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.
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