We’re Diving Head First Into This Eco Travel Trend

As we look for more ways to travel sustainably, it’s of no surprise that our eyes are drawn towards the magnificent blue waters that make up over 70 percent of this magical world of ours. What lies beneath our seas and oceans can be mysterious, captivating, and frightening all at once – and that mysticism is fuelling a travel trend that is as exciting as it is sustainable. ‘Diving tourism is experiencing a remarkable rise as more travellers seek immersive, nature-focused experiences that foster a deeper connection with the ocean,’ says Ludo Bennett-Jones, founder of luxury tour operator Love to Explore.

‘As a low-impact activity conducted responsibly, diving plays a key role in marine conservation – supporting local economies, funding reef protection initiatives, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.’ Stephen Knoll-Pollard, a dive expert at bespoke holiday company Selective Asia, echoes this sentiment: ‘With increased interest from our clients wanting to incorporate remote dive locations into their travels, we’ve worked hard to form partnerships with the right dive operators, such as locally-owned businesses that use low impact vessels, prioritise local employment, and work with their communities to help improve understanding of best conservation and waste management practices at sea and on land.’

From an archipelago in the Coral Triangle to an Indian Ocean shipwreck hotspot, we’ve highlighted the best eco-friendly places where you can transform your underwater dreams into reality.

Best Diving Destinations 2025

Panama

Fancy yourself a Robinson Crusoe? Islas Secas is a private island archipelago comprising 14 islands off the Pacific coast of Panama where you’ll have more than 20 miles of virtually untouched waters to discover. Located in the Gulf of Chiriquí, which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Coiba National Park, castaways benefit from unparalleled opportunities to get up close and personal with the local sea life – from migrating pods of humpback whales to giant manta rays.

STAY: Islas Secas offers the ultimate private island experience with gorgeous villas spread out over multiple remote islands, including the 8,300-square-foot super-villa, Casa Cavada. islassecas.com

Finch Bay Hotel, Galapagos

Galápagos

If the thought of swimming with sharks doesn’t instil fear in your heart, then the Galápagos are for you. Charles Darwin’s time on the islands helped bolster his studies on natural selection, and to this day, researchers and conservationists work tirelessly to protect the local wildlife. The Ecuadorean archipelago is regarded as one of the world’s top diving sites, with its pristine waters providing exceptional underwater visibility. Aside from hammerhead and white-tip reef sharks, playful sea lions, marine iguanas, and even penguins are just some of the friendly faces you’ll meet.

STAY: Finch Bay Hotel organises daily scuba diving tours for guests, taking keen divers to popular sites such as the underwater volcano at Roca Redonda. The eco-conscious hotel recently added six new designer suites just seconds from the beach. finchbayhotel.com

Silolona Sojourns, Indonesia

Indonesia

The sheer expanse of Indonesia’s marine biodiversity and incredible coral reef formations make the country a favourite on the international diving scene. Its prime location within the Coral Triangle – the geographic area home to over 76 percent of the world’s coral species – means divers can easily find themselves surrounded by some of the Pacific Ocean’s most colourful and beautiful underwater gardens.

STAY: Hop aboard a luxury yacht charter by Silolona Sojourns. As the sun sets, you’ll embark on a unique and thrilling new experience – night diving. See Indonesia’s nocturnal residents come to life as you glide past bioluminescent plankton, glowing jellyfish, and dancing shrimp. silolona.com

Four Seasons Mauritius

Mauritius

Though most travellers to Mauritius are there to enjoy the Indian Ocean paradise from beneath a parasol on a sandy beach, those looking to venture below the surface are in for a treat. Referred to as ‘a wreck diver’s dream’ by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the Mauritian waters hide a fascinating array of sunken treasures, from a Japanese trawler to a fishing barge just waiting to be explored. These wrecks often attract their own share of residents, so don’t be surprised if you find dolphins whizzing past or moray eels slithering about.

STAY: Tucked within some of Mauritius’ largest lagoons, the stunning Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita has sustainability at its core—they’ve eliminated single use plastic, use sustainable products in their kitchens, created a mini endemic forest, and even have an on-site environmentalist who welcomes guests to participate in a seahorse conservation project. fourseasons.com

Lagen Island, Philippines

Philippines

With thousands of dive sites to offer, the Philippines is one of the best diving destinations for divers of all abilities. Thousands descend on the Southeast Asian archipelago each year to get their diving licenses, and once certified, you’ll be spoilt for choice with World War II shipwrecks, vibrant coral life, sea turtles, tiger sharks, and the famous sardine run where you can swim amongst millions of sardines in one of nature’s most spectacular events.

STAY: Diving has been in El Nido Resorts’ DNA since 1979 when its founders started operating live-aboard diving expeditions for international visitors. This year, they’re reopening Lagen Island, the luxury eco-resort that’s set between a shallow lagoon – perfect perfect for amateur divers – and a lush forest, which will include a brand new dive centre and Marine & Biodiversity discovery hub to further allow guests to engage with their conservation efforts. elnidoresorts.com

Mnemba Island Dive Centre, Zanzibar

Tanzania

As a country surrounded by multiple bodies of water, Tanzania makes for the perfect escape for diving enthusiasts when in the Spice Islands. One of the unique activities that Tanzania has to offer is lake diving – an excellent choice for newer divers, offering gentler currents and clearer visibility. For those looking to take a boat further out, dolphins, whale sharks, eagle rays, and even the rare blue whale are just some of the creatures you may encounter.

STAY: With just 12 beachside bandas, andBeyond Mnemba provides a secluded island retreat off the dive-favourite coast of Zanzibar. The resort even has its own house reef and a coral reef restoration project, allowing keen conservationists with the opportunity to support their Oceans Without Borders team in caring for the property’s underwater nursery. andbeyond.com

Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia

St. Lucia

Enjoy the beautiful Caribbean marine life by diving into the crystal waters of St. Lucia. The island’s unique topography lends itself to varied underwater sights like shipwrecks, mountain walls, and a coral reef-ridden coastline. Tropical fish abound with parrotfish, pufferfish, stingrays, and even humpback whales all found in the surrounding waters. With sunshine all year-round, it makes for the ideal holiday for divers and non-divers alike.

STAY: Anse Chastanet is an eco-conscious luxury hideaway located on a 600-acre private estate with panoramic views of St. Lucia’s mesmerising scenery. Scuba St. Lucia, the island’s longest-standing dive centre, is located right on the resort’s doorstep, providing excellent tuition and experiences for the whole family. The team even has all the relevant kit to capture beautiful underwater photos and videos of your diving adventures. ansechastanet.com