Our underwater world harbours a spectacular diversity of marine life and getting out to explore beneath the water’s surface offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences. However, scuba diving and snorkelling can have negative impacts, if done irresponsibly. Anchors dropped on reefs kill coral colonies. Careless fins stir up smothering sediment. People touching coral can injure the living tissue.
Encouragingly, an initiative called Green Fins is helping the marine tourism industry across the globe to prioritise sustainability. Established by the Reef-World Foundation and UN Environment Programme, Green Fins has proven remarkably effective at reducing tourism's negative impacts by partnering with dive shops, resorts, communities and governments to implement eco-friendly practices that protect marine habitats.
By following a comprehensive code of conduct, Green Fins members adhere to simple yet vital guidelines that can have big knock-on effects. The program empowers divers, snorkellers and communities to make positive changes while ensuring humans can continue to experience the magic of our underwater world for future generations.
Read on to discover 8 Green Fins-certified dive resorts around the world where you can enjoy an eco-conscious stay and be part of communities putting our marine environments first.
To learn more about Green Fins certification, check out our detailed article here.
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Ceningan Divers, Bali, Indonesia
Tucked away amidst the mangrove forests of Nusa Ceningan (an island off the southeast coast of Bali), this Green Fins-certified dive resort stands as a shining example of eco-friendly travel done right. Ceningan Divers blends seamlessly into its surroundings through the use of local building techniques and natural materials and, despite its secluded location, provides easy access to some of Bali's top dive sites.
When staying at Ceningan Divers, you can embark on morning boat dives to see manta rays and mola mola before returning to relax amidst the resort’s peaceful grounds. For those seeking adventure after dark, additional night dives are available as well. The onsite 5-star PADI centre also makes Ceningan Divers an ideal spot for new divers to learn the ropes and experience their first underwater adventures, complete with a training pool, air-conditioned classrooms and highly skilled instructors on hand.
Ceningan Divers' dedication to protecting Bali’s fragile marine ecosystem has earned it the prestigious Green Fins certification, awarded to environmentally conscious dive centres across the globe. Guests can rest easy knowing their stay supports conservation efforts rather than contributing to the degradation of Indonesia's coral reefs.
"We've been diving many different areas around the US, Caribbean, Philippines, and Indonesia, and Ceningan Divers have the most professionally run dive operation we have ever experienced! The diving was outstanding with tremendous diversity and quantity of fish.” - Kip (read more reviews here)
Eco-friendly Green Fins resorts and hotels
Whitewashed rooms at the Evolution Dive & Beach Resort on Malapascua Island (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Evolution Dive & Beach Resort, Malapascua, Philippines
Positioned on the golden sands of Malapascua Island, this intimate Philippines eco-dive resort oozes tropical charm. Guests can choose between air-conditioned or fan-cooled rooms, all just steps from the beach, allowing you to wake up to the sound of waves lapping at the shore. But what really sets Evolution apart is its legendary dive operations, which are run according to Green Fins principles.
As one of Malapascua's premier dive centres, Evolution has top-notch equipment for recreational, technical, trimix and CCR rebreather diving. While the island is famed for its daily sightings of thresher sharks at Monad Shoal, divers can also explore colourful coral reefs, fascinating macro life and historic wrecks like the Dona Marilyn and Mogami Maru.
Yet Evolution offers more than world-class diving. This sustainable Philippines dive resort is staunchly committed to eco-friendly practices, having been named one of the Top 10 Green Fins members worldwide for three consecutive years. This reflects their sustainable operations that minimise environmental impact through renewable energy usage, responsible waste management and promotion of marine conservation initiatives.
"Superb dive trip and stay at Evolution - highly recommended.” - Jerome (read more reviews here)
Green Fins-certified dive resorts
An elevated view of the Sau Bay Resort & Spa in Fiji (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Sau Bay Resort & Spa, Vanua Levu, Fiji
Positioned on the shores of Fiji's second largest island is Sau Bay, an eco-friendly luxury dive resort and an active Green Fins member. Just a 10-minute boat ride away from the kaleidoscopic coral gardens of Rainbow Reef, this hidden gem provides the ultimate island getaway for diving enthusiasts seeking an intimate and sustainable escape.
