable dive resorts, Sau Bay has adopted a section of the Rainbow Reef through PADI’s Adopt a Dive Site program.
Aside from using solar power for its energy usage, the resort conducts reef restoration projects and environmental education initiatives to preserve the surrounding ecosystems.
If you’re travelling with a group, exclusive bookings are available for around 12-16 guests. That way, you can have the entire resort to yourself.
“Beautiful bures just metres from the water.” – Silvano (read more reviews here)
Discover more eco-friendly dive resorts in Fiji here.
ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort, Okinawa, Japan
Set on the shores of Okinawa, the ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort is an eco-conscious island getaway.
This Green Fins Japanese resort is surrounded by a marine park that’s considered Okinawa’s premier diving spot, despite a catastrophic bleaching event in the late 1990s.
In the years since, the reef has been in recovery. The team at Manza Beach Resort has played an important role by planting coral and removing invasive species.
Each of the luxurious rooms at this Okinawa dive resort opens onto private balconies overlooking the sea. We particularly love the deep-soaking tubs! It’s the perfect place for divers who love a five-star experience with all the creature comforts.
As a family-friendly Green Fins resort, this is the kind of place where you can enjoy a stress-free vacation with kids. They’ll love snorkelling, banana boating and exploring one of the largest inflatable water parks in Japan.
For non-diving parents, days can be spent lounging poolside or indulging in treatments at the spa.
When it comes to dining, this eco-friendly Okinawa resort features several high-end restaurants, plus an oceanfront lounge for watching sunsets over the Pacific.
“Excellent property at a beautiful location.” – Suchetana (read more reviews here)
Japan is also renowned for its surf breaks. You can discover some of the best surf spots in Japan here.
Arab Divers, Aqaba, Jordan
Established in 1998 by Captain Abdul Wahab Almaaitah, Arab Divers is a Green Fins-certified diving resort in Aqaba, Jordan. It draws on the Captain’s four decades of commercial diving experience and a passion to share the wonders of the Red Sea with others.
With over 20 dive sites just minutes away by boat (and many accessible from the shore), there are experiences suited to every skill level.
If you’re looking to get certified, Arab Divers provides a full range of PADI courses in an encouraging, supportive environment at their peaceful hillside location.
The accommodation at Arab Divers is comfortable and clean, with panoramic views across the Red Sea from the outdoor pool.
Whether you’re an underwater photographer, a wreck diving enthusiast or simply someone eager to experience Jordan’s kaleidoscopic sea life, the passionate pros at Arab Divers receive rave reviews for their commitment to safety and marine conservation.
“Is a great place for people who love diving. The rooms are nice and clean, and the staff is friendly and makes sure you are safe while diving.” – Anna (read more reviews here)
You’ll find more eco-friendly dive resorts on the Red Sea here.
Tiongman Scuba Dive & Lodge, Tioman Island, Malaysia
Located just off Malaysia’s east coast, the island of Tioman is an ecological paradise surrounded by the protected waters of a marine park.
While much of the island is blanketed in rainforest, it’s the underwater wonders that attract scuba divers from around the globe.
In the fishing village of Kampung Juara is Tiongman Scuba Dive & Lodge, a certified PADI resort that offers diving experiences for all levels.
Their team of highly skilled and attentive instructors ensures every diver feels safe and supported throughout their underwater journey. Plus, there are plenty of exhilarating experiences for seasoned divers.
The best part? Tiongman Scuba Dive & Lodge is committed to Green Fins principles in all aspects of its operations. This gives you peace of mind that your scuba vacation in Malaysia is a sustainable one.
After a day of discovery, Tiongman Lodge provides the ideal sanctuary to relax and recharge, as well as being one of the most affordable dive resorts in Malaysia. Surrounded by jungle, the cosy wooden chalets are simple but have everything you need, with an incredible beachfront setting to boot.
When you’re not out diving, you can unwind on your private balcony while listening to the soothing chorus of the jungle. Then, indulge in a delicious home-cooked meal featuring the day’s freshest catch.
“The location right on the beach with sunrise views is amazing.” – Spencer (read more reviews here)
Discover everything you need to know about diving in Malaysia in our sustainable scuba guide here.
Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
Six Senses Laamu is an award-winning Maldives eco-resort that sets the benchmark for sustainable luxury travel. We particularly love its passion for protecting the fragile marine ecosystems that surround it.
The resort’s stunning overwater and beachfront villas are constructed from natural, locally sourced materials like coconut wood and palm fronds. Meanwhile, organic cuisine is served at its six exquisite restaurants.
By partnering with leading environmental organisations, implementing zero-waste policies and donating water purification systems to local villages, Six Senses Laamu is doing its bit to support the local Maldivian community.
In addition, the onsite dive centre, Deep Blue Divers, is a Green Fins member. It is leading the charge when it comes to marine conservation efforts around the island.
The healthy house reef offers wonderful diving and snorkelling, including the opportunity to swim alongside manta rays and sea turtles.
Guests at Six Senses Laamu can also visit the on-site turtle hatchery to learn about marine research and conservation initiatives.
“From the moment we arrived at Six Senses Laamu, we knew we were in for a treat.” – Olga (read more reviews here)
Discover more luxury Maldives resorts that are prioritising sustainability here.
Bunaken Oasis, Bunaken, Indonesia
Surrounded by the turquoise waters and coral reefs of Bunaken Marine Park lies Bunaken Oasis, an inspiring eco-resort and Green Fins member.
Spread across seven hectares, this boutique retreat features just 12 private cottages dotted along the coastline. You can laze the day away on your private verandah, take a dip in the resort’s infinity pool or wander barefoot along the powdery white sand beach.
When you’re ready for adventure, the onsite dive centre offers easy access to over 90 dive sites across the marine park. These include vertical walls blanketed in sea fans, underwater pinnacles and fascinating muck diving sites.
Led by expert divemasters, you can get up close to giant sea turtles, reef sharks and schooling jackfish, as well as a range of intriguing critters.
As an eco-friendly Indonesian resort, Bunaken Oasis utilises an advanced water purification system to purify water on site. It’s also taking steps to reduce plastic waste throughout its operations.
The resort’s sustainability commitments don’t mean you have to compromise on luxury, however. Gourmet meals are served at the open-air restaurant and rejuvenating spa treatments are available.
“Heaven on earth! Book now, you will not regret it!” – Luka (read more reviews here)
Discover everything you need to know about scuba diving in Bunaken in our detailed article here.
Staying at a Green Fins-certified dive resort
Scuba diving offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences, whether it’s gliding silently through a kelp forest, coming face-to-face with manta rays or exploring the wreck of a sunken ship.
However, our underwater world is also highly vulnerable, and our activities can have profoundly negative impacts, if not done responsibly.
By following a comprehensive code of conduct, Green Fins dive resorts adhere to simple guidelines that are helping to preserve the health of our marine environments.
By staying and diving with them, you’ll be supporting positive changes that will ensure humans can continue to experience the magic of our seas for generations to come.
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About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we’ve created this resource to highlight sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
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