Indonesia’s best dive resorts

Having traveled and dived extensively throughout Indonesia, and helped thousands of guests to do the same, we know exactly which dive resorts warrant a place amongst Indonesia’s best. So, combining our own first-hand experiences with those of our valued guests, we’ve identified the very best dive resorts in Indonesia, where many of ZuBlu travel experts have lived.

As a nation renowned for its unparalleled scuba diving and high-standards of hospitality, it’s no surprise that Indonesia is home to some of the best dive resorts in the world. In fact, there’s such a wide spectrum of world-class scuba resorts throughout the country, that every diver is guaranteed to find somewhere they will love.

At a glance…

• Simple design with luxurious comforts, including a spa
• Beachfront bungalows just steps from the house reef
• Well-appointed dive centre with high standards of service
• Classrooms, rental equipment, and boats designed for the region

Located between the stark landscape of Sebayur Kecil and Komodo’s waters, the Komodo Resort combines casual toes-in-the-sand tranquillity with easy access to some of Indonesia’s best scuba diving. Despite its seemingly isolated location, Komodo Resort features a surprising array of luxuries, from skillfully-prepared fine dining to onsite spa facilities. Traditional lumbung villas overlook a meticulously-maintained beachfront, perfect for both swimming and sunbathing, and provides access to the kilometre-long house reef beyond.

Dive boats depart from this resort’s central location each morning, visiting two or three of Komodo’s best sites – including bucket-list spots like Batu Bolong and Karang Makassar. The dive centre accommodates guests of all abilities, including beginners, and offers a range of modern rental equipment as well as comfortable classrooms for students. 

At a glance…

• Award-winning property with a luxurious atmosphere
• Facilities for rec, tec, and underwater photography
• Strong commitment to conservation and sustainability
• Private beach, house reef, spa, and infinity pool

Bunaken Oasis is an environmentally-conscious luxury resort offering all-inclusive getaways within the Bunaken Marine Park. With just 12 ocean-view cottages, set within five hectares of stunning Indonesian scenery, this resort delivers personal and attentive service, enhanced by little luxuries. Guests here can sink into the depth of relaxation, thanks to gourmet meals, pampering spa services, and a simply stunning free-form infinity pool, while the sprawling house reef, tropical gardens, and mangrove-lined beach offer a different kind of serenity.

Scuba diving services at Bunaken Oasis are designed to fit guests’ schedules, allowing them to choose when and where to explore while the dive staff handle the details. The dive centre offers access to over 90 different sites and comes well equipped for both recreational and technical divers, as well as underwater photographers.

At a glance…

• Rustic wooden resort built on stilts above the water
• Premium position in the heart of the Dampier Strait
• Sustainable ethos with a commitment to conservation
• Spa services, yoga sessions, and kayak exploration

Papua Explorers is a charming resort on the south coast of Gam, overlooking the Dampier Strait. The resort promotes sustainability and conservation above all else, and has established the Raja Ampat SEA Centre as a platform to conduct conservation work and valuable scientific research. Built in harmony with its surroundings, Papua Explorers is perched above the water at the edge of the dense jungle, offering direct access to the sea and creating a serene setting for a tropical vacation.

Papua Explorers’ location places it within easy reach of Raja Ampat’s top dive sites, including Mioskon, Manta Sandy, Mike’s Reef, and Cape Kri. Guests can make the most of their time in this biodiverse region with up to three boat dives a day, as well as unlimited diving on the house reef. Nitrox is available for anyone suitably qualified, while non-diving guests are free to join the dive boats.

At a glance…

• Luxurious eco lodge in Raja Ampat’s remote south
• Nestled in the heart of a 300,000 acre marine reserve
• Access to some of the Raja Ampat’s more isolated dive sites
• Facilities for professional photographers and videographers

Misool Eco Resort lies in perfect isolation in the remote southern reaches of Raja Ampat, surrounded by a 300,000 acre marine reserve of its own making. This secluded resort delivers beautiful boutique luxury and unparalleled hospitality, and offers an exceptional four to one staff-to-guest ratio and sumptuous services including an onsite spa. Best of all, as Misool Eco Resort was built entirely from reclaimed timber on the site of a former shark-finning camp, and features sustainable operations throughout, guests can enjoy a sustainable stay in the heart of Misool's reefs and islands.

