10 Amazing Eco-Friendly Resorts in Bali for Divers and Surfers
Planning a sustainable surf or dive trip to the “Island of the Gods”? Discover 10 of the best eco-resorts in Bali to keep your environmental footprint to a minimum.
Few places have captured travellers hearts quite like Bali. As divers and surfers, it’s an Indonesian island we find ourselves returning to again and again.
From chasing waves along the Bukit Peninsula to exploring the healthy coral reefs around Menjangan Island, Bali has been part of our ocean adventures since we were teens.
What keeps drawing us back is the incredible diversity the island offers. One day you can be paddling into a perfect reef break at sunrise, and the next you’re watching manta rays patrolling a cleaning station.
It’s easy to understand why Bali remains one of Southeast Asia’s most beloved destinations for ocean lovers.
But as much as we love travelling here, we’re also increasingly aware of the impact tourism is having on the island. Rapid development, growing waste challenges and the environmental footprint associated with travel just can’t be ignored.
That’s why we’re always on the lookout for accommodation providers that are doing things differently – places that are actively supporting local communities and helping protect the natural beauty that makes Bali so special in the first place.
If you’re planning a surf trip, dive holiday or simply want to explore Bali in a more responsible way, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite eco-friendly resorts across the island.
From laid-back retreats surrounded by nature to luxury properties with impressive sustainability initiatives, these stays prove that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to travel more consciously.
Want to explore further afield? Check out these eco-friendly dive resorts in Indonesia or these sustainable surf stays around the country.
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Desa Hay, Canggu
Best eco-friendly Bali resort for beginner and intermediate surfers
If you’re looking for a stylish surf escape in Canggu that takes sustainability seriously, Desa Hay is one of those places that immediately stands out.
Created by a Canadian couple with a passion for responsible travel, this boutique eco-retreat feels like a hidden sanctuary, tucked away from the buzz (dare we say chaos) of Canggu.
The property features just six private pool villas, known as jabus, each inspired by traditional Sumatran architecture. We love how the villas combine local craftsmanship with contemporary comforts, creating a space that feels deeply connected to Indonesian culture.
When you’re not out exploring Canggu’s famous surf breaks (which are particularly well suited to beginner and intermediate surfers), you can spend your days relaxing by the pool or enjoying a long lunch at the open-air restaurant.
What makes Desa Hay even more appealing (in our eyes, at least) is its commitment to sustainability. As a member of the Small Luxury Hotels Considerate Collection, the resort actively supports local environmental and community initiatives.
Plastic waste has been completely eliminated throughout the property and all water is treated on-site. This means you can safely drink straight from the tap without relying on bottled water.
For travellers who want a more conscious Bali getaway without sacrificing style, Desa Hay strikes a balance that’s hard to beat.
And if you fall in love with the experience (as many guests do), the owners also operate the beautiful Munduk Cabins, an eco-retreat nestled amongst the cool mountains and forests of northern Bali.
Plataran Menjangan Resort & Spa, Pemuteran
Best eco-friendly Bali dive resort for luxury stays
Pemuteran holds a special place in our hearts, as it was here that we did our Divemaster training. And if there’s one place to stay in the area that feels completely immersed in nature (without sacrificing comfort), it’s Plataran Menjangan Resort & Spa.
Set within the boundaries of West Bali National Park, it’s the kind of place where nature isn’t something you go looking for – it’s simply part of your surroundings. Most importantly, the resort plays an active role in protecting the surrounding ecosystem, helping to preserve one of Bali’s most important conservation areas.
The resort itself is designed to blend into its environment, with a collection of beautifully crafted traditional Joglo villas. Inside, you’ll find luxurious touches like oversized beds and open-air bathrooms that connect you with the outside world.
What we particularly love about staying here is that it isn’t just about relaxation. Yes, you can spend lazy days poolside or at the spa. But you can also join guided treks through West Bali National Park or take part in water-based activities that showcase the region’s incredible biodiversity.
For us as divers, the location is unbeatable. You’re right on the doorstep of Menjangan Island. This is one of Bali’s most underrated dive areas, known for its coral-encrusted walls and abundant marine life.
For anyone looking for a high-end stay that still feels grounded in nature and purpose, this is one of those rare places that delivers on both fronts.
Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort & Spa, Medewi
Best eco-friendly Bali surf resort for goofy footers
When we lived in Pemuteran, we used to scooter around to Medewi – the closest surf break – and ride its long left-hander. The atmosphere was always pretty relaxed, compared to places like Canggu and the Bukit Peninsula at least.
