Indonesia is a place I’ve been privileged enough to visit five times now (always for the marine life), and I don’t see the obsession ever abetting.
Two things I always try to keep in mind when doing my homework on Indonesian Dive Resorts and snorkeling trips are house reef quality and internet connectivity.
And so, I thought, I bet it would be possible to compile a list of the dive resorts in my beloved Indonesia that a) have great house reefs (both for divers and for snorkelers who are interested in staying at dive resorts) and b) have sufficient internet connectivity to allow for remote work (to varying degrees).
I’ve gone through all of the PADI-listed dive resorts in Indonesia, separated them by region, and categorized them by whether or not they have a house reef and decent enough internet quality for remote work (if you are a scuba diver or a snorkeler planning a workcation).
PADI does have a search function on their website that allows you to filter results based on things like house reef, but it’s not a very good search engine. It shows you a lot of results that don’t have house reefs (it’s either a beach or a region that is pure sand) or it’s a dive shop in the middle of town.
They also don’t have the option to filter by Wi-Fi quality.
What I’ve done is reach out to all of the PADI-registered dive resorts across Indonesia and ask them to describe the quality of a) their house reef and b) their internet connection.
Below that response is a synthesis of visitor reviews for each place (the good and the bad) so you know what to expect in terms of accommodation, dive sites, food, etc.
This was done by copying and pasting the most recent reviews for each place from TripAdvisor and/or Booking.com into ChatGPT and asking it to parse the text for recurring comments, phrases and descriptions and then synthesize all of it into a list of bullet points covering both the positive and the negative reviews.
Trying to decide on snorkeling or diving gear for an upcoming trip? Check out my detailed breakdowns of everything from fins to BCDs to dive watches and more.
Not all of the resorts responded to me. Others informed me that they didn’t have a house reef to speak of (or they were in a location that made it too dangerous to swim unsupervised) and/or their Wi-Fi connection was unreliable.
The ones that responded and satisfied both of my criteria have been included in the list below. It’s a pretty nice collection of 24 dive resorts throughout Indonesia (the diving and snorkelling capital of the world)–from Raja Ampat to Pulau We and everywhere in between.
Important: if you want to hedge your bets anywhere in Indonesia, get yourself a SIM card and data plan with Telkomsel so you can hotspot. They are the largest and most reliable network operator in the country, their data plans are inexpensive, and I never go anywhere without them.
Bali is one of those places that, if you can get past the mass tourism, the snorkeling and diving (particularly the macro diving up north) is actually quite impressive.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The House Reef:
Our house Reef is home to some amazing macro creatures that with a pair of good spotting eyes make up the perfect dive site for curious divers and photographers with a passion for the small and unique! Further Tulamben and Amed dive sites are all reachable within 5 – 30 minutes from the resort, offering diverse and world class diving, including the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck.
The house reef and other dive sites located in walking distance from our resort, are good for both diving, snorkeling and also for freediving.
The internet:
Our internet is stable, and obviously we all work on the Wi-fi in the resort. However, with this being said, please note that we are still located in a remote area and sometimes venerable to different weather conditions as well as trees sometimes falling over and cutting off the connection for a while.
If you use VPN, sometimes the internet is slow. I would recommend a back up, which would be a sim card bought when you arrive in Bali. Please note that you will need Telcomsel, as it is the only provider in this area.
Nicole, General Manager at Bali Dive Resort and Spa
On the other hand, areas where some guests expressed less satisfaction include:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our House Reef is very good for Macro Photographer, but it is not the best place for snorkelers and freedivers.
However, there is many nice spots in Amed area that you can reach with our Snorkeling Excursion or by scooter (if you wish to rent a scooter in Amed).
The Wi-Fi:
Our wi-fi is very good, but we need to inform you that in Amed area the Internet signal is not very stable and some time the connection can be slow for few hours.
Michela, Bali Dive Resort and Spa Amed
Areas for Improvement:
The Maluku Islands in Indonesia are a diver’s paradise of unparalleled natural beauty. These remote islands are often called the “Raja Ampat of the East” and offer pristine coral reefs teeming with life.
The part of Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot within a biodiversity hotspot, with a rich tapestry of marine life that includes pelagic species, rare critters, and vibrant coral gardens. Strong currents make for exhilarating drift dives, where you can encounter schools of barracuda, trevallies, and even elusive and threatened hammerhead sharks.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is perfect for snorkeling. For example, you can find reviews from former guests on Tripadvisor or Google. Some guests have described it as the best house reef they have ever seen. Free divers have also been to our house reef and were thrilled.
The internet:
Our internet connection is usually good. However, we are dependent on the Indonesian network and unfortunately there is never a guarantee. I work permanently from Sali Bay and manage well. However, there can rarely be failures or poor connections.
Lisa Manschewski, General Manager
What Guests Love:
Areas for Improvement:
East Nusa Tenggara is almost certainly most famous for the Island of Komodo, which, if you are a nature and wildlife lover, not much really needs to be said. Alor is also up here, though less commonly visited. This region of Indonesia is home to some of the most spectacular (though challenging) diving in the world.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef here is absolutely stunning! You’ll find vibrant, healthy corals, plenty of fish, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot turtles and sharks, and sometimes even eagle rays!
