8 surprising destinations for diving clubs
If you want to travel with your diving association, you quickly end up with the well-known classics like Egypt or a full charter in the Maldives. Understandably, these are fantastic destinations. But did you know that there are many other places that are perfect for groups? Destinations with beautiful reefs, good logistics and enough variety for both beginners and experienced divers. Below we list some surprising options.
1. Nosy Be, Madagascar
Nosy Be is a small island on the northwest coast of Madagascar. For divers, it is a top destination. You will find colorful reefs, lots of macro life and the area is known for the large numbers of turtles that live there. In the right season, humpback whales and whale sharks also pass by the coast, a special bonus during your dives.
The island itself is relatively compact, which makes it pleasant for groups. You often stay in one fixed spot and the dive sites are accessible by boat. Besides diving, there is plenty to do. Think of a sunset together on Mont Passot or a final night with nature walk in Lokobe National Park. This way you make the trip more than just a diving week.
There are several group accommodations and resorts with good facilities for associations. Flying from Brussels, for example, can be done with one transfer, making the destination more logistically attractive than many people think.
Why suitable for associations:
- Lots of variety in diving (reef, macro, big game in season)
- Compact island, so uncluttered program
- Additional activities easily incorporated
- Good accommodations for groups
2. Bali, Indonesia
Actually, all of Indonesia is a fantastic diving destination, but not all regions are as easily accessible to a group. Bali is the exception in this regard. The island is easy to travel to: after the flight you get in the transfer and drive in a few hours to the accommodation on the east coast.
That east coast is a great base for associations. You can dive there on the famous USAT Liberty wreck, make muck dives in search of unusual macro life and plan a day trip to Nusa Penida for Manta Point, among other things. That variety makes it attractive to both novice and experienced divers.
Bali is also a fine destination for partners who do not dive. In the area you will find several temples, waterfalls and local markets. So everyone can follow their own program, while you get back together in the evening.
Why suitable for associations:
- Good accessibility
- Lots of variety in dive sites
- Suitable for mixed levels
- Many opportunities for non-divers
3. Southern Thailand
Thailand is an ideal destination for diving clubs with just a little more time. A two-week trip allows for both diving and relaxation and culture. For example, you can start with a liveaboard to the Similan or Surin Islands and then spend a few days day diving and relaxing on land.
The dive sites are known for their impressive rock formations, schools of barracudas, reef sharks and colorful soft corals. Conditions are generally accessible, making the destination suitable for different levels within a club.
What makes Thailand extra attractive is its infrastructure. Transfers, accommodations and domestic flights are well organized. In addition, there is much to experience besides diving: temples, natural parks, markets and beaches. This also makes it a fine destination for partners who don’t want to dive every day.
Why suitable for associations:
- Good infrastructure and accessibility
- Combination of liveaboard and land stay possible
- Suitable for mixed levels
- Lots to do besides diving
4. Jordan
Jordan is a surprisingly fun destination for a diving trip. You dive here in the Red Sea, from the town of Aqaba. The dive sites are clear and accessible, with colorful reefs and the typical life you expect in the Red Sea.
What makes Aqaba extra special is its underwater museum. Here you will find several sunken objects, including airplanes, a helicopter and even a tank. These are photogenic dives that are a little different from the standard reef dive, but where you are still surrounded by reef fish, moray eels and other familiar Red Sea life.
What really sets this trip apart is the extensive land program. You start by visiting historical sites such as Mount Nebo, where, according to tradition, Moses last looked out over the Promised Land. You also visit Bethany beyond the Jordan River, the place where John the Baptist is said to have baptized Jesus. This spiritual site has been mentioned as a baptismal site since Byzantine times and today is a serene, impressive place along the river.
In addition, you float in the Dead Sea, state an excursion to world wonder Petra and spend the night in a luxury tent under the stars in the desert of Wadi Rum.
That very combination makes Jordan ideal for associations with both divers and non-divers. There is something to see and experience every day.
Why suitable for associations:
- Compact and well organized
- Special combination of diving and culture
- Many excursion possibilities
- Suitable for mixed groups
5. South Africa
South Africa has a tremendous amount to offer and is an impressive destination for an association trip. You travel there relatively easily and the time difference from Europe is only one hour, which makes it pleasant for a weeklong program.
