Across the Caribbean’s thousands of islands, divers are treated to an awe-inspiring array of marine environments, from the electric-blue expanses of the open ocean to the dramatic, sheer walls that plummet into the abyss. Pelagic life abounds, with the chance to spot majestic sharks, schools of silvery barracuda and even the gentle giants of the sea - the whale shark. The diversity of marine life is truly staggering, with a kaleidoscope of colourful coral formations, sponges and countless species of tropical fish inhabiting the reefs.
If you’re planning to venture to this blissful corner of the globe and want to plan a sustainable dive vacation, there are plenty of incredible properties to help make it happen.
In this article, we’ll highlight eco-friendly dive resorts in the Caribbean and sustainably-run hotels that are doing their bit to minimise their environmental footprint while offering easy access to spectacular scuba diving.
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Bonaire
Best place for shore dives in the Caribbean
Situated in the southern Caribbean, this picturesque island is a shore diver’s dream, with crystal-clear visibility, diverse coral formations and an incredible density of tropical fish. It’s home to the impressive Hilma Hooker wreck and a fascinating array of ship anchors at Karpata, as well as "1000 Steps", renowned for its submerged "staircase" entry point.
Best eco-friendly dive resorts in Bonaire
An oceanfront pool at Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Bonaire
Offering one, two and three-bedroom apartments (plus studios), this eco-friendly Bonaire dive resort boasts an oceanfront setting that’s hard to beat. In between dives, you can refuel at Blennies Restaurant, which serves hearty salads, burgers and locally-inspired cuisine. Buddy Dive Resort’s commitment to sustainability includes support for coral restoration projects, the removal of invasive lion fish and comprehensive recycling programs.
"A dream vacation come true!” - Sandra (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts in Bonaire
Contemporary buildings at Delfins Beach Resort in Bonaire (photo courtesy of Expedia)
This oceanfront dive resort is set within lush tropical gardens overlooking a private beach on the southwest coast of Bonaire. It features 140 studios, penthouses and villas, all with access to the resort’s sparkling swimming pools, two restaurants and beachfront brasseries. When it comes to sustainability, this eco-friendly Bonaire resort has significantly reduced its carbon footprint with the implementation of solar power and the promotion of green living.
"The best resort in Bonaire.” - Nerio (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly dive resorts in the Caribbean
Bahamas
Best place to dive with sharks in the Caribbean
Situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Western Atlantic Ocean, this stunning archipelago boasts over 700 islands and is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and some of the best shark diving in the region. "Tiger Beach" is a particular hotspot, where adrenalin-seekers can come face-to-face with the powerful tiger shark. Just a short distance away, the waters around Bimini are a prime spot to catch a glimpse of hammerhead sharks while a cluster of Jeep wrecks can be found at the aptly-named “Jeep Reef”. Challenging drift dives await in the waters off Eleuthera and Harbour Island.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in the Bahamas
Overlooking Old Fort Bay on the island of Nassau, this sustainably-run boutique hotel offers luxurious stays in its uber-chic suites and apartments. Aside from the sprawling pool, there’s an art house cinema, an onsite art gallery and a spa based on the Bamford Body Collection’s holistic approach. This eco-friendly Bahamas hotel has been designed using reclaimed wood and natural stone, and with renewable energies, while the on-site garden provides a bounty of fresh herbs and produce that are transformed into gourmet dishes at the two high-end restaurants.
"This hotel is the most gorgeous and luxurious experience I have ever had.” - Erin (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts in the Bahamas
Sun loungers beside a swimming pool at The Island House in the Bahamas (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Offering an idyllic setting on the island of Andros, Small Hope Bay Lodge is an intimate and eco-friendly hotel for diving in the Bahamas. It features just a handful of one and two-bedroom cabins built using coral rock and Andros pine, all of which feature solar-powered showers and incredible sunrise views. Caribbean comfort fare is served at the onsite restaurant while the dive centre offers both courses and daily fun dives.
