Like all the best things in life, scuba diving is a terrifying, electrifying, beautiful rush.
Discovering areas of our planet that few will ever witness is a privilege and gift. And if you are going to take the time to explore the deep blue sea, you should make sure to see some of the best the ocean has to offer.
Scuba diving resorts are not new to the resort scene, but they may be one of the best-kept secrets in the vacation world.
These all-inclusive resorts are staffed by scuba experts and situated near some of the best dive spots in the world.
But where are the best ones? Let’s take a look at eight of the most beautiful and luxurious all-inclusive scuba resorts in the world.
1. Misool
The best of the best of dive resorts are often found off the beaten path, and in locales, you might not normally consider for your vacation.
A perfect example? Misool Eco Resort in Raja Ampat, Indonesia.
This stunning dive resort is nestled on the white sand beaches of an otherwise uninhabited archipelago.
And with a max guest capacity of only 40 guests, you are sure to have your every need attended to as you enjoy the natural beauty of 1200 km of undisturbed reef waters.
2. Lizard Island
Enjoy your own private plunge pool overlooking the stunning Australian ocean.
Lizard Island Resort sits alongside the Great Barrier Reef, offering guests fast access to one of the most breathtaking natural beauties on the planet.
Lizard Island prides itself on its diverse dive sites, some only 45 minutes from the shore, meaning more time in the water and less on the boat.
That is IF you even want to leave your room. Lizard Beach’s stunning Villas and Suites may have you ready to catch a case of cabin fever. Understated yet luxurious, with unlimited use of motorized dinghies, paddleboards, and kayaks for island exploration.
3. Jade Mountain
When you have scenery as beautiful as that in St. Lucia, there’s no need to try to hide it.
Jade Moutain dive resort is designed to complement and blend with the natural beauty of the Carribean island. Its breathtaking “Sanctuaries”, as their rooms are called, are designed to allow you the best views possible, with the fourth walls, looking out over the ocean, completely absent.
And with infinity pools the size of some apartments situated in each sanctuary, you may never actually make it out to the dive site.
The resort partners with SCUBA St. Lucia to deliver once in a lifetime dives to Anse Chastanet. This shore dive experience offers encounters with coral and wildlife not seen anywhere else in the world.
4. Miavana
Miavana is a story of preservation and a resort that almost never was.
Originally a tiny fishing stop-off for the indigenous populations, the entire native tribe was killed by food poisoning. The island then became a pirating hotspot into the 1990s.
Conservationists turned their eyes to the tiny island and the damage being done after the loss of the local population. And thus, Miavana was born. An eco-resort dedicated to conservation and bolstering the local economy.
Largely untouched reefs lay beneath pristine aquamarine waters. And on your off days, you can explore coral formations only a few meters from the coast.
5. Kia Ora
Situated on the Rangiroa atoll, Kia Ora is a picture of Tahitian hospitality. Its Polynesian style bungalows offer lagoon access only steps from your door, and pool rooms offer the height of relaxing ambiance.
When it comes to dives, few resorts can get you as up close and personal with large sea life than Kia Ora. The reef surrounding the atoll is a popular gathering point for gray sharks, rays, and dolphins.
And the perpetually calm seas ensure perfect dives no matter when you decide to visit.
Ready to be out of the water for the day? Try a visit to the on-site spa or some beachside yoga.
6. Likuliku Lagoon
Resting atop a Fijian lagoon, traditional Polynesian bungalows open onto spectacular ocean views at the heart of the Likuliku Lagoon Resort.
This highly exclusive getaway in the South Pacific caters only to adults, and exclusively to those staying at the resort.
The resort offers stunning snorkeling and other on-land activities, but for dedicated divers, a quick boat ride from the resort will introduce you to an enchanting world below the waves.
The fringing reef is home to hundreds of species of unique wildlife, hard and soft coral, turtles, and even the occasional dolphin or ray. You’ll want to live in your snorkeling wetsuit your entire stay.
If you choose, you can even explore a crashed WWII bomber off the coast and get a look at some rare history that few get the chance to see.
7. Mnemba Island
From Fiji, we head 15,000 km west to the African country of Tanzania. And more specifically, to Mnemba Island Resort on the island of Zanzibar.
For reasons social and historical, Africa doesn’t always leap to the western mind when it comes to great dive spots. But those who miss out on the coral reefs surrounding the island are missing a truly magnificent sight.
The coral reefs surrounding the resort are home to more than 500 species, and during the early months may even bring you face to face with the largest of all fish species: The whale shark.
It is an opportunity not to be missed.
8. Barefoot Cay
Our final resort takes us to Honduras. Barefoot Cay is situated snugly on the island of Roatan, where four acres make up this small wonder for a resort.
Dives off the coast of Roatan will introduce you to turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins, as well as the largest and most vibrant population of sponges anywhere in the world.
This is a beautiful spot for wreck diving as well, with the El Aguila shipwreck just begging to be explored
Scuba Diving Resorts for Every Diver
Close encounters with the hidden corners of our world can change our whole outlook, broaden our minds, and expand our horizons.
Staying at any one of these all-inclusive scuba diving resorts is sure to give you a once=-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll be remembered for years to come.
Want more travel tips and destination recommendations? Check out more here!