The internet:
Our wifi is usually pretty reliable. Many guests work remotely from the resort. If you ever need it, we can set up a space in the management office for conference calls.
Dewi Rudisana, Komodo Resort and Diving
What Guests Love:
Areas for Improvement:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
We do have a house reef, but the water running off of our jetty are some of the fastest currents in Komodo National Park. It is possible to snorkel as long as you are given the okay from the resort to ensure safety.
The internet:
We do have wifi in the restaurant, but please note the signal can be inconsistent at times so we can not guarantee 24/7 coverage. It wouldn’t be stable enough for video calling for example. I would also recommend getting a SIM card (Telkomsel is the only one that works at the resort) to help with additional coverage to do your remote work.
Erin, Scuba Junkie Komodo
What Guests Love:
Areas for Improvement:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
We do have a house reef that you can enjoy snorkeling/freedive with, though we will let you know the best time to do so, due to strong current sometimes came in to the bay.
The internet:
We have a wifi at the resort but for a safe option I would recommend to bring your own dongle or hotspot device as well. The best provider here is Telkomsel.
Kadek Juliani, Dive Manager at Nautika Dive
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
Sulawesi offers an extraordinary diving experience with several unique features that set it apart from other diving destinations in Indonesia and the broader Coral Triangle.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is known for its exceptional quality and is a haven for marine life. Whether you’re a snorkeler or a free diver, you’ll find it both fascinating and rewarding. The vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine species make it an ideal spot for underwater enthusiasts. You are also able to explore Bunaken Marine Park (subject to entrance fee). If you wish to take a break from diving and enjoy a relaxing snorkelling session, our house reef is the perfect choice.
The internet:
Regarding internet connectivity, we do offer a reliable internet connection, which should be suitable for remote work. You can comfortably work and stay connected during your stay with us.
Putri Diah, Reservations Department at Gangga Island Resort and Spa
What Guests Love:
Areas for Improvement:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
They did not end up getting back to me re: the suitability of the house reef for snorkeling and free diving.
The internet:
Our resort provides the internet. We have a very stable Wi-Fi connection and it’s stable enough to do Zoom, WhatsApp, and Skype calls. We also have an external modem as a backup just in case the wifi is under maintenance.
Artha at Lembeh Resort and Spa
What Guests Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
This area close from jetty is wonderful for snorkeling as the corals are very close from the beach. Guests can enjoy great snorkeling off the beach on Siladen, just next to the old jetty, a few minutes flat walk from the Resort entrance.
The internet:
The internet at the resort is stable enough to do e-mails and zoom calls. It’s not as fast as big cities but it allows us to work and to answer all our e-mails.
Ana, Guest Experience Manager at Siladen
What People Love:
What Some Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef has the most beautiful coral on the Bunaken island, healthy coral and plenty of fish, turtles, sometimes cat sharks even dugongs you will meet if you’re lucky enough.
It is a long reef, which means you can swim from north to south, spend hours and hours in the water without getting bored. Many of our snorkeller repeaters come back Bunaken every year to enjoy our reef here. If you would like to kayaking in the mangroves, we provide kayaks for guests stay in our resort, free of charge.
The internet:
WIFI is available everywhere in our resort for free use.
Xu Jin, Fish in Air
What Guests Love:
Areas for Improvement:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
As the housereef, there is one accessible from the jetty on the back of the resort, however you would like to swim 50/100 meters on the surface to reach it. For this reason,comfort and safety of our divers, we usually offered boat dives only.
The internet:
As for the internet, In Lembeh we have free internet WiFi throughout the resort, quite good, however please remember that the resort is on a remote island, do not expect super fast speed. It is usually enough to browse, email and watch movie in low resolution.
Cindy at Eco Divers Manado
What People Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is renowned for its outstanding quality and diversity of marine life. It is perfect for both snorkelers and free divers. You can explore vibrant coral gardens, observe colorful reef fish, and even encounter fascinating macro creatures. The clear and calm waters around the house reef make it a wonderful choice for a relaxed day of snorkeling or freediving.
The internet:
In terms of internet connectivity, we understand that many of our guests like to combine work with leisure. We offer reliable internet service that should be suitable for remote work. However, as we’re located in a remote and pristine area, the internet speed may not be as fast as in urban areas. You should be able to handle emails and other basic tasks, but activities that require a very high bandwidth might be a bit challenging.
Dharma at Wakatobi Dive Resort
What People Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
House reef in Bangka is covered with mostly hard coral and rich with reef fishes. To do house reef snorkeling in Bangka, it is easily accessible from the jetty/marina.
The internet:
We do have wifi but it is only located around the lobby and restaurant area. However, it is important to know that as we are located on the island, the internet connection is sometimes slow. We do offer a reliable internet connection, which should be suitable for remote work.
Gina, Bastianos Dive Resort Bangka
What People Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our housereef is definitely worth it for snorkeling and free diving! Depth goes to max 8 meters. Reefs about 200 meters walk along the beach would already go to 25+ meters.
