We found 11 affordable overwater bungalows that start as low as $170 a night and still come with luxury amenities

Book Koro Sun Resort

Fiji's Koro Sun Resort sprawls over 160 acres on the island of Vanua Levu. The property has a spa, impeccable scuba options, and an overwater room category billed as Fiji's only floating accommodation.

Here, Edgewater Floating Bures are adults-only accommodations offering 380-square-foot rooms, each one floating within the resort's calm marina. A two-person kayak is tied to each bure's 120-square-foot private front deck, so you can hop right in the water for either kayaking or swimming. 

Book Hotel Kia Ora Resort & Spa

Totally unspoiled with screensaver views in every direction, Rangiroa Island places you away from the over-saturated crowds of (big-spending) honeymooners on Bora Bora while still indulging in overwater accommodation luxury. Hotel Kia Ora Spa and Resort is located in the Tuamotu Archipelago, located on its largest atoll. The environment includes turquoise lagoons, wild coconut groves, and a stunning tropical garden.

There are 10 overwater bungalows. Each bungalow is decorated in a traditional Tahitian style and includes a glass panel in the floor to observe passing fish. When you aren't enjoying your direct access to the lagoon, you can bike into the island for a visit to the local wine cellar. 

Book Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa

Located in the culturally rich but much lesser-traveled South Pacific destination of Samoa, Coconuts Beach Club Resort and Spa is located on Upolu's southern coast where you'll experience incredible sunrises and sunsets.

The intimate resort offers overwater fales with six indoor-outdoor accommodations boasting spectacular views of the beaches, lagoon, and ocean. Each has a large sun deck, an expansive bedroom with a King bed, and a high traditional Samoan ceiling. Private decks can be closed off with sliding glass doors for privacy and the use of AC. Open-air bathrooms have sunken tubs and waterfall showers. There are no phones or TVs, just total peace.

Book Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge

This eco-lodge is located in Panama's Bocas del Toro area where white sand and turquoise water make the views and the atmosphere idyllic. Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge offers a uniquely untouched nature experience with the ocean right on your doorstep. You can snorkel among colorful fish, kayak through picturesque waters, or take a quick trip to Bocas Town to take in the local culture.  

Guests can enjoy their stay knowing that Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge is passionate about sustainability. On the premises, you will find solar panels for clean energy, a sewage purifying system to avoid pollution, and eco-friendly products in the bathrooms.

Book Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge

Nestled on the border of Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge is a sea and jungle paradise. The on-site nature reserve, which spans over 7 acres, offers guided tours. Here, you will find trails, lagoons, and wildlife like sloths, iguanas, and colorful frogs. 

Each of the seven overwater bungalows is built with local wood and natural palm-leaf roofing. Inside, you will find a glass panel in the floor to watch passing marine life. No matter where you are at Eclypse de Mar Acqua Lodge, you will be immersed in nature.

Book Las Lagunas Boutique Hotel

Las Lagunas is located in the heart of the Mayan world near the ancient ruins of Tikal, Uaxactún, and Yaxhá in Guatemala. Although it's just 10 minutes from the international airport, it feels isolated within the rainforest amid more than 300 acres of an untouched nature reserve. It's a perfect spot for bird watching, too. 

There are a set of 12 Waterfront Master Suites, connected by high-rise paths. Each is a one-bedroom bungalow with a cascade shower bathroom, and a deck with a hot tub overlooking the dazzling water.

Book St. George's Caye Resort

St. George's Caye Resort offers adults-only lodging that is located on a rustic but indulgent private island in Belize. There is a totally secluded feel but it's actually just seven miles from Belize City, so it's still easy and affordable to access.

The overwater bungalows feel like bargains compared to similar accommodations in other parts of the world. Prices start in the low $300s and include full board with no catch. You'll get a private porch with a hammock and thatched roof overlooking the Caribbean Sea on the west side of the island. These six cabanas are situated on a half-moon-shaped dock with prime sunset views. 

