Isabelle Barbier
• 6 min read
Which destinations are great for diving and for family travel? We have selected four destinations offering superb diving and adventures that will delight divers and non-divers!
Going on a vacation with young kids can be an opportunity to discover new cultures, get to know more on marine and land species, and even raise their environmental awareness.
From Madagascar to French Polynesia, discover four destinations with fasntastic dive sites and multiple activities for non-divers. You'll remember these experiences forever, and build priceless common memories!
1. Budding Explorers: Travel to Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Komodo National Park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can discover its splendid dive sites and gorgeous landscapes in a week time.
The dive sites have an exceptionally rich marine life, with more than 1000 recorded species of fish and 260 types of corals. The straits currents attract large species, such as sharks, manta rays, whales, and sea turtles.
We love the idea of exploring Komodo National Park with a liveaboard, as you will save time on the trips to get to the islands, and enjoy the beautiful scenery, different each day, at sunrise and sunset.
Non-Diving Activities:
- on land, the famous dragons will impress young and old!
- spend half a day at Pink beach, and snorkel in its clear waters
- a 20-minute walk on Padar Island will take you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Indonesia
- stand-up paddle or kayak together at sunset
Perfect for Two or Three Families Traveling Together: this liveaboard in Komodo (6 nights starting from ...) accepts a maximum of 12 guests. Book it for you and your friends, and you'll design a custom itinerary with the cruise director. Do the activities you like, at your own pace. We love their beautiful deck, perfect for yoga and watching sunsets!
SeaCrush Pick: 👉 this exceptional liveaboard in Komodo (7 nights starting from ...) offers unparalleled comfort, with plenty of space outside and magnificent cabins, worthy of the most beautiful eco-resorts. The attentive team will prepare delicious meals for you. Onboard spa treatments are available.
2. Environmentally-Conscious Minds: Stay in an Island Village in the Maldives
The Maldives are threatened by global warming and rising sea levels. Rather than staying on a private island, choose to experience the authentic Maldives by going to an island village.
The island of Dhigurah is engaged to protect the environment, and has established a partnership with Parley. Once a week, the island collects plastic that will be used to make the Adidas Ultraboost sneakers. Discover the life and local customs of this island of 630 inhabitants only.
Dhigurah Island is located in the South Ari Atoll, close to the best dive sites in the Maldives. More than 350 whale sharks have already been identified in the region.
Non-Diving Activities:
- participate in a "beach clean-up" with the village, and awaken your children environmental awareness
- meet the “British Whale Shark” NGO and learn more on the specie
- do a snorkelling session with whale sharks, and take a picture of their left side. They have a unique spot pattern at the back of their left pectoral fin, that is used to identify individuals
- support the local community by visiting local shops and buying crafts
- snorkelling excursions can be organized every day for non-divers
SeaCrush Pick: 👉 this boutique hotel for divers in Maldives (7 nights starting from ...) is a friendly and non-pretentious place to stay. Offering divers and non-divers packages, you'll have good chances to meet other like-minded travelers.
3. Jungle Lovers: Discover a Lush and Unspoiled Island in Madagascar
The volcanic island of Nosy Komba is located in the Nosy Be archipelago, and unlike the latter which is very (too?) developed, it can only be discovered on foot or by canoe. With only a handful of eco-resorts, the island is a great place to reconnect to nature.
The best dive sites are located nearby Nosy Komba. It's an great place to see big pelagics, and also search for magnificent macro. Non-divers can explore the island at their own pace, and do plenty of water sports.
Non-Diving Activities:
- go with a pirogue to the village and discover its local crafts
- take a walk in the black lemur sanctuary
- stand-up paddle or kayak along the beautiful bays of the island
- discover the life of the jungle and the mangrove by boat
- take part in snorkelling trips
- treat yourself to a spa treatment
SeaCrush Pick: 👉 stay and dive in Nosy Komba (6 nights starting from ...) in this eco-resort, part of National Geographic's "Unique Lodges of the World" selection. We love the restaurant's unparalleled gastronomy, and the rejuvenating environment of each lodge.
4. Passionate About Marine Life: Think of Gorgeous French Polynesia
French Polynesia is teeming with marine life: it's possible to dive with many different species of sharks, barracudas, mantas and spotted eagle rays, dolphins, and even snorkel with humpback whales from August to October! It is a paradise for experienced divers. Non-divers will have plenty to do on land and on the sea too.
If traveling with a family, it is recommended to combine one or two atolls for the diving, and a "high" island such as Moorea, to do different land activities. Moorea is onely 45 minutes from Tahiti with a comfortable ferry.
Non-Diving Activities:
- in season, join a humpback whale-watching excursion in Moorea, and if conditions allow, get in the water to snorkel with them - an exhilarating experience!
- snorkel, stand up paddle or kayak in lagoons calm waters
- visit a pearl farm in Rangiroa or Fakarava
- grab a bicycle to discover new beaches and buy some tropical fruits by the road on your way there
- take a day trip to a motu (a small islet)
- walk between pineapple fields and forests in Moorea
- discover the superb volcanic and coastal landscapes of Moorea
SeaCrush Pick: 👉 this dive trip in French Polynesia (6 nights starting from ...) will take you to the best dive sites of the archipelago.