The internet:
we do have a little WiFi spot that allows whatsapp/mails etc. But it’s not too stable and definitely don’t expect 4K streaming etc.
Emiel, Pristine Paradise
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef is surround the jetty but the better ones are maybe a minute away or two by boat. We have expats who snorkel nearby on the regular basis. Internet is sufficient but we are in the meantime trying to instal a better system.
The internet:
We have clients who are enjoying the internet as we speak.
Daniel, Taisk Ria Resort
What People Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is known to be one of the best in the region with plenty of soft and hard corals. The maximum depth is at 14 meter and the rooftop is between 0 and 3 meters depending on the tides, which makes it very suitable for snorkeling.
The internet:
We are on an island, so although our internet is pretty good and sufficient to work normally, there are sometimes interruptions on the network. They are getting less frequent, but they still are very much a possibility.
Caroline, Guest Experience Manager at Coral Eye Boutique Resort and Marine Outpost
What People Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
Don’t let its western location fool you. Pulau Weh boasts an incredibly diverse range of marine species.
Situated at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea, in the Strait of Malacca, Pulau Weh boasts an exceptional species diversity (especially rarities like Three-Spot Angelfish and Regal Tangs) usually only seen much farther east.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The snorkeling here at our house reef is really nice, with many areas to explore. Gapang bay is sheltered and there are no strong currents. If you would like to see some other snorkeling spots, you could join the dive boat as well when we are diving. In general we also offer snorkelers or non-divers to join our speedboats to the divesites, if we have space left available
The internet:
For the internet: we have two fully separate fibre optic data lines by Indihome/TELKOM connected to independent routers and their repeaters. In the Living Room cottages or their verandas you should be able to connect through one of these. There is also free WIFI in Barracuda restaurant at the other side of the resort.
The WIFI is usually good, but in times of many guests visiting the island (usually more in the weekends) the traffic speed can drop. We’re still on a remote Indonesian island, so there can be other unforeseeable hiccups.
Henny, Lumba Lumba
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
The Gili Islands in Indonesia offer a captivating blend of marine marvels and island tranquillity. These enchanting gems are renowned for their stunning coral reefs, where vibrant hard and soft corals create a mesmerizing backdrop for divers.
The Gili Islands boast an extraordinary richness of marine life, from tiny pygmy seahorses to gentle sea turtles, schools of colorful reef fish, and the magnificent manta rays that grace the crystal-clear waters.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
There are a number of excellent reefs around the island for diving, and the house reef is home to biorocks (which is part of our coral restoration program here on the island) and numerous species of fish and turtles. It is a nice way to spend a few hours exploring the waters around the island.
The internet:
Gili Trawangan is a small island and a number of people choose to work here remotely and find effective Wi-Fi in many of cafes and places to stay round the island.
Though it’s always best to keep in mind that being a small island connectivity can sometimes be patchy and we do have power cuts every now and then, and sometimes this can impact productivity, especially if you’re doing a lot of uploading or video calls.
Victoria, Trawangan Dive Centre
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The snorkling is very good in front of Blue Marlin.
The internet:
The internet should be fine for remote work.
Rowan, Blue Marlin Dive Gili Air
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is a little deep, starting at 16 meters, however the slope (a 50 meters swim from shop) has abundant marine life. The north of the island is the best part for snorkelling and freediving, and it is a short 10 min walk from the dive shop.
The internet:
We have good (broadband) internet connection at the shop.
Ayon, General Manager
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef you can snorkel there everyday with the turtles. also diving wise most dive sites are within 10 mins away by speedboat.
The internet:
We have a pretty reliable internet.
Laguna Gili Team
Areas for Improvement:
Raja Ampat is a place of unparalleled natural wonder, where the marine world unfolds like an underwater Eden. This remote archipelago in Indonesia stands as a beacon of biodiversity, boasting the highest marine species diversity on the planet.
Its coral reefs are a testament to nature’s artistry, with kaleidoscopic formations of hard and soft corals, teeming with an astonishing array of fish and invertebrate life.
What sets Raja Ampat apart is not just its thriving underwater ecosystems but also the unique balance of large pelagics like manta rays, sharks, and schools of barracuda with the tiniest and most elusive macro creatures.
Diving here is an immersive experience into a world where every nook and cranny of the reef holds surprises, from pygmy seahorses to flamboyant cuttlefish. This remote paradise, with its crystal-clear waters and untouched landscapes, continues to captivate divers and marine enthusiasts, reminding us of the importance of preserving our oceans.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Plenty of amazing snorkeling which can be done directly in front of both our resorts. Even though both our resorts (Sorido Bay and Kri Eco Resort) are separate private operations, all our guests are free to access the main jetty of each resort to be able to snorkel on each resort respective housereef. They each offer a different experience. Walking distance between resorts is 10 – 15min along the beach when low tide or approximately 15min through the forest. When high tide it’s also possible to snorkel from one resort to the other above the reef plateau.
The internet:
We have Wifi and generally it’s good enough to, for example, do video calls. The strength of the connection is not always stable and there is never a guarantee that internet is available all the time (if we don’t have interent then it’s often the complete province of West-Papua which has no internet). As back-up you could buy a local sim card (TELKOMSEL) for mobile connection.
