Travelling with a Non-diving Partner?

If you're itching to slip into a wetsuit and fins on holiday, but are worried you'll feel the wrath of your non-diving partner's boredom, then read on ... There are plenty of resorts around the world in top dive destinations, perfectly suited to divers and their 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, we have several choices for you! For the diver in the couple, resorts with house reefs are a good option, offering flexible shore diving, or many dive centres also offer half day diving so that you can spend more quality time together on your next adventure - whilst still getting that all important diving fix!

Three Corners Ocean View, El Gouna (Red Sea)

El Gouna is a luxury Egyptian town built in a traditional Arabic style. The resort boasts a huge range of facilities so your reluctant other half will have plenty to keep them busy. Resort activities include an open-air cinema, a professional 18-hole golf course, a go-kart track, a museum, desert safaris, horse riding and plenty of other water sport activities from windsurfing and kite surfing to parasailing and snorkelling. 

The Three Corners Ocean View hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the centre of the modern and picturesque Abu Tig Marina, where you can find some excellent restaurants, a diverse range of shops to explore and a variety of boat tours. The Orca Dive Club is also located on the marina, so you can easily walk back to the hotel together after exploring any of the 60 dive destinations accessible from here, 10 of which are wrecks! 

Back at the hotel, there's a large swimming pool overlooking the Red Sea where non-divers could watch you diving from afar. The on-site Spa & Wellness centre offers a selection of wellness activities such as soothing massages and revitalising facials, and the gym is open daily. Steps away from the hotel there's a sandy beach with a beach bar and free sun beds, towels and umbrellas, perfect for ultimate relaxation.      

True Blue Bay Boutique Resort, 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 three kilometres of fabulous white sand and a tempting choice of bars and restaurants.

For active types, the most popular area in Grenada for hiking and trekking is the rainforest 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 rainforest. 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, offering 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 ... 

Buddy Dive, Bonaire

Bonaire is widely recognised as one of the Caribbean's top destinations for diving, yet its appeal doesn't stop there! This tranquil and laid-back island also offers numerous bars with live music and entertainment, first-class restaurants, a variety of shops and plenty of fun activities. For those not wanting to dive, the gentle currents, clear waters, fringing coral reefs and caves make for brilliant snorkelling, and the sheltered bay at Lac Bai is excellent for windsurfing and sea kayaking. On land, you can enjoy mountain biking together or visit the nearby Washington Slagbaai National Park, which is home to over 150 species of birds. 

The friendly Buddy Dive Resort offers great value for money, no matter whether you're travelling with a dive group or a non-diving partner. The raised sand beach areas overlooking the turquoise Caribbean waters are the perfect place for soaking up the sun and sipping cocktails, and a short stairway down to the water leads you to some excellent snorkelling and swimming opportunities.   

Buddy Dive has its own fleet of rental vehicles available, so when you're not in the water enjoying the excellent house reef, you can easily explore the beautiful island of Bonaire, whether that's an adventure to the interactive Donkey Sanctuary, sampling liqueur in the Cadushy Distillery or getting a taste of paradise on a sunset cruise. 

X10 Khaolak, Thailand

Thailand enjoys a deserved reputation as one of the most beautiful and welcoming destinations in South East Asia. Patong Beach on Phuket not only offers access to some great diving, but there's also plenty to keep your non-diving partner occupied on land. Activities on offer include golf, white-water rafting and a jungle safari, plus swimmers and snorkellers may even encounter sea turtles and playful clownfish close to the shore. 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 pristine, gold sandy Andaman beach and boasting five swimming pools, the X10 Khaolak hotel has everything you need for a holiday with non-divers. For those wanting to stay in shape, there's a fitness room with treadmills and strength training machines, whilst foodies can take part in an engaging cooking class, cooking up a traditional Thai three-course meal using hand-picked ingredients from the on-site vegetable garden. 

Other facilities include a pool table and spa, as well as an excursion and tour service where you can plan trips or take the shuttle bus into the centre of Khao Lak or nearby Bang Niang where you can find marvellous temples, local food markets and more tropical beaches. Sea Bees Diving Khao Lak operates daily dive trips for divers to the spectacular sites around Khao Lak and the Similan Islands where divers can see graceful manta rays and whale sharks.  

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's a lot for visitors to enjoy in Bali, whether it's 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 and Menjangan Island in the Bali Barat National Park where big fish like Napoleon wrasse, greater barracuda and sharks are regularly encountered. Werner Lau dive centre is on site. 

Partners will enjoy the hotel's wonderful natural spa, offering many 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 surrounding 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 River.

Komodo Resort, Flores & Komodo

A few islands along from Bali is the stunning island of Flores, sitting at the eastern edge of the famed Komodo National Park in Indonesia. You can see a carnival of weird and wonderful wildlife both above and below the water here, and it's only on these legendary islands that Komodo dragons still live and roam freely, making for a fascinating sight for all.

Another of Flores' star attractions is Mount Kelimutu, a volcano with three crater lakes, each with different colours that change unpredictably, and there are a number of lush jungles and cascading waterfalls nearby too, simply waiting to be explored.

Komodo Resort is situated at the heart of Komodo National Park, on a small, private island nestled between Flores and Komodo. Its convenient location means you don't need to go far to experience the best sites the area has to offer both above and below the water, and the resort offers full and half-day trips to some of the must-see spots. Trekking the picturesque Padar Island, visiting one of only seven pink beaches in the world, meeting the Komodo dragons, seeing flying foxes at sunset and snorkelling amongst stunning soft corals are just a few of the activities suitable for non-divers, whilst divers can enjoy diving amongst a large range of macro species including manta rays and sharks. 

The resort additionally has a spa and wellness centre offering holistic treatments in a serene setting, and a beach bar located on the shore with spectacular views. It's the perfect place for relaxation.

Atmosphere Resort & Spa, Philippines

The Philippine archipelago is home to spectacular scenery, pristine beaches, incredible sights and lively cities. Combined with the renowned Philippine hospitality and fabulous diving opportunities, it offers a truly unforgettable holiday destination for both divers and non-divers alike. One of the best known diving destinations in the Philippines is Apo Island, which is teeming with fish, beautiful corals and green turtles. 

On the south-eastern tip of the larger island of Negros, the small city of Dumaguete is becoming increasingly popular with tourists due to the diverse range of activities available. Take a trip to Silliman University (the oldest American structure in the country), stroll along the Rizal Boulevard, visit the Campanario de Dumaguete watchtower and admire the high ceilings of the intricate and majestic St. Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral. 

If your partner enjoys nature, just outside the city you can experience the refreshing waters of the Pulangbato and Casaroro Falls, breathe in fresh mountain air at Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, hike to Puncak Tanawan and much more. 

The tranquil Atmosphere Resort & Spa easily ticks all the boxes for divers travelling with for non-diving friends and partners. Non-diving amenities include a luxury spa, treetop yoga platform, gym, pool and fitness centre, plus guests can enjoy dolphin and whale watching. Excursions to waterfalls, hot springs, lakes, markets and cities can also be organised locally. 

For further inspiration on travelling with a non-diving partner, browse all our holiday destinations or contact our expert team today.