10 Best Spots For Snorkelling In India: Dive Into Adventure

An image of a snorkeller surrounded by black fishes similar to snorkelling in India

Snorkelling in India is a great way to experience diverse marine life. With a long coastline, clear waters, and coral reefs teeming with fish, several spots are worth exploring. From remote islands to easily accessible beaches, these destinations are ideal for beginners and experienced snorkelers. The underwater world here is home to colourful fish, sea turtles, and various coral species. Here’s a guide to some of India’s best places for snorkelling, along with what makes them special and how to get there.

Top 10 Places For Snorkelling In India

Listed below are the top 10 snorkelling spots in India, offering exciting experiences for you to enjoy the underwaters:

1. Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

image of a snorkeller underwater similar to Havelock Island waters of Andaman and Nicobar

Photo: Tanguy Carpaye-Taïlamée / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Havelock Island is a well-known spot for snorkelling in India, with clear waters and various marine life. Elephant Beach is a popular place to explore underwater, where visitors can spot coral reefs, sea turtles, and colourful fish. Beyond snorkelling, visitors can take glass-bottom boat rides, walk through tropical forests, or unwind on sandy beaches. The island has a range of resorts, adventure activities, and local eateries serving fresh seafood.

Cost Of Snorkelling: Approximately ₹1,000 – 1,500 for a 30 minute session
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair

2. Bangaram Atoll, Lakshadweep Islands

A kid snorkelling underwater in clear blue water similar to snorkelling in India

Photo: KinEnriquez / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Bangaram Atoll is an uninhabited island in Lakshadweep known for its clear lagoons and rich marine life. The shallow coral reefs are home to stingrays, reef sharks, and various fish, making it a great place for snorkelling. Visitors can also try kayaking, scuba diving, and dolphin spotting. With no urban distractions, the island offers a quiet escape for those looking to spend time in nature.

Cost Of Snorkelling: Approximately ₹2,000 – 3,500 per session
Nearest Airport: Agatti Airport, Lakshadweep

3. Aravind’s Wall, Pondicherry

A snorkeller underwater surrounded by fishes, similar to snorkelling in Aravind's Wal

Photo: Hikmah Cut Ramadhana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Aravind’s Wall is a well-known snorkelling and diving site off the coast of Pondicherry, featuring a vertical drop and a diverse marine ecosystem. The area is home to various coral species, sea snakes, and schools of tropical fish, making it an interesting spot for underwater exploration. Due to strong currents, it is better suited for experienced snorkellers looking for a challenge. Beyond marine activities, visitors can explore Pondicherry’s French colonial architecture, sandy beaches, and rich cultural scene.

Cost Of Snorkelling: Approximately ₹1,500 – 2,500 per session
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Puducherry Railway Station

4. Netrani Island, Karnataka

A snorkeller exploring the coral of Netrani Island, a good place for snorkelling in India

Photo: Kalana Weeramuni / Wikimedia Commons

Netrani Island, also called Pigeon Island, is a well-known snorkelling spot in Karnataka. The waters around the island are clear, making it easy to see marine life like butterflyfish, parrotfish, and sometimes even whale sharks. The coral reefs support a variety of fish, offering an interesting underwater experience. The combination of marine activities and local heritage makes this a great place to visit and experience snorkelling in India.

Cost Of Snorkelling: Approximately ₹1,000 – 2,000 per session
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Murudeshwar Railway Station

5. Grand Island, Goa

An image of a rocky island surrounded by the ocean water in Goa for snorkelling in India

Photo: Naveen Gollapalli / Wikimedia Commons

Grand Island is a well-known snorkelling spot in Goa, with clear waters supporting various marine life. Angelfish, sea urchins, and even dolphins can sometimes be spotted in the area. Snorkellers can also explore shipwrecks and underwater rock formations, adding an extra element of discovery to the experience. Beyond snorkelling, visitors can take dolphin-watching tours, go on fishing trips, or enjoy a picnic on the island.

