We have long said that “you don’t need a dive resort to go diving in the Caribbean.” But it sure helps. A great dive resort is not the same for everyone; some want luxury; some want function; some want value. Some people are looking for adventure and some are looking for relaxation, while some demand a beach. And then there are those that just want it all. You’ll know you made the right choice as the dive boat leaves the hotel dock and you look back to see the perfect combination of dive specificity, hotel amenities and resort features. These are the best dive resorts in the Caribbean.
Little Cayman Beach Resort
The Caribbean’s most complete dive resort — a place for serious divers who want to explore one of the world’s top dive sites, a bucket-list diving destination — the island of Little Cayman. And while it’s for serious divers, it’s also a very nice place that would be just as comfortable for someone who didn’t ever leave the beach (a terrific stretch of sand in its own right). Right now, this is the best dive resort in the Caribbean.
Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire
The Caribbean’s best shore diving is in Bonaire, and Buddy Dive is a full-service, dive-focused property that also has a unique selling point: a “Drive Thru” where you can pull up your car, unload your tanks get new ones for your next dive.
Captain Don’s Habitat, Bonaire
Captain Don brought diving to Bonaire, and his namesake resort is a fun, always-bustling place that’s geared towards all lovers of the world beneath the sea. (It’s also home to one of Bonaire’s greatest bars, Rum Runners).
Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma
This all-inclusive resort has a special selling point: unlimited diving — that means you can dive to your heart’s desire and never get your wallet wet. It doesn’t hurt that’s set in the Bahamas’ impossibly clear turquoise waters.
Scuba Club, Cozumel
Cozumel has world-class diving and the Scuba Club was the first dedicated dive resort on the island. That makes this a diving institution, with a fleet of seven dive boats, a full-service dive center and even great beach diving.
Small Hope Bay Lodge, Andros
While Andros is known as a bonefishing destination, this boutique resort is located on the third-largest barrier reef on earth and combines that with a rustic, real Bahamian flavor. This was actually the first dive resort in the Bahamas.
Lions Dive, Curacao
While nearby Bonaire gets much of the diving attention, Curacao is a wonderful diving destination home to dozens of top sites, and the best way to explore all of them is at Lions Dive, the island’s premier dive resort.
Sunset House, Grand Cayman
This the best dive resort in one of the Caribbean’s best islands for diving. The property says it’s for divers by divers, and the minute you walk on the property, that becomes clear.
Anthony’s Key Resort, Honduras
This all-inclusive resort in the Roatan area has a jaw-dropping fleet of 11 dive boats, and when you get back on land you find a charming collection of classic Caribbean wooden bungalows.
Turneffe Island Resort, Belize
This private-island resort in Belize offers access to more than 70 dive sites, and the property’s dive program includes 15 dives per week.
Anchorage Hotel, Dominica
Dominica is one of the Caribbean’s underrated diving destinations, frequented by those in the know. Now that we’ve told you, head to the Anchorage, the island’s signature dive hotel (and go whale watching on your break).
True Blue Bay Boutique Resort, Grenada
A slice of real Caribbean life, this property is a colorful, beachy resort, this lovely place is also terrific for wreck diving. But whether you’re interested in wrecks or the island’s famous underwater sculpture park, operator Aquanauts Grenada will take you where you need to go.
Bimini Big Game Club, Bimini
It’s so easy to get to from Florida. This is a hotel with water in its soul, and while it’s known for fishing, it’s equally adept at offering divers the best of Bahamian diving, from Bimini’s many wrecks to the famous Road to Atlantis.
Fort Young, Dominica
The best hotel in Roseau Dominica also has an on-site dive shop and a private jetty with boat pickup from the hotel, offering easy access to Dominica’s best sites.
Blue Waters Inn, Tobago
Tobago’s top dive resort has a private dock offering dives for everyone from beginners to advanced divers, and a state-of-the-art training facility for those looking to expand their subaquatic horizons.
Stella Maris Long Island, Bahamas
This beautiful resort in the Out Islands of the Bahamas has a full-service dive operation including everything from introductory instruction to guided night trips — and even offers group overnight dive cruises. It’s also home to the Stella Maris Shark Reef.
Hamanasi, Belize
This resort is all about adventure, and the diving arm offers unique access to some of Belize’s most scenic dive sites, from the Turneffe Islands Atoll to the Southern Barrier Reef — along with top-quality instruction.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, St Thomas
The coolest hotel in St Thomas is also home to the St Thomas Diving Club, making the all-inclusive property a must-visit dive stop in the Virgin Islands. And for beginners, the hotel even offers a free “Discover Scuba” lesson.
Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina, Abaco
Stay at this Abaco institution and you’ll find breathtaking sea life, including a mix of tunnels and caves. The dive operation is managed by Brendal’s Dive Center.
Caribbean Club, Bonaire
The very affordable property is another great way to experience the island’s superb shore diving. But it’s also a very well run resort with large units.
Anse Chastenet, St Lucia
St Lucia’s a great example of an island that few think of for great diving — but should. But the island is full of mind-blowing diving, from the Pitons reserve to the resort’s own reef, which starts just 10 yards beyond the water’s edge.