Luxury eco-conscious dive resorts

When you think about sustainable travel, what do you imagine? Roughing it in a hut on the beach? A week alone on a deserted island with no Wifi access, subsiding on nothing but fish, rice, and coconuts?

In the past, if sustainability was your top travel priority, you could kiss comfort goodbye. But, thanks to the rising interest in earth-friendly adventures, more and more luxury dive resorts are cleaning up their acts. And, that’s great news for the dive industry, the planet, and you! These businesses are taking the environment’s care to heart, and setting the stage for a whole new level of luxury eco-conscious holidaymaking that promotes a sustainable future for underwater exploration and guilt-free stays at the planet’s best luxury dive resorts.

If that sounds tempting, stay tuned for a rundown of our very favourite resorts - chosen by ZuBlu’s team of pro divers and travel experts with luxury and sustainability in mind!

Located in the heart of the 300,000 acre Misool Marine Reserve, this is the only resort of its kind, offering the variety and quality of liveaboard diving, with all the comforts of a private island resort. And, thanks to its island-wide dedication to sustainability, you can enjoy the experience with a guilt-free conscience. Current efforts include solar power, electric boats rather than traditional petrol, and an organic hydroponic garden that fuel’s the island’s restaurant. 

Underwater photographers and videographers will love this resort’s electronics workstations, and it’s easy to log five dives a day, with three boat dives as well as dusk and night dives offered. When you aren’t out exploring, indulge in a massage at the spa or in your room, soak up sun on the private white sand beach, or unwind in your spacious and contemporary cottage or villa. Paddleboarding, snorkelling, and guided tours are also offered.

• Best for - dedicated divers

This adults-only eco-friendly luxury resort offers exclusive and effortless barefoot luxury, amid the stunning natural beauty of the Riau Archipelago. Along with its sister island, Nikoi, this resort’s concept was born from a true passion for diving and the great outdoors, along with a focus on sustainability, tranquility, and adventurous escape from day to day life. 

If you’re in search of romance, reconnection, and privacy, you’ll love this private island paradise. Each villa is perfectly secluded, with its own pool, deck and outdoor relaxation area, and iPad for communicating with resort staff. And, each structure was constructed using local supplies and a totally sustainable design. House reef and boat dives are offered each day, exploring the shallow light-filled coral gardens of the Sunda Shelf. And, watersports like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing are all complimentary. 

• Best for - Romance and relaxation

Sumptuous, sustainable, and action-packed adventures await on this stunning tropical island ringed by white sand. This is one of the Maldives’ finest properties, with modern and spacious villas, lavish fine dining, and pampering spa services. But, the real highlight here is the incredible underwater world found all around the resort - and the property’s ongoing dedication to preserving it!

Six Senses’ eco-focused partner dive centre offers three tanks per day, with year-round manta ray sightings, and outstanding reef diving. The island also hosts multiple citizen science programmes, with a turtle hatchery, Manta Trust scuba specialities, and a Junior Marine Biologist Programme just for kids. Surfing, kayaking, catamaran sailing, and even X-Jet Blade riding can also be arranged.

• Best for - Citizen science

This stunning five-star property, situated on its own private island, is one of the Maldives’ most iconic luxury scuba diving resorts. Established in 1985, Banyan Tree is a Maldivian classic, known for its commitment to sustainability, conservation and local development, having won various awards for its efforts. Guests can expect an exciting variety of daily activities, stylishly-appointed private villas, and lush little extras including a full spectrum of spa services.

If you prefer to keep busy on holiday, you’ll find an extensive list of options, from beachcombing and snorkelling, to group activities and sports including yoga, tennis, and marine biology presentations. House reef and boat dives are offered every day, as is a night dive, allowing guests to log up to three tanks per day on North Male’s most dynamic dive sites. Back on land, unwind with a full spectrum of spa services, sundowner cocktails, and a dip in your villa’s private pool. No matter how you spend your time on the island, you can rest and relax worry-free, knowing that you’ll leave nothing behind but bubbles and footprints in the sand.

• Best for - Idyllic island getaway

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful hideaway or an active adventure, you’ll find it here. This sprawling property features over three kilometers of powder-fine beaches and a crystal-clear lagoon open for exploration. Choose from spacious beach and water villas or massive family pavilions, with room for everyone to spread out - all set within their own secluded space with free bicycles for getting around. And, rest assured that your kids will have the time of their lives, with separate areas for children and teens, all-day activities, and special menus.

South Ari Atoll is a paradise both above and below water, boasting clear water, white sands, and marine megafauna like whale sharks. From the resort, you’ll have access to over 40 dive sites, plus complimentary nitrox and little extras like fluoro night diving. Guided snorkelling and PADI courses are also offered. Indulge in some deep relaxation during your surface intervals with massage and spa services, eight sumptuous dining options, and a stunning infinity pool complex. 

• Best for - families

Located on a private coral islet, 50-kilometres north of Praslin, Denis Island is a sophisticated paradise resort striving for complete self-sufficiency. Featuring farm-to-table cuisine from ingredients produced on the island, an onsite carpentry workshop, and an authentic unplugged ambience, Denis Island feels like the archetypal tropical island commune, with five-star luxuries to boot. Spend your days exploring every inch of the island, indulging in spa therapies, and taking part in numerous conservation projects - including woodland restoration and the monitoring of nesting sea turtles and endemic Aldabra giant tortoises.

This island resort is situated at the edge of the Mahe plateau, with a mix of shallow protected waters and open-water drop-offs plummeting to depths of up to 2,000-kilometres nearby - making it a great spot for catch-and-release sport fishing. A compact onsite dive centre delivers trips to a handful of dive sites scattered around the island, exploring tropical reefs teeming with fish and other marine life. And, from September to mid-November, chance encounters with whale sharks and manta rays are also on the cards.

• Best for - Barefoot luxury