9 Eco-Dive Resorts in Southeast Asia: Sustainable Scuba Travel
Looking for eco-dive resorts in Southeast Asia? Discover our top picks for sustainable stays in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar.
There’s a lot to love about travelling in Southeast Asia – incredible food, unique cultures and plenty of adventure-filled experiences. For us, the one that holds the biggest allure is diving.
Many Southeast Asian countries lie within the biodiverse Coral Triangle and the warm waters here support an exceptional array of marine life. We’ve dived everywhere from Indonesia to the Philippines and return to the region every chance we get.
The good news? Sustainable dive tourism is growing rapidly across Southeast Asia.
During our travels, we’ve come across some inspiring resorts that aren’t just offering bucket list diving experiences. They’re investing in marine conservation, supporting local communities and finding innovative ways to reduce their environmental impact.
When you stay at an eco-friendly dive resort, your money does more than just pay for dives and accommodation. It helps fund reef restoration projects, community development programs and conservation initiatives that ensure these underwater wonders remain healthy for generations to come.
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
If there’s one destination that perfectly combines world-class diving with meaningful conservation, it’s Misool Eco Resort. Tucked away in the remote southern reaches of Raja Ampat, we honestly think this it’s a benchmark for sustainable dive tourism.
Through the Misool Foundation, the resort has helped establish a 300,000-acre marine reserve where sharks, manta rays and countless reef species are protected from destructive fishing practices.
The resort is also making significant strides towards carbon neutrality. More than 60% of its operations are powered by renewable energy and many of its beautifully designed structures have been built using reclaimed materials.
Oh, and did we mention 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
Scuba Junkie has long been recognised as one of Southeast Asia’s leaders in sustainable diving. And after diving here, we can see why!
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. We also love that they’ve embraced biodegradable cleaning products to keep the resort and reef pristine.
Beyond its in-house operations, Scuba Junkie 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.
The on-site coral nursery is another initiative we love. It’s providing the building blocks to rehabilitate damaged reefs and, as a guest, you’re strongly encouraged to get involved.
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
Just off the coast of Bali, Ceningan Divers has built a strong reputation for combining exceptional diving with environmental responsibility.
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.
One thing we particularly love in Ceningan Diver’s focus on education. Guests are encouraged to learn about responsible diving practices, join beach cleanups and better understand how their choices can impact fragile marine ecosystems.
It’s the kind of place that leaves you not only with incredible dive memories but also with a greater appreciation for protecting the ocean.
You can find more inspiring eco-friendly resorts in Bali here.
Camiguin Volcan Beach Eco Retreat & Dive Resort, Camiguin, Philippines
Set amongst swaying palms on Camiguin Island, this eco-friendly Philippines dive resort demonstrates how thoughtful design can resonate with the natural world.
The owners took extraordinary care during construction to preserve the landscape. Not a single tree was removed, local craftsmen were involved throughout the building process and materials were chosen specifically to blend with the island’s natural environment.
One detail we found particularly interesting was the use of seawater-treated bamboo as a natural alternative to chemical preservation methods. Who said a dive trip can’t also be an education in traditional construction methods!
The resort’s commitment to sustainability extends offshore as well, with coral propagation programs helping to protect and restore nearby reef systems.
If you’re seeking an authentic diving experience in the Philippines away from the crowds, Camiguin should be high on your list.
You’ll find more eco-friendly dive resorts in the Philippines here.
Boulder Bay Eco Resort, Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar
Few places feel as untouched as the Mergui Archipelago – a collection of over 800 uninhabited islands scattered across the Andaman Sea. And if there’s one place that embraces that sense of wilderness while promoting responsible tourism, it’s Boulder Bay Eco Resort.
We particularly love how the resort places marine research at the heart of the guest experience. Its dedicated Research & Watersport Center supports ongoing scientific studies while giving visitors a unique opportunity to engage directly with marine conservation efforts.
Guests can chat with marine biologists as they set out on expeditions and be inspired by their dedication to protecting the local marine environment.
For us, the resort serves as a shining example of how tourism, science and conservation can work together – it’s regenerative tourism at its best!
Want to learn more? Discover everything you need to know about diving in Myanmar here.
Sangat Island Resort, Coron, Philippines
Sangat Island is one of those places that instantly makes you slow down and reconnect with nature.
Surrounded by limestone cliffs, dense rainforest and some of the Philippines’ most famous wreck diving sites, the resort has built sustainability into nearly every aspect of its operation.
The property runs independently of municipal water and electricity networks thanks to solar power and desalination systems. It’s also worth noting that the traditional open-air bungalows maximise natural ventilation, reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling.
Reusable bamboo water bottles are provided on arrival – they can be refilled at purified water stations throughout your stay. Additionally, all takeaway food items are served in compostable containers to reduce single-use plastic waste.
What we found especially encouraging was the resort’s support for marine research and reef protection programs – it hosts volunteers working in the field throughout the year.
Thanks to these efforts, 75% of local reefs remain intact and healthy, and Sangat Island Resort is continuing work to restore the remaining 25%.
Planning a scuba vacation to the Philippines? Discover the best places to dive here.
Alor Divers, Alor, Indonesia
If you’re seeking a destination that’s still relatively under the radar, Alor might be the answer. We visited in 2024 on a liveaboard from Komodo and would love to return for a resort-based trip – the distances between dive sites are relatively short.
One of the properties we’ve had our eyes on is Alor Divers, which has embraced an eco-tourism model that prioritises low-impact travel. It’s open-air bungalows have been designed to naturally regulate temperature, eliminating the need for air conditioning.
The resort also invests in renewable energy, water conservation initiatives and locally sourced produce, helping reduce both environmental impact and transportation emissions.
Perhaps most importantly, Alor Divers actively demonstrates how sustainable tourism can provide long-term economic benefits while protecting natural habitats from more destructive forms of development.
Discover everything you need to know about diving in Alor in our detailed scuba guide.
Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort, Phi Phi Don, Thailand
Outrigger is a sustainably-run jungle sanctuary on the spectacular island of Phi Phi Don. In our opinion, 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 Southeast Asian eco-resort, sustainability enhances rather than compromises the 5-star experience. Guests can indulge in the resort’s luxurious amenities while participating in environmentally conscious experiences designed to protect the surrounding Andaman Sea.
Small-group diving is a key part of the approach and something we love to see! It’s a more personalised way to experience the local reefs while minimising pressure on sensitive marine environments.
You can learn more about planning a sustainable dive vacation in Thailand here.
Evolution Dive Resort, Malapascua, Philippines
Evolution Dive Resort has built its reputation on creating not just skilled divers, but environmentally responsible ones.
Guided by a simple “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” philosophy, this Malapascua dive resort continually seeks new ways to lessen its environmental footprint. Locally sourced food, reduced packaging, lower water consumption and careful energy management all contribute to more sustainable operations.
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 (and encouraging others to do the same).
For divers who value education and conservation as much as underwater adventure, we think you should keep Evolution on your radar.
Selecting an eco-dive resort in Southeast Asia
Every dive trip is an opportunity to make a positive impact and Southeast Asia’s eco-dive resorts are making that easier than ever.
By choosing properties that are investing in conservation and community support, you’re helping protect the very environments you travel to experience.
In our experience, the best eco-dive resorts in Southeast Asia don’t just minimise their footprint – they actively contribute to restoring and preserving marine ecosystems. At the same time, they’re creating meaningful opportunities for local communities.
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.
For more inspiration, check out these eco-friendly dive resorts around the globe.
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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.
