I think you’ll agree that finding overwater bungalows in the USA is a real challenge.
Well, it doesn’t have to be.
In this article, you’ll find overwater bungalows that are in the US, as well as just outside of it.
And at the end of this post, you’ll find our definitive guide for overwater bungalows, where we teach you everything you need to know (A first timer’s guide).
Let’s start with the short answer to the question…
What are the best overwater bungalows in the USA?
There’s technically only one set of overwater bungalows in the United States (Disney – Orlando, Florida) however if you’re willing to travel a short distance outside of the USA, you’ll have many bungalows to choose from.
Here’s a list of 15 overwater bungalows (basically) in the US.
Locations (Click to skip)
- Florida Overwater Bungalows
- Bahamas Overwater Bungalows
- Jamaica Overwater Bungalows
- St. Lucia Overwater Bungalows
- Mexico Overwater Bungalows
- Belize Overwater Bungalows
- Aruba Overwater Bungalows
- Cuba Overwater Bungalows
- Panama Overwater Bungalows
- Honduras Overwater Bungalows
Florida
| Flight from NYC | 2-3hrs |
| Flight from LA | 4-5hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Jan-Apr |
1. Disney’s Polynesian Bungalows
Best for: Families
Location: Orlando, Florida
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 20
Looking for overwater bungalows in Florida?
Disney World offers overwater bungalows at their Polynesian Village Resort.
The Polynesian inspired bungalows are located on Lake Buena Vista.
Each bungalow includes:
- Free Wifi
- Washer & Dryer
- Spacious Private Deck
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
Learn more about Disney’s Bungalows
Jamaica
| Flight from NYC | 4-5hrs |
| Flight from LA | 7-10hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Nov-Dec |
2. Sandals South Coast
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: Whitehouse, Jamaica
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 12
Sandals South Coast has a set of overwater bungalows lined up in a heart shape.
Each bungalow has a view into the ocean below, with a glass panel in the floor. You can literally roll out of bed and watch the tropical fish right beneath your feet.
Not only are their bungalows perched above the turquoise Caribbean sea, but their chapel and bar are too.
Dine at one of their nine fine-dining restaurants and end the night at their romantic overwater bar.
The greatest part about going to a Sandals resort is their all-inclusive model. Once you pay, you don’t have to worry about costs your whole vacation.
Key features at South Coast:
- Fitness Center
- Unlimited Liquor
- 9 Fine Dining Restaurants
- Roundtrip Transportation
St Lucia
| Flight from NYC | 7-9hrs |
| Flight from LA | 15hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Dec-Apr |
3. Sandals Grande St Lucian
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 8
Another incredible resort offered by Sandals is their Grande St. Lucian.
These overwater bungalows are even newer than their South Coast ones and more intimate.
Key Features at Grande St. Lucian…
- Free wifi
- Tranquility soaking tub
- Your own personal butler
- In-room bar including premium liquors
The greatest part about an overwater bungalow is that you can wake up and jump right into the ocean. No commute required.
If you live on the West Coast of the USA, then you might want to consider a closer destination.
Learn more about Grande St Lucian
Mexico
| Flight from NYC | 4hrs |
| Flight from LA | 4-5hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Dec-Apr |
4. El Dorado Maroma
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 30
The El Dorado Maroma is an all-inclusive luxury resort that’s only a 30-minute drive from the airport.
It’s located south of Cancun, which keeps the atmosphere romantic and quiet for couples.
Every overwater bungalow includes:
- Glass bottom floors
- Private Infinity Pool
- Spacious Outdoor Deck
5. Rosewood Mayakoba
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Rosewood Mayakoba is a collection of 129 luxurious suites, drawing inspiration from the Mayan traditions.
From their beachfront suites to lagoon suites, each offers an unforgettable experience.
Although their lagoon suites aren’t technically the traditional overwater bungalow, it’s a unique option to consider.
Their ‘Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite’, offers…
- Heated Plunge Pool
- Premium Wifi Service
- Fresh fruit bowl replenished daily
Learn more about Rosewood Mayakoba
Belize
| Flight from NYC | 5-6hrs |
| Flight from LA | 5-6hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Nov-Apr |
6. Thatch Caye
Best for: Families / Couples
Location: Thatch Caye Island, Dangriga, Belize
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 5
Thatch Caye is an all-inclusive private island resort that’s a short boat ride away from Dangriga, Belize.
They only allow 30 guests at a time to visit, which makes it seem like a deserted island (in the best way possible).
One of the coolest parts about Thatch Caye is its attention to sustainability.
They banned single-use plastics and only use reef-safe sunscreen.
If you’re looking for a more affordable overwater bungalow option, where you can unplug from your everyday life, then you should highly consider Thatch Caye.
Quick note: Wifi isn’t available in the rooms, only in two areas of the resort.
7. Cayo Espanto
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: San Pedro, Belize,
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 1
Cayo Espanto is a secluded island resort in Belize that offers one overwater bungalow (called Casa Ventanas).
