Chris Haysey

If you drew up a list of Caribbean islands where the diving is far better than their fame, St Eustatius would be right near the top. Statia is small, low‑key and largely unknown outside diving circles, yet underwater it punches far above its weight: healthy reefs, a surprising number of wrecks, and an almost eerie lack of other bubbles.

Beqa Lagoon’s shark dive is one of those experiences that gets talked about wherever divers gather. Dropping onto a reef ledge, watching the blue fill with sharks, and feeling that mix of awe and controlled adrenaline is something that tends to stay with you long after the trip is over.

On Fiji’s south coast, Waidroka Bay Resort is perfectly placed for divers who want to combine the famous Beqa Lagoon shark dives with colourful reef diving and a laid‑back, adventure‑style stay on Viti Levu. For many Bluewater guests, it has become the go‑to base for divers wanting sharks, but also want a proper holiday.

When divers talk about bucket list liveaboard routes, the same three regions keep coming up: Indonesia, the Maldives, and the Solomon Islands. They’re very different experiences, but they all have two things in common – serious diving and long memories.

We’re shining a spotlight on Emperor Liveaboards across the Indo-Pacific: Emperor Harmoni in Indonesia, Emperor Serenity in the Maldives, and Emperor Bilikiki in the Solomon Islands. Together they offer three very different ways to spend a week (or more) at sea – from classic Maldivian shark and manta channels, to Indonesian big fish and reefs, to remote tropical seascapes in the Solomons.

For many divers, the Maldives is a dream destination – mantas, sharks, channels and blue water as far as you can see. The catch is usually the cost. Private‑island resorts and high‑end liveaboards add up quickly, especially if you want to dive a lot. Himmafushi Scuba Adventure offers a different way to do it: Maldives diving at a realistic price, based on a friendly local island and run by a team whose focus is firmly on safety, marine life and value for money.

If you’re happy to swap over‑water villas for solid diving, straightforward logistics and a more authentic Maldivian feel, this operator sits right in the sweet spot.

Perched on a hillside above the Caribbean Sea on the tiny island of St Eustatius (Statia), Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort offers something rare in the region: a genuinely high‑end, nature‑focused dive resort, surrounded by a superb marine park, at a price point that’s very competitive for this quality of stay.

With 75 ocean-facing rooms set in lush gardens, awarded a Michelin Key for an outstanding overall hotel experience, and direct access to some of the Caribbean’s healthiest reefs and wrecks, this is a serious option for divers who want excellent underwater time without crowds — and without giving up comfort.

Tucked into the lush south coast of Viti Levu, Waidroka Bay Resort blends warm Fijian hospitality with easy access to some of the country’s most exciting diving – and a serious dose of topside adventure. Sitting within reach of Beqa Lagoon’s famous reefs and shark dives, as well as world‑class surf breaks, this is a great choice if you like your dive holidays a bit more active and off‑the‑beaten‑track.

Straddling the channel between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, Fiji’s Bligh Water is the stuff of diver daydreams: current‑swept pinnacles smothered in soft corals, walls draped in fans, and clouds of reef fish swirling in the blue. Long known as one of Fiji’s most colourful regions, it’s easily accessible from VoliVoli Beach Resort on the northern tip of Viti Levu, making it a prime target for anyone chasing “soft‑coral capital of the world” diving without complicated travel. 

 From relaxed coral gardens to full‑on current dives with schooling fish, Bligh Water delivers a huge amount of variety in a relatively compact area – ideal for a week or more of intensive, high‑impact diving.

On the southern coast of Negros Island, Dumaguete has quietly earned a reputation as one of the Philippines’ most rewarding dive hubs. Black‑sand muck, colourful coral reefs, and easy access to legendary Apo Island make this region a dream for underwater photographers and critter‑hunters, while the relaxed pace of life and leafy resort settings keep non‑divers very happy too.

Perched on a palm‑fringed peninsula on the northern tip of Viti Levu, VoliVoli Beach Resort blends laid‑back Fijian hospitality with easy access to some of the South Pacific’s most vibrant reefs. It’s the sort of place where you roll out of bed, grab a coffee with an ocean view, and find yourself heading out to world‑class soft corals and fish life within minutes.

Nestled on Roatán’s sheltered north-west coast within the vibrant Roatán Marine Park, Anthony’s Key Resort is an iconic Caribbean dive destination where world-class reef and wreck diving lie just beyond your dock. With dozens of marine park dive sites accessible by boat in minutes, relaxed waterfront bungalows, and experiences that stretch from sunrise dives to dolphin encounters and hammock naps, it’s perfect for divers, photographers, couples and families alike.

Atmosphere Resorts & Spa is one of the Philippines’ most highly regarded luxury dive resorts, set along the quiet coastline of Dauin near Dumaguete. Combining exceptional macro diving, refined comfort, and a calm, spacious setting, it’s a standout choice for divers who value quality, ease, and thoughtful service.

Join us as we explore unique destinations around the world. Each video showcases a recent dive adventure with a Bluewater team member, customer, or a Travel with Bluewater group in an exotic location!

Exploring the underwater world doesn't always require scuba certification or bulky gear as snorkeling provides a simple and equally stunning way to experience marine life in its natural environment. Snorkeling travel is booming in 2025, with high demand for liveaboard snorkel options in the Maldives and Raja Ampat. We've added more itinerary flexibility to help travellers access remote reefs with shallow, clear-water drop-offs.

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