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There's a reason divers flock to Small Hope Bay again and again. Built by hand in 1960 by Dick Birch, this family-owned resort has been passed through four generations and has successfully maintained a friendly and intimate atmosphere. The resort is completely all-inclusive - even the diving - so expect a sun-soaked trip packed full of exhilarating dives, fresh cuisine and a few cheeky tipples. All meals are served together, so those flying solo can meet like-minded travellers, all while experiencing some of the best diving the Bahamas has on offer.
If you're an experienced diver looking to escape the daily grind and unplug, while also getting to know other divers, Kalimaya Dive Resort is the place for you. This small Indonesian resort offers twin cabins meant for sharing, meaning solo divers won't be lumped with a single supplement. And, on top of the money-saving benefits, single divers can make a new diving buddy - perfect for taking advantage of the unlimited complimentary diving on Kalimaya's very own house reef. Meals are served communally on one large family-style table, and with only ten bungalows in the whole resort, guests will have ample opportunity to bond with their fellow divers.
Located on the shores of Chole Bay, Mafia Island Lodge is nestled smack bang in the middle of Mafia Island Marine Park, Tanzania's very first marine park. The resort features some of the region's best diving, which can be accessed straight from the shores without the need for a liveaboard. Expect epic macro diving at Nudi City and Frogfish Town, beautiful coral gardens and sharks galore. Visit at specific times of the year, and the lodge also waives single supplements - what more could you want from a solo diving holiday?
Located off the northern tip of Cebu, Malapascua is a hotspot for divers eager to catch sight of one of the ocean's most elusive predators: the thresher shark. While the entire island radiates friendly vibes, Ocean Vida is easily the best dive resort for singles. Located on postcard-perfect Bounty Beach, the resort is just a few sandy footsteps from the island's best dive centre, meaning it couldn't be more convenient. In the evenings, the resort's relaxed beach club becomes a popular hangout - especially during happy hour - so solo travellers will never be short of socialising.
If you fancy yourself a photographer, you're in luck: Aiyanar has all the mod cons needed for getting the perfect underwater shot. This resort lies on the shores of Anilao, a small village famous for its muck diving opportunities. Aiyanar's four dive masters will often head out one-on-one with photographers to find the most sought-after critters. Head out into the water and feast your eyes on a smorgasbord of shrimp species, ornate ghost pipefish, coconut octopus and other fantastic marine life: you'll get the ideal snap in no time.
Next up on our list of the best dive resorts for singles is Walindi Plantation Resort. Located in the shadow of Papua New Guinea's Gurbuna volcano and cloaked in tropical rainforest, the waterfront Walindi regularly tops the list of the world's best diving resorts - and for good reason. Some of the best diving in the Coral Triangle is located on the doorstep of this resort: think colourful coral, shimmering shoals of fish and sharks aplenty. Alongside group diving, the resort offers only 12 bungalows and boasts a variety of cosy communal areas, so solo travellers are in for a real treat.
A relaxed atmosphere, great company, friendly staff and delicious food all perfectly complement the epic diving off Siladen Resort & Spa. Located smack bang in the middle of Bunaken National Marine Park, shared dive boats head out daily to explore the surrounding kaleidoscopic coral reefs, providing ample opportunity to bond with dive buddies. The resort also offers the option of communal dining back at the resort, so solo travellers can regale their adventures over a well-deserved feast.
You've no doubt heard of Fiji's legendary soft coral diving, and Paradise Tavenuni is located conveniently close to the crème de la crème of soft coral dive sites along the Somosomo Strait. Much like the Siladen Resort, Paradise Taveuni's shared dive boats mean that solo travellers are never short of a dive partner. The resort is the only one in Taveuni to offer complimentary shore diving, so after returning from the boat trip, guests can venture back into the water with their new buddies to their heart's content.
The Maldives might typically be associated with honeymooners, but solo travellers shouldn't be quick to dismiss the Maldives from their list. Mirihi Island Resort is a pocket-sized island located in the South Ari Atoll, measuring just 985ft by 160ft (around 3.7 acres). The island might be tiny, but it packs a punch - the surrounding waters are chock-full of stellar dive sites, and the resort's very own dive centre organises epic diving expeditions. Solo divers can take advantage of Mirihi's size and the diving trips it offers to connect with the other travellers at the resort. On top of that, the resort's beachfront villas boast polished interiors and stellar sea views, and the island's beaches are some of the finest we've laid eyes upon.
The closest resort to Belize's Great Blue Hole, Turneffe Island Resort is the perfect option for solo divers wanting to tick this renowned site off the bucket list. The island is super popular for diving, so much so that the resort offers special diving packages. These packages include up to three dives a day, a night dive and, on Tuesdays, a day trip to sites further afield including Half Moon Caye, Long Caye and, of course, the Great Blue Hole. These resort-organised dives mean that not only will you be able to dive some iconic sites, but you'll also have plenty of potential dive buddies.
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Jacqui is our 'Top Ten Dive Resorts for Solo Diving Holidays' expert and as a seasoned traveller has the inside track on the most memorable adventures.