For many, solo traveling is the epitome of happiness and freedom. Travel anywhere, anytime, for as long as you like. Dive wherever and whenever, while staying in one of the best dive resorts for solo travelers. We’ve covered this topic worldwide, taking you all the way from Egypt’s colorful Red Sea to Raja Ampat for diving with pelagic life. We’ll also drift over to Koh Tao in Thailand and cover Mexico’s top solo traveler resorts, too!
But first, here are a few tips to bear in mind when it comes to solo traveling and why you should never, ever dive alone. Or, if you’re interested in liveaboard traveling over dive resorts, we have an article for the best liveaboards for solo travelers as well.
Top Tips to Keep In Mind
- Travel alone, but never dive alone. While traveling alone can be freeing and awesome, the same does not go for diving. Remember to adhere to all your training standards and always dive with a buddy (unless you are certified as a Self-Reliant Diver). Dive centers will often pair you up with another guest onsite who is also solo traveling or the odd person out in a group, or you may meet others you’d love to buddy up with. Many locations always require a Divemaster or Instructor to dive with you, too.
- Look for guest houses, dive hostels or dive-centric resorts. Guest houses and dive hostels often provide a more intimate accommodation style, with various common/shared areas where you’re bound to meet new people to hang out with or buddy up with for diving. On the other hand, dive-centric resorts allow guests to focus on scuba diving, meeting other like-minded travelers in the process.
- Always provide an emergency contact. Dive centers will always ask for an emergency contact on booking forms for any emergencies that may occur. It’s always best to leave more than one method of contact for your emergency contact, such as an email and a phone number.
- Steer away from honeymoon destinations. Dive resorts in popular honeymoon destinations, like the Maldives, are more often than not populated with couples. This might not be ideal for solo travelers. However, if you’re not bothered about the resort’s typical audience, then head wherever you please, honeymooners or not.
Now onto the fun stuff!
Egypt
Plunge down into the cargo holds of the infamous SS Thistlegorm Wreck in Ras Mohamed or drift down the Straits of Tiran alongside reef sharks. Egypt‘s magical underwater history is enchanting for solo travelers, often attracting digital nomads and hardcore dive travellers. From spa resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh to camping on the beach in Marsa Alam, Egypt holds some of the best dive resorts for solo travelers in the world.
Dive Resorts With Communal Areas
- Marsa Shagra Diving Village, Marsa Alam. This dive resort’s location is ideal for those wanting to visit Egypt’s famous sites, like Elphinstone and the the Thistlegorm Wreck. It’s one of the best dive resorts for solo travelers, if you are looking for a diving-centered trip. Also, the resort offers beach camping accommodation options.
- Dahab Divers Hotel & Dive Center, Dahab. Right in the center of Dahab and in front of their Lighthouse house reef, Dahab Divers includes friendly prices as well as cosy outdoor communal areas. What’s more, the hotel, dive center and restaurant blend into one, providing seating areas to mingle, and there are often mixed groups of solo divers to bond with.
Dive Resorts With Spas
- Reef Oasis Blue Bay Resort & Spa, Sharm El Sheikh. Switch off and relax in Reef Oasis’ luxurious onsite spa on your days off from diving. Offering saunas, massages, deluxe scrubs, and more, it’s an ideal spot for those looking for time to unwind. The variety of restaurants and bars onsite are comfortable for solo meals and evenings, too, with striking views of the Red Sea.
Indonesia
The Indonesian archipelago is vast and generous in its variety of dive sites and marine life. Many solo travelers rave about Bali for meeting likeminded individuals. While those searching for marine-life focused vacations may want to venture to Raja Ampat, Sulawesi or Komodo to float within the biodiverse waters of the Coral Triangle.
Chilled-Out Environments
- Hibiscus House, Bali. This family-owned, eco-conscious resort is situated in northwest Bali. The resort features Balinese-style open air bathrooms and kitchens, plus a large pool ideal for sunbathing. There are also luscious gardens surrounding the villas, boasting native bird species. In addition, the hotel’s pool tables and their trips to Bali Barat National Park and Menjangan Island are great for meeting other solo travelers.
Diving-Focused Locations
- Meridian Adventure, Raja Ampat. The Raja Ampat region of Indonesia is home to the highest marine biodiversity in the entire world. It’s safe to say Raja Ampat is a magnet for pelagic and macro lovers focused on getting the most out of their diving vacations. Furthermore, the flexibility offered by Meridian Adventure with no set arrival or departure days and no minimum number of nights makes this one of the best dive resorts for solo travelers who want more flexibility in their stay.
- Siladen Resort and Spa, Bunaken & Siladen. Situated in Bunaken Marine Park, dives here more often than not include tons of reef fish, hard and soft coral forests and lush reef walls. As a marine protected area, the preserved environment attracts sharks and rays, too. Decompress after diving with onsite cooking classes, enjoy locally sourced food produce (bread, vegetables and more), and even soothe your skin with aloe vera from the resort’s plants!
Thailand
Although Thailand and its islands are hot spots for party-goers, dive enthusiasts know some of the best reefs in the world are located in the country’s waters. Dive resorts in Koh Tao provide a wonderful melange of stunning diving and chilled-out, on-shore vibes.