Jimmy Sorido Bay
Areas of Improvement:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
We have a house reef teeming with marine life sits that good for you to explore. Snorkeling at our house reefs is allowed at no charge from 7:00AM to 6:00PM without guide while Night snorkeling at 7:00PM is allowed only with snorkel guide with extra charge.
For your information, we have 2 house reefs in the resort. House Reef 1 is located in front, close by the bungalows. House Reef 2 located in the back or behind the resort. Both house reefs have their own jetties with stairs. So, you can enter and exit the water from one of these jetties only.
The internet:
As for the internet connection, we do have WIFI connection adequate for emails & basic browsing and available in public area. It might not always deliver sufficient signal to go online or in order to download your Emails. The speed depends on the number of the user. Even though we can’t give guarantees it should be possible to send files by email up to 3MB.
Titis, Reservation Department at Papua Paradise Eco-Resort
What People Love:
What Some Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is nice for snorkeling. In some areas of the reef our Papua Explorers Foundation started a project a couple of years ago to create a new reef over there and this coral garden keeps growing and growing.
You can start snorkeling directly from your bungalow veranda during high tide (when the shallow parts are covered with water) and during low tide from the dive center jetty.
Sometimes we spot cute baby reef sharks looking for their next fishy meal in the shallows. All in all, there is definitely a lot to see.
The internet:
We have WiFi in the public areas of the resort. The strength varies and sometimes it reaches to the bungalows as well. It is sufficient for emails, Whatsapp and Facebook, but sometimes it’s not enough to up or download big video files.
Banu, Papua Explorers
Positive Aspects:
Areas for Improvement or Less Satisfactory Aspects:
There you go. Plenty of places to choose from throughout the world’s diving Mecca: Indonesia, a country I’ve visited 5 times now, always for snorkeling and diving, and one which I think I can safely will continue to call to me for the rest of my life.
There are far more dive resorts in Indonesia than what I’ve covered on my list but, as far as I know, no one online has focused on covering the ones with quality house reefs (both for snorkelers and divers) and which have internet connectivity that would allow for remote work or workations.
These are the kinds of places I have always tried to seek out so I thought, why not do some digging and compile them into a list for people interested in staying at Indonesian dive resorts to snorkel or dive but who might have to deal with work BS while there.
Indonesia is the beating heart of the coral triangle and arguably the world’s diving Mecca, but it really depends what you are looking for and your dive level. If you’re looking for macro and muck diving, the Sulawesi (and in particular Lembeh) is widely recognized as the best place in the world.
If you are interested in seeing mantas, whale sharks and want to squeeze as much species diversity (coral and fish) into your dives as possible, then Raja Ampat in West Papua is going to be your best bet.
Regardless of your requirements and diving interests, there is something on the above list for everyone.
It’s not just good; it’s arguably the best in the world. Indonesia is the epicentre of global marine biodiversity. If an alien arrived on Earth and asked you to point them toward the most impressive underwater biodiversity on our planet, you would be hard-pressed to find a country/region more fitting than Indonesia. Jacques Cousteau called Wakatobi, Sulawesi an “underwater Nirvana.”
This isn’t an easy question to answer because it depends on what you’re after. If you are obsessed with nudibranchs, then you might want to head to Anilao, a town a few hours outside Manila which is often called the “nudibranch capital of the world.” Here’s a list of the pros and cons of each location:
Indonesia:
Pros:
Cons:
The Philippines:
Pros:
Cons:
Diving options in Indonesia run the gamut from budget to five-star luxury. You can pay many hundreds of dollars a night for boutique dive resorts in Lembeh, or you can find much more affordable options in the more backpacker-friendly places like the Gili Islands in West Nusa Tenggara and Bali. Remoteness, amenities, what’s included in your dive package, and, of course, things like airfare and other transportation are all things to factor in.
Choosing the right snorkel fins can completely change your experience in the water. The best options balance comfort, propulsion, weight, and packability—especially if you’re traveling. Whether you’re floating above reefs or kicking into deeper water, the right fin helps you conserve energy and stay out longer.
If you’ve ever floated over a coral reef and had that moment—where everything just feels alive—it’s hard to forget. And once you’ve seen it, it’s even harder to ignore what’s happening to it. There’s no single solution to protecting our oceans. But there are people doing real, impactful work every
Stretching over 600 miles from Mexico down through Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, the Mesoamerican Reef is the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. It has long been one of the best places in the Western Hemisphere for snorkeling and diving.
Today, it’s also one of the most vulnerable.
The wildlife channels that I think are most worth subscribing to on YouTube are an eclectic mix of individuals and organizations in various wildlife niches. They include divers, bird experts, conservation societies, reserve trail cams, native and wildlife gardening aficionados.
After spending four months backpacking through Central America, I can say from experience that meeting people while traveling can look very different depending on your stage of life. As someone who is single and in my mid-30s, I’ve found it can sometimes be a bit more challenging to meet people
Instead of bouncing between towns like many travelers do, I decided to slow down and spend an entire month in San Pedro La Laguna. An incredible little town in Guatemala that all too often gets deemed a “party” town, but it’s so much more than that.