Cost Of Snorkelling: Approximately ₹1,500 – 2,500 per session
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Vasco da Gama Railway Station

6. Tarkarli, Maharashtra

a person snorkelling in Tarkarli, near the fort, the best place for snorkelling in India

Photo: Rudolph.A.furtado / Wikimedia Commons

Tarkarli, located in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, is a great spot for snorkelling. The waters near Sindhudurg Fort are home to coral formations and various marine life, making it an interesting place for snorkelling. Snorkellers can swim over shallow reefs and even visit shipwreck sites, adding an element of discovery to the experience. Apart from snorkelling, Tarkarli offers houseboat stays, water sports, and dolphin-spotting tours. The town’s coastline and well-preserved marine ecosystem make it a good choice for those looking to combine adventure with relaxation.

Cost Of Snorkelling: Approximately ₹800 – 1,500 per session
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport, Goa
Nearest Railway Station: Kudal Railway Station

7. Red Skin Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

A snorkeller underwater in clear blue water, resembling the waters of Red Skin Island

Photo: Kevin C. Charpentier / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Red Skin Island, part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, is a well-known snorkelling spot with clear waters and diverse marine life. The coral reefs are home to various fish, sea cucumbers, and other underwater species, making it an interesting place to explore. For those who prefer to stay dry, glass-bottom boat rides offer a way to observe the marine ecosystem without getting into the water.

Cost Of Snorkelling: Approximately ₹1,500 – 2,500 per session
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair

8. Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep Islands

A person snorkelling near the school of clown fish, similar to snorkelling in Kavaratti

Photo: Kanenori / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Kavaratti Island, the capital of Lakshadweep, is known for its white sand beaches and rich marine life. The best time for snorkelling in India is from October to March, when the sea is calm and visibility is high, allowing for a better underwater experience. Beyond marine activities, the island offers a chance to experience traditional island culture, enjoy local seafood, and take boat tours around nearby atolls.

Cost Of Snorkelling: Approximately ₹1,500 – 2,500 per session
Nearest Airport: Agatti Airport, Lakshadweep

9. Cinque Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

A woman with snorkel gear, lying on the water, similar to the waters of Cinque Island.

Photo: John Cahil Rom / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Cinque Island is a quiet and remote snorkelling spot in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Its clear waters and thriving coral reefs make it home to one of India’s most diverse marine ecosystems. Snorkelers can swim alongside sea turtles, angelfish, and manta rays, making every dive an exciting experience. The island is split into North and South Cinque, connected by a sandbar that disappears during high tide. Its isolation keeps the crowds away, making it ideal for those who prefer a more peaceful underwater adventure.

Cost Of Snorkelling: Approximately ₹2,000 – 3,500 per session
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair

10. Agatti Island, Lakshadweep Islands

A person swimming underwater and wearing a snorkel mask resembling Agatti Island

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Agatti Island is a well-known snorkelling destination in Lakshadweep, with clear lagoons and a thriving marine ecosystem. The coral atolls around the island are home to reef fish, manta rays, and sea turtles, making it an interesting place for underwater exploration. Agatti Island is a great place for snorkelling, and snorkelling in India cost is reasonable, especially here.

Cost Of Snorkelling: Approximately ₹2,000 – 3,500 per session
Nearest Airport: Agatti Airport, Lakshadweep

Snorkelling in India is done in various spots, from the clear waters of the Andaman Islands to the coral reefs of Lakshadweep and the shores of Goa. These places offer a chance to see marine life up close, with colourful fish, corals, and other sea creatures. Plan your trip with TripXL to explore India’s diverse snorkelling destinations and discover the rich marine life beneath the waves.

Cover Photo: Miles Hardacre / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most snorkelling spots have guided tours that are beginner-friendly.
swimsuit, rash guard, and snorkelling gear are recommended.
Most places allow children above six years old, provided they are supervised.
Some locations offer prescription snorkelling masks for better underwater vision.
Most snorkelling areas are safe, but following local safety guidelines is always best.

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