With direct access to remote, protected waters Misool Eco Resort offers the variety and quality of liveaboard diving, combined with the comforts of a private island resort. In fact, over 25 world-renowned dive sites lie within 15-minutes of the resort, including Fiabacet, Boo, and Magic Mountain. And, of course, the dive centre is adequately equipped to service the most dedicated of divers, including professional photographers and videographers.

At a glance…

• Intimate resort with just eight guest rooms on site
• Well-equipped camera room and optional nitrox fills
• Humble yet homely guest rooms, either private or shared
• Well placed to enjoy eay access to Alor’s top dive sites

Nautika Dive is an Indonesian-owned dive resort located in an idyllic spot in the Alor Archipelago, just a stone’s throw from some of the most popular sites. This small dive lodge delivers unprecedented standards of service, creating peaceful and relaxing adventures in an intimate setting. The property itself is minimal in its furnishings but beautiful in its design, incorporating breathtaking views of the Pantar Strait wherever possible. 

As the first PADI resort in Alor, underwater enthusiasts are particularly well taken care of at Nautika Dive. The resort welcomes divers of all levels and experience, and is able to ensure their needs are met thanks to a suite of premium facilities often reserved for far larger operations. Beginners will feel reassured by the team’s professional and personalised approach, while experienced divers will appreciate optional nitrox fills and an air-conditioned camera room fitted with an air blower, tools, cleaning kit, and charging points.

At a glance…

• Chic design and secluded atmosphere for the perfect escape
• Award-winning PADI 5-Star Career Development Centre
• Access to Lembongan and Nusa Penida’s best dive sites
• Top-rated Green Fins dive operator, with “zero-impact” score

Ceningan Divers is a rustic eco-retreat constructed conscientiously using local design traditions and built to blend in with the local environment as much as possible. Located at the edge of a mangrove forest on the quiet island of Ceningan, this captivating resort feels wonderfully secluded while providing access to some of Bali’s best diving. As a Green Fins gold member, Ceningan Divers also guarantees a commitment to conservation and sustainability, bringing peace of mind to environmentally-aware guests. 

From Ceningan, guests will enjoy easy access to the exciting dive sites of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, well-known for manta ray and mola mola encounters. Two scheduled boat dives are offered every morning, with additional afternoon or night dives depending on the day. This PADI 5-Star CDC is also the ideal place to learn, offering a spacious training pool, air-conditioned classrooms, and expert instructors with decades of experience.

At a glance…

• Stylish four-star hotel situated on Bali’s northeast coast
• Onsite gym, swimming pool, and traditional spa services
• Boat dives at the Liberty Wreck, Amed, and Nusa Penida
• Draft beer, Australian wines, cocktails, and Cuban cigars

Alam Anda is a four-star hotel situated on Bali’s northeast coast. Set within two-hectares of coconut palms, frangipanis, mangos, and banana trees, and surrounded by criss-crossing watercourses, this beautiful retreat guarantees plenty of peace and quiet. From the empty volcanic beachfront to the inviting, stone-walled swimming pool and exquisite onsite spa, every aspect of Alam Anda is its own little haven, coming together to form a quintessential tropical escape. Of course, more adventurous excursions can also be organised, such as volcano trekking, white water rafting, dolphin watching, mountain biking, and more.

When it comes to diving, Alam Anda’s newly renovated dive centre lies just 50-metres from the beach, providing instant access to the protected house reef beyond. But, divers don’t have to stay local, with the likes of the Liberty Wreck not far away along the coast and options to join extended day-trips to spots such as Menjangan or Nusa Penida.

At a glance…

• Ideal location right at the centre of Lembeh Strait
• Charming resort with a pool and beautiful tropical gardens
• Well-equipped photo centre staffed by a photography pro
• “Dive as you like” policy designed to suit guests’ needs

Lembeh Resort occupies an ideal location on the island of Lembeh, overlooking one of Indonesia’s most famous straits. Manicured walkways meander through the dense tropical foliage to connect the various parts of this resort, from the oceanfront swimming pool to the secluded garden spa. Guests at Lembeh Resort can choose from a range of accommodation options – from garden rooms to hillside cottages and clifftop suites – each offering views of the surroundings.

To help dedicated divers get the most out of their time here, Lembeh Resort operates a ‘Dive as you like’ policy, meaning the dive schedule is worked out according to guests’ desires. Many of Lembeh’s renowned sites are within 15-minutes of the resort, and the house reef is available at any time of day and night. Lembeh Resort also features a huge camera room and purpose-built photo centre equipped with a custom-built drying cabinet and a 3D printer. Guests can book courses and critiques from an in-house professional photographer.