"Beautiful place with an outstanding staff that will take care of anything you need!” (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly Caribbean resorts and hotels
An elevated view of the Small Hope Bay Lodge in the Bahamas (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Cayman Islands
Best place for wreck diving in the Caribbean
Home to the USS Kittiwake, a former United States Navy submarine rescue ship, the Cayman Islands has garnered a reputation as one of the top wreck diving destinations in the Caribbean. Beyond this 251-foot vessel, the archipelago also encompasses Stingray City, a series of shallow sandbars where massive southern stingrays congregate. Off the coast of Little Cayman, the legendary Bloody Bay Wall offers a thrilling vertical descent down a sheer underwater cliff, teeming with a dizzying array of coral and fish life.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in the Cayman Islands
Home to a PADI Eco Center, Ocean Frontiers, this East End resort is all about diving. It features Green Globe-certified one-, two- and three-bedroom penthouses and condos (all just a stone’s throw from the dock), plus a swimming pool and an alfresco barbecue area. You can dine on international cuisine at Eagle Ray’s or take advantage of one of the many restaurants that are just a short stroll away.
"What a gorgeous spot for chilling and enjoying the relaxed side of the island. Beautiful beaches, delicious BBQ and lovely people.” - Susan (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts in the Cayman Islands
A swimming pool at the Compass Point Dive Resort in the Cayman Islands (photo courtesy of Expedia)
With its oceanfront setting on Seven Mile Beach, this luxurious Cayman Islands resort is hard to beat. All of the rooms and suites come with stunning views and the high-end amenities include a monstrous pool, a decadent spa and a plethora of gourmet dining venues. When it comes to sustainability, this eco-friendly Cayman Islands resort uses geothermal air-conditioning, solar energy and drip irrigation throughout the lush grounds, as well as turtle-friendly lighting that doesn’t distract the area’s marine animals.
“Exceeded our expectations!” - Paul (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly Caribbean hotels and resorts
A contemporary room at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in the Cayman Islands (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Curaçao
Best place for beginner divers in the Caribbean
With its exceptional marine life and brilliantly coloured coral reefs, Curaçao has cemented its reputation as one of the premier dive destinations in the Caribbean. What makes it special is the lack of strong ocean currents, creating a gentle, beginner-friendly environment that allows even novice divers to safely explore the underwater world. For experienced divers, the Mushroom Forest offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to dive among mushroom-shaped coral formations while the Superior Producer is a fascinating wreck dive with cargo holds and a wheelhouse.
Eco-friendly resorts in Curaçao
Located partway between Willemstad and Jan Thiel, this eco-friendly Curaçao resort features a collection of airy rooms, suites and cabanas, all just steps from a powdery white beach. In addition to boasting the only Olympic-size swimming pool in the Caribbean, LionsDive hosts Ocean Encounters, a dive centre offering both daily dives and certification courses. Water conservation, energy efficiency and comprehensive waste management are all central to the resort's operations and it partners with local social enterprise Green Phenix to transform the property's trash into new, useful products.
"LionsDive is really setup perfect for folks looking for a one-stop shop in terms of vacationing.” - Kelly (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts in Curaçao
An open-air dining pavilion at the LionsDive Beach Resort in Curaçao (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Located just five minutes’ walk from Jan Thiel Beach, this eco-friendly Curaçao resort features modern two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom villas, all with high-end teak furnishings and private balconies or patios. Since 2011, Morena Eco Resort has proudly held the prestigious Golden Travellife Award, an esteemed eco-label that celebrates hotels and accommodations dedicated to prioritising both social and environmental responsibility.
“Beautiful nature setting with lots of tropical birds.” - Anne (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly dive resorts in the Caribbean
Turks and Caicos
Tucked just southeast of the Bahamas lies Turks and Caicos, a slightly more secluded and untouched corner of the Caribbean. It comprises over 40 distinct islands, separated into two main groups by the Turks Island Passage, which provides an underwater highway for migratory marine life. Providenciales is home to vividly coloured reef walls teeming with marine life, as well as seasonal aggregations of nurse sharks, while the surrounding islands offer everything from submerged cliffs and drop-offs to the sunken HMS Endymion on Salt Cay.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Turks and Caicos
This collection of luxurious beach houses and villas in Providenciales has won multiple awards and is one of the most eco-friendly resorts in Turks and Caicos. During the construction process, the developers went to great lengths to preserve the natural landscape (carefully moving and replanting indigenous trees) and designed the villas to harness the power of renewable energy. Each features a domestic solar water heating system and the solar-powered pool pumps reduce the hotel's reliance on traditional electricity.