If you’re arriving in Medewi from one of the busy surf spots in southern Bali, one of the best places to instantly slow down is Puri Dajuma Beach Eco-Resort & Spa.
Set directly across from Medewi’s dramatic black sand beach, the resort offers easy access to one of Bali’s most enjoyable surf breaks, particularly if you’re a goofy footer.
We really like the feel of this place – it’s set within tropical gardens filled with frangipanis and palms, plus two pools for cooling off in after a surf session.
Puri Dajuma’s collection of cottages and villas is inspired by traditional Balinese design, giving it a warm, authentic character rather than a cookie-cutter resort feel.
You can choose between cosy garden cottages or larger one- and two-bedroom villas, some with full kitchens if you prefer a bit more independence during your stay.
There’s also a spa on-site for when your muscles need a bit of recovery, plus a restaurant serving a mix of international dishes. In the evenings, it’s hard to beat sitting back at the lounge bar with a beer in hand as the sun drops into the Indian Ocean.
When it comes to sustainability, Puri Dajuma is genuinely committed to operating in an environmentally responsible manner. The resort’s eco-policy includes everything from rainwater harvesting to recycling programs and ongoing support for the surrounding local community.
We also love that guests are encouraged to connect with Balinese culture through complimentary weekly activities – whether that’s trying your hand at traditional dance, learning wood carving or joining a local cooking class.
Blue Earth Village, Amed
Best eco-friendly Bali resort for wreck diving
Set high on a hillside overlooking the Bali Sea, this eco-dive retreat has a peaceful, almost grounding energy that we felt the moment we arrived. It’s surrounded by rice paddies, coconut groves and fertile fields, and feels a world away from Bali’s busy south.
What we really love here is how naturally everything fits into the landscape – all of the villas and open-air bungalows are traditionally built. That doesn’t mean they’re without modern touches and there are air-conditioned rooms available if that’s what you need.
When you’re not out diving the reefs and wrecks of East Bali, you can swim in the pool, be massaged at the spa or participate in cultural activities like Balinese dance lessons and cooking workshops.
As divers who are passionate about responsible travel, we love how Blue Earth Village has embraced sustainability. Solar panels and wind energy help power the resort, while thoughtful waste management systems and coral reef conservation initiatives support local marine ecosystems.
For us, Blue Earth Village feels less like your typical resort and more like a peaceful base for connecting with the ocean.
Green Escape Eco Resort, Bingin
Best eco-friendly Bali surf resort near Bingin Beach
Tucked away just a short walk from Bingin Beach, this boutique eco-retreat offers easy access to some of the Bukit Peninsula’s best surf breaks.
It features just five sustainably designed one and two-bedroom bungalows, each enveloped by greenery and centred around a tropical pool. We can easily imagine spending slow mornings here with a coffee in hand before heading off for a surf.
The open-air restaurant is another highlight, serving generous breakfasts to fuel your adventures. Be sure to browse the small shop stocked with environmentally friendly products – there are some great (green!) souvenirs here.
Sustainability has been woven into every aspect of Green Escape Eco Resort’s design…and its operations. Single-use plastics have been completely eliminated, eco-friendly cleaning products are used throughout the resort and solar energy helps power the facilities.
Even the construction itself focused on natural materials, resulting in spaces that feel both aesthetically beautiful and environmentally responsible.
For surfers wanting somewhere quiet, comfortable and eco-conscious to call home between sessions, Green Escape Eco Resort strikes the perfect balance. It’s something that is increasingly hard to find as this part of Bali rapidly develops.
Six Senses Uluwatu, Uluwatu
Best eco-friendly Bali surf resort for a luxury stay
Perched dramatically on the cliffs above the Indian Ocean, this stunning resort enjoys some of the most breathtaking views in Bali.
Every time we visit Uluwatu, we’re reminded why this stretch of coastline is so iconic, and Six Senses makes the most of its spectacular setting.
The suites and villas are beautifully designed, blending contemporary luxury with natural materials and a strong sense of place.
When it comes to dining, you can enjoy Indonesian and international dishes at Rocka or indulge in a creative blend of Peruvian and Japanese flavours served at Crudo. No matter which one you choose, the emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
For surfers, the location is hard to beat – some of Bali’s most legendary waves are just minutes away. And if you’re squeezing in a dawn session, you’ll return to an incredible buffet breakfast focused on healthy, wholesome ingredients.
One of our favourite things about Six Senses is the wellness experiences on offer. Whether you’re unwinding in the sauna, joining a yoga session or treating your tired muscles to a post-surf massage at the spa, there’ so much to love.