Spanning 100 acres of lush, tropical rainforest, Sau Bay is Fiji's pioneering PADI Eco Center dedicated to small-group luxury diving and ocean conservation. A white sand beach fringes the property and overlooks a vibrant house reef teeming with marine biodiversity. Certified divers can enjoy guided scuba tours to sites brimming with sea fans and schools of tropical fish while snorkellers can spot sea turtles gliding through the shallows.
As one of Fiji's top sustainable dive resorts, Sau Bay has adopted a section of the Rainbow Reef through PADI's Adopt a Dive Site program. Aside from using solar power for its energy usage, the resort conducts reef restoration projects and environmental education initiatives to preserve the surrounding ecosystems. For an intimate escape, exclusive bookings are available for private groups of 12-16 guests wanting to have the entire resort to themselves.
"Beautiful bures just metres from the water. Hammock chairs swinging over and dunking into the sea. Delicious food from the kitchen. Exceptional hosting from wonderful William. Outdoor shower with glimpses of forest.” - Silvano (read more reviews here)
Green Fins-certified dive hotels and resorts
The whitewashed interior of the ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort in Okinawa, Japan (photo courtesy of Expedia)
ANA Intercontinental Manza Beach Resort, Okinawa, Japan
Set on the shores of Okinawa, the ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort offers guests an eco-conscious island getaway amidst the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. This Green Fins-certified Japanese resort is surrounded by a marine park that’s considered Okinawa’s premier diving spot, despite a catastrophic bleaching event in the late 1990s. In the years since, the reef has been in recovery, with the team at the Manza Beach Resort playing an important role by planting coral and removing invasive species.
As a family-friendly Green Fins resort, this is the kind of place where you can enjoy a stress-free vacation with kids, who will love snorkelling, banana boating and exploring one of largest inflatable water parks in Japan. For non-diving parents, days can be spent lounging poolside, indulging in treatments at the spa and dining at one of the resort’s multiple high-end restaurants.
Each of the luxurious rooms at this Okinawa dive resort opens onto private balconies overlooking the sea, with amenities like plush robes, deep-soaking tubs and high-thread-count sheets promising a rejuvenating stay. It’s the perfect place for divers who love a five-star experience with all the creature comforts. After an exhilarating day exploring Okinawa’s reefs, you can make your way to the oceanfront lounge to watch the sunset over the Pacific with a cocktail in hand.
"Excellent property at a beautiful location.” - Suchetana (read more reviews here)
Green Fins dive resorts and hotels
Traditional buildings at the Green Fins-certified Arab Divers in Aqaba, Jordan (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Arab Divers, Aqaba, Jordan
Established in 1998 by Captain Abdul Wahab Almaaitah, Arab Divers is a Green Fins-certified diving resort overlooking the Red Sea in Aqaba, Jordan. It draws on the Captain’s four decades of commercial diving experience and a passion to share the wonders of the Red Sea with others.
With over 20 dive sites just minutes away by boat (and many accessible from the shore), there are experiences suited for every skill level - from first-time novices to seasoned tech divers. For those seeking certifications, Arab Divers provides a full range of PADI courses in an encouraging, supportive environment at their peaceful hillside location.
The accommodation at Arab Divers is comfortable and clean, with panoramic views across the Red Sea from the outdoor pool. Whether you're an underwater photographer, a wreck diving enthusiast or simply someone eager to experience Jordan’s kaleidoscopic sea life, the passionate pros at Arab Divers receive rave reviews for their commitment to safety and marine conservation.
