Introduction
If you’re the only diver in your family, planning a vacation can feel like two separate trips crammed into one. You want to get in the water. They want to relax, explore, or just not be bored at a resort that only cares about air tanks and dive logs. That’s where knowing the best family friendly dive resorts makes all the difference. Not every dive resort is built for mixed-ability groups, and picking the wrong one can leave half your family counting down the days to checkout.
I’ve spent years as a dive instructor, and I’ve seen families show up to resorts with no non-diver infrastructure—no kids club, no kayaks, no shallow water access. It’s a fast way to ruin a trip. This article is about resorts that get it right: places where divers can log quality dives and non-divers genuinely have things to do. No fluff. Just the practical tradeoffs, real-world logistics, and specific resorts that solve this problem.
What Makes a Dive Resort Family Friendly?
A family friendly dive resort isn’t just one that allows kids. It actively plans for non-divers. The best ones share a few common features.
First, dive site access matters. Look for resorts with house reefs that are shallow and calm. You want entry points where beginners and kids can snorkel safely without fighting currents—usually a protected bay or lagoon, not an open ocean drop-off. The tradeoff? Protected reefs often have less dramatic marine life than outer walls. You might trade visibility for safety. That’s usually worth it.
Second, non-diver activities need to be more than a pool. Good resorts offer kayaking, paddleboarding, nature trails, glass-bottom boat tours, or cultural excursions. If the resort has a dedicated kids club, even better. That frees up divers to do deeper or longer dives without worrying about bored teenagers.
Third, dining variety is underrated. Families with picky eaters or different meal schedules benefit from buffets, multiple restaurants, or in-room dining options. A resort with one restaurant that closes at 7pm is a problem for a family with a fussy eight-year-old.
Finally, the diving operation should be flexible. Some resorts require two-tank morning dives only. That works if your partner or kids are happy, but if they need you around at lunch, look for a resort that offers single-tank afternoon dives or flexible scheduling.
Resort 1: Anse Chastanet – Best for Beginners and Snorkelers
Anse Chastanet in St. Lucia is one of those rare resorts where the diving and non-diving experience are equally strong. The house reef, just off the beach, is shallow, calm, and packed with life. I’ve seen novice divers complete their open water certification there with almost no stress from currents. Snorkelers can swim out twenty feet and see turtles and rays. Non-divers can spend entire mornings in the water without needing a boat.
The resort also has a kids club and a long list of excursions. They offer guided snorkeling tours, sunset cruises, and nature walks through the surrounding rainforest. Dining is spread across several restaurants, so families aren’t stuck eating the same thing every night.
Best for: Families with young children or first-time divers. The shallow reef and calm conditions make it ideal for building confidence.
Drawback: The advanced dive sites are limited. If you’re an experienced diver looking for deep walls or drift dives, you’ll get bored after a few days. This is a beginner-to-intermediate dive resort.
Booking tip: Book through a dive travel specialist like PADI Travel or Caradonna Adventures for the best family packages.
Resort 2: Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa – Best for All-Around Family Activities
Coconut Bay in St. Lucia—same island, different philosophy—is built around variety. The dive center is separate from the main resort but still well-run. They offer beginner courses and guided dives for certified divers. The house reef is decent, but the real strength here is how much there is to do on land.
Non-divers have a water park, multiple pools, a spa, daily activities, and a kids club that runs from morning until evening. There are glass-bottom boat tours, nature trails, and evening entertainment. Families with teenagers especially appreciate the range. It’s hard to hear anyone say they’re bored at Coconut Bay.
Best for: Families with teenagers or older kids who want to stay active. The variety of activities means everyone can find their own rhythm.
Drawback: It can feel crowded. The resort is large, and during peak season, pools and restaurants fill up fast. If you want a quiet, remote escape, this isn’t it. For a quieter alternative on the same island, look at Stonefield Villa Resort or Ladera Resort.
Booking tip: All-inclusive packages here are straightforward. Book directly or through a family travel agency for the best rates.
Resort 3: Wakatobi Dive Resort – Best for Remote Adventure Without Sacrificing Comfort
Wakatobi in Indonesia is remote—a two-hour flight from Bali plus a boat transfer. But the payoff is enormous. The diving is world-class with pristine reefs, little current, and incredible biodiversity. Non-divers have access to kayaking, paddleboarding, cultural tours to local villages, and a spa that rivals anything in Southeast Asia.
The resort is all-inclusive and incredibly well-organized. The dive operation is separate from the family activities, so divers don’t feel pressured to rush back, and non-divers don’t feel abandoned. The food is excellent, and the staff anticipates needs before you ask.
Best for: Families who want a nature immersion and are willing to trade convenience for remote beauty. This is the kind of place where you unplug completely.
Drawback: The travel time is significant. With young children, the logistics are challenging. Also, the dive sites are mostly boat-dependent—no house reef for quick snorkels.
Gear recommendation: Given the remote location, bring backup gear. Pack a spare mask and a reliable dive computer. For non-divers, a high-quality snorkel set and a waterproof camera are worth the space. If you’re looking for a dependable travel-friendly dive computer, a compact dive computer is a practical choice for experienced divers who want to know their bottom time without relying on rental units.
Booking tip: Book flights to Bali well in advance. Then organize the internal flights and boat transfers through the resort—they handle it smoothly.
