Diving vacation with a non-diving partner? These destinations are perfect for both of you
Planning a diving vacation while your partner is not diving? That doesn’t have to be a problem at all. In fact, there are plenty of destinations where diving is only part of the trip. While you explore the underwater world, your partner can enjoy nature, culture, beaches or adventure activities above water.
Whether you opt for a relaxing beach vacation, a tour full of highlights or even a liveaboard, there are a surprising number of options for a great vacation together. These are our favorite destinations for couples with only one person diving.
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Bali, Indonesia
Bali is perhaps one of the most diverse diving destinations in the world. While divers enjoy famous dive sites such as Tulamben, Nusa Penida and Amed, there is at least as much to experience above water.
Non-divers can visit ancient temples, hike through the famous rice fields or take a boat trip along the coast and surrounding islands. Staying in the north of Bali, the hike to the top of Mount Batur is an absolute highlight for many travelers. Early in the morning you climb the volcano and then watch the sun rise over the impressive landscape. A stay on Nusa Penida is also highly recommended. This island is known for its spectacular cliffs, hidden beaches and beautiful viewpoints.
Curious to know what a combination of diving and sightseeing is like? Margriet wrote a detailed travelogue about her trip through Bali and Nusa Penida.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar offers a perfect combination of beach, culture and relaxation. While the diver explores the reefs around the island, the partner can enjoy white sand beaches, historic towns like Stone Town and local cuisine.
An added advantage is that Zanzibar is excellent to combine with a safari in Tanzania. This creates a varied trip where special experiences await both above and below water.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an ideal destination for travelers who want more than just scuba diving. You can easily drive yourself around here and visit rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls and national parks along the way.
Divers can spend several days exploring the underwater world of the Pacific coast, while non-divers spot monkeys, sloths and colorful birds on nature walks. Diving here is often only a small part of a complete tour.
Yucatan, Mexico
Mexico is an excellent destination for couples with only one person diving. While the diver explores the famous cenotes of Yucatán or the reefs of Cozumel, there is at least as much to do above water. There are also quite a few cenotes where you can swim and snorkel.
Non-divers can visit ancient Mayan temples, discover colorful colonial towns or relax on the beaches of the Caribbean coast. Nature lovers are also in for a treat with nature reserves, flamingos, mangroves and impressive underground cave systems.
The great advantage of Mexico is that diving can easily be combined with a tour. As a result, diving is often only part of a multifaceted vacation full of culture, nature and relaxation.
Japan
Japan is probably not at the top of non-divers’ lists when they think of a diving vacation, but that is precisely why it is such an interesting choice.
While divers discover extraordinary underwater worlds around Okinawa, above water Japan offers one of the world’s most fascinating travel experiences. From bustling cities and ancient temples to mountain landscapes and traditional villages, a tour of Japan is an experience in itself.
Iceland
Iceland is a destination where nature plays the leading role. Volcanoes, geysers, waterfalls, black beaches and glaciers create impressive landscapes you won’t find anywhere else.
For non-divers, there are plenty of hikes, excursions and nature activities to choose from. Those who still want to take a look underwater without diving can snorkel in the famous Silfra Gorge. The crystal clear water and visibility of tens of meters make this a unique experience.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a destination that often appeals to everyone. The country combines beautiful beaches with national parks, historic cities, tea plantations and impressive train rides.
For divers, there are several interesting regions along the coast, but for non-divers, the appeal often lies precisely in the variety of the trip. From elephant and leopard safaris to cultural highlights and mountain scenery: Sri Lanka has something for everyone.
You can also easily fly from Sri Lanka to the Maldives for a fine stay at the most beautiful beaches.
Jordan
Jordan is perhaps one of the best destinations for couples where only one partner dives. The diving in Aqaba is excellent, but is only part of a varied tour full of culture, nature and extraordinary scenery.
Our program starts with a visit to some of Jordan’s most famous sights, including Mount Nebo and the Dead Sea. Then stay in Aqaba, where divers can explore the Red Sea while non-divers enjoy the beach, snorkeling or the relaxed atmosphere of the resort.
After the diving part, the journey continues to the impressive desert of Wadi Rum. Here you stay overnight in the middle of the desert landscape and experience why this place is often described as one of the most beautiful areas of Jordan. Of course, a visit to Petra should not be missed. The ancient rock city is not for nothing among the most impressive sights in the world.
A liveaboard trip with non-divers
Nor does a liveaboard have to be exclusively for divers. Of course, a liveaboard is primarily designed around diving, but some itineraries offer so many above-water activities that non-divers can also have a great trip. Think snorkeling, kayaking, supping, beach visits, hikes on remote islands and cultural excursions on land.
A liveaboard is therefore especially suitable for non-divers who love life on the water. After all, you spend several days on board, sailing from destination to destination. For those who enjoy peace, beautiful views, the sea and discovering remote places that you often cannot reach from the mainland, a liveaboard can be a unique way to travel. However, it is important to choose an itinerary that offers enough activities for guests who do not dive.
Musandam, Oman
The Vision Liveaboard combines comfort with beautiful nature. Non-divers can enjoy the views of the fjords of Musandam, relax on board or participate in activities beyond diving. This makes this itinerary attractive to both partners.
Fakarava, French Polynesia
The Aqua Tiki II is a small-scale liveaboard that focuses not only on divers. During the trip you will visit several islands, local communities and beautiful beaches. With many shore excursions, this is an excellent choice for couples with only one person diving.
Komodo, Indonesia
The Moana is also a fine boat for non-divers. In addition to snorkeling, regular above-water activities include sunset walks, beach visits and excursions to the national park islands.
An absolute highlight is a trekking with a park ranger to see the famous Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. In addition, you can explore the quiet bays from a SUP board or enjoy the spectacular views Komodo is known for. Combine the trip with another week of activities in Bali!
Traveling with EWDR
A diving vacation does not have to revolve exclusively around diving. Especially destinations where nature, culture, beach and adventure come together are ideal when one partner dives and the other does not.
Whether you choose a tour of Japan, a safari after Zanzibar, an adventurous trip through Costa Rica or a comfortable liveaboard in Indonesia or Oman, there are plenty of options for an unforgettable vacation together.
