Diving and Snorkelling Experiences

Diving and snorkelling are the true highlights for water enthusiasts at Minor Hotels. Many of our resorts are located in prime marine destinations, home to coral reefs and vibrant underwater life. Guests can explore world-class dive spots in Koh Tao, Phuket and Koh Samui, or venture into the Maldives’ famous atolls such as the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Beyond diving, our beachfront and island destinations offer a wide range of hotels with water sports activities to every pace and passion. Paddle out on a stand-up board at dawn when the water's glassy and smooth. Take a kayak along the coastline to explore hidden coves. 

Health basics: Get a full night's sleep and drink plenty of water. Skip alcohol for 12 – 24 hours before your dive. If you have heart, lung or ear issues, or you're pregnant, check with your doctor first. Don't dive within 24 hours of flying.

What to bring: Your dive certification card and logbook. The dive centre may also ask for a medical declaration form.

What to wear: Swimwear under your wetsuit, plus light clothes and a hat for the boat. Pack a towel, dry clothes and reef-safe sunscreen.

Before you go underwater: Review the dive plan with your instructor so you know the depth and safety stops. Practice your hand signals with your buddy. Breathe slowly to make your air last longer.

If you own dive gear, let the team know beforehand so they can load it on the boat.

Koh Tao in Thailand's Gulf has shallow reefs where you'll spot pufferfish, angelfish and the occasional whale shark. It's where most people get their PADI certification. The nearby Similan Islands offer deeper wall dives with manta rays circling cleaning stations and whale sharks passing through from February to April.

The Maldives' Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has channels where strong currents bring in eagle rays and grey reef sharks. Night dives here reveal hunting octopuses and Spanish dancers.

Australia's Great Barrier Reef stretches 2,300 kilometres with over 1,500 fish species. You'll dive around bommies covered in soft corals and swim alongside sea turtles and reef sharks.

Off Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands put you face-to-face with hammerhead schools, playful sea lions and marine iguanas grazing on algae underwater.

Yes. Many Minor Hotels resorts sit directly on some of the world’s best snorkelling spots, meaning you can explore colourful reefs and marine life just steps from the shore. Popular destinations include the Maldives, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the Seychelles and Cancun in Mexico. In Thailand, favourites like Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Lanta all offer incredible underwater experiences. For those seeking snorkelling in Europe, the Amalfi Coast in Italy and the Medes Islands in Spain are also excellent spots to explore on your next holiday.

At Minor Hotels resorts, you will find a range of snorkelling and diving equipment. Snorkelling gear, including masks, snorkels and fins, is typically provided. For certified divers, the resorts often supply full diving equipment such as BCDs (Buoyancy Control Devices), regulators, tanks and weights. Dive computers may not always be included and could need to be rented separately, depending on the hotel or resort.

Yes, at Minor Hotels, our resorts offer beginner-friendly diving and snorkelling experiences. Snorkelling is simple and requires minimal instruction, with masks, snorkels and fins usually provided. Guided options are often available to show you safe areas, local marine life and basic techniques. For diving, introductory “Discover Scuba” or beginner courses are offered, requiring no prior certification. Certified instructors accompany you throughout the dive to ensure safety and confidence. Safety briefings and equipment checks are always provided, and certain health considerations apply, such as avoiding alcohol the night before and waiting 24 hours after a flight.