India is a land of great diversity. There is a desert in Rajasthan, Snow Himalayan Mountains in north, north east India has a lot of rain and South India is surrounded by water on three sides. There are many diving spots in west and south India. Lets find details about Top Scuba Diving Spots In India.
1 . Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Andaman Islands are located in southeast of Bay of Bengal. It is considered as the best scuba diving spots in India. Mantra rays fish, turtles, octopus finds in Andaman Islands. The Andaman Islands are also famous for marine life, crystal clear waters, colourful species of sea dwellers and coral reefs.
- Popular Destinations: Port Blair, Neil island (Shaheed Dweep), Havelock Islands (swaraj Dweep)
- Best Diving Spots: Turtle Beach, Tribe Gate, Snake Islands, North Bay
- Price: INR 3500 To INR 6500 per dive per person
- Best Diving Season: October to March is the best time to enjoy scuba diving in Andaman. Early Morning dives are popular, because Marine life becomes actives in morning.
- Additional Information: Havelock Islands is the best place for multiple dive spots to learn scuba diving in Andaman. Scuba dive operators provide basic to advanced dive courses.
2 . Lakshadweep Islands: Lakshadweep is one of best locations in India. Lakshadweep is group of Islands famous for blue transparent lagoons and home of species of marine life including turtles, mantra rays, colourful fish life, shark, sea dwellers. This place offers rich coral reefs.
- Popular Destinations: Bangaram Islands, Agatti Islands, Kadmat Islands
- Best Diving Spots: Dolphin Reef, Classroom, Princess Royal, Lost Paradise, Manta Point, Fish Soup
- Price: INR 4000-6000 per person per dive for 30 minutes of underwater dive time.
- Best Diving Season: December to April to have the best scuba diving experience.
- Additional Information: A Warship sank during war of France and England 200 years ago near diving spots of Princess Royal in Bangaram.
- Diving Difficulty: Great for all levels.
3 . Goa: Goa is known for its beaches and nightlife also known for its wonderful scuba diving experiences. Goa is known for its variety of marine life, crystal clear waters, live coral reefs and multiple scuba diving options. Goa is the safest places for scuba diving in India with dive sites are deep up to 5 to 15 meters with lack of underwater current, clear visibility of waters.
- Best Diving Spots: Suzy’s Wreck, Sail Rock, Davy Jones Locker, Grand Island, Shelter cove, Turbo Tunnel.
- Price: INR 1500-INR 4000 per person, which includes training and one dive.
- Best Diving Season: October to April is the best time to dive in Goa.
- Additional Information: Goa is best budgeted places for scuba diving in India. The Water Temperature in Goa remains around 28 degrees Celsius with underwater visibility near to 4 to 8 meters.
- Diving Difficulty: Ideal for Beginners.
4 . Pondicherry: Pondicherry is located on the eastern coast of India. Pondicherry diving places consist of coral reefs, rocky structures, and beautiful marine life including fan corals, manta rays, parrot fish, jackfish, and sea snakes. Goa is a perfect scuba diving destination for beginners, certified divers and considered best scuba diving places in India
- Best Diving Spots: cool shark reef, Aravind’s wall, Temple Reef, 4 corners, Ravines, The Hole.
- Price: INR 4000 to INR 6000 per person, which includes 2, dives in a day.
- Best Diving Season: September to November and February to April are the best diving seasons in Pondicherry.
- Additional Information: Pondicherry is famous for attractive beaches, marine life, pleasant weather of Pondicherry attracts a large no of divers every year
- Diving Difficulty: Beginners to advanced levels.
5 . Kovalam: Kovalam is located in Kerala and is rapidly becoming famous among tourists for scuba diving. Kovalam known for its scenic beaches offers good diving experiences like peaceful waters and exploring multiple species of sea animals, Colourful sea dwellers and vibrant coral reefs in crystal clear water. Kerala is famous scuba diving destinations among tourists for adventure.
- Best Diving Spots: Puffer Paradise, Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam Beach, and Hawah Beach.
- Price: INR 3500-INR 4500 per person
- Best Diving Season: September to Kerala is the best time for scuba dive in Kerala.
- Additional Information: Kerala has many diving spots and Kovalam is an emerging diving spots with wonderful underwater beauty.
6 . Dwarka: Dwarka is located in Gujarat state of India. Dwarka is a popular religious place known for Lord Krishna. Dwarka is also a great place for scuba diving activities. Dwarka is rapidly increasing as a scuba diving destination and offers a wide range of marine ecosystem, offering good visibility, the marine life underwater includes dolphins, sharks, and turtles.
- Best Diving Spots: Shivrajpur beach
- Price: INR 3000-INR 6000(Fun Dive), Open water Course(INR 26,000)
- Best Diving Season: October to March
- Additional Information: The Underwater Dwarka city is a famous scuba diving attraction which is located near the coast of Dwarka.
- Diving Difficulty: Beginners to advanced levels.
7. Tarkarli, Maharashtra: Tarkarli is popular scuba diving place in Maharashtra. Tarkarli is located near sindhudurg fort, Maharashtra. The coastal water of Tarkarli is transparent and marine life animals and corals are beautiful. The dive sites here are far away from coast line so tourists are transported by speed boats to dive sites.
- Best Diving Spots: Kings Garden, Dharan point
- Price: INR 500 to INR 1000 per person
- Best Diving Season: October to March is the best time to scuba dives in Tarkarli because water remains clears here at that time.
- Additional Information: A non-swimmer can also participate in dives at Tarkarli. The divers can go up to 30ft deep water.
- Diving Difficulty: Beginner friendly
8. Netrani Island, Karnataka: Netrani is a small Island also known as Pigeon Island located in the Arabian Sea and away some KMs from the western coast of Karnataka. Murudeshwar is the nearest town from where you get speed boat to reach Netrani islands. It is 10 KM away from the Murudeshwar off the coast of Karnataka. Netrani islands are known for its heart shaped structure. The underwater visibility in Netrani Island is very good and here you can find sharks, butterfly fish, and famous species coral formation. Calm waters and good rich biodiversity in Netrani islands make it perfect for new divers.
- Best Diving Spots: pebble beach, Nursery, The Grotto, T-55
- Price: INR 5000 – INR 6000 per Person
- Best Diving Season: September to May
- Additional Information: Netrani Islands is an isolated location away from the coastline and offers crystal clear waters to divers
- Diving Difficulty: suitable for beginners and intermediate divers
Things to Carry While Scuba Diving:
- Sunblock
- Diving Mask
- Rehydrating Salt
- Dive Logbook
- Dry Bag
- A Good Quality Wetsuit
- Depth Gauge, Compass, Submersible Pressure Gauge
- Quality Diving Foot wear
Tips for Scuba Diving In India:
- Before Diving it’s better to learn from a professional
- Practice underwater swimming and yoga for a few months before actually dive in water and confident about it.
- Take a Medical Examination and make sure you are fit for scuba diving
- First listen to your instructor and do what your instructor what tells you, plan the route you will be taking and inform your guide about that.
- Buy the right equipment for scuba diving and then check the equipment before actually dive in and ask your guide for help if necessary.