"Is a great place for people who love diving. The rooms are nice and clean, and the staff is friendly and makes sure you are safe while diving. The breakfast is yummy. It's a perfect place for a vacation that has both excitement and relaxation.” - Anna (read more reviews here)
Tiongman Scuba Dive & Lodge, Tioman Island, Malaysia
Located just off Malaysia’s east coast, the island of Tioman is an ecological paradise surrounded by a marine park that’s teeming with life. While much of the island is blanketed in rainforest, it’s the underwater wonders that attract snorkellers and scuba divers from around the globe.
In the quaint fishing village of Kampung Juara is Tiongman Scuba Dive & Lodge, a certified PADI resort that offers diving experiences catered to all levels. Their team of highly skilled and attentive instructors ensures every diver feels safe and supported throughout their underwater journey, with plenty of exhilarating experiences for seasoned divers. The best part? Tiongman Scuba Dive & Lodge is committed to Green Fins principles in all aspects of its operations.
After a day of discovery, Tiongman Lodge provides the ideal sanctuary to relax and recharge, as well as being one of the most affordable dive resorts in Malaysia. Surrounded by jungle, the cosy wooden chalets are simple but have everything you need, with an incredible beachfront setting to boot. You can unwind on your private balcony while listening to the soothing chorus of the jungle, before indulging in a delicious home-cooked meal featuring the day's freshest catch.
"The location right on the beach with sunrise views is amazing. The beach and sea are very close and fantastic for swimming & snorkeling. The dive centre is also located there and the diving is very professional and the instructors are very knowledgeable about the dive sites. Lots of marine life spotted whilst diving.” - Spencer (read more reviews here)
Green Fins-certified dive resorts
Six Senses Laamu, Maldives
Six Senses Laamu is an award-winning Maldives eco-resort that sets the benchmark for sustainable luxury travel in the archipelago. The resort's stunning overwater and beachfront villas are constructed from natural, locally sourced materials like coconut wood and palm fronds while organic cuisine is served at its six exquisite restaurants.
But Six Senses Laamu is not just about luxury - it is passionate about protecting the fragile marine ecosystems that surround it. By partnering with leading environmental organisations, implementing zero-waste policies and donating water purification systems to local villages, Six Senses Laamu is doing its bit to support the local Maldivian community.
In addition, the onsite dive centre, Deep Blue Divers, is a Green Fins member and is leading the charge when it comes to marine conservation efforts on the island. The healthy house reef offers unparalleled scuba diving and snorkelling, including the opportunity to swim alongside majestic manta rays and sea turtles. Guests can also visit the on-site turtle hatchery to learn about marine research and conservation initiatives.
"From the moment we arrived at Six Senses Laamu, we knew we were in for a treat. The warm welcome from the staff, the stunning views of the turquoise waters, and the peaceful ambiance of the island all contributed to a sense of relaxation and tranquility.” - Olga (read more reviews here)
Green Fins dive resorts and hotels
Overwater bungalows at Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Bunaken Oasis, Bunaken, Indonesia
Surrounded by the turquoise waters and coral reefs of Bunaken Marine Park lies Bunaken Oasis, an enchanting eco-resort and Green Fins member. Spread across seven lush hectares, this boutique retreat features just 12 private cottages dotted along the coastline, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the serenity of the natural surroundings. You can laze the day away on your private verandah, take a dip in the resort's infinity pool or wander barefoot along the powdery white sand beach.
When you're ready for adventure, the onsite dive centre offers unparalleled access to over 90 dive sites across the marine park, including vertical walls blanketed in sea fans, underwater pinnacles teeming with marine life and fascinating muck diving sites. Led by expert dive guides, experience the thrill of diving with giant sea turtles, reef sharks and schooling jackfish, as well as getting up close to intriguing critters.
As an eco-friendly retreat, Bunaken Oasis utilises an advanced water purification system to purify water on site and is taking steps to reduce plastic waste throughout its operations. The resort’s sustainability commitments don’t mean you have to compromise on luxury, however, with gourmet meals served at the open-air restaurant and rejuvenating spa treatments available.
“Heaven on earth! Book now, you will not regret it!” - Luka (read more reviews here)