What People Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef is surround the jetty but the better ones are maybe a minute away or two by boat. We have expats who snorkel nearby on the regular basis. Internet is sufficient but we are in the meantime trying to instal a better system.
The internet:
We have clients who are enjoying the internet as we speak.
Daniel, Taisk Ria Resort
What People Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is known to be one of the best in the region with plenty of soft and hard corals. The maximum depth is at 14 meter and the rooftop is between 0 and 3 meters depending on the tides, which makes it very suitable for snorkeling.
The internet:
We are on an island, so although our internet is pretty good and sufficient to work normally, there are sometimes interruptions on the network. They are getting less frequent, but they still are very much a possibility.
Caroline, Guest Experience Manager at Coral Eye Boutique Resort and Marine Outpost
What People Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
Don’t let its western location fool you. Pulau Weh boasts an incredibly diverse range of marine species.
Situated at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea, in the Strait of Malacca, Pulau Weh boasts an exceptional species diversity (especially rarities like Three-Spot Angelfish and Regal Tangs) usually only seen much farther east.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The snorkeling here at our house reef is really nice, with many areas to explore. Gapang bay is sheltered and there are no strong currents. If you would like to see some other snorkeling spots, you could join the dive boat as well when we are diving. In general we also offer snorkelers or non-divers to join our speedboats to the divesites, if we have space left available
The internet:
For the internet: we have two fully separate fibre optic data lines by Indihome/TELKOM connected to independent routers and their repeaters. In the Living Room cottages or their verandas you should be able to connect through one of these. There is also free WIFI in Barracuda restaurant at the other side of the resort.
The WIFI is usually good, but in times of many guests visiting the island (usually more in the weekends) the traffic speed can drop. We’re still on a remote Indonesian island, so there can be other unforeseeable hiccups.
Henny, Lumba Lumba
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
The Gili Islands in Indonesia offer a captivating blend of marine marvels and island tranquillity. These enchanting gems are renowned for their stunning coral reefs, where vibrant hard and soft corals create a mesmerizing backdrop for divers.
The Gili Islands boast an extraordinary richness of marine life, from tiny pygmy seahorses to gentle sea turtles, schools of colorful reef fish, and the magnificent manta rays that grace the crystal-clear waters.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
There are a number of excellent reefs around the island for diving, and the house reef is home to biorocks (which is part of our coral restoration program here on the island) and numerous species of fish and turtles. It is a nice way to spend a few hours exploring the waters around the island.
The internet:
Gili Trawangan is a small island and a number of people choose to work here remotely and find effective Wi-Fi in many of cafes and places to stay round the island.
Though it’s always best to keep in mind that being a small island connectivity can sometimes be patchy and we do have power cuts every now and then, and sometimes this can impact productivity, especially if you’re doing a lot of uploading or video calls.
Victoria, Trawangan Dive Centre
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The snorkling is very good in front of Blue Marlin.
The internet:
The internet should be fine for remote work.
Rowan, Blue Marlin Dive Gili Air
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is a little deep, starting at 16 meters, however the slope (a 50 meters swim from shop) has abundant marine life. The north of the island is the best part for snorkelling and freediving, and it is a short 10 min walk from the dive shop.
The internet:
We have good (broadband) internet connection at the shop.
Ayon, General Manager
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef you can snorkel there everyday with the turtles. also diving wise most dive sites are within 10 mins away by speedboat.
The internet:
We have a pretty reliable internet.
Laguna Gili Team
Areas for Improvement:
Raja Ampat is a place of unparalleled natural wonder, where the marine world unfolds like an underwater Eden. This remote archipelago in Indonesia stands as a beacon of biodiversity, boasting the highest marine species diversity on the planet.
Its coral reefs are a testament to nature’s artistry, with kaleidoscopic formations of hard and soft corals, teeming with an astonishing array of fish and invertebrate life.
What sets Raja Ampat apart is not just its thriving underwater ecosystems but also the unique balance of large pelagics like manta rays, sharks, and schools of barracuda with the tiniest and most elusive macro creatures.
Diving here is an immersive experience into a world where every nook and cranny of the reef holds surprises, from pygmy seahorses to flamboyant cuttlefish. This remote paradise, with its crystal-clear waters and untouched landscapes, continues to captivate divers and marine enthusiasts, reminding us of the importance of preserving our oceans.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Plenty of amazing snorkeling which can be done directly in front of both our resorts. Even though both our resorts (Sorido Bay and Kri Eco Resort) are separate private operations, all our guests are free to access the main jetty of each resort to be able to snorkel on each resort respective housereef. They each offer a different experience. Walking distance between resorts is 10 – 15min along the beach when low tide or approximately 15min through the forest. When high tide it’s also possible to snorkel from one resort to the other above the reef plateau.
The internet:
We have Wifi and generally it’s good enough to, for example, do video calls. The strength of the connection is not always stable and there is never a guarantee that internet is available all the time (if we don’t have interent then it’s often the complete province of West-Papua which has no internet). As back-up you could buy a local sim card (TELKOMSEL) for mobile connection.
