As divers inspired by the underwater world, there is plenty of incentive to protect our coral reefs, save endangered marine species and keep our oceans free of trash. One impactful action we can all take to assert our position is to choose eco-friendly dive destinations that are playing a leading role in marine conservation.
In this guide, discover 7 of the world's best eco-friendly diving destinations to invest your hard-earned money the next time you’re venturing off on an underwater vacation.
By voting with our travel dollars, we can reward environmental stewardship and inspire the dive industries in other destinations to follow suit.
Best eco-friendly dive destinations
Fiji
Nicknamed the “Soft Coral Capital of the World”, Fiji is a world-class dive destination that’s renowned for its shark encounters. The strong currents swirling around its outer reefs deliver nutrient-rich waters from across the ocean, attracting everything from tiny macroorganisms to massive pelagic fish. Fiji is also home to some outstanding eco-dive resorts that are taking important steps to preserve the marine environment.
Among the best is Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, a luxury, eco-friendly stay that’s named for the legendary explorer. Local, certified timber structures embrace traditional Fijian design while farm-to-table dining celebrates sustainably-caught seafood. In addition to diving excursions, the on-site marine biologist leads reef protection and giant clam breeding programs.
Nestled on the pristine shores of Kadavu Island is Matava Eco Adventure Resort, an award-winning Fiji eco-resort that has perfected sustainable stays. The traditional, thatched-roof bures exude rustic charm while seamlessly blending into the rainforest and volcanic landscapes. The resort prides itself on having zero carbon emissions and boasts bountiful organic gardens to fuel your dive adventures.
Craving a high-end dive experience? Be tempted by some of the best luxury dive resorts around the world.
Best eco-friendly dive destinations
Indonesia
Comprising more than 17,000 islands scattered between the Pacific and Indian oceans, Indonesia is one of the world’s top dive destinations. From the pristine reefs of Raja Ampat to the muck diving of Lembeh Strait, the underwater adventures here are like nowhere else on Earth. Indonesia is also home to some exceptional eco-friendly dive resorts that are going above and beyond to support marine conservation.
At the award-winning Wakatobi Dive Resort in Sulawesi, world-class diving goes hand-in-hand with protecting marine ecosystems. PADI-certified instructors teach responsible diving practices while the resort sponsors ecology education and employs locals to discourage harmful fishing. Through partnerships with organisations like Project AWARE, Wakatobi is playing an active role in restoring the area's vibrant reefs.
In North Sulawesi's Bunaken National Marine Park is Siladen Resort & Spa, which has run a sea turtle conservation program for over 20 years. Among other eco-friendly practices, this sustainable dive resort uses glass straws, energy-saving bulbs and products designed to reduce the resort’s carbon footprint. Nearby, Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa built floating structures to minimise their environmental impact and uses responsibly sourced hardwood in its construction. With an onsite organic garden and daily ocean plastic removal, the resort balances luxury and ecological stewardship.
For a private island escape, Misool Eco Resort in Raja Ampat takes conservation to the next level. Their nonprofit Misool Foundation has implemented far-reaching biodiversity protection and community education projects, including creating a 120,000-hectare marine reserve. Another eco-friendly dive resort in Raja Ampat is Papua Explorers, which combines sustainable tourism with community-focused initiatives on the coast of Gam Island. Also scattered throughout Raja Ampat are plenty of eco-friendly homestays set within paradisiacal surroundings.
To discover more eco-friendly dive resorts in Indonesia, check out our article here.
Best eco-friendly dive destinations
Mozambique
Hugging the southeast coast of Africa, Mozambique overlooks the marine life-filled waters of the Indian Ocean. The northern Quirimbas Archipelago shelters Africa's largest marine protected area, where coral reefs and mangrove forests nurture reef fish and sea turtles. The country is renowned for its megafauna sightings, including manta rays and humpback whales, which patrol the aptly named Whale Shark Alley.
One of Mozambique’s best eco-friendly dive resorts is Liquid Dive Adventures, a scuba sanctuary on Tofo Beach. It features artfully constructed bungalows fashioned from locally-sourced, sustainable materials and specialises in awe-inspiring ocean safaris. Liquid Dive Adventures focuses on conservation and responsible diving and is a certified 100% AWARE partner.
In northern Mozambique is Nuarro Lodge, an impressive eco-resort that's making luxury sustainable. Renewable energy powers every stay while low-impact systems conserve precious resources. The resort provides meaningful employment for nearby villages and works hand-in-hand with locals to safeguard the coral reefs. From volunteering with community initiatives to joining eco-conscious excursions, Nuarro Bay offers plenty of opportunities for guests to flex their green thumb.
Aside from being an incredible dive destination, Mozambique is also one of Africa's best places to surf. In this article, discover some of the top breaks along the coastline and eco-friendly places to stay.
Philippines
Boasting a prime location in the Coral Triangle, the Philippines is a scuba diver's paradise. It encompasses more than 7,000 islands surrounded by pristine reefs that are bursting with life. Not only is the Philippines home to world-class dive sites but also exceptional dive resorts with an eco-conscious approach.
