While it's true our oceans face immense challenges, from climate change to overfishing, there is hope for the future. Eco-dive resorts are playing an important role in marine conservation, going above and beyond to protect our incredible underwater ecosystems.
By choosing an eco-dive resort for your next getaway, you are making a bold statement as an ocean ally. These resorts build marine conservation into their mission, taking tangible steps to safeguard our seas. We're talking renewable energy, sustainable fishing policies and mooring buoys that prevent reef damage. By opting to stay at a sustainably run dive resort, you get to discover pristine environments while supporting their long-term survival.
Want to dive into a sustainable getaway, but not sure what to look for? Here are some of the things an eco-friendly dive resort should be championing or working towards.
For instant inspiration, check out 13 of the world's best eco-friendly dive resorts here.
Encouraging responsible dive practices
First and foremost, an eco-friendly dive resort should encourage and uphold responsible dive practices. This means preserving the sea and all its inhabitants by minimising its impact on the marine environment.
Dive instructors, guides and guests at a sustainably run dive resort should respect marine life by never touching, feeding or killing any sea creature they encounter. They should avoid harassing any creatures to get their attention, whether for their own curiosity or to get the perfect underwater shot.
Guests and guides alike should avoid standing on or kicking coral with their fins, even if it’s by accident. This is best achieved by working on your buoyancy so you have complete control underwater.
Built using reclaimed or locally sourced materials
Building dive resorts is an energy-intensive process, particularly when it requires materials to be manufactured and transported from miles away. Some of the best eco-conscious dive resorts are built with the planet in mind using reclaimed or locally sourced materials that blend into the natural surroundings.
At many sustainably run dive resorts, the architectural style and construction are inspired by indigenous dwellings, which have existed in harmony with the natural world for centuries. Look for resorts that harness passive solar design to heat and cool the spaces, without having to rely on air conditioning.
For an affordable vacation in one of Indonesia's top dive destinations, check out these 7 eco-friendly homestays in Raja Ampat
Harness renewable energy
For dive resorts in remote locations, diesel generators have long been a go-to for energy supply. Not only do they drown out the serenity but they fuel climate change. While switching to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind can be pricey at first, there is a long-term payoff in savings and sustainability.
By staying at dive resorts that have invested in renewable energy sources, you’ll be reducing the carbon emissions of your trip. If possible, avoid staying at resorts and hotels that use energy-intensive AC and opt to fall asleep to the sound of the sea breeze instead.
Implements a development boundary
As beautiful as coastal resorts may seem, building along pristine shorelines can harm vulnerable ecosystems. But with careful planning and a commitment to conservation, these impacts can be minimised.
Look to stay at eco-friendly dive resorts that have been designed with the marine environment in mind, perhaps with a buffer zone to protect critical habitats. This might be a beach where sea turtles come to nest or a mangrove forest where juvenile fish seek refuge.
Tourism infrastructure and ecological conservation can coexist along the coast, provided there is adequate research and planning involved, plus a willingness to do the right thing.
Discover 9 eco-friendly dive resorts in Southeast Asia for a sustainable stay.
Minimises waste production and maximises recycling
Reducing plastic waste should be a priority for every business but particularly dive resorts that rely on the health of the marine environment for their survival. Look for sustainably run dive resorts that use eco-friendly cleaning products and toiletries while avoiding anything that comes in excess packaging.
Rather than relying on single-use plastics, find places that are creatively sourcing reusable alternatives or looking to the natural world for solutions (for example, banana leaves make great packaging!). All dive resorts should be sorting their waste and recycling at every opportunity to cut down on plastic pollution.
By swapping disposable for durable and keeping recycling top of mind, dive resorts can effectively shrink their environmental footprint.
Have an eco-friendly sewage system
Waste management poses a significant challenge for island resorts, with sewage and grey water requiring careful handling. While basic septic tanks offer a starting point, dive operators should strive for advanced systems when budgets allow.
Now available is innovative technology that not only processes waste on-site but also generates freshwater for irrigation and fertiliser to nourish gardens. By transforming waste into valuable resources, sustainable waste management can benefit both the environment and the bottom line of eco-friendly dive resorts.
Collect their own rainwater
As climate change and groundwater depletion threaten water security, rainwater harvesting offers a promising solution. By collecting rainfall and runoff, we can take pressure off strained aquifers, giving them time to recharge.
In regions experiencing the early effects of water scarcity, rainwater harvesting means more water is available for local towns and villages. Look for eco-friendly dive resorts that are self-sufficient when it comes to water sourcing and aren’t using precious resources that locals rely on.
Serve only sustainably sourced seafood
Irresponsible fishing practices like trawling and long-lining indiscriminately harvest marine life, while destructive techniques like cyanide and blast fishing decimate coral reefs. When dive resorts serve seafood caught using these harmful methods, they make it harder for small coastal communities to feed their families in the long-term future.
Instead, look for eco-friendly dive resorts that only serve seafood caught using responsible methods by local, small-scale fishery operations. In marine protected areas, dive resorts can also play an important role in ensuring fishing restrictions are adhered to and life underwater can flourish.
Giving back to local communities
Ticking all the sustainability boxes is one thing but it doesn’t have the impact it might if local communities are overlooked. A dive resort should be giving back to local people through job creation and sustainability education while listening to their needs when it comes to local resources and development.
Opt to stay at dive resorts that employ locals as dive guides and instructors while offering training for the next generation. Not only should they be paid a fair wage but have job security so their family and community can thrive.
Stay with Green Fins members
If you’re not sure whether a dive resort is implementing eco-friendly practices and/or building sustainable facilities, look for a certified member of Green Fins. Led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), this environmental program assesses dive centres around the world and holds them to internationally recognised standards that promote ocean conservation.
Through constructive feedback and clear guidance, dive operators can work towards Top Ten status - a group that is leading the charge for sustainable diving. Green Fins is making it easier for divers to make an eco-conscious decision about where they stay on their next diving vacation.
To learn more, check out this list of Green Fins-certified dive resorts, which are providing guests with an eco-friendly stay.
Make a difference by staying at an eco-friendly dive resort
While it's true our oceans face immense challenges, from the devastating impacts of climate change to the alarming rates of overfishing, there is still hope for the future of our underwater ecosystems. Eco-dive resorts are playing a vital role in marine conservation, going above and beyond to protect the health and vibrancy of our seas. By choosing an eco-dive resort for your next getaway, you are making a bold statement as an ocean ally and supporting sustainable practices that safeguard the future of our oceans.
These forward-thinking resorts have conservation and sustainability embedded into their very mission and operations. They are taking tangible, measurable steps to minimise their environmental footprint and support the long-term wellbeing of the marine environments they call home. This includes investing in renewable energy sources, implementing strict sustainable fishing policies and utilising mooring buoys that prevent damage to delicate coral reefs from boat anchors.
Guests at eco-dive resorts don't just get to enjoy the thrill of exploring pristine, untouched underwater ecosystems - they get to do so in the knowledge that their tourism dollars are directly funding critical conservation efforts.