8 Best Places For Scuba Diving in India
If you think beaches suitable for scuba diving in India is a far fetched dream and that this is only a thing of the fancy places abroad, think again! India is a land of many unexplored treasures, exotic beaches being a part of this.
Here is a list of 8 best places to scuba dive in India.
1. Havelock Island
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A treasured beauty of the Indian sub continent, the Andaman Islands offer some of the most beautiful beaches in India. Tourist can enjoy a lot of water sports in Andaman, but it is famous among divers across the globe as well. The gorgeous islands of Andaman and Nicobar offer breathtaking views both under water as well as on land. The pristine beaches, the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs are enough reason to make the Islands command a dominant position on the list of the world’s best scuba diving spots. The Havelock Island which is a great dive site is also home to Rajan, the ocean swimming elephant of India.
These islands have several diving sites where you can spot a variety of marine animals such as the Scorpion fish, Octopus, Angler fish, Sharks and Coral reefs. Andaman is simply among the best scuba diving destinations in India. The Wall, Clinque Island ( Port Blair), Fish Rock are some must visit dive sites.
Dive sites: Aquarium, The Wall, Lighthouse, Pilot Reef, Minerva Ledge, Elephant Beach, Johny’s Gorge, Dixon’s Pinnacle
Recommended guides/schools: DIVEIndia, Barefoot SCUBA, Andaman Bubbles SCUBA Diving
2. Lakshadweep
If you thought that exotic white sand beaches can only be found outside India, think again! Lakshadweep Islands, a group of 36 islands collectively, are surrounded by crystal clear water that is home to a vibrant and active marine life. The Bangaram coral islands are a top choice among scuba divers and are easily reachable by an overnight sea journey in a cruise 250 km from Kochi. 240 metres off the Malabar coast. The Bangaram coral islands are blessed with gorgeous beaches, coral sand, coral reefs and affluent marine genus. An absolute must visit for divers, the Lakshadweep is home to some of the best scuba diving sites in India. The popular dive sites are Aggati Islands, Bangarram Islands.
Dive sites: Bangaram , Kavaratti, Kadmat, Minicoy, Agatti
Scuba Diving courses / schools: Planet SCUBA India, Lacadives, Lakshadweep Diving activity
3. Goa
Unlike the popular misconception, Goa is much more then beaches and beer. There is no dearth of adventure activities in Goa. It also boasts of spectacular scuba diving sites such as the Grand Island that is easily accessible from South Goa. You can expect to experience the beautiful coral gardens, shipwrecks and colourful fishes as the waters have a clear visibility upto a depth of 5 meters. Although the waters in Goa may not be an ideal site for scuba diving, they are pleasant enough and offer a different scuba diving experience altogether. Some popular dive sites are - Uma Guva Reef, Shelter Cove and The Jetty.
Some popular dive sites in Goa are - Uma Guva Reef, Shelter Cove and The Jetty
4. Pondicherry
The modest little town of Pondicherry is well known for its French architecture and peaceful environment and style of living. However, this quaint town is home to some top scuba diving spots in India that boast of striking corals and gorgeous fishes such as the Lion fish, Tiger fish, King fish, Eels, the Eagle and Manta rays, Parrot fish, Sea snakes and more.
Dive sites at Puducherry: Cool Shark Reef, Temple Reef, The Hole, 4 Corners
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5. Netrani Islands
The coastal Karnataka can easily be called as the nature’s laboratory as it offers variety natural formations such as enchanting valleys, lush green forests, fresh backwaters as well as coral reefs. The Netrani or Pigeon Island that is located 19 km from the town of Murudeshwara, is one of the most popular deep sea diving sites in India. It is well known for its serene tropical waters, vivacious corals, marine species. The deep sea diving sites here are home to the great diversity of fish life common to the Arabian Sea such as Whales, Turtles, Stingrays, Cobias and Stone fish can be spotted here.
Dive sites: The Nursery, Grand Central Station, The Abyss, Dini’s Delight, Cul De Sac, Alladin’a Cave
6. Malvan
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This modest town in Sindhudurga once commanded strategic importance to ruling empires. Today, Malvan is a popular tourist destination and home to Tarkarli beach that is one of the rare places in Maharashtra with crystal clear water ideal for underwater diving in India. The intriguing underwater life and rockscapes are worth an exploration. You can expect to get glimpses of star fish, cephalopods, sea urchins and reefs on your underwater exploration. Cool Shark Reef, Temple Reef, The Hole, 4 Corners are some popular dive sites.
Dive sites: Dandi Beach, Tsunami Island (Karli backwaters), Sindhudurg Fort
For Scuba Diving Courses/schools: Morya Underwater Sports Group, Shamika SCUBA diving, Head Bubble SCUBA diving, MarineDive Scuba Diving, Joshua's S.C.U.B.A Diving in Tarkarli, Kinara SCUBA diving
7. Kovalam
Fortunately, the paradise called Kerala, still houses some untouched beaches that are an excellent sit for Scuba diving. The tourists throng the beaches to indulge in snorkeling and scuba diving in Kerala. The rich untouched by time and the underwater life is still unexplored and enjoyed by people. Though artificial, the nearby reef adds to the charm of the underwater treasures of Kovalam, Kerala. Often referred to as the God’s own country, Kerala has diverse water bodies including astounding waterfalls, rivers, lagoons, canals and lakes. Divers can enjoy the multicoloured reefs, star fish and jelly fish, Blacktip sharks, Ray fish among others, making this an exciting diving destination.
Recommended guides/schools: Bond Safari SCUBA diving
8. Dwarka
Dwarka is one of the most lesser-known scuba diving spots in India. Very few SCUBA enthusiasts are aware that it is also one of the finest spots to go diving! Perfect for a dive, the underwater world of Byet Dwarks houses a diverse collection of multi-hued sea animals and stunning corals. Jellyfish, Flower shaped sea anemones and tiny hyroids are other specialties that you can spot on your dive. According to the legend, Dwarka was drowned by its ruler Lord Krishna himself and the remains that date back to 3000-5000 BC, are still visible underwater, according to few experts.
Dive sites: Blue Bell Beach in Shivrajpur, Beyt Dwarka
Recommended guides/schools: Golden Dwarka SCUBA diving centre
If you don’t know how to swim but still want to dive, don’t worry. Most of the above mentioned places first give some basic scuba diving lessons for the first time divers. All you have to do is pack your bag and get to these awesome scuba diving spots for an absolutely not-to-be-missed experience.
*If you know any other scuba diving sites or training centers please let us know in comments.
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