The Evolution Dive Resort in Malapascua has been awarded the prestigious 2023 Green Fins Award for its exemplary eco-friendly practices. Selected by The Reef-World Foundation on behalf of the UN Environment Programme, Evolution was commended for their training programs that teach divers to be more environmentally aware underwater. In addition, they have implemented resort-wide initiatives to reduce plastic waste, offer sustainable food options and lower carbon emissions from guests.
At Sangat Island Dive Resort in Coron Bay, environmental stewardship is interwoven into the fabric of the resort. Nestled within the Sangat Island Marine Park, it minimises plastic usage, engages guests in green activities and powers the resort via an onsite solar generator. Beyond its boundaries, Sangat partners with local communities to spread awareness and education about conservation and sustainability practices through their Corporate Social Responsibility programs.
For more Philippines dive inspiration, check out these eco-friendly dive resorts across this island nation.
Best eco-friendly dive destinations
Maldives
Fringed by idyllic beaches and thriving underwater ecosystems, the Maldives is a tropical gem in the Indian Ocean. This diving paradise is renowned for its thrilling pelagic encounters and vibrant reefs that provide habitat for fish, sea turtles and manta rays. As a low-lying nation, the Maldives understands the potential impacts of climate change, with many of its dive resorts doing their bit to counter environmental degradation.
The remote Laamu Atoll in the Maldives is home to Six Senses, an eco-friendly escape that offers an abundance of sustainable adventures. It partners with organisations like the Manta Trust, achieving their shared goal of marine research and conservation. Since it was established, this eco-friendly Maldives resort has donated 25 water purification systems to villages as part of its commitment to give back to the local communities.
On the tiny but picture-perfect island of Dhigurah is the Boutique Beach Resort, an eco-friendly escape that makes sustainability a priority. Glass straws and ceramic toiletry bottles replace wasteful plastic while staff regularly organise regular beach cleanups. All leftovers are composted on-site while non-compostable trash gets shipped to the capital, Male, for recycling.
Seychelles
Nicknamed "the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean," the Seychelles is truly a natural wonder. Nearly half of this island nation is protected as national parks, allowing its rare and endemic plants and animals to thrive. With the Seychelles' forward-thinking approach to conservation, you can discover species found nowhere else on Earth while enjoying a sustainable dive vacation.
One of the country’s top eco-friendly dive resorts is Alphonse Island, a remote Seychelles paradise and a nature lover's dream. As part of all stays, guests pay a conservation levy to support the Island Conservation Society's efforts to protect the fragile island ecosystem. In between dives, you can engage in activities like giant tortoise feedings, beach cleanups and sea turtle patrols to protect nesting mothers.
Also of note is the luxurious Six Senses Zil Pasyon, which has played an important role in removing invasive species from the island of Félicité. It partners with local conservation organisations to preserve the surrounding reefs and produces many of its own fruits and vegetables in its organic garden.
Want to dive the warm waters of the Indian Ocean? Discover 5 of the best eco-friendly dive resorts in the Seychelles for an unforgettable stay.
Best eco-friendly dive destinations
Papua New Guinea
As part of the Coral Triangle, Papua New Guinea boasts stunning biodiversity above the water and world-class diving below. Fringing reefs, coral walls, and seagrass beds teem with marine life while spectacular wrecks from World War II add to the allure. It’s also home to some wonderful eco-dive resorts that are helping to support the country’s natural wonders.
Adjacent to Walindi Plantation Resort is Mahonia Na Dari (MND) (“Guardian of the Sea), which has been working diligently to protect the rich marine environment of Kimbe Bay. Through their Marine Environment Education Program (MEEP), they aim to foster an appreciation for the incredible biodiversity found in the bay among the local community. All of Walindi’s structures are built using locally sourced materials and mangrove trees have been planted to provide a nursery for juvenile fish.
Another Papua New Guinea eco-dive hotel is Lissenung Island Resort, a tranquil hideaway with an admirable mission. For years, Dive Worldwide has supported Lissenung's Turtle Conservation Project, which protects endangered sea turtles in the region. Through tireless monitoring, relocation and research efforts, the project has recorded over 10,000 turtle eggs and witnessed over 90% of hatchlings scuttling into the sea.
For more Melanesian dive inspiration, check out some of the best spots to dive in Papua New Guinea.
Planning an eco-friendly dive vacation
As passionate divers inspired by the wondrous underwater world, we have a profound responsibility to protect the vulnerable ecosystems that captivate us so deeply. With the alarming decline of coral reefs and the plight of endangered marine species, there is a pressing urgency for divers to take meaningful action. One of the most impactful ways we can assert our commitment to ocean conservation is by selecting eco-friendly dive destinations that are spearheading innovative marine protection initiatives. By consciously directing our travel dollars towards these pioneering destinations, we send a powerful message that environmental stewardship is a top priority for the diving community.
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