by Billy |
Updated: September 7, 2021 Let me guess… you’re searching for overwater bungalows in the USA, right?
Well, I’ll get right to it…
There’s only one set of overwater bungalows in the United States (Disney – Orlando, Florida).
But, don’t worry there are quite a few options just outside the USA.
At the end of this article…
You’ll find our guide for overwater bungalows, where we teach you everything you need to know.
First, 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.
Florida
Flight from NYC: 2-3hrs
Flight from LA: 4-5hrs
Best Time to Visit: Jan-Apr
1. Disney’s Polynesian Bungalows
Learn more about Disney’s 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.
Key features at Disney Polynesian:
- Minutes from Magic Kingdom
- Unique Water Pageant
- Spacious Private Deck
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 built into the floor. You can literally roll out of bed and watch the tropical fish 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 during your stay.
Key features at South Coast:
- Unlimited Liquor
- 9 Fine Dining Restaurants
- Inclusive Roundtrip Transportation
St Lucia
Flight from NYC: 7-9hrs
Flight from LA: 15hrs
Best Time to Visit: Dec-Apr
3. Sandals Grande St Lucian
Learn more about 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.
The greatest part about an overwater bungalow is that you can wake up and jump right into the ocean. No commute is required.
If St. Lucia is too far for your liking, then you should consider El Dorado Maroma.
Key Features at Grande St. Lucian:
- Free wifi
- Tranquility soaking tub
- Your own personal butler
- In-room bar including premium liquors
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
El Dorado Maroma is an all-inclusive luxury resort that’s only a 40-minute drive from Cancun International Airport.
Located south of Cancun keeps the atmosphere romantic and quiet – ideal for couples.
It’s the only overwater bungalow resort in Mexico.
Key features at El Dorado Maroma:
- Glass bottom floors
- Private Infinity Pool
- Spacious Outdoor Deck
5. Rosewood Mayakoba
Learn more about 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.
Key features at Rosewood Mayakoba:
- Heated Plunge Pool
- Premium Wifi Service
- Fresh fruit bowl replenished daily
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.
Aruba
Flight from NYC: 5-7hrs
Flight from LA: 9-12hrs
Best Time to Visit: Apr-Aug
8. Aruba Ocean Villas
Learn more about 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.
Cuba
Flight from NYC: 4-6hrs
Flight from LA: 7-9hrs
Best Time to Visit: Dec-May
9. Hotel Melia Cayo Coco
Learn more about 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
Panama
Flight from NYC: 7-8hrs
Flight from LA: 7-9hrs
Best Time to Visit: Dec-Apr
| Flight from NYC | 7-8hrs |
| Flight from LA | 7-9hrs |
| Best Time to Visit | Dec-Apr |
10. Punta Caracol
Learn more about 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.
11. Viceroy Bocas del Toro
*Opening in late 2023*
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
Learn more about 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
13. Urraca Private Island
Learn more about 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 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.
14. Eclypse De Mar Acque Lodge
Learn more about Eclypse de Mar Acqua
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 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’s 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
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
Coco View Resort was made specifically for dive enthusiasts in Roatan, Honduras.
Roatan is known for having some of the most beautiful spots for 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.