At a glance…

• Boutique resort ambience with luxurious, eco-conscious touches
• Stunning and remote setting, perfect for a tranquil retreat into nature
• Boat dives in West Komodo, Gili Banta, Sangeang, and Sumbawa
• Secret sites with no other divers and unlimited house reef access

Located in the isolated reaches of East Sumbawa, Kalimaya Dive Resort is currently the only land-based operator providing access to the untouched dive sites around West Komodo, Gili Banta and Sangeang. This resort’s off-the-beaten-track location makes it ideal for authentic and adventurous experiences, while luxurious considerations such as a seaview saltwater lap pool and sprawling private beach guarantee blissful relaxation. And, accommodating just 20 guests at a time, Kalimaya Dive Resort is able to deliver highly-personalised service at all times.

Equipped with modern facilities for cameras and other private equipment, as well as comfortable custom speedboats, this PADI 5-Star dive resort is the perfect base from which to explore the sites of East Sumbawa and West Komodo. Two dive trips are offered each morning, and experienced buddy teams are free to explore the house reef anytime they want during the afternoon and evening. 

At a glance…

• Intimate, personalised service with a focus on tranquillity
• Thriving coral reefs, superb macro, and year-round mantas
• Day trips to some of Indonesia’s least explored dive sites
• Spa services, healthy meals, yoga and mindfulness sessions

Virgin Cocoa is an exquisite luxury resort located at the south end of Maratua Atoll, in the remote Derawan Archipelago. Set amongst swaying coconut palms, this resort delivers dreamy wellness-inspired escapes with a relaxed toes-in-the-sand atmosphere. Guests can expect indulgent massage and spa services, daily yoga and mindfulness offerings, and healthy meals, all enjoyed within a beautiful designer setting.

Virgin Cocoa’s partner dive centre, Extra Divers, is part of a prestigious global chain known for high-quality service. A choice of full and half-day trips are available throughout Maratua Atoll, Kakaban and Sangalaki, while detailed reef maps allow for self-guided exploration of the huge house reef. Thanks to its remote location, Virgin Cocoa is able to offer access to some of Indonesia’s newest diving frontiers, including the largely undiscovered Muaras Reef south of Maratua.

At a glance…

• Incredibly remote location, free from crowds, pollution, and stress
• Access to Triton Bay’s top dive sites and whale shark snorkelling
• Sprawling house reef, modern camera room, and scuba courses
• Environmentally-conscious approach to remote dive tourism

Triton Bay Divers is a small, secluded resort located in one of West Papua’s most remote diving destinations, Triton Bay. Established in partnership with local land-owners, this resort aims to conserve its pristine natural surroundings and support sustainable development for the community. To reduce its environmental impact, this resort was constructed from primarily reclaimed materials using traditional techniques, whilst still allowing for a modern touch. But, you won’t spend much time indoors here, with sweeping tropical gardens, sparkling white sand, and a stunning house reef all waiting to be explored.

The dive centre at Triton Bay Divers offers a range of well-maintained rental gear, minimising the need to cart bulky personal gear to this remote destination. Guests can enjoy up to three guided boat dives a day, alongside unlimited unguided diving on the resort’s sprawling house reef. And, of course, this resort also offers trips to Triton Bay’s whale shark bagans. 

At a glance…

• Luxury, eco-conscious resort in an isolated location
• 5km house reef and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve beyond
• Camera room, nitrox blends, and rebreather support
• Indulgence spa services and non-motorised watersports 

Nestled within the Wakatobi Archipelago in Southeast Sulawesi, Wakatobi Resort is one of the finest scuba diving getaways in the whole of Indonesia. Surrounded by a pristine biosphere reserve, Wakatobi Resort has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most proactive eco-tourism operators. And, having helped create one of the largest privately-funded marine protected areas in the world, this resort’s commitment to conservation is utterly unquestionable.

From Wakatobi, guests will have direct access to a five-kilometre-long house reef along with a further 40 dive sites situated within the surrounding Biosphere Reserve. Associated with PADI, SDI and TDI, the onsite dive centre offers an extensive range of facilities and services to satisfy even the most dedicated divers. Underwater photographers will appreciate the convenience of a climate-controlled camera room, while suitably certified guests can also make the most of nitrox blends up to 42% and extensive rebreather support.