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Scuba diving in Kolkata is one of the exciting undertakings everyone with and without experience needs to try. Kolkata does not have direct scuba diving facilities. However, coastal areas like Digha, Tajpur, and the Sundarbans offer incredible marine biodiversity. Whether you want to explore the vibrant coral reefs or dive into the serene waters of the Bay of Bengal, many destinations near Kolkata offer scuba diving at a very affordable to moderate price range, ensuring everybody gets to take the plunge.
Location
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Kolkata is also an excellent gateway for scuba diving lovers, as this is a big metropolis on the eastern coast of India. However, there is no diving spot within the city itself. Some nearby spots like Digha, Tajpur, and the Sundarbans offer adequate scope for scuba diving. Clear waters, rich marine life, and calm conditions characterise only a few hours from Kolkata.
How To Reach
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By Road: Kolkata is quite well connected to the surrounding coastal areas by a vast network of roads. The dive location is approximately 100–200 km from here and can be reached by taxi or car.
By Sea: Some diving operators provide sea rides to nearby locations on the Bay of Bengal, especially in places around Sundarbans.
By Air: The major airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which has regular flights from all major cities. Upon landing, you can travel by road to reach the areas.
Best Scuba Diving Spots In Kolkata
1. Sundarbans
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The Sundarbans, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world’s premier diving destinations near Kolkata. Known for massive mangrove forests and rich biodiversity, this location undeniably offers a great scuba diving experience as it hosts various marine life, including saltwater crocodiles and dolphins. Diving in the Sundarbans is a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world amidst unique ecosystems and a wide range of available dive depths in Kolkata to suit all levels.
Entry Fees: ₹2000 – 3000
Best Time To Visit: November to March
2. Digha
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Digha is one of the most accessible and sought-after beach destinations close to Kolkata. It provides clean, shallow water and is excellent for the diving community. The calm sea near Kolkata makes it an ideal location for beginners who have recently entered scuba diving and for seasoned professionals looking to experience a peaceful dive. Famous for its tranquil beach, vibrant marine life, and primarily shallow dive sites, the coastal town is an ideal place for beginners.
Entry Fees: ₹1500 – 2500
Best Time To Visit: October – March
3. Tajpur
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This is a village on the coast of Kolkata and is regarded as peaceful and relatively calm. It has untouched beaches, is reasonably quiet, and is shallow, perfect for beginner and intermediate-level divers. These waters here have teeming marine life, including colourful fish and coral reefs, in all their vibrant glory to provide a serene and immersed diving experience. Here, while the beaches at Digha are much more crowded, Tajpur offers a quiet and, by extension, ideal setting to get away from the rush and get immersed in a more secluded diving experience.
Entry Fees: ₹2000 – 3500
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Where To Stay
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While planning a trip for scuba diving in nearby regions, deciding on the right kind of accommodation is essential. You’ll find comfortable options like The Digha Retreat and Hotel Sea Coast in Digha. These hotels are famous for their proximity to the beach and diving operators. For a more nature-centred stay, eco-resorts near the Sundarbans, such as Sunderbans Jungle Camp, offer a unique experience close to nature. Tajpur is yet another popular diving spot. Tajpur Beach Resort offers secluded experiences that are close to diving centres. You have budgetary and luxury suite options to choose from, depending on your convenience.
What To Eat
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Several eateries are around the diving areas near Kolkata, especially for seafood. Hotel Sea Hawk and Mahalaya Hotel, Digha, are famous for offering fresh fish, crab, and prawn dishes, which taste purely coastal Bengal. The Tajpur Beach Resort offers mouthwatering Bengali dishes, including macher jhol (fish curry) and bhuna khichuri (spicy rice), perfect for relishing after a dive. Scuba diving can be improved through its coastal cuisine. You may dine on riverside fresh catch fish throughout the region at local restaurants.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time for scuba diving is during the winter months between November and March. Perfect climatic conditions, sunny skies, gentle temperature ranges, and low tides set into the ideal sea to explore the underwater world. In these months, the temperature in and around Kolkata is pleasant, particularly along the coastal areas. Sea conditions are usually favourable for safe diving. These months provide optimal visibility and safety, whether shallow dives at Digha or deeper excursions at Sundarbans.
Other Factors To Consider
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Average Cost Of The Trip
Scuba diving around nearby places in Kolkata would cost ₹1500 – 5000 depending on the area and depth of the dive. Budget travel and budget equipment costs.
Tips For Travellers
- Proper Certification: Ensure you carry a valid diving certificate.
- Sea Condition: Check the sea condition before booking your dive.
- Pre-book Your Dive: It always pays to pre-book your dive to book a secured spot on board.
Scuba diving in Kolkata and its nearby regions provides a thrilling opportunity to explore the underwater world of the Bay of Bengal. Whether you’re diving in the calm waters of Digha or the mangrove-rich Sundarbans, there’s a diving experience for everyone. While Kolkata itself doesn’t have natural scuba diving spots, there are exciting ways to experience the underwater world. Plan a trip with TripXL and plunge into this underwater paradise.
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