How to Compare Dive Resorts for Non-Divers
When comparing resorts for a mixed-ability family, use a simple framework. Ask three questions:
- What are the non-diver activities? Snorkeling, kayaking, nature trails, kids clubs, cultural tours? If the list is short, cross it off.
- How close is the town or other excursions? Resorts far from civilization rely on their own amenities. If those are weak on non-diver activities, you’re stuck.
- What are the dive requirements? Do they require a minimum number of dives? Do they offer flexible scheduling? Are there shallow, beginner-friendly dive sites nearby?
Use a comparison tool like the dive resort databases on PADI Travel or Diveadvisor to filter by criteria. Don’t just rely on resort websites—they’ll always make their non-diver programs sound better than they are. Read recent reviews from families, not just divers.
Common Mistakes When Booking a Family Dive Resort
I’ve seen families make the same mistakes over and over. Here are the most common ones.
- Choosing a resort based only on diving. If you pick a world-class dive destination with zero non-diver infrastructure, you’re setting yourself up for complaints. Your family’s enjoyment matters too.
- Ignoring non-diver feedback in reviews. Divers will rave about the reef. Non-divers will mention if they were bored, if the pool was small, or if the food was repetitive. Pay attention to both.
- Not considering travel time. A remote resort sounds romantic until you’re stuck on a boat with a tired four-year-old after a long flight. Be realistic about how much travel your family can handle.
- Assuming all-inclusive means covered. Some resorts exclude dive packages from their all-inclusive rates. Check the fine print before you book.
The solutions are simple: ask directly, read widely, and prioritize flexibility over hype.
What to Pack for a Mixed-Ability Family Dive Trip
Packing for a mixed-ability trip means balancing gear for divers with gear for non-divers. Here’s what I recommend.
For divers: Your own regulators and dive computer (always). A backup mask—rental masks are unreliable. Reef-safe sunscreen. A dive log and certification card.
For non-divers: A quality snorkel set. Don’t rent—owning your own improves comfort and fit. A good snorkel set for adults can make a big difference in how long your family wants to stay in the water. A waterproof camera for capturing memories. Books, games, and a tablet for downtime. Rash guards and sun hats for sun protection.
Family items: A reusable water bottle for each person. Snacks for travel days. A basic first aid kit. Reef-safe sunscreen for everyone.
Booking Tips for Family Dive Resorts
Booking a family dive resort requires more planning than a standard dive trip. Here’s what I’ve learned after arranging dozens of family trips.
- Book well in advance. Family rooms and dive packages sell out during school holidays. Six months out is the sweet spot.
- Ask about family packages. Many resorts offer discounts for non-divers sharing a room with divers. Some include free kids club or reduced dive rates for beginners.
- Look for all-inclusive that covers meals, drinks, and non-motorized activities. That simplifies budgeting.
- Check cancellation policies. If someone gets sick or travel plans change, you want flexibility. Not all resorts are forgiving.
- Use a dive travel agency. They know the resorts, can negotiate rates, and handle the logistics. I’ve had good experiences with PADI Travel and Caradonna Adventures.
Are All-Inclusive Dive Resorts Worth It for Families?
For most families, yes. All-inclusive resorts give you predictable costs—no nickel-and-diming for meals, drinks, or basic activities. That’s especially valuable when you have non-divers who might eat multiple times a day or want to try different excursions.
The downside is flexibility. All-inclusive menus can be repetitive. Some resorts cut corners on food quality since you’re captive. Also, some dive packages are separate, so you end up paying extra for dives anyway.
Best for: Families who value simplicity over choice. If you don’t want to think about budgets during the trip, all-inclusive works.
Best avoided by: Families who like eating out, exploring local restaurants, or having a varied schedule. Pay-as-you-go makes more sense if you want flexibility.
My advice: read reviews about the food quality and dive package inclusion before committing. If the food reviews are consistently negative, the savings aren’t worth it.
The Best Family Friendly Dive Resorts by Region
Here’s a quick regional guide to help you narrow down options.
- Caribbean: Look at the Bahamas (Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas offers great beginner dives and non-diver excursions), the Cayman Islands (Sunshine Suites Resort has a strong family setup), and St. Lucia (Anse Chastanet and Coconut Bay are my top picks).
- Pacific: Fiji is excellent (Barefoot Manta Island Resort is family-run with good non-diver activities). Thailand has resorts like Koh Tao Cabana with shallow reefs and kids clubs.
- Red Sea: Marsa Alam resorts like the Three Corners Fayrouz Plaza have calm house reefs and affordable pricing. Good for families on a budget.
Each region has tradeoffs. The Caribbean is close to the US and Europe. The Pacific offers remote adventure but longer travel. The Red Sea is affordable but can be windy. Match the region to your family’s tolerance for travel time and budget.
Final Recommendation: Which Resort Should You Choose?
If you’re a beginner diver or have young kids, go with Anse Chastanet. It’s the best mix of beginner-friendly diving and non-diver activities. If you have teenagers, Coconut Bay offers the most variety on land and water. If you’re adventurous and don’t mind travel, Wakatobi delivers an unmatched experience for divers and non-divers alike.
No matter which you choose, book through a trusted dive travel agency. They’ll ensure you get the right room, dive package, and family support. Don’t leave it to chance. Your family will thank you, and you’ll actually enjoy the diving.
Ready to start planning? Click here to browse the best family friendly dive resorts on PADI Travel.