Jimmy Sorido Bay
Areas of Improvement:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
We have a house reef teeming with marine life sits that good for you to explore. Snorkeling at our house reefs is allowed at no charge from 7:00AM to 6:00PM without guide while Night snorkeling at 7:00PM is allowed only with snorkel guide with extra charge.
For your information, we have 2 house reefs in the resort. House Reef 1 is located in front, close by the bungalows. House Reef 2 located in the back or behind the resort. Both house reefs have their own jetties with stairs. So, you can enter and exit the water from one of these jetties only.
The internet:
As for the internet connection, we do have WIFI connection adequate for emails & basic browsing and available in public area. It might not always deliver sufficient signal to go online or in order to download your Emails. The speed depends on the number of the user. Even though we can’t give guarantees it should be possible to send files by email up to 3MB.
Titis, Reservation Department at Papua Paradise Eco-Resort
What People Love:
What Some Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is nice for snorkeling. In some areas of the reef our Papua Explorers Foundation started a project a couple of years ago to create a new reef over there and this coral garden keeps growing and growing.
You can start snorkeling directly from your bungalow veranda during high tide (when the shallow parts are covered with water) and during low tide from the dive center jetty.
Sometimes we spot cute baby reef sharks looking for their next fishy meal in the shallows. All in all, there is definitely a lot to see.
The internet:
We have WiFi in the public areas of the resort. The strength varies and sometimes it reaches to the bungalows as well. It is sufficient for emails, Whatsapp and Facebook, but sometimes it’s not enough to up or download big video files.
Banu, Papua Explorers
Positive Aspects:
Areas for Improvement or Less Satisfactory Aspects:
There you go. Plenty of places to choose from throughout the world’s diving Mecca: Indonesia, a country I’ve visited 5 times now, always for snorkeling and diving, and one which I think I can safely will continue to call to me for the rest of my life.
There are far more dive resorts in Indonesia than what I’ve covered on my list but, as far as I know, no one online has focused on covering the ones with quality house reefs (both for snorkelers and divers) and which have internet connectivity that would allow for remote work or workations.
These are the kinds of places I have always tried to seek out so I thought, why not do some digging and compile them into a list for people interested in staying at Indonesian dive resorts to snorkel or dive but who might have to deal with work BS while there.
Indonesia is the beating heart of the coral triangle and arguably the world’s diving Mecca, but it really depends what you are looking for and your dive level. If you’re looking for macro and muck diving, the Sulawesi (and in particular Lembeh) is widely recognized as the best place in the world.
If you are interested in seeing mantas, whale sharks and want to squeeze as much species diversity (coral and fish) into your dives as possible, then Raja Ampat in West Papua is going to be your best bet.
Regardless of your requirements and diving interests, there is something on the above list for everyone.
It’s not just good; it’s arguably the best in the world. Indonesia is the epicentre of global marine biodiversity. If an alien arrived on Earth and asked you to point them toward the most impressive underwater biodiversity on our planet, you would be hard-pressed to find a country/region more fitting than Indonesia. Jacques Cousteau called Wakatobi, Sulawesi an “underwater Nirvana.”
This isn’t an easy question to answer because it depends on what you’re after. If you are obsessed with nudibranchs, then you might want to head to Anilao, a town a few hours outside Manila which is often called the “nudibranch capital of the world.” Here’s a list of the pros and cons of each location:
Indonesia:
Pros:
Cons:
The Philippines:
Pros:
Cons:
Diving options in Indonesia run the gamut from budget to five-star luxury. You can pay many hundreds of dollars a night for boutique dive resorts in Lembeh, or you can find much more affordable options in the more backpacker-friendly places like the Gili Islands in West Nusa Tenggara and Bali. Remoteness, amenities, what’s included in your dive package, and, of course, things like airfare and other transportation are all things to factor in.
Choosing the right snorkel fins can completely change your experience in the water. The best options balance comfort, propulsion, weight, and packability—especially if you’re traveling. Whether you’re floating above reefs or kicking into deeper water, the right fin helps you conserve energy and stay out longer.
If you’ve ever floated over a coral reef and had that moment—where everything just feels alive—it’s hard to forget. And once you’ve seen it, it’s even harder to ignore what’s happening to it. There’s no single solution to protecting our oceans. But there are people doing real, impactful work every
Stretching over 600 miles from Mexico down through Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, the Mesoamerican Reef is the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. It has long been one of the best places in the Western Hemisphere for snorkeling and diving.
Today, it’s also one of the most vulnerable.
The wildlife channels that I think are most worth subscribing to on YouTube are an eclectic mix of individuals and organizations in various wildlife niches. They include divers, bird experts, conservation societies, reserve trail cams, native and wildlife gardening aficionados.
After spending four months backpacking through Central America, I can say from experience that meeting people while traveling can look very different depending on your stage of life. As someone who is single and in my mid-30s, I’ve found it can sometimes be a bit more challenging to meet people
Instead of bouncing between towns like many travelers do, I decided to slow down and spend an entire month in San Pedro La Laguna. An incredible little town in Guatemala that all too often gets deemed a “party” town, but it’s so much more than that.
