11 Best Dive Resorts In The Caribbean

Of all the diving destinations throughout the Americas, the Caribbean is perhaps the most easily accessible — and the most visually stunning. With warm waters that are shallow, usually calm, and teeming with marine life, it has a number of diving sites that are not only utterly beautiful but also excellent for beginners. Moreover, it’s as varied and vast above the water as it is underneath the surface, making it the ultimate dive resort destination. The best dive resorts in the Caribbean range from sprawling, luxurious seaside resorts to more laidback ones.

Notwithstanding where you choose to stay, we’re sure you’ll have a rejuvenating stay. That’s because they’re all the perfect launchpads to soak in views of vibrant coral reefs, explore interesting shipwrecks, and encounter marine life. Are you already slipping into your wetsuit? Here’s our roundup of the best Caribbean diving resorts for divers of all skill levels.

LionsDive Beach Resort

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We begin with the LionsDive Beach Resort, which is ideal whether you’re a novice diver or an experienced one. Firstly, there’s the SSI and PDAI-certified Ocean Encounters dive center on the property, complete with professional dive staff that gave us the ultimate Curaçao diving experience. Not only did they offer a diverse selection of tours, trips, and educational courses, but the resort also had a magnificent house reef just a few minutes from the beach. How cool is that! So, staying here really felt like a “one-stop shop” for diving and snorkeling in Curaçao. Experienced swimmers have a particularly exciting opportunity every Wednesday to join the coral and snorkeling excursion with Reef Renewal Curaçao.

The rest of the resort is equally impressive, with all airy and bright rooms and suites featuring terraces or balconies. What’s more, they all had minifridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, with the suites and apartments adding living rooms and kitchens. An outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a spa, and four restaurants/bars, including a beach bar, round up the amenities here.

Sunset House Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

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When you read the name, the intention of the hotel can’t get clearer: Sunset House Grand Cayman bills itself as ‘A Hotel for Divers, by Divers.” This laidback hotel overlooks the Caribbean Sea and boasts a house reef that is a delight any time of the day and night, featuring as many as 15 dives a week! For instance, while sipping drinks at the legendary Grand Cayman watering hole My Bar, which is at Sunset House, we could tell that when the lights stopped moving in the house reef, someone would have found something really cool! During the day, the dives would take us to the wreck of the David Nicholson, as well as allow us to explore the marine life around. These include the likes of octopuses, lobsters, seahorses, salfin bennies, and even lettuce sea slugs. You might even find nurse sharks and eagle rays!

“When a hotel says they’re for divers and by divers, we pay attention. And when they have a house reef, we look nowhere else!”

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Staying here was a fantastic experiences, as all rooms and suites featured patios or balconies, besides a slew of creature comforts. Freebies included parking and breakfast, and there was also a swimming pool, a thatched-roof bar, and an airy restaurant with a seaside patio, aside from the dive center.

Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire

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Best house reef. Buddy Dive Resort has one of the best house reefs and dive sites on Bonaire — it’s crazy and so full of life. The resort might be on the basic side, but don’t let its simplicity deter you. That’s because the dive center is just a few feet from the water, so not only were our dive instructors on the site daily, but they were also able to note the exact locations of marine life. These included the likes of frogfish, blennies, and even big-animal sightings of tarpon, turtles, and eagle rays. If that wasn’t enough, the dive staff was even able to pinpoint activity among corals. So, it’s easy to see why no diver would want to skip this brimming-with-life gem.

A private beach and direct beachfront access aside, the hotel also had a fantastic sun terrace and an outdoor swimming pool. Thanks to the family-friendly restaurant serving delicious fare, we didn’t have to step out for food either. Outdoor seating, live music, a children’s playground, free Wi-Fi, and lush gardens only added to the beauty. Last but not least, we had a variety of room choices ranging in sizes but not amenities: all of them had terraces/balconies, kitchenettes, and plush beds.

COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos

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How would you like to enjoy a romantic vacation on a private island Caribbean resort? We’re talking about COMO Parrot Cay, a 1,000-acre islet in Turks and Caicos with one of the most A-list guest lists we’ve ever seen. This wellness-focused resort with a Caribbean soul and Asian sensibilities boasts a mile-long, pristine white stretch of sand, which is the main draw. It also has one of the best diving programs around, given that they even have a director of marine science and sustainability. What’s more, they have a team of experienced dive masters who took us on tours of some exceptional diving sites around the Turks and Caicos. We were able to explore mystical marine life and the pristine reefs, as well as indulge in island-hopping visits to the nearby Sand Dollar and Iguana islands.

When we needed a break from diving, there was a jam-packed roster of relaxing activities and facilities to choose from. From the two tennis courts and a private Pilates hut and a yoga pavilion to nine spa treatment rooms, there was no dearth of ways to unwind and relax. Additionally, there were three restaurants and bars, including a fantastic beach club. Finally, we had our pick of secluded yet stylish and airy suites, beach houses, and villas. Did we mention that balconies and private pools were standard in all of them? Yep.

Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, The Bahamas

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Are you the adventurous kind who wants to dive with great hammerhead sharks? Well, the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina has you covered. Tucked in an alluring marina in the Bahamas, this boutique resort sits right on the water, on a pristine stretch of powdery beach. What could be better?

Since we were on a diving holiday, our focus was on the on-site PADI-certified Bimini Scuba Center. It’s wildly popular not just for its bull and hammerhead dives and wild dolphin excursions, but also for wreck and reef dives. What’s more, it offers snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and kayaks for rent. In fact, one boat from Bimini’s fleet even boasts a glass bottom, allowing us fabulous views of marine life on both morning and afternoon dives. After we were done with our diving, we also tried kayaking through the island’s lush mangrove-lined creeks and lagoons.

We loved the laidback vibe of the resort, where rooms, suites, and cottages were located around the pool and surrounded by foliage and hammock-strewn palms. Moreover, they all had sleek mod-cons, free Wi-Fi, and even kitchenettes and minibars in the cottages. Finally, the Bimini Big Game Bar and Grill was the perfect place to enjoy food and drinks.

Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort, Grenada

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Located on the serene southwestern coast of Grenada, Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort offers spectacular views over the Caribbean Sea. However, what makes this location extra special is the presence of Dive Grenada’s five-star PADI dive center, helping us explore our favorite dive spots in the Caribbean. Not only is the marine environment pristine, but it was also the perfect spot for drift, wreck, reef, and photographic diving, and that too, a short 10-minute boat ride away. We had the choice of not just three dives in a day, but also an adventurous night dive! If you’re up for more adventure, a 25-minute boat ride north to Molinere Bay will bring you to the first underwater sculpture park in the world!

Two restaurants on the property, a beach one and an open-air clubhouse, serve delicious, eco-friendly, farm-to-table cuisine. Moreover, there’s a multitude of amenities, including a shimmering outdoor pool, a tennis court, a relaxing spa, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. We had the choice of 21 bright and spacious hacienda suites and villas spread across the hillside. On the inside, an inviting Caribbean vibe and sleek mod-cons made our stay as comfortable as memorable.

Harbour Village Beach Club

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Walk along a private section of the palm-fringed coastline of the Caribbean in Bonaire and you’ll stumble upon the inimitable Harbour Village Beach Club. Tucked away between a yacht marina and a private pearly beach, this resort is the epitome of luxury. However, what it’s more renowned for is its world-class shore and boat diving experiences. The waters have 86 sunken shipwrecks, dazzling coral reefs, and abundant marine life, which we witnessed on dive trips from the resort. If you’re keen to make an impact, you could even join Harbour Village’s conservation project, which helps transplant corals to the house reef.

Back at the resort, there is a laundry list of amenities. Firstly, the family-friendly restaurant and bar serve all meals and drinks, including a fantastic champagne breakfast. What’s a better way to start the day? There’s also evening dining with entertainment, a gorgeous sun terrace, and an equally lovely swimming pool, which we enjoyed swimming in and lounging by when we were at the resort. Moreover, rooms are in the form of stylish suites, beach houses, and villas, all with mod-cons and private balconies. Did we mention the spa and fitness center? Yep.

Small Hope Bay Lodge, Small Hope, The Bahamas

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Sitting just off Andros Island in the blissful Bahamas, the family-run Small Hope Bay Lodge might appear like nothing special, but trust us, it’s special. For more than 60 years, this eco resort has been the epicenter of epic diving adventures. What we loved was that all 18 private cabins were right on the beachfront. Even though there was no swimming pool, we didn’t need one, as we’d roll out of bed and dive right into the turquoise-blue waters. There are also no TV or Wi-Fi and the cabins are decked out quite sparsely. However, they’re all comfortable and had front porches with wooden chairs and some of the most beautiful views ever. 

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When it was time to dive beneath the crystal-clear waters, we got to explore the stunning Andros Barrier Reef, the world’s third largest. Not only did it have more than 60 diving sites, but it also had mysterious underwater caves and an abundance of marine life. What’s more, the multiple diving trips included shark diving, Blue Hole dives, wreck dives, shallow/mid-depth coral garden dives, cavern, and even wall diving. If that wasn’t enough, there was also sailing, fishing, snorkeling, eco-tours, and birding on the roster. After those epic underwater dives, we’d take a breather, cycle, kayak, and wind down. A well-equipped lounge, an alfresco grill, a small hot tub, and a small restaurant and bar round up the amenities here.

Sandals Royal Bahamian, Nassau, Bahamas

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Most romantic. Are you looking for an all-inclusive, adults-only diving resort in the Caribbean? Look no further than Sandals Royal Bahamian, an upscale all-inclusive resort on a white-sand beach along the shores of Delaport Bay. However, it’s not just adults-only; it goes a step ahead and is couples-only! What could be more romantic?

As a couple who’re nuts about diving, we had a ball diving with the team at Sandals, who make diving a breeze for both experienced and beginner divers. While having PADI certifications allows you to get into the water immediately, you can even get the necessary certification with the resort. What’s more, we had the choice of morning and afternoon dives, but the kicker was that our diving was included (maximum two tanks a day/guest)! Besides diving, the resort had all other amenities, like 7 seven outdoor pools, a fitness center, a fantastic spa, and as many as 18 restaurants and bars, including 2 swim-up bars.

