Top all-inclusive resorts for scuba divers in the Caribbean

For some, the ideal vacation means not having to worry about a thing – and that includes daily expenses. Thankfully, all-inclusive resort packages eliminate the worries of climbing costs by including all your food and drink, and often more, in a single fixed price. While the rate might not include the actual diving and other activities, everything else is taken care of.

As one of the world’s iconic vacation destinations, there’s certainly no shortage of luxurious, all-inclusive hotels throughout the Caribbean. In fact, the difficulty is trying to choose which you’d prefer to visit. So, to help you out, we’ve compared our own experiences with feedback from our guests to identify some of the Caribbean’s top all-inclusive resorts for scuba divers. Read on to find your favourite.

• Expansive beachfront resort on the coast of Cancun
• Seven restaurants and almost twice as many bars
• 12 pools, private beach, and an onsite spa facility
• Onsite PADI 5-Star dive centre with free nitrox fills

Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres is an expansive beachfront resort located on the coast of Cancun, offering views towards Isla Mujeres. This all-inclusive five-star property delivers top-of-the-range facilities in an elevated atmosphere – including seven restaurants and almost twice as many bars – making it popular among epicurean guests. The most discerning guests can opt for this resort’s additional Elegance Club plan, guaranteeing uninterrupted experiences throughout the duration of their stay.

Boasting 12 pools, gorgeous private beach areas, and an elaborate onsite spa facility, Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres is the ideal hotel if you are looking for the highest standard of luxury. It even comes with its own dive centre run by Pro Dive International – a PADI 5-Star dive operator and career development centre. From here, guests can enjoy up to five local dives each day, including night dives, whilst utilising services such as gear rental and complementary nitrox fills. 

• Five-star resort on Cozumel’s southwest coast
• Separate exclusive hotel within the resort’s grounds
• Tennis, volleyball, kayaking, windsurfing, and water polo
• Up to five dives a day and free nitrox from the onsite dive centre

Occidental Cozumel is a five-star, all-inclusive resort on the island’s southwest coast, overlooking the gorgeous San Francisco Beach and the marine park beyond. This hacienda-inspired property is surrounded by sublime natural scenery on all sides, promising plenty of seclusion alongside extensive facilities for relaxation and recreation. And, for guests aiming for the peak of luxury, Occidental Cozumel’s Royal Level is an exclusive boutique hotel within the resort grounds providing elevated standards of service and amenities.

With gourmet dining, nighttime revelry, sensual spa services, and children’s activities, this resort is able to cater to guests of all kinds. And, when it comes to blowing off some steam, an extensive selection of sports facilities await, including tennis, volleyball, kayaking, windsurfing, and water polo. Plus, guests will also have access to the onsite dive centre operated by Pro Dive International which offers up to five dives a day alongside convenient amenities such as gear rental and complementary nitrox fills.

• Sprawling five-star property near Playa del Carmen
• 11 bars, 11 restaurants, and 24-hour culinary service
• Separate ultra-luxury hotel within the resort grounds
• Spa, gym, mini-golf, tennis, and an onsite dive centre

Occidental at Xcaret Destination is located in the heart of the Riviera Maya, just south of Playa del Carmen, providing unparalleled access to more than 40 cultural attractions and exhibitions at the Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park. Of course, this sprawling five-star property also offers plenty of its own facilities to explore, including 11 bars and 11 restaurants offering 24-hour food and beverage services. And, like Occidental Cozumel, guests can also enhance their experience with a stay at the Royal Level – an exclusive, ultra-luxury hotel within the resort grounds.

While plenty of excitement can be enjoyed within the Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park, guests don’t necessarily need to leave the resort in search of activities. Occidental at Xcaret Destination has its own entertainment facilities with an onsite spa, gym, and 8-hole mini golf course, along with activities such as tennis, archery, aerobics, and more. Not to mention, an onsite dive centre operated by Pro Dive International.

