From eliminating single-use plastics to implementing circular waste systems, eco-dive resorts are leading the charge toward sustainability. Set in some of the world’s most magnificent dive destinations, they play an important role in protecting the natural beauty and marine wonders that we travel so far and wide to experience.
When you stay at one of these resorts, you become part of the solution and contribute to preserving these environments for future generations. Not only do they nurture nature through renewable energy and sustainable building initiatives but also empower locals through eco-education and ethical employment.
Read on to discover 13 of the world's best eco-friendly dive resorts, ensuring a sustainable stay on your next scuba adventure.
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Misool Eco Resort, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
Where shark finning camps once stood, Misool Eco Resort now welcomes guests to experience the spectacular marine environment of Raja Ampat. This transformation is thanks to the resort's non-profit, the Misool Foundation, which champions conservation and community. Their efforts led to the establishment of a 300,000-acre marine reserve in 2005, which provides a safe haven for marine species can thrive.
Misool has established a reputation as one of the top eco-dive resorts in Indonesia, with just a handful of cottages and villages perched around a horseshoe-shaped lagoon. The resort’s world-class Dive Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art gear and adjoins a laidback lounge where you can unwind after an exciting day of exploration. For non-diving family members, snorkelling and kayaking in this island paradise are awe-inspiring, to say the least.
Discover the magic of Marsa Shagra, an eco-friendly dive resort in Egypt. Its luxury tents overlook the Red Sea and beckon guests to immerse themselves in the splendour of the underwater world. Since its establishment, Marsa Shagra Village has upheld a sustainable vision - one dedicated to safeguarding the coral reefs for which the Red Sea has long been renowned. Aside from offering daily dive trips, the Marsa Shagra Village also boasts a yoga shala where classes are held at sunrise and sunset.
The passionate team behind this resort helped establish the local Shaa'b Samadai Marine Park, which tirelessly monitors and protects shark populations. One-third of the property's power flows from the sun's rays and the team is committed to upholding sustainable dive practices. Fringing the resort is a lush mangrove forest that is playing an important role in helping the reef to thrive.
Best eco-friendly dive resorts
Occupying the site of a former coconut plantation, Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is a trailblazer in sustainable tourism and one of the premier eco-luxury dive resorts in Fiji. It’s located on the stunning island of Vanua Levu, where you can join forces with local communities to safeguard Fiji’s precious marine ecosystems.
In addition to planting coral gardens, guests can help to cultivate giant clams and restore vital mangrove forests along the coastline. On land, you can trek through the lush rainforest while gathering ancient herbal wisdom or enjoy a rejuvenating treatment at the spa. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is ideal for an eco-friendly family holiday thanks to its Bula kids club while the adults-only dining options ensure serenity for honeymooning couples.
Discover the wildlife wonders of the Galapagos Islands at the Finch Bay Hotel, a sanctuary that National Geographic dubbed one of their “Unique Lodges of the World”. It is the only full-service Galapagos eco-hotel located directly on a beach, with a tranquil pool that attracts finches and herons throughout the day. Each of its suites and rooms has been luxuriously appointed by the Ecuadorian designer Julio Vinueza.
Sheltered from the outside world, Galapagos National Park protects an exceptional diversity of animal life that thrives both above and below the waves. Guests at the Finch Bay Hotel can dive alongside hammerheads, marine iguanas, penguins and seals in this thriving ecosystem. The Galapagos Islands is a place to rediscover your sense of wonder in a place where wildlife reigns free.
Discover paradise with a purpose at Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives. This exclusive eco-resort is set on a remote atoll and sets the gold standard for sustainable luxury dive vacations. It features a combination of on-land and overwater villas, as well as six sublime restaurants, a heavenly spa and an open-air yoga studio. From diving with graceful manta rays to witnessing newborn sea turtles take their first swim, it’s a place to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.
At Six Senses Laamu, luxury meets responsibility. This eco-friendly Maldives dive resort partners with leading conservation organizations like the Manta Trust to protect threatened species through research and education initiatives. Aside from its commitment to zero waste and self-sufficiency, the resort also gives back to local communities by donating water purification systems to provide clean drinking water for all.
Nestled beneath swaying palms and overlooking a pristine beach, the eco-friendly dive resort in Palawan is a tropical paradise with a purpose. Since 1994, the Sangat Island Dive Resort has made protecting the planet and uplifting the local community integral to its mission. It offers easy access to amazing reefs that are teeming with life, as well as the incredible wrecks for which Coron Bay is known.
Located in the remote and strikingly beautiful Calamian Islands, this solar-powered dive resort features 14 low-impact bungalows framed by towering limestone cliffs. The resort provides jobs, training and support for nearby schools, empowering locals to thrive, as well as giving guests the opportunity to connect with the local community.
Best eco-friendly dive resorts
Nestled on the pristine shores of Tofo Beach, Liquid Dive Adventures is an eco-friendly dive resort in Mozambique. It comprises several nature-inspired bungalows that have been artfully constructed using locally sourced and sustainable materials, plus a restaurant that serves sustainably sourced seafood and vegetarian cuisine.
Liquid Dive Adventures specialises in ocean safaris and whale-watching trips, with guests having the opportunity to dive with incredible megafauna. As a 5* IDC Scuba Dive Centre, it offers a range of dive specialties, with a focus on conservation and responsible diving. Their onsite dive centre is a certified 100% AWARE partner and offers an impressive example of what protecting our oceans can look like.
