9 Eco-Dive Resorts in Southeast Asia: Sustainable Scuba Vacation
Looking for eco-dive resorts in Southeast Asia? Discover our top picks for sustainable stays in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar.
If you want your next Southeast Asia dive vacation to leave the destination better than you found it, we’ve got good news! There’s an increasing number of eco-friendly dive resorts popping up in the region, many of which are committed to marine conservation.
As we’ve travelled around the region, we’ve been keeping an eye out for dive resorts that are putting sustainability first. And honestly, it’s inspiring to see what some properties are doing!
By choosing a sustainable resort in Southeast Asia, your dive dollars support local economies and amplify conservation efforts. It’s a simple way to help preserve the marine environments you travel far and wide to explore, and ensure they survive for future generations of divers.
In this article, we’ll highlight 9 eco-dive resorts in Southeast Asia, from Indonesia to the Philippines and Myanmar. All nurture marine habitats and local communities through sustainable infrastructure and policies that minimise environmental impacts.
Want to learn more about what makes a dive resort eco-friendly? Check out our top tips for finding a sustainable scuba stay.
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Misool Eco Resort, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Hidden in the southern reaches of Raja Ampat, Misool Eco Resort is a sustainable diver’s dream. This eco-conscious island paradise is dedicated to preserving the surrounding biodiversity.
Through the non-profit Misool Foundation, the resort has established a 300,000-acre marine reserve. Here, sharks and manta rays flourish, safe from destructive fishing practices.
Misool Eco Resort is on a mission toward carbon neutrality, with renewables currently powering over 60% of operations. All of its structures are built elegantly from reclaimed materials. Additionally, it has installed one of Raja Ampat’s largest solar-diesel hybrid systems to reduce diesel use.
When it comes to dining, Misool only serves sustainable, line-caught fish and empowers the local community to protect the reefs by offering equal opportunity employment.
By staying at this eco-resort in Raja Ampat, you’re not only supporting marine conservation but also helping local communities to thrive.
Want to dive Raja Ampat on a budget? Discover 7 of the best homestays in Raja Ampat offering sustainable stays.
Scuba Junkie, Sipadan, Malaysia
Sustainability is at the core of operations at Scuba Junkie, a leader in eco-friendly diving in Southeast Asia.
Located on the shores of Mabul, just steps from world-famous Sipadan, this sustainable Malaysian dive resort makes conservation a top priority.
From the moment it was envisioned, Scuba Junkie Sipadan was designed to leave the smallest possible footprint. It’s set back from turtle nesting sites, powered by solar panels and equipped with a high-tech sewage system.
Single-use plastics are banned and waste is either recycled or shipped to the mainland. In addition, biodegradable cleaners keep the resort and reef pristine.
Scuba Junkie also takes an active role in protecting marine life. They sponsor annual shark and turtle awareness weeks, cleanups on both land and sea, and even proposed a shark sanctuary in local waters.
An on-site coral nursery provides the building blocks to rehabilitate damaged reefs and they strongly encourage both staff and guests to get involved in their sustainability efforts.
For divers seeking an eco-friendly Sipadan experience, Scuba Junkie sets the standard.
If you’re heading to Malaysia, you can discover more of its best dive destinations here.
Ceningan Divers, Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia
Located just off the coast of Bali, Ceningan Divers is an eco-friendly dive resort on Nusa Lembongan. It boasts a team of passionate divers dedicated to protecting their marine environment.
As a Green Fins member, Green Star Award recipient, PADI AWARE partner and a lifetime member of The International Ecotourism Society, Ceningan Divers walks the talk.
Not only has this eco-friendly Indonesian resort eliminated single-use plastics and implemented recycling programs to reduce waste. But over 80% of its staff hail from local villages. Together, they collaborate on initiatives that educate and empower the community while reducing the resort’s impact on the environment.
Ceningan Divers provides thoughtful guidelines for responsible diving and snorkelling that help preserve the splendour below the waves. During your stay, you can join a beach cleanup, learn about your impact on this marine ecosystem and be inspired to make more sustainable choices.
You can find more inspiring eco-friendly resorts in Bali here.
Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat & Dive Resort, Camiguin, Philippines
Nestled within a palm grove on Camiguin Island’s northwest coast, this eco-friendly Philippines dive resort blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings.
Though off the beaten path, Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat & Dive Resort is committed to eco-friendly practices that allow you to enjoy this tropical paradise responsibly.
During its construction, the owners went to great lengths to integrate the resort’s buildings into the natural landscape.
Not a single tree was cut down and local workers and craftsmen were consulted in sourcing materials. Ultimately, they wanted to build it in harmony with the island’s terrain.
Rather than harsh chemicals, bamboo used in the construction was soaked in seawater to gently treat it against bugs. Additionally, septic tanks were installed to keep waste from polluting the island’s water.
Even the coastline around Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat remains untouched, with the footbridge and sun deck built on wooden stilts to avoid damage. The surrounding reef is further protected through a coral breeding program, reflecting the resort’s commitment to long-term sustainability.
You’ll find more eco-friendly dive resorts in the Philippines here.
