Last updated: July 7, 2026
Quick answer: For scuba divers, the strongest Sandals resorts are Sandals Grenada (walls, reefs, and wrecks including the Bianca C), Sandals in Saint Lucia (dramatic drop-offs right off the resort), and Sandals Negril and Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica (easy reef and wreck dives). At every Sandals resort with a dive operation, unlimited scuba diving is included in your rate for certified divers — you only pay for gear you don’t bring and for certification courses.
By Steve Griswold, Pixie Vacations — Sandals & Beaches Platinum Elite advisor who has visited all 17 Sandals resorts.
Scuba diving is one of the best-value inclusions at Sandals
Here’s what most first-timers don’t realize: if you’re a certified diver, Sandals includes your dives — tanks, boat, and dive master — in the all-inclusive price at resorts with a PADI dive program. Two boat dives a day, several days a week, would cost hundreds of dollars at a typical resort. That makes the right Sandals resort one of the best all-inclusive deals in diving, provided you pick a property with the reefs to back it up.
You do need to be certified before you arrive to dive the boats. Not certified yet? Most dive resorts offer a resort/discovery course and full PADI certification for an added fee, plus complimentary pool “intro” sessions.
Best Sandals resorts for scuba diving, ranked
| Resort | Island | Why divers book it | Certification available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandals Grenada | Grenada | Reefs, walls, and wrecks — including access to the famous Bianca C, the “Titanic of the Caribbean” | Yes |
| Sandals Grande St. Lucian / Regency La Toc | St. Lucia | Steep drop-offs and healthy reefs close to shore; dives leave from the resort | Yes |
| Sandals Negril | Jamaica | Relaxed reef and wreck diving off Seven Mile Beach; great for newer divers | Yes |
| Sandals Dunn’s River / Ochi | Jamaica | Complimentary boat trips to local reefs and shipwrecks near Ocho Rios | Yes |
| Sandals Royal Bahamian | Bahamas | Easy Bahamian reef diving with excellent visibility | Yes |
How to pick the right dive resort
If diving is the main event, Grenada is the standout — the variety of reefs, walls, and wrecks (the Bianca C especially) is hard to beat in the Sandals collection. If you want great diving plus a classic Caribbean beach week, Saint Lucia and Jamaica (Negril or Dunn’s River) give you strong dives without building the whole trip around them. If you’re flying from the East Coast and want the shortest hop, Sandals Royal Bahamian keeps travel time down while still offering solid reef dives.
What’s included — and what costs extra
Included for certified divers: unlimited scuba (typically two-tank morning boat dives on scheduled days), tanks, weights, and dive master. Extra: PADI certification courses, private/specialty dives, and any gear you’d rather rent than bring. Bring your certification card (a digital PADI/SSI card is fine) and your logbook — some operators ask for a recent dive or a quick checkout dive if it’s been a while.
Want us to match you to the best Sandals dive resort for your certification level and dates? Request a free Pixie Vacations quote — no fees, and we’ve been to all 17.
Frequently asked questions
Is scuba diving free at Sandals?
For certified divers, unlimited scuba diving is included in the all-inclusive rate at Sandals resorts that have a dive program. You pay extra only for certification courses, specialty dives, or gear rental beyond what the resort provides.
Which Sandals resort has the best scuba diving?
Sandals Grenada is widely considered the best for divers thanks to its reefs, walls, and wreck dives — including access to the Bianca C. Saint Lucia and Jamaica’s Sandals resorts are also strong options.
Do you need to be certified to dive at Sandals?
Yes, you must be a certified diver to join the included boat dives. If you’re not certified, most Sandals dive resorts offer PADI certification courses and complimentary intro pool sessions for an additional fee.
Do I need to bring my own dive gear to Sandals?
No. Sandals dive operations provide tanks, weights, and the essentials. Many divers still bring their own mask, computer, and fins for comfort. Bring your certification card and logbook.