• Private resort complex located within the Cocoplum islands
• Situated within the South Water Marine Reserve
• More than half a dozen carefully-curated all-inclusive packages
• Relaxing, romancing, and diving with the PADI 5-Star dive centre

Thatch Caye is a private island resort complex located within the Cocoplum islands, around 15-kilometres east from the coastal village of Hopkins. Incorporated within the South Water Marine Reserve, this idyllic property is surrounded by miles of undisturbed saltwater flats and lies just a stone’s throw from the Belize Barrier Reef. Accommodating only 30 guests, Thatch Caye is an all-inclusive resort with a difference, attracting an eclectic array of free-spirits, nature-lovers, and adventurers.

While extravagant luxuries are limited by design, visitors will benefit from a well-balanced blend of comfort, style and sustainability, creating a laid-back atmosphere with an emphasis on outdoor entertainment. And, this resort offers more than half a dozen carefully-curated all-inclusive packages to help guests enjoy more of the activities they love. Popular activity-oriented plans include fishing, relaxing, and romancing, as well as scuba diving the likes of Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef, Glover’s Reef, with the onsite PADI 5-Star dive centre.

• Four-acre private island off the eastern coast of Guanaja
• Infinity pool, lazy river, ocean trampoline, and a wellness centre
• Experienced SSI and PADI 5-Star dive centre onsite
• Staff happily carry, prepare, rinse, and store guests’ gear

Cabanas on Clark’s Cay is a private island retreat located around three kilometres from its partner resort, Villa on Dunbar Rock, off the eastern coast of Guanaja. Accommodating a total of just 20 guests, this four-acre island oasis nurtures an exclusive atmosphere and comes well-equipped for all-inclusive fun. Not only is Clark’s Cay perfect for pastimes such as fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, and kite surfing, it also has an infinity pool, lazy river, ocean trampoline, and a wellness centre.

Of course, Clark’s Cay also lies within reach of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, and the exceptional underwater experiences that it offers. While staying at the resort, guests will have access to an experienced SSI and PADI 5-Star dive centre which uses two custom dive boats to explore over 50 local sites – along with a selection of secret spots. And, the professional staff pride themselves on their high standards of service, carrying and preparing guests’ gear before rinsing and storing it at the end of the day.

• Four-star, family-friendly resort in Dominicus
• Green Globe certified property with accessible accommodation
• Spa treatments, dance classes, beach games, and watersports
• Up to five dive a day with the onsite PADI 5-Star dive centre

Catalonia Bayahibe is a four-star, family-friendly resort nestled within the idyllic coastal settlement of Dominicus. This Green Globe certified resort is surrounded by leafy tropical gardens, backed by the Cotubanamá National Park, and fronted by one of the Dominican Republic’s most inviting beaches. Many of the accommodation options at this resort are also suitable for people with disabilities, allowing everyone to enjoy an excellent vacation.

Over half a dozen eateries are on hand to satisfy all palates, while the central swimming pool is split into several sections to accommodate different activities. Catalonia Bayahibe also offers a wide range of wellness and sports facilities including massages, beauty treatments, dance classes, beach games, watersports, and more. Guests even have access to an onsite PADI 5-Star dive centre run by Pro Dive International, providing up to five local dives a day.

• Four-star resort situated on the Punta Cana coastline
• Choice of family-friendly facilities and adults-only areas
• Pools, small water park, bowling alley, and tennis courts
• Up to five dives a day and free nitrox from the onsite dive centre

Ocean El Faro is a four-star resort situated on the shores of Uvero Alto, overlooking one of Punta Cana’s idyllic beaches. With a choice of family-friendly facilities and adults-only areas, guests of all kinds can enjoy the getaway of their dreams at this extravagant, all-inclusive resort. With over 600 rooms Ocean El Faro is a fairly large resort, though its seemingly endless list of available facilities ensure guests never feel overlooked.

Amenities include 10 restaurants and 13 bars, several sizable swimming pools, and a private beach, as well as a small water park, bowling alley, and tennis courts. Adult guests can also indulge in a variety of services and leisure activities designed specifically for over 18s. Diving at Ocean El Faro is overseen by Pro Dive International, providing up to five local dives a day and offering useful facilities including high-quality rental gear and optional nitrox fills. 

