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Does life underwater always intrigue you? And do you want to get into the depths of the ocean, exploring the deep-riddled secrets that lie underneath the surface of the water? Well, that’s what scuba diving in India offers. This underwater adventure takes you to the depths of the ocean to explore the marine biodiversity that awaits underneath. From the coral reefs to the vibrant species of marine life, there’s so much that you get to witness in real-time. From the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the Lakshadweep Archipelago, each location presents a distinct diving experience.
8 Places For Scuba Diving In India
With over 7,500 kilometres of coastline and diverse marine ecosystems, India offers a plethora of scuba diving experiences for beginners and seasoned divers alike.
1. Andaman Islands
Photo: Akumal Scuba Diving / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
When talking about the best scuba diving experience lets talk about Andaman which is the crown jewel of India. Located in the southeast of the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands offer an experience of a lifetime. Beyond the deep dive into the ocean, what stands out is the close interaction with the diverse marine life and the crystal-clear waters on the beach which also make the sea appear vibrant and alluring to the eyes. furthermore it’s the Some of the best places to experience scuba diving in India which also includes Port Blair, Havelock Island and Neil Island.
Best places: Havelock Island, Neil Island, Port Blair
Best Time: October to May
Cost/Person: ₹3500 onwards
Suggested Read: Famous Beaches In India To Help You Take A Dive In Natural Beauty
2. Lakshadweep
Photo: Emma Li / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the iconic scuba diving spots in India is the Lakshadweep Islands. The islands stand out for their unspoiled beauty and rich heritage. However, with a long stretch of coastline, deep oceans and vibrant marine life, Lakshadweep makes for an amazing spot for a scuba diving experience. Moreover, Kadmat Island and Agatti Island are two of the most sought-after diving spots in Lakshadweep and is also known for its clear blue lagoons and extensive coral gardens.
Best places: Kadmat Island and Agatti Island
Best time: October to May
Cost/Person: ₹4000 onwards
3. Goa
Photo: Matthew T Rader / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
As you dive deeper into the ocean, the beauty of the marine life, crystal clear waters and the live coral reefs of Goa will leave you mesmerised. The majority of the dive sites in Goa go up to 15 metres depth, which is a lot less than what you’d anticipate. For those interested in exploring shipwrecks, then the SS Rita is a must-visit site. This sunken cargo ship is now home to a variety of marine creatures and provides an exciting dive experience. Also, some of the operators in Goa offer PADI and SSI-certified courses for divers.
Best Places: Davy Jones locker, Suzy’s wreck, Grand Island
Best Time: October to April
Cost/Person: ₹1500 onwards
Suggested Read: Famous Forts In India To Explore For An Amazing Experience
4. Netrani Island, Karnataka
Photo: Subhas Nayak / Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for scuba diving certification in India but don’t want the extensive crowd to overwhelm you, Netrani Island in Karnataka is the perfect spot. Also, it is alternatively known as Pigeon Island and is popular for its clear waters and rich marine life. Additionally, The waters around Netrani Island is known for its visibility, which is extending up to 30 metres, which makes it ideal for underwater photography. Furthermore you can spot some of the popular fish species visible underneath such as angelfish, butterfly fish, and barracudas. The island is also home to some of the larger species including whales, sharks and sea turtles.
Best Places: Pebble Beach, Nursery, The Grotto
Best Time: September to April
Cost/Person: ₹4000 onwards
5. Aravind Wall, Pondicherry
Photo: Akumal Scuba Diving / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another offbeat and often less talked about scuba diving spot in India is Aravind Wall in Pondicherry. which is located around 15 km off the coastline, this secluded location makes it a perfect diving site and a popular option among tourists looking for some peace and respite. The ocean is home to a wide range of fish species that you can spot during your dive. Moreover, if you dive deeper and explore the nooks and crevices, chances are that you might get to see the famous Moral eels hiding away there. Also, the diving site is 40 metre deep, therefore it’s reserved for advanced divers.
Best Places: Aravind’s Wall
Best Time: December to April
Cost/Person: ₹3000 onwards
Suggested Read: Famous Forts In India To Explore For An Amazing Experience
6. Kovalam, Kerala
Photo: W.Strickling / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kerala is more than its coconut trees and backwaters. With so many diverse beaches and a long coastline, Kovalam in Kerala is an ideal place to explore scuba diving opportunities. The dive sites around Kovalam are known for their relatively calm waters and good visibility. One of the highlights of scuba diving in Kovalam is getting to witness the underwater rock formations. If you are taking underwater photographs during the dive, these pose as a stunning backdrop for your images. Most of the diving centres in Kovalam offer comprehensive training and diving courses too, so you are sorted.
Best Places: Puffer Paradise, Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam Beach
Best Time: September to February
Cost/Person: ₹3200 onwards
7. Varkala, Kerala
Photo: Yu Diving / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
While on the topic of scuba diving sites in Kerala, another city that’s renowned for such water activities is Varkala. The unique underwater topography of the spot makes it a perfect site for taking that deep dive and exploring the beauty of the marine life underneath. Divers can expect to see schools of reef fish, octopuses, and even the occasional turtle. Since the risks of tides and currents are fairly low here, it makes for a great site for beginner scuba divers, too. Also, the dive centres across Varkala offer training and assistance before you dive underwater.
Best Places: Varkala beach
Best Time: September to February
Cost/Person: ₹3000 onwards
Suggested Read: Best Waterfalls In India To Visit On Your Next Vacation
8. Tarkarli, Maharashtra
Photo: Frédéric Ducarme / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Among all the scuba diving spots in India, Tarkali in Maharashtra is an emerging spot that’s gaining more and more traction due to its location. It is located near Sindhugarh Fort, making it easier for you to navigate and explore the coastline and the water activities that await your presence. The highlight of the scuba diving experience there lies in the crystal clear water, which provides an easy view of the vibrant marine life underneath the water. Also, this is one of the few diving spots in India where the diving spot is located far away from the coastline, further adding to the thrill and adventure.
Best Places: Kings Garden, Dharan Point
Best Time: October to April
Cost/Person: ₹1000 onwards
Scuba diving in India is emerging as a popular water adventure activity. With so many diving spots across the country and such amazing experiences with close encounters with marine life, you can’t pass up on these experiences. However, for the smooth execution of your travel experience, planning is key. You must keep a check on the best time for scuba diving in India before you secure all your bookings with TripXL.
Cover Photo: AshwiniShinde / Wikimedia Commons
