Scattered across the shimmering Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a stunning archipelago that has become the poster child of luxury tourism. Amongst divers, it is renowned for the incredible marine life that thrives in the nutrient-rich lagoons and healthy coral reefs that surround the islands. Whether it’s coming face-to-face with whale sharks or watching manta rays “fly” above you - the dive experiences here are second to none.
There really is no better place in the world to experience a luxury dive vacation, but that doesn’t have to be at the expense of the archipelago's fragile environment. Many of the Maldives' luxury dive resorts have made it their mission to protect the surroundings by incorporating sustainable practices into their everyday operations. From the implementation of renewable energies to coral restoration projects and collaborating with local communities, these resorts have set a new standard for responsible tourism.
In this article, discover 10 of the best eco-friendly luxury dive resorts in the Maldives to help you plan a sustainable scuba vacation in paradise.
An aerial view of the overwater bungalows at Dusit Thani in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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Best eco-friendly luxury Maldives dive resort in South Male Atoll
Surrounded by a thriving coral reef, this luxury Maldives dive resort has made a firm commitment to preserving the delicate marine ecosystem it calls home. Through a pioneering partnership with Parley for the Oceans, the Waldorf Astoria has implemented a comprehensive sustainability program that goes far beyond the typical eco-friendly gestures found at many island resorts.
Guests are invited to join in the conservation efforts, with daily snorkelling and scuba diving excursions to nearby sites like Kandooma Thila. Of course, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives is also renowned for its unparalleled luxury, from the stunning overwater villas with their glass-bottom floors to the world-class dining and spa experiences.
"Once in a lifetime holiday destination.” - Greg (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly luxury dive resorts in the Maldives
An elevated view of the Waldorf Astoria Maldives' incredible setting (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best sustainable luxury Maldives dive resort in Lhaviyani Atoll
Seamlessly blending luxury accommodations with a strong commitment to sustainability, Soneva Jani is one of the most eco-friendly dive resorts in the Maldives. Its villas are interconnected by a network of elevated wooden walkways, allowing visitors to effortlessly navigate the property while taking in the breathtaking natural surroundings. Each is a masterpiece of open-air design, featuring expansive living spaces that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
But Soneva Jani is about more than just aesthetics - a 2% sustainability levy is included in all guest stays, with the funds going directly to the Soneva Foundation. This initiative allows the resort to offset its carbon footprint through various environmental projects, while also supporting important community programs in the Maldives.
"Heaven on earth!” - Marketa (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly luxury dive resorts in the Maldives
View across the pool and Indian Ocean from a whitewashed villa at Soneva Jani in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly luxury Maldives dive resort in Laamu Atoll
Situated on a remote atoll, this exclusive eco-dive resort seamlessly blends indulgence and environmental responsibility, offering guests a sustainable scuba vacation in the Maldives. The resort's collection of stunning beachfront and overwater villas are constructed using natural, locally sourced materials, creating an eco-chic ambiance throughout the property.
When you’re not out diving, you can savour organic fare at one of the resort's six exceptional dining venues, enjoy a restorative practice at the open-air yoga studio or indulge in a pampering treatment with sustainably sourced products at the resort's award-winning spa. This eco-friendly Maldives resort is also passionate about marine conservation, with opportunities for guests to participate in its research and education initiatives.
"From the moment we arrived at Six Senses Laamu, we knew we were in for a treat.” - Olga (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly luxury dive resorts in the Maldives
Stairs lead up to a thatched roof restaurant at Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly luxury Maldives dive resort in Baa Atoll
Boasting impressive green credentials, this eco-conscious Maldives resort features a collection of thatched-roof villas that are masterfully constructed using recycled wood and bamboo. As a 100% carbon-neutral resort, Soneva Fushi has made an unwavering commitment to minimising its environmental impact, partnering with local non-governmental organisations to actively protect the marine biodiversity of the Maldivian archipelago.
Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the wonders of the underwater world, with the resort's multilingual dive instructors leading daily excursions to the exceptional dive sites that dot the surrounding waters. A highlight is undoubtedly snorkelling alongside the manta rays that congregate in the nutrient-rich waters of Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
“Best time of my life!” - Faisal (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly luxury dive resorts in the Maldives
A bird's eye view of an overwater restaurant at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly Maldives dive resort in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll
Boasting over three kilometres of powder-soft beaches and a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon, this luxury Maldives dive resort offers ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Guests can choose to stay in one of the resort's secluded beach or overwater villas, all of which come equipped with free bicycles for eco-friendly transportation around the grounds.
In between dives with the resort’s PADI 5-star dive centre, you can indulge in pampering spa treatments, lounge by the stunning infinity pool and feast at one of the eight on-site restaurants. As part of its commitment to sustainability, LUX* South Ari Atoll has installed one of the world's largest floating solar power systems to generate renewable energy for the resort. It has also replaced single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives and offers cruelty-free, naturally-derived bathroom amenities.
