Who can resist the adventure of diving their feet deep into the sea and exploring the world underneath? The mere thought of making our way between the hundreds of fishes and feeling their fins in our skin gives us goosebumps. Be it young or old, diver or not, nature lover or a pacifist, wanderer or an executive; everyone is thrilled with the colorful glimpse of the coral life with tiny creatures contained within. We won’t make you wait long to unveil the exotic destinations for Scuba Diving in India for which you were looking for so long. With the peaking summer and school vacations we thought it would be a nice time to list some of the best places to go scuba diving for much-needed spite from the scorching heat.
In Andaman and Nicobar Islands
As soon as you arrive at Andaman; the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, you get various options for scuba as this group of islands has some magnificent scuba locations to explore. There are so many places within Andaman and Nicobar Islands and including all of them would require a separate article, we try to include the top beaches & places for scuba diving in Andaman Island. Let’s get started:
1. Havelock Island aka Swaraj Deep
The oval-shaped Havelock Island is one of the most developed islands in the Andaman & Nicobar group of Islands. The Havelock Island is located around 50 km from Port Blair and consists of 7 beaches and most of the tourism activities take place on beaches numbered 1 to 5 on the north-eastern side and beach 7 on the south-western side of the island. Most of the aquatic treasures lie at the depth of 15-25 meters in Havelock Island which makes it ideal for long, relaxing dives where you can focus on the details of marine diversity. Notable sightings include multi-hued coral reefs with a variety of aquatic flora and fauna including Lionfish and the rare Dugongs. Havelock Island has a number of diving schools where inexperienced divers can get training and enjoy the dive under the supervision of guides.
The diving depths are named as-
- Junction (Depth: 25-35m)
- South pilot Reef (Depth: 14-20m)
- J-Table (Depth: 14-17m)
- Light house (Depth: 6-18m)
- V16 (Depth: 16-25m)
- Wall (Depth: 10-55m)
- Mac point (Depth: 10-15m)
- Elephant Beach (Depth: 7-30m)
These are few to innumerate amongst many others.
Best Time to Visit Havelock Island: The Havelock Island is ideal to visit during the months between October and April or early May. The currents can be very unpredictable at times during the Monsoon season.
Havelock Island Scuba Diving Costs: The packages vary from INR 4500 to INR 6000 depending upon the availability.
Don’t forget to see– dolphins, turtles and a variety of other fishes here. Also, look for swimming elephants.
2. Neil Island aka Shaheed Dweep
As the tourism in Andaman & Nicobar Islands continues to grow, the Havelock Island is also labeled as “too crowded” by seasoned divers. Neil Island offers just the solace and isolation they are looking for without compromising on the abundance of aquatic wildlife. The Neil Island has emerged as a preferred choice of experienced and skilled divers who have explored the underwater treasure in havelock Island. What distinguishes Neil Island from Havelock Island is the fact that the lack of mangroves in the vicinity makes the water clearer and closeness to the drop-off of the Andaman increase the possibility of witnessing some big fish action. The only downside of Neil Island is that they are not as sheltered as Havelock Island and are very prone to weather disturbances.
The most popular diving sites in Neil Island are:
- Junction (Depth: 22-30m)
- Margherita’s Mischief (Depth: 7-16m)
- K-Rock (Depth: 12-19m)
- Bus Stop (Depth: 14-20m)
- Jetty Channel Marker (Depth: 7-11m)
Best Time to Visit Neil Island: The ideal time to visit Neil Islands is from December to May.
Scuba Diving Cost at Neil Island: The scuba diving cost per person varies from INR 3500 to INR 6000.
3. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor
The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor has located 30 km from Port Blair; the capital city of Andaman & Nicobar. This one of its kind park in the country is dedicated to preserving aquatic biodiversity. The park is famous worldwide for the variety of coral and sea turtles. The Park is home to amazingly beautiful sea flowers and around 50 odd varieties of corals including Fungiam, Montipora, Leptoseris as well as Clown Fish, Butterfly Fish, Parrot Fish etc.
The popular diving sites of the park are:
- Experience Andaman
- Dive Mantra
Best Time to Visit Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: The best diving time is from December to April due to calmness of the sea.
Entry Fees at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park for Scuba Diving: The scuba diving cost per person vary from INR 3500 to INR 6000.