Book Pangkor Laut Resort

Pangkor Laut Resort is located on a privately owned island situated three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia along the Straits of Malacca. Here, there are no other resorts, so you're isolated among secluded bays, impeccable beaches, and magical sunsets.

The island comprises 300 acres, but the resort developed just a fraction of that leaving it feeling lush and natural. Overwater accommodations sit on stilts above the tropical waters, each with an expansive balcony with loungers, a bathroom with an oversized tub, and a shower that opens to the sea.

Book Adaaran Club Rannalhi

Adaaran Club Rannalhi is located at the tip of the South Male atoll in the Maldives, with easy access to the capital city of Male. A slate of daily activities includes morning or sunset fishing, a sunset photo tour (on which it would be nearly impossible not to nail some prize-worthy snaps), as well as a full menu of treatments at the spa.

The 34 large and private Water Bungalows all include direct access to the ocean waters from private sun decks with wooden ladders. Bungalows are quite large at nearly 750 square feet, and decor is modern and tropical, done in creams and vibrant colors. 

Book Pearl Farm Beach Resort

With a spa, white sand beaches, and multiple dining options, Pearl Farm Beach Resort includes the accommodations of a luxury resort without costing a fortune. These overwater bungalows — known as the Samal Suites — are elegantly designed with beautiful wood detailing and wicker furniture. And, each bungalow is just steps away from your own private section of beach. 

Pearl Farm Beach Resort also includes two outdoor pools. The infinity pool will make you feel like you are right on the water, while the other pool is nestled among the lush greenery.

Book Panvaree Resort

For a truly unique overwater bungalow, look no further than Panvaree Resort. Located near Ratchaprapha, Thailand, this resort offers stunning natural beauty. Situated over a lake, the property is surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges and breathtaking limestone cliffs. 

The villas themselves are built with ornate dark wood and thatched roofs. Each bungalow comes with your own kayak to explore the lake below. Reviewers rave about the stellar service and food at this resort, which makes it stand out from similar properties.

Where can I stay in an overwater bungalow?

Many of the world's overwater bungalows are found in Asia and the South Pacific, in places like the Maldives and Malaysia, as well as Fiji, Bora Bora, and Tahiti. This is because these areas are home to crystal clear, shallow blue waters that are suited to such accommodations.

While fewer, you'll also find some in the Caribbean and Mexico.

Are overwater bungalows worth it?

If you dream of stepping out of your room and dipping straight into warm, turquoise waters surrounded by incredible scenery, then you'll likely feel that the answer is yes. Overwater bungalows offer the ultimate in luxury, romance, and privacy, in most instances.

However, because of their idyllic accommodations, overwater bungalows will be more expensive than most hotel rooms simply because of the style, and also because remote locations mean it's more expensive to maintain upkeep and import goods and services.

Where are the cheapest overwater bungalows?

According to our research, the cheapest highly-rated overwater bungalow is Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge in Panama. In general, bungalows in Central America are cheaper than you'll find in Asia and the South Pacific.

For the cheapest prices, look to travel in off season, away from holiday periods, and when the weather might mean more rain.

How much does it cost to stay in a water bungalow?

If you travel in off season, it might be as low as $200 to $300 a night. However, on average, many prices seem close to $400 or $500. And if you opt for true luxury resorts, they likely will inch closer to $1,000, especially if you opt for all-inclusive or full-board packages and travel during popular times of the year and holidays.

1. We considered price first and foremost, and every hotel on this list ranges from $170 to $600.
2. Every hotel offers overwater accommodations, plus access to beautiful beaches, activities, and scenery.
3. These budget-friendly options are found in top-end destinations such as the South Pacific including Tahiti, Central America and the Caribbean, and Asia, including the Maldives. 
4. All overwater bungalow hotels provide excellent service and picture-perfect amenities to ensure each property meets your lofty expectations.
5. We made selections based on our own travel experience, as well as past traveler reviews and rankings on trusted traveler sites such as Trip Advisor and Booking.com.
6. Most hotels are tailor-made for romance and ideal for couples (many are adults-only), though we've also included some options that welcome families or are affordable for solo trips.