For dive clubs, the sweet spot for budget overseas trips is clear: great diving, simple logistics, and a total trip cost under AUD 5,000 per diver.
The good news? There are still plenty of destinations that deliver incredible experiences—without blowing the budget. Even better, these locations tend to offer:
- Generous tour leader allowances
- Short to moderate flight times from Australia
- Reliable, resort-based diving
Here are five proven favourites that consistently tick all the boxes.
1. Santo, Vanuatu
World Class WWII wrecks, easy logistics, and serious value close to home.
Espiritu Santo is one of the easiest international dive trips for dive clubs in Australia and New Zealand—and one of the most rewarding. The headline act is the SS President Coolidge, widely considered one of the largest and most accessible wreck dives in the world, with multiple dives possible across the site. But Santo is far more than the SS President Coolidge:
- Jaw-dropping WWII relics at Million Dollar Point
- Vibrant coral reefs, caverns, swim-throughs and drop-offs
- Occasional dugong sightings in seagrass areas
Why it works for clubs:
- Short flights via Brisbane
- Simple logistics (everything based around Luganville)
- Shore + boat diving keeps costs down
- Excellent group deals and bonuses
- First class SDI/TDI tech diving facilities
Typical trip cost: AUD 3,000 to AUD 4,500
Best for: Wreck lovers and mixed-experience groups
North Sulawesi (Indonesia)
Two world-class dive experiemces in one trip (and flight)
North Sulawesi offers incredible variety—and exceptional value—making it a long-time favourite for dive clubs. You can combine:
- Bunaken – drift diving with turtles on pristine walls
- Bangka – vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish
- Lembeh Strait – one of the world’s best macro destinations (“critter heaven”)
This triple-destination format keeps trips fresh and appeals to a wide range of divers.
Why it works for clubs:
- Affordable packages from Manado
- Easy access via Bali or Singapore
- Ideal for photographers and repeat travellers
- Strong resort infrastructure with group incentives
Typical trip cost: AUD 3,500 to AUD 4,900
Best for: Clubs wanting variety (wide-angle + macro)
Solomon Islands
Pristine reefs and WWII history—without the crowds
The Solomon Islands remain one of the most underrated and best-value dive destinations in the South Pacific. The destination is a crowd-pleaser, suiting everyone from novice divers looking to explore the coral reefs of the Western Province, to tech divers wanting to tick the deep wrecks like the USS Aaron Ward off their bucket list. In regions like Guadalcanal, Uepi and Gizo, divers can explore:
- Literally dozens of WWII wrecks (planes, ships, relics)
- Pristine coral walls, swim throughs and sea caverns
- Exceptionally healthy (and uncrowded) reefs
Why it works for clubs:
- Easy access with direct flights via Brisbane
- Low tourist numbers = exclusive feel
- Strong value for money
Typical trip cost: AUD 3,500 to AUD 4,500
Best for: Crowd pleaser that caters equally for those wanting pristine reefs and historical wrecks.
Bali (Indonesia)
The ultimate value dive destination
If there’s one destination that consistently delivers for budget-conscious dive clubs, it’s Bali. A favourite with Aussie travellers for decades, first-time divers are often surprised at just how good the diving is in Bali.
Within a single trip, you can experience:
- The iconic USAT Liberty wreck in Tulamben
- Unlimited, easy shore diving to coral gardens, artificial reefs and wrecks
- Manta rays and mola mola (seasonal) in Nusa Penida and Lembongan
- World-class macro diving across multiple regions such as Amed, Tulamben and Pemuteran
Bali’s infrastructure makes it incredibly easy to organise group travel—and keep costs low.
Why it works for clubs:
- Frequent, affordable flights from Australia and New Zealand
- Huge range of accommodation options, from budget to high-end
- Unlimited diving packages
- Excellent for training + fun diving
Typical trip cost: AUD 2,500 to AUD 4,500
Best for: Entry-level to advanced, and exceptionally good value for money accommodation
Beqa Lagoon, Fiji
Sharks, soft coral, and remote adventure—without the price tag
Fiji has long been popular with Aussie divers, but Beqa Lagoon stands out as a group-friendly, high-impact option. World famous shark dives, vibrant soft corals, even a couple of wrecks, and a remote atoll waiting to be explored. Highlights include:
- World-famous shark dives (bull sharks, reef sharks, tigers)
- Vibrant soft coral reefs such as the incredible Fantasea
- Access to the remote Cakau Lekaleka atoll for exciting pelagic action
It delivers that “Bula!” welcome and “tropical island” feel—without complicated travel.
Why it works for clubs:
- Direct flights from major cities in Australia and New Zealand
- Well-established dive resorts with excellent facilities
- Good value group packages and inclusions
- Easy combination of adventure + relaxation
Typical trip cost: AUD 3,900 to AUD 5,000
Best for: Clubs wanting exciting shark action with easy logistics
Why These Destinations Hit the Budget Sweet Spot
For dive clubs, these locations consistently deliver because they combine:
- Affordable total trip cost: All can be done for under AUD 5,000 per diver, including flights, accommodation, and diving.
- Easy access from Australia and New Zealand: Short-haul or single-stop flights keep travel simple (and cheaper).
- Strong group incentives: Most resorts and operators offer low tour leader to guest FOC polies, typically from 7+1 FOCs, some also offer group discounts.
- High dive value: Plenty of diving included—often with unlimited or multi-dive day packages, so your price per dive is low.
The Takeaway for Dive Clubs
You don’t need a premium budget to run an unforgettable overseas trip. Destinations like Santo, North Sulawesi, the Solomon Islands, Bali and Beqa Lagoon prove that you can deliver:
- World-class diving
- Strong group experiences
- Excellent value for money
All while keeping your trip accessible to the widest possible range of club members.
Need help finding the best option for your dive club? Contact the team at Diveplanit Travel for help:
