15 Best Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean in 2023

A cocktail in a private plunge pool overlooking a private island and the Caribbean Sea; a stay in an overwater bungalow is dreamy. The allure of staying right above the ocean is one you can’t resist. You can wake up to the gentle lapping of waves and, during the day, enjoy direct access to the sea for swimming and snorkeling. You can even spot marine life from the privacy of your own private deck or terrace. The choices of overwater bungalows in the Caribbean are incredible.

Top Overwater Bungalows in the Caribbean

Ready to discover some of the best overwater bungalows in the Caribbean? This guide has the most amazing overwater bungalows – whether you want glass floors, plunge pools, or butler service. These 15 Caribbean overwater bungalows are in a league of their own.

1. Aruba Ocean Villas

Aruba Ocean Villas is an intimate collection of overwater villas in the small Aruban town of Savaneta. As far as overwater bungalow accommodations go, Aruba Ocean Villas is one of the most peaceful you could choose. The property only has 4 overwater bungalows in total, and Savaneta is so quiet that you may as well be on a private island. We love its peaceful atmosphere. And this property is also adults-only – giving it an extra exclusive vibe.

You can choose an overwater bungalow with a private plunge pool and even an overwater hammock at Aruba Ocean Villas. The bungalows are spacious and full of serenity. Overall, the main highlights are definitely the relaxed, adults-only atmosphere and beautiful room facilities.

2. Sandals Royal Caribbean – Montego Bay

Sandals Royal Caribbean – Montego Bay is clearly stunning. Have you seen the color of the waters around these Caribbean overwater bungalows? Situated on its own white sand, private island, Sandals Royal Caribbean is one of the most classic, exciting overwater bungalow resorts. The resort perfectly balances being left undeveloped and natural in sections and having enough luxury resort facilities.

You get all the photogenic benefits of staying on a tropical island and stunning overwater cabanas and bungalows. For us, its setting stood out the most, but honestly, everything is impressive, and Sandals Royal Caribbean is easily one of the best overwater bungalow resorts.

Located off Jamaica’s north coast, Sandals Royal Caribbean is a beautiful base to explore the mainland. Its many overwater bungalows range in styles and amenities – with some featuring tranquility soaking tubs, glass floor panels, and a private infinity pool. Bungalow guests also access a shared pool, fitness center, spa, garden, and daily complimentary breakfast – what’s not to love?

3. Thatch Caye Resort a Muy’Ono Resort

Thatch Caye Resort, a Muy’Ono Resort, is on an island off mainland Belize. Thatch Caye Resort has views that seem to outdo most other overwater bungalows with lazy ease. Each bungalow has 180-degree views of the ocean and the private island from a private suspended patio. It is impossible not to love the rustic designs and chunky indoor furniture cut from beach wood.

Since Belize City is well enough connected for international visitors to fly to, reaching Thatch Caye Resort is surprisingly easy to organize. And, really, its remote location is what really caught our eyes as it is the perfect overwater bungalow resort to retreat to for some peace and quiet. We all want to escape the mainland mayhem sometimes.

If you want a minimalistic experience with an overwater bungalow, Thatch Caye is one of the most stunning overwater bungalows in the Caribbean. The chunky furniture and rustic, windswept bungalow exterior is the perfect way to channel a luxury twist on a Robinson Crusoe experience.

4. Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge

If you thought Thatch Caye was beautiful, wait until you see Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge. The eco-friendly resort is set on the Bocas del Toro Archipelago in Panama. Palm-roofed wooden cabins are scattered along a shoreline of endless greenery. The natural aesthetic is the most impressive part of Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge – at least in our opinion.

It’s hard not to love the roofs thatched with palms and the backdrop of sea and forests. Each overwater bungalow is run entirely off solar panel energy. And the lodge runs special candlelit dinners to encourage minimal electricity use at night.

Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge has some incredible day trips too. The lodge organizes dolphin-watching experiences, cultural immersions, snorkeling, and rainforest hikes. While if you want an independent venture, you can hire complimentary snorkeling or kayak gear from the lodge. This property is best suited to those who love wildlife and want an eco-friendly experience with many chances to immerse themselves in nature.

5. Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma

When you think of overwater bungalows, you tend to think of Mexico. Something about the white sand beaches and iconic Mexican coastline just lends itself to the dream of staying on the ocean for as long as possible. And Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma just proves why.

This stunning collection of Caribbean overwater bungalows is set on Playa del Carmen, just 1.7 miles from the famed Playa del Carmen Beach. It has a dreamy location for those wanting to experience Mexico while ticking off the dream of an overwater bungalow stay.

For us, though, the location is just a small reason why it made it onto our list. The facilities and aesthetic of the resort layout also won us over. Palafitos Overwater Bungalows at El Dorado Maroma hs communal facilities, including a gym, pool, restaurant, and karaoke bar. It is one of the most lively and fun luxury resorts in this guide. We love the sociable streak it offers. And the tropical jungle background while you sit on your private terrace is hard to beat.