Don’t forget to see- mesmerizing corals and sea turtles. Some of the exclusive coral reef it possesses is pocillopora, montipora, acropora, leptoseris, fungia, porites, gorgonians, tubipora, mangroves. You must also look for varieties of colourful fishes, molluscs, shells, starfish, turtles, salt-water crocodile etc.
4. North Point, Cinque Island
The picturesque Cinque Island is known to have one of the clearest waters in the world. In calm sea conditions, visibility shoots up to 80 feet underwater making it a heaven for divers. The island is accessible by traveling through a boar off Wandoor and the one-way ride takes nearly 3.5 hours. The Island is totally devoid of any human settlement and blessed with mesmerizing marine life and pristine beaches. The wide variety of sponges and corals present such a vivid and diverse marine life and promise to be an amazing place for scuba diving.
Best Time to Visit North Point: The ideal time to appreciate the clear water of the Island is from the months of December to May as the sea is very calm during this period.
Cinque Island Scuba Diving Price: Around INR 3500- INR 4500 for an hour-long session.
5. Corruption Rock
The corruption rock is a beautiful dive point situated between Rutland Island and Chidiya Tapu at a distance of 57 km from Port Blair. The diving point is basically a 30 meter (100 feet) tall rock partly sticking out of water. The distinguishing point about this place is the abundance of undersea landscapes like canyons and ridges as well as plenty of shipwrecks making the dive a unique experience. The place is famous for its Napoleon rays, Unicorn fishes, Dolphins, and occasional sightings of Reef Shark.
Best Time to Visit Corruption Rock For Scuba Diving: The ideal time to visit the Corruption Rock is between the months of December and March due to less rush.
Scuba Diving cost in Corruption Rock: Around INR 3500- INR 6000.
Don’t forget to see- rare aquatic species like the giant napoleons, eagle rays, huge snappers, schooling fusiliers, banner and unicorn fish. Also look for dolphins, tuna and reef sharks here.
Some of the most popular agencies for scuba diving and training in Andaman and Nicobar islands are-
- Dive India
- Barefoot Scuba
- Eco Diver
- Ocean Tribe Scuba
- Blue Corals Dive
- Blue Planet Scuba
In Lakshadweep Islands
While the Andaman & Nicobar Islands continue to be the most preferred holiday destination in India, Lakshadweep offers serenity, solace and mesmerizing beauty. Most of the places in Lakshadweep are still unexplored as they are still closely protected and monitored by the administration. Lakshadweep houses some of the world’s best sea treasures far from the outcry of tourists and has recently begun getting attention and fascination from tourists. Let’s get to know the places and the surprises that await you in Lakshadweep.
6. Agatti Island
The capital city of the Union Territory of Lakshadweep is the gateway to more than 300 km of pristine south-west coast of India. The island is believed to be one of the most ideal diving destinations thanks to its variety of colorful corals, fishes and sea turtles. The place offers never before seen blue lagoons, crystal white beaches, pristine waters the iconic coconut palms and a chance to dive into the mesmerizing variety of marine life.
Best Time to Visit Agatti Island: The ideal time to visit here is between the months of November and March
Scuba Diving Prices at Agati Island: Around INR 3000- INR 5000.
7. Bangaram Island
The Bangaram Island is stretched in 2.3 sq km and is easily one of the best places to go scuba diving in India. The Island is considered to be one of the top 10 amazing beaches in the world and is believed to be India’s answer to Mauritius and Maldives. The underwater scenic beauty is simply awesome with continuous line of gorgeous coral reefs and blue lagoons.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Bangaram Island is between the months of October and March
Scuba Diving Charges: Ranges from INR 4000 to INR 7000.
8. Kadmat Island
The Kadmat Island covers an area of 3.12 sq km and is one of the larges islands of Lakshadweep. The island is also known as Cardamom Island and is famous for the spellbinding shallow and narrow lagoons. The landscape of the island features tall, green coconut trees with a blue sea in the backdrop making it a popular tourist destination in Lakshadweep. The abundance of aquatic flora and fauna makes scuba diving a fascinating experience on Kadmat Island. Visibility undersea ranges from 15 to 40 meters and diving can be done during the night as well.
Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Kadmat Island is from the months of November to March
Scuba Diving Charges: Ranges from INR 3000 to INR 6000.
Some of the most popular agencies for scuba diving and training here are-
- Lakshadweep Diving academy
- Scuba Diving spot
- Lakshadweep identity
9. Kavaratti
Kavaratti is one of the most developed islands there is. Engaging in water sports, especially scuba diving, is a fantastic experience. This is because of the clear blue lagoon that makes the experience better. Also, there are marine aquariums there, with a wide variety of species.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Kavaratti is August to March.
Scuba Diving Price: Here, the price for scuba diving is ₹3,000 per person, where two dives are included.
Best Spots For Diving In Kavaratti:
Some of the best scuba diving spots in Kavaratti are:
- Harbour Mouth
- Governors Reef
- Wall of Wonder
- Turtle Nest
- Windmill Point
In Goa
If you think that Goa is only about beaches, parties and cheap alcohol, well we urge you to visit the Grand Island. This place has something very exciting to offer than the orthodox Goans lifestyle.
10. Grand Island
The Island is located a few kilometers from the Mormugao Peninsula and is famous all over the world for Scuba diving. Grand Island has plenty of options to offer for inexperienced as well as professional divers. The Uma Gumma Reef is an excellent starting point for beginners to explore the calm water and witness the wide variety of sea creatures like Lobsters, Needlefish, and white tip Reef Shark. The Grand Island is a haven for professional and experienced divers thanks to the nearby shipwrecks of Davy Jones Locker and Suzy’s Wreck. However, the sea current at these sites is quite strong and best suited for seasoned divers.
Some of the most popular agencies for scuba diving and training here are-
- Atlantis Water-sports
- Goa Diving
Best Time to Visit for Scuba Diving: The ideal time to visit for scuba diving in Goa would be from the months of November to March as the temperature and sea conditions are perfect.
Scuba Diving in Goa Prices: INR 4000 per person roughly.
11. Malvan Island
Malvan Islands has a gorgeous beach where there are many water sports to try. The landscape, the weather, and the underwater aquatic life make this place perfect for a scuba diving experience. This adventure is 25 feet under the waters of the Arabian sea.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit this place is July to October.
Scuba Diving Cost: The cost per person for scuba diving here is around ₹2,000.
12. Uma Guva Reef
The Uma Guva Reef is one of the most popular scuba diving spots. This is merely 15ms below the surface. Scuba diving in the Uma Guva Reef is known for its view and marine life. The marine species found here include Parrotfish, Tuna, porcupine fish, triggerfish, etc.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit here is from October to March.
Scuba Diving Cost At Uma Guva Reef: The price may vary from ₹1500 to ₹3000, depending on the season.
13. Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach is one of the best places in Goa to try scuba diving. The deep water and the beautiful marine life make scuba diving a memorable experience.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit is from November to February and during May.
Scuba Diving Charges: The cost for scuba diving here is around ₹3,000 per person.
In Pondicherry
The former French colony of Pondicherry has a remarkable touch of European architecture and a lot of tourist attractions. The Union Territory of Pondicherry has been a popular tourist destination offering a perfect weekend getaway. If you happen to be visiting Pondicherry, you can go scuba diving to indulge in some fascinating displays of marine life. However, we won’t recommend you to solely plan your trip to Pondicherry for scuba diving as there are plenty of better islands and the waters here have mediocre visibility. The prominent species of marine life here include Lion Fish, Moray Eels, Manta Rays, Tiger Fish etc. Let’s go through the popular diving spots in Pondicherry:
14. Coral Sharks Reef
The Coral Shark Reef is one of the most flexible scuba diving spots of Pondicherry. The depth of the sea varies from 5 Meters to 23 meters making it perfect for beginners as well as professional divers. The sandy seafloor offers a view of the gorgeous coral reefs.
15. The Aravind Wall
The Aravind Wall is situated 15 kms offshore and is one of the popular scuba diving places in Pondicherry. This diving point is famous for sea creatures like Lion fish, butterfly fish and a variety of sea snakes. A few lucky divers also get to see the Honeycomb Moray Eel at this place.
16. Corners
A Corners is a traditional diving site best suited for open water divers. The Island is covered with beautiful palm trees and the diving depth can go up-to 18 meters deep. The place has a wide variety of different marine species like lion fishes, dolphins etc.
