Unlimited diving on vacation
‘Unlimited’ diving means that divers can (shore) dive as much as they want during their stay at a dive resort, at no extra cost. This concept offers divers the freedom to explore the underwater world at any time (usually within the set opening hours of the dive shop). This freedom, of course, is fantastic. Underwater photographers and very avid divers are therefore often looking for the “unlimited diving” concept.
Discover our unlimited diving vacations
At EWDR, we currently offer diving vacations in 5 countries where you can take advantage of the Unlimited Diving concept. These are Indonesia, Malaysia, Bonaire, Honduras and Egypt. Each country has its own unique diving opportunities and facilities.
Bonaire
Bonaire is the destination for unlimited shore diving thanks to the unique Dive & Drive concept. With more than 60 shore dive sites, the island offers easy navigation and access to several dive sites right from shore. The wonderfully clear water (often 20+ meters visibility), rich marine life and coral reefs make every dive an adventure. With a rental car (usually a fat pickup) you can easily travel between the various sites, making Bonaire ideal for both beginners and experienced divers who want to explore the underwater world independently. Every trip we offer to Bonaire has an unlimited diving package.
Indonesia
Indonesia offers unlimited diving in several locations. Spice Island Ambon is a perfect destination for macro enthusiasts, where you can enjoy unlimited diving on the house reef in addition to three boat dives daily. In Raja Ampat, several resorts(Kri Eco, Sorido Bay & Papua Explorers) offer fantastic house reefs for unlimited diving. The luxury Wakatobi Resort in Sulawesi not only offers unlimited diving, but goes so far as to allow a midnight dive for special occasions, such as a birthday. Bali offers an “unlimited diving package,” but this is with a guide, so you have to plan a bit more. Alami Alor, a paradise for photographers, also works with the unlimited diving concept, allowing you to focus entirely on capturing the beautiful underwater world.
Malaysia
Seaventures, a converted oil platform at sea, offers a unique stay in Malaysia. Here you can start your diving day as early as 5:30 a.m. with a house reef dive, provided you give the dive crew a day’s notice. The last dive must end by 7:30 p.m., as the dive center closes at 8 p.m. This unique setting offers unlimited diving in the waters surrounding the platform, where a fantastic “house reef” can be found.
Nb. At Seaventures, you also have access to some of the best dive sites in the region, including the world-famous Sipadan Island. However, Sipadan is accessible only by boat, and for this there is a maximum number of divers per day quota – so at that particular site you cannot dive unlimited.
Egypt
At Abu Dabbab, you can enjoy unlimited diving with the EWDR diving package. This package offers daily access to the house reef from 06:30 to 18:30, giving you plenty of time to explore the underwater world. Since the sun sets between 5 and 6 p.m., you can also do an unguided night dive every day. In addition, two days of boat diving are included, allowing you to make two dives each day on the beautiful surrounding reefs. Marsa Shagra offers a standard package that includes five days of unlimited diving on the house reef, both from shore and by RIB (inflatable boat). Early morning dives start from 6 am and night dives are possible until 8 pm.
Honduras
At Anthony’s Key Resort in Honduras, you can enjoy unlimited diving during the opening hours of the dive store. The AKR Dive Shop is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until the last boat returns in the evening. This means you can spend the entire day diving Roatán’s beautiful coral reefs and rich marine ecosystems, unaccompanied, and explore the breathtaking underwater world at your own pace.
Some of our offerings from Unlimited Diving Vacations:
Benefits of Unlimited Diving
Maximum Dive Time
The biggest advantage of unlimited diving is that you can spend maximum time in the water. This is ideal for underwater photographers, divers who want to improve their diving skills or simply enjoy a dive for as long as possible.
Cost savings
Although staying at a resort with unlimited diving may seem more expensive at first, it can be cost-effective in the long run. Individual dives can quickly add up in cost, especially if you want to get in the water several times a day.
Flexibility
With unlimited diving, you don’t have to stick to a tight dive schedule. You can dive whenever you want, depending on weather conditions, your energy level and your interests.
Disclaimer: Most resorts that offer unlimited diving offer it during dive shop opening hours. Not only is this more practical when it comes to tanks, boat drops, etc, but it is also important from a safety perspective.
Disadvantages of Unlimited Diving
Physical Exhaustion & Non-deco Times
Although it is tempting to dive as much as possible, it can be physically exhausting. It is important to listen to your body and get plenty of rest. Another potential disadvantage of unlimited diving, depending on the depth, duration and frequency of dives, is the large buildup of CO2 in the body. As the day progresses and you make multiple dives, the risk of exceeding zero times increases, which means you’ll be at your deco (decompression) times faster. This requires careful planning and monitoring to ensure safety and prevent decompression sickness.
No dive guide
At most resorts, you don’t have a dive guide during your unlimited shore dives. This means that you and your buddy must be able to dive well independently, monitor your own bottom times, etc. Another disadvantage of not having a dive guide is that you have to navigate yourself and a dive guide is often just a little better at spotting special animals and coral on the reef.
Most frequently asked questions about unlimited diving
What is unlimited diving? Unlimited scuba diving refers to dive packages that give you unlimited diving for a specified period of time, usually a day or a week.
How does an unlimited dive package work? An unlimited dive package offers a fixed price for a certain period of time during which you can dive as often as you want.
Is unlimited diving safe? Yes, as long as you follow recommended safety guidelines and observe rest periods between dives, unlimited diving is safe. It is important not to make too many dives in a row without adequate rest to avoid decompression sickness.