The Brando, Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Rising from the shores of Tetiaroa, The Brando stands as a beacon of sustainability and eco-friendly luxury. Its inspiring structures are crafted from local wood and palm leaves and blend seamlessly into the island landscape. Coconut oil powers the resort while seawater cools the air, making it one of the top eco-friendly resorts in French Polynesia. Through partnerships and collaboration, The Brando is dedicated to sharing its eco-wisdom with resorts worldwide.
The resort was designed to carry out the vision and legacy of Marlon Brando and is 100% energy-independent. It features 35 private villas located along the coast of Motu Onetahi, all of which are set back from the beach for maximum privacy. In addition to two gourmet restaurants, the resort features a luxurious spa and an organic vegetable garden.
Papua Explorers Dive Resort, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
On the doorstep of some of Raja Ampat’s most enchanting dive sites, Papua Explorers is a community-focused and eco-friendly dive resort in Indonesia. It features 15 overwater bungalows backed by the dense rainforest of Gam Island and overlooking a massive house reef that’s teeming with life.
At the heart of the resort is an open-air restaurant and a stilted pier that leads to a well-equipped dive deck and a breezy spa. Nestled just behind the bungalow is a flourishing kitchen garden where seasonal produce is lovingly grown using sustainable and organic methods. Eco-friendly practices are championed throughout the resort, from the use of chemical-free soaps to the absence of air-conditioning.
With majestic underwater landscapes on its doorstep, Papua Explorers takes marine conservation seriously. It runs its own charity (Papua Explorers Foundation), which works collaboratively with scientists from around the globe to preserve the surrounding environment. Also on site is the Raja Ampat SEA Centre, which offers hands-on, citizen science opportunities.
Best eco-friendly dive resorts
Pole Pole, Tanzania
Nestled along the pristine shores of Chole Bay, Pole Pole is an eco-friendly dive resort on Tanzania’s Mafia Island. It features just seven private bungalows tucked beneath the swaying palms and just steps from the island's white sandy beach. Thanks to an innovative purification system, waste is kept to a bare minimum, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the island's natural beauty.
When you’re not scuba diving in the Mafia archipelago or snorkelling with whale sharks, you can relax in a hammock while being lulled by the sound of lapping waves. Pole Pole is a place to live out your wildest castaway dreams, without sacrificing life's little luxuries. Each of its bungalows is eclectically furnished with antiques and carvings while Zanzibari beds are a highlight of the spacious verandahs.
Set in the heart of Bunaken National Marine Park, Siladen Resort & Spa offers eco-friendly dive vacations in Sulawesi. Upon arrival, guests pledge to safeguard this underwater paradise by signing the resort's conservation code. In addition to protecting endangered sea turtles and keeping the beaches free of debris, this action-driven dive resort helps to restore reefs and deter illegal activities in the marine park.
On land, Siladen Resort limits waste wherever possible and uses sustainable materials in its everyday operations. Each of its elegantly appointed villas features plush king-sized beds, outdoor showers and sundecks overlooking the tropical waters. While the world-class scuba diving of Bunaken is a huge draw, this sustainable Indonesian resort also offers treks around Manado, white water rafting, yoga and cooking classes.
Alphonse Island Lodge, Seychelles
From the moment you step foot on Alphonse Island, you'll feel the magic of this pristine paradise. Nestled amidst the idyllic scenery of the Seychelles, this island oasis is a sanctuary for endangered wildlife and a beacon of sustainability. At the heart of it all is the Alphonse Island Lodge, an eco-friendly resort that is committed to conservation. It lies adjacent to the Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to dozens of rare Aldabra tortoises.
The lodge proudly runs the Island Conservation Society Center, which hosts beach cleanups and works tirelessly to protect local sea turtles. Among the sustainable practices championed at this eco-friendly Seychelles resort is sourcing ingredients for meals as locally as possible. With its wide choice of villas and diverse array of activities, Alphonse Island Lodge is ideal for those travelling with non-diving family members.
Best eco-friendly dive resorts
Located just off the coast of Bali on the island of Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan Divers is one of Indonesia’s top eco-friendly dive resorts. As an award-winning Green Fins Operator and 100% AWARE Partner, Ceningan Divers leads the charge in protecting the Nusa Penida Marine Area. In addition to banning all single-use plastics, the dedicated staff at Ceningan Divers frequently organise beach and mangrove cleanups.
At this eco-friendly PADI Dive Resort, you can select from one of their rustic yet comfortable rooms, all of which are surrounded by tropical gardens. The resort sits on the edge of a mangrove forest that lines the channel between Lembongan and Penida, with the ridge behind offering incredible sunset views. When you’re not out on thrilling drift dives to spot manta rays and oceanic sunfish, you can visit local seaweed farms and villages.
Staying at an eco-friendly dive resort
As the world becomes increasingly aware of the urgent need to address environmental challenges, eco-dive resorts have emerged as shining examples of sustainable tourism in action. Set against the breathtaking backdrops of some of the planet's most renowned dive destinations, these forward-thinking establishments are leading the charge toward a greener future. By eliminating the use of single-use plastics and pioneering innovative circular waste management systems, they are minimising their ecological footprint and safeguarding the very natural wonders that draw travellers from across the globe.
Want to learn more about what makes a dive resort eco-friendly? Check out our explainer here.
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