17. The Hole
The Hole is one of the most extreme diving sites for professional divers and hardcore scuba diving enthusiasts. The central area is as deep as 30 meters with a haunting darkness. So, if you are a daredevil and experienced diver, this place may be a haven for you; who knows if you can even stumble upon some rare unknown creature!
The most popular agency for scuba diving in Pondicherry is below:
- Temple Adventure
Best Time to Visit Pondicherry for scuba diving: The ideal time to visit for scuba diving in Pondicherry would be from the months of December to March due to the pleasant temperature and sea conditions.
Scuba Diving Charges: INR 3500 to INR 6000.
In Karnataka
18. Netrani Island
The beautiful diving spot is located around 18 km from the temple town of Mudreshwar in Karnataka. The Island is shaped like a heart and is also known as Pigeon Island. The island is mostly inhabited and diving is recommended from a boat due to the presence of steep stones under the sea. Being a coral island, you can spot a wide variety of corals and sea creatures like shrimps, eels, Parrot fish, Great Barracudas, Napoleon Wrasse, etc with occasional sightings of Whale. The diving depths vary from 6 meters to 40 meters.
Some of the most popular agencies for scuba diving and training here are-
- Netrani Adventures
- Dive Netrani
Best Time to Visit for Scuba Diving: The Island faces strong currents for the major portion of the year and the ideal time to visit the Netrani Islands is in the months of December and January.
Scuba Diving Cost at Netrani Islands: INR 5500- INR 6000 per person.
Don’t forget to see- coral, butterfly-fish, triggerfish, parrotfish, eels and shrimps. Also, look for Orcas and Whale Sharks.
In Maharashtra
19. Tarkarli
Scuba diving in Tarkarli is another place where you will get one of the best diving experiences in India. Tarkarli is a place in Maharashtra that is located near the Sindhudurg Fort.
The clear coastal water and the vibrant marine life make this place one of India’s best choices for scuba diving.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit here is from October to April.
Scuba Diving Cost: The cost for scuba diving in Tarkarli ranges from ₹ 1,000 to ₹2,000.
In Kerala
Kerala is considered the best tourist place for holidays. The main attraction for tourist is Hill Stations, Beaches, Backwater, etc. But apart from all this one thing people sorely missed is scuba diving. So here we share with you the places for scuba diving in Kerala with full details.
20. Kovalam
The beach town of Kovalam is situated at a distance of around 16 km from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Although the place is quite a popular tourist destination, scuba diving is an emerging adventure sport here thanks to the Bond Safari Kovalam. Instead of using the traditional scuba gear for diving, the company uses an underwater scooter fondly known as “Bond Submarine”. The use of such a high-end motor transport raises the prices 3-4 times but the experience seems to be worth every penny. The water at Kovalam is quite clear and calm and the wide variety of marine life includes Moray eel, Boxfish, Pipefish, Pufferfish, etc.
Some of the most popular agencies for scuba diving and training here are-
- Bond Safari Scuba Diving
- Scuba Diving Kovalam
Best Time to Visit Kovalam For Scuba Diving: The perfect combination of temperature and humidity make the months of December and January best for visiting Kovalam.
Kovalam Scuba Diving Prices: Hiring the bond submarine costs upwards of INR 20000 per person for an hour.
Points to be remembered:
- Make advance booking for the dive to prepare yourself mentally and physically
- Know your limit and choose the diving plan accordingly
- Don’t ever dare hold your breath
- Try practicing safe ascents
- Make sure you have checked your gear and have knowledge about it
- Get to know your buddy well
Final Thoughts
Friends, we hope this article would have taken you to the fascinating glory of the underwater world and would definitely have made you fall in love with its mesmerizing grandeur. We know it is impossible to resist the magnetic attraction of such places, so it is time to stop burning the electricity at home and tick off these places from your bucket list this summer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scuba Diving in India
• Goa
• Pondicherry
• Lakshadweep
• Maharashtra
• Karnataka
• Kerala
Scuba Diving is a very safe activity. If you follow the rules.
It costs Rs 3500 for 30 minutes and Rs 5000 for 1 hour, but the rate may vary from place to place.