The final destination of the diving week is Aliwal Shoal, one of the most famous diving areas in the country. This ancient reef consists of sandstone formations overgrown with hard and soft corals. Among the structures swim schools of fish, rays and turtles, and regular sightings include dolphins, manta rays, eagle rays and seasonally, humpback whales.
What makes Aliwal Shoal really special is the chance to dive with sharks. You can encounter sand tiger sharks, ocean black tip sharks, hammerhead sharks, bull sharks and sometimes even tiger sharks among others here. For many divers, this is an absolute bucket list experience.
It is also possible to end the trip with a short safari. You can choose to spend two nights in St. Lucia, a special village where hippos just walk the streets at night. You will then also go on a joint safari in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game reserve. This is about a 45-minute drive. You will travel in an open 4×4 safari vehicle with an experienced guide who will tell you all about the park, the animals and the environment.
Why suitable for associations:
- Spectacular shark dives
- Good flight connections
- Barely any time difference
- Unique combination with safari
6. Liveaboard in Oman
Oman is a destination not yet discovered by large numbers of divers. That is precisely what makes it interesting for associations looking for something different from the standard Red Sea or tropical island destination.
With a program such as the Oman Explorer, you choose an adventurous approach, but with good organization. Oman’s coastal waters are known for their rich fish life, large schools of snappers and barracudas, reef sharks and, in the right season, even whale sharks. The underwater landscape is rugged, with rock formations and colorful soft corals.
In addition, Oman is culturally a fascinating destination. Think desert landscapes, wadis and traditional villages. This allows you to combine diving with a short tour or some excursions, making it attractive to a broader group of participants.
Practically, Oman is also interesting: flight time is relatively limited and the time difference with Europe is small.
Why suitable for associations:
- Original, less crowded destination
- Lots of fish habitat and schools of fish
- Relatively short travel time
- Beautiful combination of diving and culture
7. Zanzibar, Tanzibar
Zanzibar combines tropical beaches with accessible dive sites. Here you dive along colorful reefs with lots of small life, schools of reef fish and regularly turtles. Conditions are often calm, making it suitable for a wide range of divers within a club.
The island itself has a relaxed atmosphere. You usually stay in a resort or lodge right by the sea, which makes organizing a group program manageable. Transfers are relatively short and most dive sites are within pleasant sailing distance.
Above water, Zanzibar also has much to offer. The historic downtown Stone Town, spice plantations and sandbanks off the coast make for fun varied excursions. This makes it an attractive destination for partners and non-divers alike.
This makes Zanzibar a great choice for associations looking to combine sun, reef diving and relaxation in one trip. You could possibly combine the trip with a safari on Tanzania’s mainland, but that might make the trip more complicated.
Why suitable for associations:
- Tropical setting
- Accessible dive sites
- Good group accommodations
- Attractive to divers and non-divers alike
8. Liveaboard in the Maldives + Fuvuahmulah
Okay, a full charter isn’t all that surprising, of course. But there’s a reason why the Maldives is such a popular destination for groups: you fly there relatively easily, and a week on a liveaboard is eminently doable. For associations, this is ideal: you live together, dive together and discuss the special moments underwater in the evening.
Want something just a little different? Then consider an extension at Fuvahmulah. The island offers year-round diving with tiger sharks and a great chance to see the unusual thresher sharks. There are also comfortable group accommodations, allowing you to plan a few extra days as a unique addition to your liveaboard trip. It is an adventurous and exclusive way to discover the Maldives from a different angle.
Why suitable for associations:
- Easily accessible from Europe
- Perfect for a week of liveaboard
- Spectacular big game (tiger sharks and thresher sharks)
- Combination of liveaboard and island extension makes the trip extra special
Tips for diving trips with your association
1. Avoid school vacations
During spring, summer and fall breaks, prices tend to be significantly higher. Outside these periods, you benefit from lower rates and more availability.
2. Choose a destination that fits the level of the group
Not every club consists only of experienced divers. Look carefully at current, depth and difficulty of the dive sites.
3. Consider non-divers too
Destinations with culture, nature or beach opportunities make the trip more attractive to partners and introducers.
4. Start planning early
For group tours and liveaboards, availability is limited. Especially if you are traveling with 15-25 people, early reservations are essential.