- Simple Life Cliff View Resort, Koh Tao. Divers with a passion for nightlife often flock to Thailand’s Koh Tao. Surrounded by vibrant pinnacles and reefs, diving around the island can often include sightings of whale sharks and turtles. In addition to the diving, bars and restaurants are within walking distance from this resort, with plenty of options for enjoying a solo meal. Alternatively, head to local spots or backpacker hangouts to meet other travelers on the island!
- Assava Dive Resort, Koh Tao. With super friendly prices, Assava is a simplistic Thailand escape. In addition to private rooms, this resort offers dorm rooms, perfect for meeting others on backpacker budgets.
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Mexico
Take in all the tranquility and luxury that a well-deserved solo trip to Mexico can provide by staying in some of the best all-inclusive diving resorts in the world. The Caribbean Sea is brimming with rays, dolphins and more alongside year-round warm waters. Resorts range from all-inclusive options in Cozumel to unique, eco-conscious locations in Playa Del Carmen.
Luxurious and All-Inclusive
- Presidente Intercontinental Resort & Spa, Cozumel. Dive days in the Arrecifes de Cozumel Marine Park are good enough on their own, but throw in Presidente’s top-notch, all-inclusive restaurants and bars, and you’re in for a treat. Here, you can team up with other vacationers at the putting greens and tennis courts. Alternatively, spend your days spotting sharks, eagle rays and dolphins, then end them resting in a luxurious beachfront room.
Diving-Focused
- Scuba Club Cozumel, Cozumel. With unlimited diving on the house reef, you likely won’t have time nor energy to spend hanging out with any other travelers here! This is a simple, comfortable, and affordable resort in Cozumel. Dives here are guaranteed to provide spectacular marine sightings at local sites with epic 35-meter (114-feet) visibility.
Top-Notch Eco-Conscious Spots
- Royal Hideaway Playacar, Playa del Carmen. This resort has a Five Star PADI Dive Center within walking distance, which can take you to explore mangrove forests, cenotes and more. Aside from diving, the cascading infinity pool and three jacuzzis are sure to help you relax. Whether you want a quiet holiday alone or are interested in meeting new friends, this resort is an ideal choice for memorable Mexican luxury.
Belize
As the home of the world-famous Blue Hole and the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize offers some truly memorable diving opportunities. Located just south of Mexico, this Central American paradise is made up of the mainland and more than 400 islands. If white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and coral-filled dive sites are your jam, the best resorts in Belize could be the solo travel dive destination you’ve been searching for.
Dive Resorts Loved by Solo Travelers
- Steve and Becky’s Cute Little Hotel, San Pedro. All visitors, including those traveling alone, love Steve and Becky’s Cute Little Hotel for its simple yet cozy atmosphere. In addition to their happiness-inducing color-filled decor, visitors can enjoy a lagoon pool and a beachfront restaurant. Additionally, Ramon’s Village Diving Center is a short walk from the accommodation and offers quick and easy access to some of the area’s top dive sites, such as Shark Ray Alley (and the Great Blue Hole slightly further afield).
Resorts With Resident Massage Therapists
- Turneffe Island Resort, Turneffe Atoll. By offering four-star hotel luxury and access to more than 70 dive sites in a matter of minutes, Turneffe Island Resort ticks the right boxes for a lot of divers. It’s also 30 minutes from the Great Blue Hole, meaning day dive trips are more convenient. The resort offers a dive valet service, paddle boards, kayaks, and a Hobie Cat to use, as well as a full à la carte activity menu to help ensure you make the most of your time. Additionally, two resident massage therapists will ensure you remain relaxed throughout your trip.
Honduras
Located in the heart of Central America, the country of Honduras boasts a mammoth coastline on the Caribbean Sea and a small slither of coastline touching the Pacific. Add in a sizable tropical landmass and the result is a destination filled with adventure — especially under the water. Honduras is also one of the lesser visited Central American destinations, meaning tourist numbers and prices are often better suited to solo (and budget) travelers. Two must-visit dive destination in Honduras are the islands of Roatán and Utila, which are often considered some of the best diving destinations worldwide, especially for newer divers. In short, if you’re after a dive trip filled with colorful coral reefs, Mayan ruins and sandy beaches, Honduras could be the answer.
Resorts With Lots of Space for Socializing
- Ibagari Boutique Hotel. With an idyllic beachside pool surrounded by an abundance of common areas, Ibagari Boutique Hotel gives visiting guests plenty of space to chill out, relax, or socialize. The five-star resort also offers an impressive level of personalized service, both when staying and diving (provided by Duna Divers). Guests can enjoy the use of non-motorized water sports equipment and opt for a number of non-diving activities, such as a sunset cruise.
Resorts With Lots of Things To Do
- Paradise Beach Hotel, Utila. As well as the chance to see eagle rays, turtles, groupers, and seahorses, Paradise Beach Hotel provides guests with everything they need for a memorable dive getaway. The Dive Center, Freedive Center, TecRec Center, two swimming pools and on-site gym ensure there’s always something to do, whether you’re in a group or alone. For general wellness, the resort also offers healing massages and chiropractic treatments.
Ready for Your Next Solo Adventure?
Whether you’re ready to go it alone at the best dive resorts for solo travelers or you’re still unsure of the perfect location, the PADI Travel team is on hand to help 24/7. Click the button below to search for the right dive resort for you, or get in touch via email, live chat, or phone to explore more options.