Boulder Bay Eco Resort, Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar
Boulder Island nestles in the far reaches of the Mergui Archipelago, a collection of over 800 uninhabited islands scattered across the Andaman Sea.
This Myanmar eco-resort offers a fresh approach to sustainable tourism, with resort-style amenities set within a stunning natural setting.
At the resort’s state-of-the-art Research & Watersport Center, marine research is happening on a daily basis. This hub of scientific discovery allows you to get up close and personal with the incredible biodiversity surrounding Boulder Island.
Guests can chat with the team of passionate marine biologists as they set out on expeditions and be inspired by their dedication to protecting the local marine environment.
With a focus on sustainability, Boulder Island Eco Resort offers glimpses into the future of eco-tourism and it’s a property we absolutely love!
It aims to serve as a model for balancing human recreation with conservation and a deep appreciation of the underwater world.
Want to learn more? Discover everything you need to know about diving in Myanmar here.
Sangat Island Resort, Coron, Philippines
Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, dense jungle and incredible wrecks, Sangat Island is perfect for eco-conscious divers visiting the Philippines.
Respect for the environment runs deep at this eco-friendly Coron resort, with sustainability woven into every fibre of its operations.
Free from reliance on the main electricity and water grids, the resort operates on solar power and desalination plants.
Sangat Island’s open-air bungalows blend into the surroundings thanks to their use of local, natural materials. Each is designed to maximise light and airflow while reducing energy use.
Reusable bamboo water bottles are provided for guests on arrival at this sustainable Philippines dive resort. They can be conveniently refilled at purified water stations throughout your stay.
Additionally, all takeaway food items are served in compostable containers to reduce single-use plastic waste.
As conservators of the surrounding environment, Sangat Island Resort hosts marine research volunteers who assist in caring for the protected habitats nearby. Thanks to these efforts, 75% of the local reefs remain intact and healthy.
The resort continues working diligently to restore the remaining 25% through its environmental assistance and protection programs.
Planning a scuba vacation to the Philippines? Discover the best places to dive here.
Alor Divers, Alor, Indonesia
Alor Divers is a unique paradise in Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, a short hop east of Komodo. This eco-friendly resort stretches along a gorgeous beach that feels a world away from anywhere.
Each of its open-air bungalows has been thoughtfully designed to provide protection from the sun’s heat while eliminating the need for air conditioning.
Alor Divers is committed to sustainable tourism and is taking important steps to protect one of Indonesia’s last remaining wild places.
Water conservation initiatives and renewable energy infrastructure are in place. Meanwhile, much of the produce served at the restaurant is organic and locally sourced.
While staying at this eco-dive resort in Alor, guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the natural environment without leaving a trace.
In addition to sourcing sustainable materials for construction, the resort employs and trains locals while supporting community initiatives.
Integral to Alor Divers’ philosophy is the idea that ecotourism is a more sustainable way to earn income than destroying or altering habitats for short-term gains.
Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort, Phi Phi Don, Thailand
Outrigger is a sustainably-run jungle sanctuary on the spectacular island of Phi Phi Don. It’s one of Thailand’s top eco-friendly dive resorts and a place where you can discover the underwater wonders of the Andaman Sea away from the crowds.
Not only has Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort been awarded Travelife’s gold certification for sustainable tourism. It has also earned the prestigious Green Fin label from the Phuket Marine Biological Center.
At this eco-resort in Southeast Asia, sustainability enhances rather than compromises the 5-star experience. Guests are encouraged to indulge in the resort’s luxurious amenities, while at the same time, protect the islands’ natural treasures.
Small groups of no more than four divers explore the area’s thriving reefs under the guidance of expert dive instructors. The focus at Outrigger is always on appreciating these underwater ecosystems without disruption.
You can learn more about planning a sustainable dive vacation in Thailand here.
Evolution Dive Resort, Malapascua, Philippines
Evolution prides itself on being a progressive dive centre, focusing on quality training to create environmentally aware divers. This eco-friendly ethos permeates every aspect of the Filipino resort’s operations, driven by the principles of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.”
Evolution’s commitment has earned them recognition as one of Malapascua’s most sustainable resorts.
Rather than repeat conventional practices, Evolution seeks innovative ways to reduce its environmental impact. They cut back on plastics, packaging and certain products, food is sourced locally (with only non-reef fish on the menu) and they implement initiatives to help curb water and energy use.
As a founding member of the island’s Marine Protection Fund, Evolution spearheads daily enforcement of strict dive and snorkel guidelines. They lead monthly beach and dive site cleanups, actively protecting the oceans they explore.
This eco-friendly Malapascua resort demonstrates that a dive centre can operate progressively and profitably while safeguarding the environment.
Selecting an eco-dive resort in Southeast Asia
When planning a scuba diving vacation in Southeast Asia, consider an eco-friendly resort that actively works to preserve the marine environments you’re exploring.
Sustainably-operated dive resorts are popping up across the region, offering the chance to holiday in idyllic island settings while also supporting marine conservation efforts.
By selecting a resort with a strong environmental ethos, your tourism dollars will directly fund initiatives that nurture the coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove forests, rather than contribute to their demise.
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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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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 sustainable surf camps, eco-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.