6. Royalton Antigua Resort, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino

Royalton Antigua Resort is enveloped in serenity and natural scenery in Five Islands Village on Antigua & Barbuda. The 5-star property is best suited to those wanting a resort experience – for instance, appreciating a wealth of communal facilities and the overwater bungalows experience.

Bungalow guests access an outdoor pool, direct beach access, a kids club, and a gym. Royalton Antigua Resort also has the benefits of an all-inclusive beachfront resort, with an added bonus collection of overwater bungalows. The all-inclusive element is the most stand-out quality of staying at the Royalton Antigua Resort.

Royalton Antigua Resort is the most family-friendly of all the fantastic overwater bungalows in this guide. The kids club and organized activities are a surefire success. Similarly, adults will especially appreciate the new Chairman overwater bungalows and novelty features like the outdoor garden shower. It is a solid allrounder that provides a high-caliber all-inclusive experience on Antigua & Barbuda – perfect.

7. Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico

It is not often that you get to stay amongst mangroves and jungle on the Riviera Maya. But at Rosewood Mayakoba, Mexico, you can do just that. The luxury resort is one of Mexico’s most strikingly beautiful overwater bungalows. And situated in the 620 acres of the gated community of Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba is also one of the most exclusive sets of overwater bungalows in Mexico.

Guests arrive by boat through a series of iconic, lush waterways. Your bungalows are set against lagoons of bright green, and the ecosystem is so fascinating that you get a complimentary daily tour to learn new information daily. Whether you’d prefer to hike nature trails, charter a private yacht around the Mayakoba waterways, or venture out with the rangers on eco-tours, Rosewood Mayakoba is a beautiful spot to connect with nature. This is the main reason we added it to our list.

It’s worth adding that Rosewood Mayakoba also has some fantastic facilities. For instance, you can go scuba diving at its Dive and Water Sports Center. Or you could play a round of golf at a Championship course or try your skill on an archery range. Pretty exciting stuff when you aren’t getting connected to the Mexican wildlife.

8. St George’s Caye Resort

You wouldn’t expect to find St George’s Caye Resort just 7.5 miles off the coast of Belize City (check out our guide on the most incredible things to do in Belize City here). This picturesque Belizan resort is on its own private island, surrounded by some of the Caribbean’s finest turquoise waters and whitest sands. St George’s Caye Resort is heaven on earth, quite frankly. The island’s shoreline is rife with endangered turtles and energetic dolphins. While onshore, you’ll live a life of luxury-loving with three meals each day included in your resort fee. A free airport transfer is also complimentary. St George’s Caye Resort is an accommodation choice to consider if you love places that provide thoughtful luxuries. Between the traditional overwater bungalows and all the included amenities, we just had to include it in our guide.

St George’s Cay Resort facilities include sports facilities, a private beach, and a watersport hire if you want to explore the island by water. You’ll have plenty to do on the days you choose to stay on the island rather than venturing to the mainland.

9. Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Banyan Tree Mayakoba is easily one of the most famous overwater bungalows in Mexico. Set in the sought-after 620 acres of Mayakoba, Banyan Tree is known for its mangrove surroundings and bright green waterways. While there are several oceanfront villas, you can usually snag one of the overwater bungalows if you book in advance.

These bungalows each have a gorgeous private infinity pool or terrace – ideal for relaxing in an intimate space with water views. And in the day, you can opt for a mangrove boat tour for the ultimate insight into the stunning ecosystem around the property. Its mangrove setting is our absolute favorite part of this property.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba is just 6.2 miles from Playa del Carmen, which is full of things to do. Banyan Tree Mayakoba also has many facilities. Its signature Banyan Tree Spa has daily spa services, from massages to beauty treatments. While on-site, there are 11 specialty restaurants and three bars – plus a massive communal pool and expansive gardens if you fancy light exercise before eating. And as an extra treat, you could even book a golf lesson over the road at El Camaleón Golf Club.

10. Sandals South Coast All Inclusive – Couples Only

Fancy a couples-only resort experience in Jamaica? Honestly, if you have a significant other, why wouldn’t you? Sandals South Coast is a stunning all-inclusive resort in White House, a beach town on Jamaica’s lesser-visited south coast. It primarily offers beachfront properties with swim-up access and perhaps a private patio. But treat yourself by going the extra mile and booking the ‘over the water honeymoon butler bungalow’.

The overwater bungalows are arranged in the shape of a heart and are connected by a wooden walkway. Each home features a suspended patio, which you can swim up to directly from the ocean, and glass floor panels to spot marine life from your bedroom. The romantic atmosphere is incredible – so we had to add it to our list as a particular recommendation for couples.

Regarding communal facilities, the highlights are the enormous outdoor pool, gym, spa, and garden. You can work up a sweat with a couple’s workout at the gym or head for a romantic stroll through Sandals South Coast garden. Sandals South Coast is total bliss for a sweet getaway. It is next to some of the best beaches in Jamaica as well.