Choose from a host of elegant rooms and suites, all of which have flat-screen TVs, minifridges, and coffee and tea-making facilities. While upgraded rooms have minibars and free Wi-Fi, others even had terraces, balconies, and/or bay views. Our suite even had direct access to the pool!

CoCo View Resort, Roatán, Honduras

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Most popular diving. Set on a private island on the south Caribbean coast of Roatán, the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands, CoCo View Resort is constantly sold out. Why? It offers unlimited 24/7 diving opportunities off its house reef, which has won multiple awards over the years!

As divers, we loved the unlimited opportunities for diving 24/7 as we spent our days (and nights) shore diving along the house reef, which was home to the Prince Albert wreck and two walls. In fact, the resort even led boat diving excursions on the shallow reefs and dramatic drop-offs surrounding the island. What made it all the more special is that its fleet has custom-designed dive boats with “moon wells,” allowing us to exit the water via openings in the hull!

That’s not all; the friendly, dedicated staff is one of the major reasons to book this place. Not only do they offer excellent service, but they also improve and add to the laundry list of amenities and services year after year. Firstly, the resort’s diving, beach, and amenities were and still are for guests and guests only, while being strictly off-limits to the cruise ship crowd. Secondly, they boasted a five-star PADI shop, a fantastic on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and even a clubhouse. Did we mention the free Wi-Fi and the in-room spa treatments? Yep.

You’ll also enjoy a cozy, home-away-from-home experience in their charming oceanfront rooms and overwater cabanas and bungalows. Large groups can choose the two-bedroom Coco Casa or the three-bedroom Coco Villa beach houses.

Compass Point Dive Resort, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

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Best overall. Readers of scubadiving.com picked Compass Point Dive Resort in Grand Cayman as the best overall diving resort in the Caribbean, and for all good reasons. Firstly, it’s the Grand Cayman’s only diving resort to sit directly on the beach. So, we could roll out of bed and right onto our dive boats! Secondly, the location was carefully chosen — it’s furthest from the island’s capital, the nightlife, and the airport — but closest to the best diving on Grand Cayman.

Their onsite dive operator and dive shop not only offer comprehensive training but also dive gear storage areas and water rinsing tanks. What’s more, they have two-tank dives, both during mornings and afternoons, three-tank safaris, X-dives, stingray encounters, and even night dives. Additionally, they offer pre-set Dive & Stay Vacation Packages for three, five, or seven nights, allowing guests to customize them for any group size or number of nights. It includes accommodation for the length of the stay, a rental car from Avis, tanks and two-tank boat dives, breakfast, and even hotel tax!

Of course, the resort also had excellent accommodations of all sizes, a fantastic beach, free Wi-Fi all over, and a bevy of swimming pools and restaurants.

Our Verdict!

Staying at diving resorts in the Caribbean is an entirely different adventure altogether. So, it’s important to get it right. Here’s a specialized list that’s sure to help you make a choice.

• Best house reef: Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire
• Most romantic: Sandals Royal Bahamian, Nassau, Bahamas
• Most popular diving: CoCo View Resort, Roatán, Honduras
• Best overall: Compass Point Dive Resort, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Where to Stay In The Caribbean For Diving?

Since much of the American coastline on the Caribbean side is far less developed than its Pacific coastline, the landscape is wilder and particularly fantastic.

Some of the best Caribbean diving islands include Bonaire for shore diving, Cozumel for drift diving along the Mesoamerican reef, Belize for its barrier reef, and the Cayman Islands for Stingray City and wall dives. Other top spots include Dominica for its unique volcanic underwater landscape, Turks and Caicos, Roatán (Honduras), and the Bahamas.

First up is Bonaire, the “World’s Shore Diving Capital” that offers calm waters, gorgeous reefs, and more than 80 easily accessible diving sites. Secondly, the Cayman Islands are popular for their Stingray City experiences, clear waters, impressive wall dives, and also having a wide variety of diving sites suitable for people of different experience levels. 

Belize is popular as it’s home to quite a significant portion of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. It’s where the iconic dive spot of the Great Blue Hole, one of the most amazing sinkholes on Earth, lies. Finally, we have Cozumel in Mexico, which is slightly outside the geography of what is considered the Caribbean. However, it’s famous for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral gardens.

Which is the best diving site in the Caribbean?

While the ideal location depends on one’s interests, some of the most popular Caribbean diving sites are the Cayman Islands (wall dives), Turks and Caicos (wall/shark dives), and Bonaire (shore dives).

Which is the best PADI-certified resort in the Caribbean?

While there are many amazing PADI-certified resorts, the Sandals Royal Bahamian in the Bahamas is famed for its abundant marine life, besides an excellent PADI-certified diving operation. 

Where are the most kid-friendly dive sites?

Some of the most family- and kid-friendly Caribbean destinations for diving include the Cayman Islands (calm waters, family-friendly resorts) and Bonaire (shallow, shore-entry sites).