Got A Non-Diving Partner?

If you're itching to slip into your dive gear on holiday, but are worried you'll feel the wrath of your non-diving partner's boredom then read on.... Regaldive team member Simon Slater shares his suggestions for diving resorts perfectly suited to non-diving other halves.

There are plenty of diving resorts perfectly suited to those water adverse other halves...

Whatever their preference, be it pampering in a top spa, getting active hiking and horse riding, or soaking up the culture in a traditional temple...  Resorts with house reefs are a good option for you offering flexible shore diving.  Many dive centres also offer half day diving so that you can spend more quality time together - whilst still getting that all important diving fix!

STEIGENBERGER AL DAU BEACH HOTEL, HURGHADA (RED SEA)

Hurghada was the first commercial dive base in the Red Sea and is now a thriving resort for divers and sun-seekers. It offers a fantastic choice of dive sites, many of which are sheltered and within a thirty minute to one hour boat ride from resort. With outstanding reefs and drop-offs, Hurghada’s location also gives access to the legendary wreck graveyard of Sha’ab Abu Nuhas.

Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel offers a haven of sophisticated luxury in the bustling resort of Hurghada. This five star deluxe hotel boasts an enviable sea front position with its own private sandy beach and an enormous swimming pool.  

Divers can choose from Divers' Lodge dive centre located next door at the Movenpick Resort, or Aquarius Diving Club based at the Marriott Hotel, about a 10 minute drive via free transfer. Your non-diving partner is usually welcome aboard your day dive boat if they fancy a little snorkelling and the chance to sun bath and socialise on deck.

Offering a range of facilities, including a Thalasso Spa, tennis courts, watersports and traditional Egyptian hospitality, when choosing to stay at Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel, while you go out diving, your non-diving partner can choose to be as active or as inactive as they want to! 

TRUE BLUE BAY, GRENADA

Grenada is a mountainous Caribbean island of volcanic origin.  The dramatic interior is defined by cascading waterfalls, mountain lakes and tropical rainforest whilst its coastline boasts 45 beaches.  Grand Anse beach is the most famous on the island, with two miles of fabulous white sand and a nice choice of bars and restaurants.

For active types, the most popular area in Grenada for hiking and trekking is the rain forest around the Grand Etang Lake, in the central part of the island.  There are ample opportunities for hiking - Grand Etang Lake and National Park is a crater lake surrounded by lush tropical forest.  A series of trails have been marked, and hiking them is well worth the effort.  The scenery is breathtaking, with the chance to see a fascinating cross section of the flora and fauna which make up this rain forest.  The trails meander around the area's stunning waterfalls as well as the blue waters of Grand Etang Lake.

The capital, St George, is considered to be one of the most attractive towns in the Caribbean with its horseshoe shaped harbour.  No visitor to Grenada should miss the Saturday morning market at St George, one of the most colourful in the Caribbean.  Most of the roads are in good condition and hiring a vehicle is a popular way of exploring the island and offers as much for the diver as their non-diving partner or friend.

True Blue Bay offers an award winning restaurant, sailing and kayak hire, and local tours.  Aquanauts dive centre is located on-site and provides half day diving opportunities so there's plenty of scope to balance fantastic diving, including wrecks, sculptures and colourful reefs, with other partner pleasing pursuits...

AMARI phuket, THAILAND

Thailand enjoys a deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful and welcoming countries in South East Asia.  Patong Beach on Phuket not only offers access to some fantastic diving, but there's also plenty to keep your non-diving partner occupied above water!  Activities on offer include golf, whitewater rafting, elephant trekking and a jungle safari!  The early morning food market in Phuket is not to be missed.  If you're after something a little different, partake in a Harley Bike Tour to see spectacular scenery and meet friendly locals!

Situated on a secluded private beach, the Amari Phuket offers a unique location with panoramic views over Patong Bay.  The hotel's position on the southern headland of Patong Bay makes it a perfect choice for those who are looking to combine a quiet secluded resort with easy access into the lively resort of Patong, only 10-15 minutes’ walk away (or 5 minutes via tuk tuk!).  The hotel's fabulous Sivara Spa offers a range of soothing treatments including Thai and oil massages, body polishes and wraps, facials, water treatments and classic beauty therapies - so that should keep the other half happy for a while!

ALAM ANDA, BALI

Bali is renowned for its friendly population and beautiful scenery.  The island has a rich cultural heritage, set against a backdrop of volcanic mountains that rise to 3,000 metres above sea level.  There is a lot for visitors to enjoy in Bali, whether it is trekking in the island's interior, visiting historic temples or witnessing one of the many festivals that are a feature of Balinese life.

The relaxed Alam Anda offers access to some of Bali's finest dive sites, including the Liberty Wreck in the Tulamben region.  Werner Lau dive centre is on site.  Partners will enjoy the hotel's wonderful natural spa, offering a number of treatments including a vigorous Indonesian Body Massage.  Only natural products with healing and invigorating elements are used.  The hotel also organises half or full day tours through the local villages of the area, including trips to Ubud, the cultural capital of Bali. Adventure trips are on offer ranging from trekking Bali’s mountains to rafting down the Ayung Stream.

ALLEGRO PLAYACAR RESORT, MEXICO

Blessed with two coastlines, Mexico is one of the most diverse and exciting dive destinations in the world. Regaldive’s programme is concentrated on the Caribbean side, where warm tropical waters, miles of white sand beaches and a wealth of world class diving offers incredibly varied diving. The Yucatan Peninsula sits at the very tip of the world’s second largest barrier reef, ‘The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef’. Fed by the nutrient rich currents, the reef is a teeming city of corals, sea fans, whips and sponges, inhabited by more than 500 species of fish.

The Allegro Playacar Resort offers comfortable rooms, decorated in a bright, tropical-style and is situated on the finest stretch of white sand beach in Playa del Carmen, with access to some wonderful dive sites, including Barracuda, Tortugas, Mama Viña and the Cenotes (freshwater cave system), as well as Palancar and Santa Rosa Reef in Cozumel.

With access to a beautiful beach or pool, drinks and snacks included, opportunities to snorkel, windsurf, kayak or stroll to the main shopping district of Playa Del Carmen, you can dive twice every morning, with the knowledge your non-diving partner will have ‘something’ to do and probably won’t even realise you weren’t by their side until lunchtime!

Outside of the diving, if you want to ‘get out’ and explore a little, there is so much to see and do! Just a few miles from the town centre you will find eco theme parks, Mayan ruins, dozens of water sports and numerous tropical adventure tours.

Call us today on 01353 659999 or send us an email to receive a holiday quote for your next diving adventure.