Where can I do unlimited diving? There are several dive resorts that offer unlimited diving. These are mainly dive resorts that have their own house reef and, of course, the diving island of Bonaire.
What does an unlimited dive package cost? Costs vary depending on location, duration of the package, and amenities offered. In general, these packages are cost-effective for divers who plan to make several dives a day.
What certifications do I need for unlimited diving? Required certifications vary by provider, but usually you need at least an Open Water Diver certification. Some more advanced dive sites or conditions may require Advanced Open Water certification.
What equipment is included in an unlimited dive package? This depends on the provider, but often basic equipment such as tanks and weights are included. Some packages offer full equipment, including wetsuits and breathers, while others offer this for an additional fee.
How many dives can I realistically make in a day with an unlimited dive package? This depends on your personal diving experience, fitness, and the dive operator’s recommendations. Usually divers can make 3 to 5 dives a day, including night dives, while observing adequate rest and decompression.
Also perhaps interesting
The best destinations for a diving trip in December
Taking a diving trip in December? Read our favorite destinations – and why these are special destinations – here.
Diving with sharks in Aliwal Shoal: a complete guide
Read all about the impressive diving destination Aliwal Shoal – the place where you can dive with more than 6 different species of sharks.
Travel report – Group trip to BCSS Mozambique
In September Sebastiaan went with the group trip to research station BCSS in Mozambique. A fantastic trip and a long list of what they all saw. You can read the whole trip report here!
Diving trip to Madagascar: a complete guide
Diving in Madagascar is fantastic: you will find lots of macro life, but you can also encounter the giant whale shark. Read all about this beautiful destination here.
12 unusual critters you see while diving in Lembeh Strait
In Lembeh you can see critters you may not even know existed. Check out what you may encounter while diving in this special area.
Trip report – Highlights of a liveaboard trip in Egypt
Read the highlights of Margaret’s liveaboard trip in Egypt, where she sailed the famous NDE route and had unforgettable diving experiences.
10 diving destinations that offer more than just diving
In this blog, we take you to destinations where diving goes hand in hand with impressive nature and culture. From tropical islands to wild jungles and historic sites, each trip offers adventure above and below...
Read more
The best destinations for beginning divers
Are you not so experienced underwater yet, but want to make beautiful dives? In this blog, Margriet shares the best destinations for beginner divers, with calm reefs, clear water and lots of colorful marine life....
Read more
Our 5 most remote liveaboard destinations
We’ve listed our 5 most remote liveaboard trips for you. Find out where you can dive at the end of the world.
Snorkeling with whales in Tonga: everything you want to know
In Tonga, it is possible to swim and snorkel with humpback whales. Read all about this unique experience here.
All about polar diving in Antarctica
Read all about diving in Antarctica: from what to see underwater and how to prepare for this special experience.
Diving with mantas, eagle rays and other rays
Rays are impressive and mysterious animals that can be encountered at many dive sites. From giant manta rays to schools of jumping mobula, and from shy eagle rays to burrowing stingrays, each species has its...
Read more
Cenote diving in Mexico
Crisp water, beautiful light and swimming past stalagmites…. We’re talking about cenote diving! Read more about this unique diving experience in Mexico here.
Diving in Fuvahmulah: the home of tigersharks!
Discover everything about diving in Fuvahmulah: tiger sharks, other shark species, best travel time, tips, and how to plan your dive trip.
Diving in Mozambique: a complete guide
Mozambique is one of Africa’s most impressive diving destinations. This guide tells you everything you need to know for your diving trip: from the best dive sites and seasons to the marine life you can...
Read more
Diving in the Bahamas: a complete guide
Find out why the Bahamas is a top destination for divers. From tiger sharks at Tiger Beach to hammerheads at Bimini – plus liveaboard tips, best travel time and more.
When and where do you spot whale sharks?
Whale sharks migrate great distances and are especially present in places with abundant food and warm, tropical waters. In this blog you will read why whale sharks have seasons and what factors determine their migration....
Read more
The 15 best places in the world to dive and snorkel with whale sharks
Encountering a whale shark while diving or snorkeling is a magical thing you won’t soon forget. In this blog we tell you the 15 best places in the world where you can encounter these beautiful...
Read more
How do you prepare for your diving trip?
Going on a diving vacation? Good preparation is essential. In this guide you will find practical tips to make your diving trip go smoothly. From getting your equipment serviced and arranging the right insurance to...
Read more
Diving in Zanzibar: a complete guide
Diving is one of the most popular activities in Tanzania because of its beautiful underwater world and abundance of marine life. Read everything you want to know about diving on the beautiful island of Zanzibar...
Read more
Diving in Mafia Island: a complete guide
The reefs around Mafia Island are home to a wide range of marine life, including sharks, rays, turtles, seahorses and numerous species of tropical fish. Read everything you need to know about diving on this...
Read more
Diving in Belize: a complete guide
Belize is a fantastic destination for a diving trip. You will find the second largest barrier reef in the world, colorful coral gardens and the famous Blue Hole. The more remote dive sites are best...
Read more
The 20 best places in the world to dive with sharks
The ultimate diving experience with sharks? In this blog, we list the 20 best places in the world where you can come face to face with different shark species. From cage diving with white sharks...
Read more
8 top things to do in Jordan
Jordan is known for Petra and the desert of Wadi Rum, but did you know it also offers great diving? In this article we will tell you all about the best things to do in...
Read more