• 74-acre island estate owned by Sir Richard Branson
• Booked in its entirety or shared with others at certain times of year
• Infinity pool, hot tub, spa, gym, tennis courts, and watersports
• Access to a variety of nearby wrecks, reefs, and night dives

Owned by Sir Richard Branson, Necker Island is easily one of the most exclusive and celebrated private islands in the Caribbean, if not the world. Situated a couple of kilometres north of Virgin Gorda, this 74-acre island estate is the absolute epitome of all-inclusive luxury. Necker Island is able to accommodate up to 48 adults and six children, in a variety of well-appointed villas, and can be booked either in its entirety or shared with others at certain times of year.

During a stay at this resort, guests can expect to experience ownership of the island, making full use of its five-star facilities. From the freeform infinity pool and enormous hot tub to the spa, gym, tennis courts, and impressive range of watersports, Necker Island is a true paradise playground. And, guests will also have access to a variety of nearby wreck, reef, and night dives, allowing the adventure to continue below the waves. 

• Peaceful resort in a quiet corner of Antigua’s west coast
• Easy access to the popular tourist facilities of Jolly Harbour
• Wellness services, including a spa, yoga, gym, and more
• Explore the likes of Cades Reef with partner operators

Famed for its five-star service and unparalleled privacy, Hermitage Bay is an all-inclusive resort nestled within a quiet corner of Antigua’s western coast. Despite its deliberate seclusion, this resort also offers easy access to the popular tourist facilities of Jolly Harbour, ensuring guests have the best of both worlds throughout their stay. And, while luxury permeates through every aspect of this exclusive property, sustainability remains a fundamental principle of its existence, helping guests enjoy their stay with a clear conscience.

As an all-inclusive property, Hermitage Bay is all about delivering carefree and effortless vacation experiences through delicious culinary delights, onsite wellness facilities, and plenty of extra indulgences. Throughout their stay, guests are encouraged to celebrate the peace, warmth, and extraordinary natural beauty of its surroundings – including the underwater scenery, with opportunities to dive the likes of Cades Reef thanks to partnerships with professional local dive centres.

• Four-star property located along the waterfront of Roseau
• Seafront restaurant, bar, cafe, and wine cellar
• Art gallery, games rooms, and 'island-included' all-inclusive packages
• Home to the most comprehensive dive facilities in Dominica

Fort Young Hotel is a charming four-star property located along the waterfront of Roseau. Combining an eclectic mix of new and old, this heritage hotel incorporates the remains of an 18th century fort, providing historical charm alongside contemporary comforts. Guests opting to stay at Fort Young will have access to Dominica’s vibrant capital, but will also benefit from amenities, including the city’s only seafront restaurant, an onsite bar, cafe, and wine cellar, as well as an art gallery and games rooms.

With its impressive 'island-included' all-inclusive packages, Fort Young Hotel also promotes Dominica’s eclectic outdoor adventures, offering a wealth of possible daily excursions included in the rate. What’s more, Fort Young Hotel boasts the most comprehensive dive facilities in Dominica, with its own scuba centre, dive shop, gear storage, private dock, and shore diving opportunities – allowing for seamless exploration below the waves. 

• Adults-only retreat on the northwest coast of St Lucia
• Infinity pool, spa, fitness centre, yoga facilities, and more
• Peaceful “Whispers” room for ultimate relaxation
• Gym, non-motorised watersports, and trusted partner dive centres

Calabash Cove is an adults-only retreat located beside a small, secluded beach on the northwest coast of St Lucia. Combining old Caribbean character and tranquil surroundings with modern luxury amenities and exciting pastimes, Calabash Cove is a truly harmonious hideaway that will exceed expectations. The team at this resort is committed to creating exceptional experiences for each and every guest and has become one of the island’s most popular all-inclusive hotels as a result.

When it comes to filling their time, guests staying at Calabash Cove will be spoilt for choice from start to finish. Besides dining at one of the island’s finest restaurants, this resort’s sensory indulgences include lounging around the exquisitely-styled infinity pool, indulging in a wellness treatment, or savouring some alone time in the “Whispers” room. And, those with enough energy can always up-the-ante thanks to different non-motorised watersports on offer, an onsite gym, and partnerships with trusted local dive centres.