What People Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef is surround the jetty but the better ones are maybe a minute away or two by boat. We have expats who snorkel nearby on the regular basis. Internet is sufficient but we are in the meantime trying to instal a better system.
The internet:
We have clients who are enjoying the internet as we speak.
Daniel, Taisk Ria Resort
What People Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is known to be one of the best in the region with plenty of soft and hard corals. The maximum depth is at 14 meter and the rooftop is between 0 and 3 meters depending on the tides, which makes it very suitable for snorkeling.
The internet:
We are on an island, so although our internet is pretty good and sufficient to work normally, there are sometimes interruptions on the network. They are getting less frequent, but they still are very much a possibility.
Caroline, Guest Experience Manager at Coral Eye Boutique Resort and Marine Outpost
What People Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
Don’t let its western location fool you. Pulau Weh boasts an incredibly diverse range of marine species.
Situated at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea, in the Strait of Malacca, Pulau Weh boasts an exceptional species diversity (especially rarities like Three-Spot Angelfish and Regal Tangs) usually only seen much farther east.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The snorkeling here at our house reef is really nice, with many areas to explore. Gapang bay is sheltered and there are no strong currents. If you would like to see some other snorkeling spots, you could join the dive boat as well when we are diving. In general we also offer snorkelers or non-divers to join our speedboats to the divesites, if we have space left available
The internet:
For the internet: we have two fully separate fibre optic data lines by Indihome/TELKOM connected to independent routers and their repeaters. In the Living Room cottages or their verandas you should be able to connect through one of these. There is also free WIFI in Barracuda restaurant at the other side of the resort.
The WIFI is usually good, but in times of many guests visiting the island (usually more in the weekends) the traffic speed can drop. We’re still on a remote Indonesian island, so there can be other unforeseeable hiccups.
Henny, Lumba Lumba
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
The Gili Islands in Indonesia offer a captivating blend of marine marvels and island tranquillity. These enchanting gems are renowned for their stunning coral reefs, where vibrant hard and soft corals create a mesmerizing backdrop for divers.
The Gili Islands boast an extraordinary richness of marine life, from tiny pygmy seahorses to gentle sea turtles, schools of colorful reef fish, and the magnificent manta rays that grace the crystal-clear waters.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
There are a number of excellent reefs around the island for diving, and the house reef is home to biorocks (which is part of our coral restoration program here on the island) and numerous species of fish and turtles. It is a nice way to spend a few hours exploring the waters around the island.
The internet:
Gili Trawangan is a small island and a number of people choose to work here remotely and find effective Wi-Fi in many of cafes and places to stay round the island.
Though it’s always best to keep in mind that being a small island connectivity can sometimes be patchy and we do have power cuts every now and then, and sometimes this can impact productivity, especially if you’re doing a lot of uploading or video calls.
Victoria, Trawangan Dive Centre
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The snorkling is very good in front of Blue Marlin.
The internet:
The internet should be fine for remote work.
Rowan, Blue Marlin Dive Gili Air
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is a little deep, starting at 16 meters, however the slope (a 50 meters swim from shop) has abundant marine life. The north of the island is the best part for snorkelling and freediving, and it is a short 10 min walk from the dive shop.
The internet:
We have good (broadband) internet connection at the shop.
Ayon, General Manager
What People Really Love:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
The house reef you can snorkel there everyday with the turtles. also diving wise most dive sites are within 10 mins away by speedboat.
The internet:
We have a pretty reliable internet.
Laguna Gili Team
Areas for Improvement:
Raja Ampat is a place of unparalleled natural wonder, where the marine world unfolds like an underwater Eden. This remote archipelago in Indonesia stands as a beacon of biodiversity, boasting the highest marine species diversity on the planet.
Its coral reefs are a testament to nature’s artistry, with kaleidoscopic formations of hard and soft corals, teeming with an astonishing array of fish and invertebrate life.
What sets Raja Ampat apart is not just its thriving underwater ecosystems but also the unique balance of large pelagics like manta rays, sharks, and schools of barracuda with the tiniest and most elusive macro creatures.
Diving here is an immersive experience into a world where every nook and cranny of the reef holds surprises, from pygmy seahorses to flamboyant cuttlefish. This remote paradise, with its crystal-clear waters and untouched landscapes, continues to captivate divers and marine enthusiasts, reminding us of the importance of preserving our oceans.
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Plenty of amazing snorkeling which can be done directly in front of both our resorts. Even though both our resorts (Sorido Bay and Kri Eco Resort) are separate private operations, all our guests are free to access the main jetty of each resort to be able to snorkel on each resort respective housereef. They each offer a different experience. Walking distance between resorts is 10 – 15min along the beach when low tide or approximately 15min through the forest. When high tide it’s also possible to snorkel from one resort to the other above the reef plateau.
The internet:
We have Wifi and generally it’s good enough to, for example, do video calls. The strength of the connection is not always stable and there is never a guarantee that internet is available all the time (if we don’t have interent then it’s often the complete province of West-Papua which has no internet). As back-up you could buy a local sim card (TELKOMSEL) for mobile connection.
