Caught yourself reminiscing about coral reefs and sea turtles between storybooks and snack times? Although the itinerary might look a little different now that you have a family, it doesn't mean your underwater escapades have to end. In fact, many of the world's best dive resorts have mastered the art of keeping both parents and youngsters smiling. From the volcanic islands of Portugal's Azores archipelago to the turquoise lagoons of the Maldives, little ones can make friends at the kids' club and splash in the shallows, while parents slip beneath the waves for some world-class diving. Ready to swap daydreams for departure dates? Read on to discover our favourite dive destinations for young families...
For toddlers (0-2 years old)
Easy-going getaways to the Maldives
For parents of under-twos, the dream holiday is often the most peaceful one - and that's where the Maldives shines. This Indian Ocean paradise is all powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and gently shelving beaches, perfect for a baby's first dip in the sea. While we don't recommend overwater villas for this age group (particularly when little crawlers are on the move), there are lots of lovely beachfront options.
At resorts like COMO Maalifushi, in the Thaa Atoll, family essentials are readily available and babysitters are on hand to help. That means while your little one snoozes, you can hop on a boat to dive over coral reefs home to shimmering shoals of fish and hammerhead sharks. A well-timed nap really is the gift that keeps on giving...
Wild escapes to the Azores
Craving something more adventurous, even with a tiny traveller in tow? Portugal's Azores archipelago could be just the ticket, with direct flights from the UK to Sao Miguel Island. Base yourselves in Ponta Delgada, where baby supplies are easy to come by and the island's highlights are all within easy reach by hire car.
The Azores works best when parents tag-team, taking it in turns to slip beneath the surface for a morning dive. Beneath the waves, the volcanic seascapes are home to an abundance of marine life, from weird and wonderful nudibranchs clinging to the coral to majestic manta rays cruising through the blue.
When everyone's reunited, the fun continues ashore with scenic road trips, black-sand beach strolls and hikes through the island's lush interior, with your little one along for the adventure in a baby carrier.
For toddlers (2-4 years old)
Adventures in Egypt
If your toddler's favourite word is currently 'why?', Egypt is a brilliant place to fuel their curiosity. One day might be spent peering at fish through the floor of a glass-bottom boat; the next, searching for tiny crabs in the shallows. Better yet, with direct flights from the UK, a minimal time difference and easy-access dive sites, Egypt ticks all the boxes for parents eager to dust off their fins.
At resorts like The Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, a thriving house reef lies just offshore, where lionfish, moray eels and sea turtles glide through the azure waters. While you take the plunge to explore, little ones can spend some time at the kids' club, splashing in the pool, making new friends and working on their latest sandcastle masterpiece on the private beach.
For young children (5-8 years old)
If you're dreaming of raising the next generation of ocean lovers, set your sights on Wakatobi Resort in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, located in the heart of the Coral Triangle. While travelling here requires a little more logistics (a flight to Bali via an Asian hub, followed by a connection to Wakatobi), our family packs should keep the familiar chorus of 'are we there yet?' to a minimum.
Parents can explore Wakatobi's house reef, where technicolour coral gardens are home to a dazzling array of fish and even whale sharks. Meanwhile, your young explorers will be kept busy with treasure hunts and kite-making sessions at the resort's kids' club.
For some truly magical memories, set sail as a family on a private boat trip, where grown-ups can scuba dive while youngsters join their own dedicated snorkel guide to paddle, blow bubbles and marvel at the tropical fish in Wakatobi's calm waters.
Babysitting can also be arranged if you're tempted by a night dive or two.
For older children (8+)
Passing on the dive bug in the Maldives
Want to earn some serious cool parent points? Whisking your youngsters off to the Maldives for their first experience of breathing underwater should do the trick.
At dive resorts like Six Senses Laamu, children aged eight and over can take part in the PADI Bubble Maker programme or PADI Seal Team sessions, offering a fun and confidence-boosting introduction to the world of scuba.
For grown-ups, drift through the waters of Hithadhoo corner, a natural congregation point for manta rays and one of the Maldives' most renowned cleaning stations.
Then (after you've off gassed), head out for some family snorkelling adventures, armed with one of our Go-Pros, perfect for capturing every bubble, fin kick and grin. And when it's time to come up for air, embark on a dolphin-spotting cruise before rounding off the day with fresh Maldivian flavours and some gelato - well deserved after all that ocean exploring.
Looking to surprise your youngsters with a trip of a lifetime? Speak to our team who can help you plan every detail for an unforgettable time beneath the waves.