11. Sol Bungalows Bocas Del Toro

Sol Bungalows Bocas Del Toro is a set of rustic, duck egg-colored overwater bungalows in the Caribbean. Unlike the other plain-colored bungalows on this list, Sol Bungalows have a distinctive allure. The blue bungalows dot a tropical coastline (more full of rainforest than beaches) with little wooden steps that give guests direct access to the sea.

Each bungalow has a sun deck and swim-up platform – perfect for soaking up the sun between sims. It’s impossible not to love the design. The properties have unique features like netted floors and glass floor panels in sections. Sol Bungalows Bocas Del Toro is trendy and irresistibly so, which caught our eye immediately.

Bocas Toros is a sought-after destination in Panama. And Sol Bungalows is an ideal base – surrounded by gorgeous scenery and plenty of impressive facilities. With water sports equipment to hire for things like kayaking and canoeing, you can explore all around Sol Bungalows by water.

While the garden and communal terrace are excellent for more sociable relaxation – perhaps mingling with other guests and making new friends. For complete ease, breakfast is served each morning, and the restaurant on-site serves lunch and dinner. Sol Bungalows is a beautiful blue spot, incredible for kicking back and enjoying a break away in Panama.

12. Anthony’s Key Resort

Honduras might not be your first thought regarding overwater bungalows. Still, Anthony’s Key Resort will surely sell you on the idea. The resort has one of the classiest interiors with boutique wooden furnishings and a terrace overlooking the ocean in every bungalow. It is dreamy and a photogenic base if you fancy venturing out of the more touristy areas of the Caribbean. We’ve got to say how photogenic we found Anthony’s Key Resort swayed us towards including it in this guide.

Apart from its stunning interior design, Anthony’s Key Resort has an outdoor pool, beach, and a restaurant specializing in seafood – all fantastic facilities for a relaxing holiday. But most importantly, the resort offers an exciting list of activities. You can get involved with horseback riding on the beach and even scuba diving if you have your PADI.

Anthony’s Key Resort is a beautiful spot with outstanding facilities and exciting on-site activities. If it’s your first time in Honduras, you really can’t go wrong by choosing this collection of Caribbean overwater bungalows. And you can check out our ultimate travel tips for visiting Honduras here.

13. Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge

Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge looks like its overwater bungalows have exploded straight out of the jungle – like some luxurious wooden extensions of its most gnarled trees. The lodge is surrounded by nature, backed by miles of dense rainforest, and confronted with miles of bright blue sea.

Located right on Panama’s Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park border, Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge is ideally situated for marine animals and other wildlife encounters. And when it comes to spotting animals like brightly colored fish, dolphins, and turtles, you can use the glass flooring in the privacy of your bungalow. Regarding wildlife sightings, Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge is one of the best overwater bungalows in the Caribbean.

Another massive positive of staying at Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge is that it’s run with solar panels. Guests also access beautiful facilities, including a communal garden and snack bar. Overall, Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge is a fantastic place to relax with comfortable facilities and bungalows and connect with local wildlife.

14. Azul Paradise

Azul Paradise is a high-quality yet more modestly priced option for overwater bungalows. The property is set on Isla Bastimentos in Panama. It provides an eco-friendly resort experience with rustic but comfortable bungalows. The off-the-grid accommodation style really impressed us. Azul Paradise is ideal if you want an immersion into quiet coastal living.

The property has thatched roofs, traditional dark wood interiors, and a beautiful private beach. For an introduction to rural Panama, you really can’t get better. Azul Paradise has those overwater bungalows you don’t see in glossy travel agent magazines, which is precisely why we like them.

Aside from the private beach and beautiful overwater bungalows, Azul Paradise does offer watersport equipment. You can be canoeing on bright blue waters when you aren’t enjoying your bungalow. It is ideally located to connect with nature and get outdoors in the most luxurious way possible.

15. Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Beach All-Inclusive Resort

Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa and Beach Resort is part of the stunning chain of Sandals Resort. This particular property is located on Pigeon Island Beach in Saint Lucia. Sandals Grande is set on a white sand beach with vivid waters that appear bright green. The chain chose wisely when selecting this location.

Its tropical setting is precisely the place you envision when imagining overwater bungalows. Along the beach are pop-up beach huts with palm-thatched roofs and an outdoor pool and gym to enjoy facility-wise. Sandals Grande is the perfect resort environment, and this all-inclusive resort is for couples only; you are guaranteed a romantic vibe.

The overwater bungalows themselves are stunning, needless to say. While a relatively new addition to the property, they have quickly caught the eyes of luxury holiday seekers – ourselves included – with their glass flooring, overwater hammocks, and 24-hour room service. And when you aren’t in your overwater bungalow, there are plenty of water activities like windsurfing to try your hand at. St Lucia is famous for its beautiful beaches and varied things to do.

To Conclude

Overwater bungalows in the Caribbean are hard to beat. These 15 best overwater bungalows should have you well and truly converted. Hopefully, at least one has caught your attention. Whichever you choose, we hope that you have a relaxing and memorable experience staying above the ocean.

Looking for more inspiration about traveling in the Caribbean? Check out our articles on the best Caribbean dishes and the 20 best Caribbean islands for your bucket list. Otherwise, have a wonderful trip.