It’s easy to get carried away by the resort’s high-end amenities and forget that it also has impressive sustainability credentials. At Six Senses Uluwatu, there are ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption, minimise waste and conserve water, and they operate an organic kitchen garden that you can visit on guided tours.
Kubuku Eco Dive Lodge, Pemuteran
Best eco-friendly Bali dive resort for a budget stay
Tucked away in the heart of Pemuteran, this charming eco-lodge isn’t quite as fancy as some of the other properties on this list. It feels more like a peaceful Balinese home than a traditional resort.
In fact, that’s exactly what its name represents – Kubuku translates to “Little Home” – and from the moment you arrive, you can feel that warm, family vibe.
The property features just 19 rooms, scattered amongst tropical gardens filled with mango, banana, papaya, lemon and guava trees. It’s the kind of place where mornings start with birdsong and evenings are spent enjoying the slower pace of village life.
At the heart of the lodge is the Organic Restaurant, which quickly became one of our favourite spots to refuel. The menu focuses on fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients, and it’s here that traditional Balinese sweet cakes are served each afternoon. Delicious!
The team at Kubuku really does go out of its way to create a welcoming environment, and the intimate size of the property helps. In our experience, you’ll receive a level of personal attention that’s often missing at larger resorts.
Gravity Eco Boutique Hotel, Uluwatu
Best eco-friendly Bali surf resort for couples
If you’re travelling to Uluwatu, Gravity Eco Boutique Hotel and Gravity Suites are two properties that consistently catch our attention.
Located just a short walk from one another, these adults-only retreats exude a zen-like atmosphere – there are no kids screaming in the pools for starters!
After an early morning surf, it’s easy to spend the afternoon stretched out on a lounger with a good book before slowly slipping into a siesta. Bliss!
The Balinese-inspired bungalows and suites have been thoughtfully designed with soft, earthy tones that instantly create a sense of calm. Private balconies and open-air bathrooms help blur the line between indoors and outdoors.
Food is another highlight at Gravity. The on-site restaurant serves creative Indonesian-inspired dishes throughout the day, making it easy to linger over long lunches or relaxed dinners.
And if your shoulders are feeling the effects of a few days in the surf, the massage treatments are the perfect excuse to slow down even further.
When it comes to sustainability, Gravity has committed through its use of natural construction materials and the responsible sourcing of produce. It’s an active participant in local recycling programs and provides guests with clear waste-sorting guidelines to combat what is one of Bali’s biggest environmental challenges
Ceningan Divers, Nusa Ceningan
Best eco-friendly Bali dive resort for mantas and mola mola sightings
If you’re looking for a dive resort that genuinely cares about protecting the underwater world, Ceningan Divers Resort is one of our favourite finds in Bali.
Located on the peaceful island of Nusa Ceningan (between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida), this eco-conscious retreat has been recognised as a Green Fins-certified property, reflecting its commitment to responsible diving and marine conservation.
The resort has been thoughtfully designed using local building techniques and natural materials, and is surrounded by mangrove forests that act as fish nurseries.
Of course, the real draw for most divers is the location. Staying here puts you within easy reach of iconic dive sites around Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
These waters are famous for regular encounters with manta rays and, during the right season, the chance to see the extraordinary mola mola (ocean sunfish) – a bucket-list experience for many divers, ourselves included.
The resort offers two morning boat dives each day, with additional afternoon and night dives for those who can’t get enough time underwater.
If you’re new to scuba diving, you’re equally well catered for. The resort’s PADI 5-Star Career Development Centre (CDC) provides an excellent environment to learn. There’s a dedicated training pool, air-conditioned classrooms and a team of experienced instructors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge.
Suarga Padang Padang, Uluwatu
Best eco-friendly Bali surf resort for families and groups
Perched high on the Bukit Peninsula, this eco-luxury retreat is an enviable base for surfers.
It’s the kind of location that makes early surf sessions almost irresistible – you’re in the water within minutes and back on the clifftops before most people have even had breakfast.
Much of the property has been built using reclaimed and locally sourced materials, and renewable energy systems help reduce its environmental footprint.
The villas – ranging from two to four bedrooms – make Suarga Padang Padang a great option if you’re travelling with family or a group of friends. There’s a real sense of space and privacy, without losing that shared holiday atmosphere.
When you’re not surfing or exploring the Bukit Peninsula, you can unwind by one of the two outdoor pools or enjoy a long, relaxed meal at the signature restaurant (accompanied by epic views!)
For us, Suarga Padang Padang is stylish without being flashy, luxurious without feeling wasteful and perfectly positioned for experiencing Bali’s surf culture.
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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.