Jimmy Sorido Bay
Areas of Improvement:
What People Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
We have a house reef teeming with marine life sits that good for you to explore. Snorkeling at our house reefs is allowed at no charge from 7:00AM to 6:00PM without guide while Night snorkeling at 7:00PM is allowed only with snorkel guide with extra charge.
For your information, we have 2 house reefs in the resort. House Reef 1 is located in front, close by the bungalows. House Reef 2 located in the back or behind the resort. Both house reefs have their own jetties with stairs. So, you can enter and exit the water from one of these jetties only.
The internet:
As for the internet connection, we do have WIFI connection adequate for emails & basic browsing and available in public area. It might not always deliver sufficient signal to go online or in order to download your Emails. The speed depends on the number of the user. Even though we can’t give guarantees it should be possible to send files by email up to 3MB.
Titis, Reservation Department at Papua Paradise Eco-Resort
What People Love:
What Some Were Less Happy About:
What they say about their house reef and internet:
The house reef:
Our house reef is nice for snorkeling. In some areas of the reef our Papua Explorers Foundation started a project a couple of years ago to create a new reef over there and this coral garden keeps growing and growing.
You can start snorkeling directly from your bungalow veranda during high tide (when the shallow parts are covered with water) and during low tide from the dive center jetty.
Sometimes we spot cute baby reef sharks looking for their next fishy meal in the shallows. All in all, there is definitely a lot to see.
The internet:
We have WiFi in the public areas of the resort. The strength varies and sometimes it reaches to the bungalows as well. It is sufficient for emails, Whatsapp and Facebook, but sometimes it’s not enough to up or download big video files.
Banu, Papua Explorers
Positive Aspects:
Areas for Improvement or Less Satisfactory Aspects:
There you go. Plenty of places to choose from throughout the world’s diving Mecca: Indonesia, a country I’ve visited 5 times now, always for snorkeling and diving, and one which I think I can safely will continue to call to me for the rest of my life.
There are far more dive resorts in Indonesia than what I’ve covered on my list but, as far as I know, no one online has focused on covering the ones with quality house reefs (both for snorkelers and divers) and which have internet connectivity that would allow for remote work or workations.
These are the kinds of places I have always tried to seek out so I thought, why not do some digging and compile them into a list for people interested in staying at Indonesian dive resorts to snorkel or dive but who might have to deal with work BS while there.
Indonesia is the beating heart of the coral triangle and arguably the world’s diving Mecca, but it really depends what you are looking for and your dive level. If you’re looking for macro and muck diving, the Sulawesi (and in particular Lembeh) is widely recognized as the best place in the world.
If you are interested in seeing mantas, whale sharks and want to squeeze as much species diversity (coral and fish) into your dives as possible, then Raja Ampat in West Papua is going to be your best bet.
Regardless of your requirements and diving interests, there is something on the above list for everyone.
It’s not just good; it’s arguably the best in the world. Indonesia is the epicentre of global marine biodiversity. If an alien arrived on Earth and asked you to point them toward the most impressive underwater biodiversity on our planet, you would be hard-pressed to find a country/region more fitting than Indonesia. Jacques Cousteau called Wakatobi, Sulawesi an “underwater Nirvana.”
This isn’t an easy question to answer because it depends on what you’re after. If you are obsessed with nudibranchs, then you might want to head to Anilao, a town a few hours outside Manila which is often called the “nudibranch capital of the world.” Here’s a list of the pros and cons of each location:
Indonesia:
Pros:
Cons:
The Philippines:
Pros:
Cons:
Diving options in Indonesia run the gamut from budget to five-star luxury. You can pay many hundreds of dollars a night for boutique dive resorts in Lembeh, or you can find much more affordable options in the more backpacker-friendly places like the Gili Islands in West Nusa Tenggara and Bali. Remoteness, amenities, what’s included in your dive package, and, of course, things like airfare and other transportation are all things to factor in.
Choosing the right snorkel fins can completely change your experience in the water. The best options balance comfort, propulsion, weight, and packability—especially if you’re traveling. Whether you’re floating above reefs or kicking into deeper water, the right fin helps you conserve energy and stay out longer.
If you’ve ever floated over a coral reef and had that moment—where everything just feels alive—it’s hard to forget. And once you’ve seen it, it’s even harder to ignore what’s happening to it. There’s no single solution to protecting our oceans. But there are people doing real, impactful work every
Stretching over 600 miles from Mexico down through Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, the Mesoamerican Reef is the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. It has long been one of the best places in the Western Hemisphere for snorkeling and diving.
Today, it’s also one of the most vulnerable.
The wildlife channels that I think are most worth subscribing to on YouTube are an eclectic mix of individuals and organizations in various wildlife niches. They include divers, bird experts, conservation societies, reserve trail cams, native and wildlife gardening aficionados.
After spending four months backpacking through Central America, I can say from experience that meeting people while traveling can look very different depending on your stage of life. As someone who is single and in my mid-30s, I’ve found it can sometimes be a bit more challenging to meet people
Instead of bouncing between towns like many travelers do, I decided to slow down and spend an entire month in San Pedro La Laguna. An incredible little town in Guatemala that all too often gets deemed a “party” town, but it’s so much more than that.