Best eco-friendly resorts in Turks and Caicos
The contemporary architecture of Beach Enclave in Providenciales (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Sprawling across 1,000 unspoiled acres, this award-winning private island retreat offers guests the ultimate in luxury and seclusion. The resort's accommodations, ranging from peaceful beach houses to expansive private residences, are all designed with a minimalist, airy aesthetic that seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings. This eco-friendly Turks and Caicos resort is deeply committed to preserving the local biodiversity and reducing its environmental impact, with the owners retaining 85% of the island as protected marine wetlands and mangroves for native wildlife habitat.
“Fabulous!" - Debra (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly Caribbean resorts and hotels
Dining alfresco poolside at COMO Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Saint Lucia
Best place for pinnacle diving in the Caribbean
Saint Lucia's volcanic origins have imbued its underwater landscapes with a captivating topography that draws divers from around the world. Jutting up from the seafloor are dramatic pinnacles, plunging walls and vibrant coral reefs that showcase the island's dynamic geological history. Highlights include the Keyhole Pinnacles and Anse Chastanet Reef, with its nooks and crevices home to a dazzling array of marine life. Wreck aficionados can explore the 165-foot cargo vessel, the Lesleen M, with its hull now covered with sponges and hard corals.
Eco-friendly dive resorts in Saint Lucia
Nestled within a sprawling estate along the picturesque west coast of St. Lucia, this eco-friendly resort provides direct access to one of the island’s most gorgeous beaches. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the miles of scenic mountain biking trails that wind through the estate, as well as the access to Scuba St. Lucia, the island's longest-running dive centre. Anse Chastanet Resort has been upholding sustainable practices for years, including everything from responsible water management to the use of biodegradable toiletries and fuel-efficient vehicles.
"Beautiful property! Amazing views! Staff was incredibly friendly and attentive.” - Wendy (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly resorts in Saint Lucia
Strolling along a beach near Anse Chastanet Resort in Saint Lucia (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Set on a 19th-century working cocoa plantation, Fond Doux Eco Resort stands as a shining example of sustainable tourism done right. This eco-friendly resort in St. Lucia embraces renewable energy, water conservation and organic farming practices that help to minimise its environmental impact and it encourages guests to participate in tree planting projects. Fond Doux features a handful of charming cottages, which have been meticulously preserved and renovated using locally sourced materials, allowing you to experience authentic Caribbean architecture and design.
"Fond Doux is a beautiful eco-resort, situated within the rainforest. The view from our cottage was breath-taking and it's gardens have the most lush and vibrant colours.” - Joana (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly resorts in Saint Lucia
A light and airy room at Fond Doux Eco Resort in Saint Lucia (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Dominican Republic
Best place to swim with humpback whales in the Caribbean
The Dominican Republic has long been a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, home to the captivating Airport Wall and stunning Paradise Reef. Among its underwater highlights, Bayahibe stands out as one of the most beloved locations, offering a mesmerising vista of caves, wrecks and deep dives that cater to divers of all skill levels. Beginners can safely explore the shallow wreck of the Atlantic Princess, while deep-certified divers can venture down to the awe-inspiring depths of Saint George. For the chance to swim alongside humpback whales, head north to Silver Bank.
Best eco-friendly dive resorts in Dominican Republic
Palm trees fringe a lagoon-like pool at Eden Roc Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Eco-friendly dive resorts in the Dominican Republic
Blending architectural traditions of the French and Italian Riviera with the historic charm of Spanish colonial design, this eco-friendly Dominican resort is a five-star Relais & Chateaux property. It offers holistic wellness experiences, from the diverse culinary offerings at its three on-site restaurants to the indulgent treatments and therapies available at the luxurious Solaya Spa. Complementing the resort’s high-end amenities is its steadfast commitment to sustainable practices (as evidenced by its Green Key and Green Globe certifications), which encompass water recycling, energy efficiency and responsible waste management.
“Beautiful, exclusive location. Superb experience.” - Martin (read more reviews here)
Best eco-friendly dive resorts in Dominican Republic
An open-air dining space at Ocean Blue and Sand in the Dominican Republic (photo courtesy of Expedia)
This all-inclusive resort occupies a prime stretch of beach near Punta Cana and boasts everything from refined dining experiences (there are nine unique restaurants) to pampering spa treatments. Aside from its well-appointed rooms and suites, the on-site dive centre opens up a captivating underwater world, with easily accessible dive sites just offshore. As part of its sustainability commitments to the Stay Green program, this eco-friendly Dominican hotel is powered 100% by renewable energies and contributes to local community projects.
"Best resort to stay in Punta Cana.” - Juliet (read more reviews here)
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.