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Kerala, India’s tropical paradise, offers more than just lush backwaters and serene beaches. Its underwater world is equally captivating but a hidden gem waiting to be explored fully yet. However, it is now swiftly becoming a growing hotspot for diving enthusiasts. You can find many diving tours and certified trainers here. Scuba Diving in Kerala promises an unforgettable underwater adventure with its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and diverse dive sites. Dive into this article to find the most popular destinations in Kerala to plan a scuba diving trip.
Factors That Affect Scuba Diving In Kerala
Photo: AshwiniShinde / Wikimedia Commons / Image for representation only
When planning for scuba diving in Kerala, several important factors can influence your experience, such as:
- Water Conditions
- Marine Life
- Dive Site Accessibility
- Dive Operator Expertise
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Levels Of Scuba Diving In Kerala
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Beginner: Beginner-level scuba diving in Kerala is perfect for first-time divers who want to experience the underwater world. Several courses are available for beginners, including basic training concerning theory, pool/confined water sessions, equipment familiarisation, and one open-water dive to a maximum depth of around 12 metres (40 feet).
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Expert: Expert or certified scuba divers can enjoy various dive sites and depths depending on their certification level. The maximum depth of scuba diving in Kerala can range from 18 metres to 30 metres (60 feet to 100 feet), depending on the location.
Duration: Varies based on the divers’ experience, dive site, and conditions.
One-Time Diving: For those looking for a quick diving experience without having to register for a scuba diving certification in Kerala, you can consider enrolling in a “Discover Scuba Diving” or “Introductory Dive” program. This allows you to try scuba diving under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Popular Destinations For Scuba Diving In Kerala
Kerala is one of the most popular destinations for scuba diving in India, and it boasts a captivating underwater world teeming with vibrant marine life. Let’s explore some of the best places to dive in this tropical paradise:
1. Kovalam
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Kovalam, a picturesque coastal haven, offers a vibrant underwater world perfect for divers of all levels. Beginners can enjoy gentle slopes and sandy seabed, while experienced divers can explore deeper sections for a more challenging adventure. The underwater visibility is remarkable, making it a photographer’s paradise. Popular dive sites like Hawa Beach and Lighthouse Beach offer easy access to stunning underwater landscapes.
Minimum Depth Level: 5 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 20 metres
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2. Varkala
Photo: Lukas Vacovsky / Wikimedia Commons
Varkala boasts a pristine underwater landscape that captivates divers with its natural beauty. Divers can swim through enchanting coral gardens and encounter a variety of marine life species. Dive sites like Papanasam Beach and Odayam Beach offer excellent opportunities to explore underwater cliffs and discover hidden caves. Varkala offers a truly enchanting underwater escape and is a must-try.
Minimum Depth Level:5 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 20 metres
3. Kochi
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Kochi’s underwater realm is a fascinating blend of history and marine life. You can dive amidst shipwrecks that have transformed into bustling artificial reefs and explore the remnants of the past while encountering a diverse range of sea creatures. The rich history of Kochi adds a fascinating element to the scuba diving experience, making it a unique underwater destination. Another good thing about Kochi is that diving here is relatively more affordable than other renowned scuba diving destinations in Kerala.
Minimum Depth Level: 3-5 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 24 metres
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4. Kumbazha
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Kumbazha is an unspoiled underwater paradise that rewards divers with crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. You can explore vibrant coral formations, encounter playful schools of fish, and experience the thrill of discovering hidden underwater caves. Dive sites in Kumbazha offer a chance to encounter diverse marine species, from colourful reef fish to majestic sea turtles. The untouched nature of this dive site presents a unique opportunity to connect with the marine life ecosystem.
Minimum Depth Level: 5 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 30 metres
5. Alleppey
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Alleppey, renowned for its backwaters, offers an unexpected underwater adventure. It’s an emerging destination for scuba diving in Kerala, with calm waters and a diverse marine ecosystem. While the scuba diving scene is still developing, it promises a unique experience for those seeking pristine underwater landscapes, especially because of Alleppey’s historical landmarks, such as piers and old lighthouses. Remnants of old structures underwater can be spotted while scuba diving here.
Minimum Depth Level: 5 metres
Maximum Depth Level: 30 metres
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Best Time For Scuba Diving In Kerala
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The best time for scuba diving in Kerala is between September and February when the weather is pleasant, the seas are calm, and visibility is excellent.
Price of Scuba Diving In Kerala
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Prices of scuba diving in Kerala vary based on location, operator, and package. Typically, the price ranges from INR 4,000 to INR 6,000 per dive, including equipment rental and a guide.
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It offers an unforgettable experience for both beginners and seasoned divers with its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and serene diving conditions. From the bustling underwater cities of Kochi to the untouched beauty of Kumbazha, scuba diving in Kerala has something to offer for every scuba enthusiast. For hassle-free trip planning, book with TripXL and dive into the magic of Kerala’s underwater paradise.
Cover Photo: Devender Goyal / Wikimedia Commons