Perched about the crystal clear water at the end of a 150-foot dock.
It also offers a glass-bottom panel for you to view the marine life below.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed vacation or just a relaxing spa getaway, Cayo Espanto is a fantastic choice.
Watch this video on Cayo Espanto
Aruba
| Flight from NYC | 5-7hrs |
| Flight from LA | 9-12hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Apr-Aug |
8. Aruba Ocean Villas
Best for: Couples / Families
Location: Savaneta, Aruba
The Old Man and the Sea Ocean Villas welcomes families to couples.
Especially those who want a relaxing and romantic trip away from everything.
Offering 3 types of overwater bungalows:
- Jojoli Bungalow (Cheapest option)
- Isla Alistaire Bungalow
- Dushi Sue Bungalow
There is something for everyone to enjoy at the Aruba Ocean Villas.
Learn more about Aruba Ocean Villas
Cuba
| Flight from NYC | 4-6hrs |
| Flight from LA | 7-9hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Dec-May |
9. Hotel Melia Cayo Coco
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: Las Coloradas Beach, Cayo Coco
Hotel Melia Cayo Coco is an adults-only all-inclusive that has overwater bungalows located on their lagoon.
If you’re searching for bungalows that sit above crystal clear water, this isn’t the resort for you.
However, it’s one of the more affordable options when it comes to overwater bungalows in the Caribbean.
Key features at Cayo Coco:
- Seven bars
- Five restaurants
- Fitness Center
Learn more about Melia Cayo Coco
Panama
| Flight from NYC | 7-8hrs |
| Flight from LA | 7-9hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Dec-Apr |
10. Punta Caracol
Best for: Honeymooners / Families
Location: Bocas del Toro province
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 9
The overwater suites at Punta Caracol provide guests with different amenities depending on the type of bungalow they book.
Their sustainability program is quite impressive.
The restaurant and all of the suites are powered by solar energy.
Out of their 100 acres, they only utilize 2%, leaving the remaining 98% as a private natural reserve.
Bottom line…
If you’re searching for an affordable overwater bungalow resort where you can spend most of your time admiring nature, Punta Caracol is the one.
Learn more about Punta Caracol
11. Viceroy Bocas del Toro
*Opening in 2021*
Location: Bocas del Toro
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 42
Viceroy Resorts is currently constructing luxury overwater villas just a short distance from Panama City.
Known for their next-level luxury experiences, you can be sure they’ll live up to expectations.
Spanning across 457 acres of tropical paradise, it’ll be equipped with…
- Eight restaurants
- Numerous pools
- Meditation rooms
12. Azul Paradise
Best for: Honeymooners / Families
Location: Bocas del Toro province
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 10
Azul Paradise resort also uses solar panels to power their bungalows.
The deluxe bungalow offers a king bed with a private deck.
Enjoy air conditioning, a TV, towels, snorkel supplies, and lounge furniture.
Noteworthy things to do…
- Fishing
- Chocolate farm tour
- Dolphin & sloth excursions
- Visit local villages or Bocas town
Learn more about Azul Paradise
13. Urraca Private Island
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: Bocas del Toro province
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 6
The Urraca Private Island is an eco-lodge that’s adults-only.
They use solar panels to supply power and even collect rainwater.
The island is also home to 12 monkeys.
The standard bungalows offer outside showers with hot water but share full facilities of two bathrooms between four bungalows
The honeymooner bungalows have their own bathrooms.
If you’re searching for overwater bungalows that are on the cheaper side and are immersed in nature, this is an option to consider.
Learn more about Urraca Private Island
14. Eclypse De Mar Acque Lodge
Best for: Honeymooners / Couples
Location: Bocas del Toro province
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 7
Eclypse De Mar is located on a nature reserve, which is home to offers many different animals (from exotic birds to sloths).
While there are many things to do in the area, the wildlife takes center stage for most visitors.
The bungalows at Eclypse de Mar Acqua have solar power and the water is spring water that is treated for safety.
Quick Note: The resort is set up for low water and power consumption
Popular things to do:
- Visit the nature preserve
- Fishing
- Snorkeling
Learn more about Eclypse de Mar Acqua
Honduras
| Flight from NYC | 7hrs |
| Flight from LA | 7hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Dec-Apr |
15. Coco View Resort
Best for: Dive enthusiasts
Location: Roatan, Honduras
Number of Overwater Bungalows: 16
Founded in 1982, Coco View Resort was made specifically for dive enthusiasts in Roatan, Honduras.
Roatan is known for having some of the most beautiful spots for snorkeling and scuba diving.
They boast a pretty impressive number of over 5000 returned trips.
Their main goal is to craft the perfect diving operations, and I think it’s safe to say, they’ve mastered it.
If you’re looking for a diving resort in the Caribbean, this should be at the top of your list.
Learn more about overwater bungalows.
1. Overwater bungalow safety
Are overwater bungalows even safe?
2. How to get the best price
Tips & tricks on how to book the cheapest price.
Learn all this & more in our definitive overwater bungalow guide.