"Everything was more than perfect.” - Muhammad (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly luxury dive resorts in the Maldives
A whitewashed spa at the luxurious LUX* South Ari Atoll in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly Maldives dive resort in Vaavu Atoll
Awarded the prestigious Travelife Gold Certification for its commitment to sustainability, this eco-friendly Maldives resort has taken numerous measures to minimise its environmental footprint. From renewable energy initiatives and water conservation efforts to waste management programs and community engagement, the Cinnamon Velifushi has woven sustainability into the very fabric of its operations.
Thanks to its unbeatable location in Vaavu Atoll, this sustainable Maldives resort offers unparalleled opportunities for world-class diving, snorkelling and exploration of the archipelago's marine ecosystem. Whether you choose to stay in one of the affordable beach bungalows or upgrade to an overwater villa, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives will open your eyes to how luxury travel can be harmoniously combined with environmental stewardship.
“Out of the this world.” - Robert (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly luxury dive resorts in the Maldives
A bird's eye view of the overwater bungalows at Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly Maldives dive resort near Malé
As home to one of the first eco-dive centres in the Maldives, Baros has long been at the forefront of sustainable tourism, committed to preserving the marine ecosystems that surround its overwater bungalow villas. As part of its commitment to upholding eco-friendly practices, this sustainable Maldives resort recycles water for irrigation, uses biodegradable cleaning products and has implemented LED lighting systems with lower electricity consumption.
With easy access to the kaleidoscopic coral gardens of Rainbow Reef, Baros is undoubtedly one of the best dive resorts in the Maldives and is located just a short speedboat ride from Malé. You can discover the wonders of the underwater world through the resort's participation in globally recognised conservation programs and specialised Project AWARE courses that educate divers on the pressing issues facing local marine life.
“Our stay at Baros resort surpassed all expectations.” - Athanasios (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly luxury dive resorts in the Maldives
One of the luxurious overwater villas at Baros Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly luxury Maldives dive resort in North Ari Atoll
Surrounded by some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the archipelago, this eco-friendly Maldives resort offers guests the choice between indulgent beach villas or overwater bungalows, each radiating a chic, tropical ambiance. Beyond the resort's stylish accommodations, Kandolhu Maldives has made a concerted effort to minimise its environmental footprint, implementing innovative renewable energy solutions like solar power as well as rainwater harvesting systems.
In a further commitment to eco-consciousness, the resort has eliminated the use of single-use plastics, ensuring that its sublime natural setting remains unspoiled. Complementing its green initiatives, Kandolhu Maldives also boasts an in-house team of dive experts who guide guests on unforgettable underwater adventures and regularly lead cleanup excursions to maintain the health and vitality of the surrounding reefs.
“A trip to heaven on Earth.” - Morij (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly luxury dive resorts in the Maldives
An overwater villa with a private pool at Kandolhu Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly Maldives luxury dive resort near the airport
Situated near Embudu Island (just 15 minutes’ by speedboat from the airport), this opulent resort is surrounded by one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. It recently unveiled a massive floating solar park, meaning it operates with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the Maldives. When staying here, you’ll be treated to the ultimate in overwater accommodations, with the resort’s stunning bungalows offering wonderful views of the marine life below.
But the Taj Exotica is more than just a feast for the eyes – it also caters to the active adventurer, with its PADI 5-Star dive centre providing safe and convenient access to the wonders of the deep. For those seeking a more restorative experience, the resort's indulgent spa offers a range of wellness treatments rooted in ancient Indian traditions, blending time-honoured holistic practices with modern techniques.
“Amazing and unforgettable!” - Mohsin (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly luxury dive resorts in the Maldives
An opulent overwater dining space at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Best eco-friendly Maldives luxury dive resort near Hanifaru Bay
Forming part of Baa Atoll (the first UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives), Dusit Thani Maldives was designed to celebrate and preserve the region's fragile marine ecosystem. Thatched-roof overwater villas crafted from locally-sourced natural materials seemingly float above the crystal-clear lagoon, while the spa (elevated amidst swaying palm trees) offers holistic treatments.
Aside from daily diving excursions, this luxury Maldives resort offers everything from guided nature walks to leisurely bike rides and sunset cruises, as well as snorkelling adventures to spot the manta rays that migrate to nearby Hanifaru Bay. Yet Dusit Thani Maldives is more than just a luxurious island retreat - it is a shining example of sustainable tourism, with solar panels powering the resort, desalination systems producing drinking water and organic composting diverting food waste.
"To be perfectly honest, almost everything exceeded my (very high) expectation.” - Heriberto (read more reviews here)
Best time to dive in the Maldives
Diving in the Maldives is possible all year, but the prime time is during the northeast monsoon from December to May. During this period, the northeast winds create calm, clear waters, making it perfect for diving. The northeast monsoon also brings unique marine experiences that attract divers worldwide. As currents move from east to west, they carry nutrient-rich plankton, luring manta rays to the western atolls. On the eastern side of the archipelago, divers can spot various shark species enjoying the abundant food supply.
In contrast, the southwest monsoon from June to November changes the current direction, making the western side the go-to for diving. While visibility can still be great, the seas can get rough with swells up to two metres during peak rainy season. However, this is also when Hanifaru Bay thrives, providing amazing opportunities to see whale sharks and manta rays in the nutrient-rich waters.
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 highlighting 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.