When was the last time you tried something that is both exhilarating and meditative and which takes you to a completely new world? Diving is a completely new world that changes the way you see, the way you move and (literally) the way you breathe. In return, it allows you access to a world completely hidden from us terrestrial beings and we guarantee that it will take your breath away! If
you’re not ready to take the plunge yet, snorkelling serves as the training wheels, giving you a peep into the ocean without requiring any serious swimming or using the diving equipment.
Many people don’t realise this, but diving and snorkelling are NOT reserved for a luxurious trip abroad! There are plenty of options in India waiting to be explored and we bring you some right here:
1. GOA
This is a no-brainer. Goa is one of India’s most popular beach destinations where adventure sports like jet skiing and sky-diving are in vogue! Diving is not as popular yet, but we can change that! The diving season here is from mid-October to April.
Grand Island
you’re not ready to take the plunge yet, snorkelling serves as the training wheels, giving you a peep into the ocean without requiring any serious swimming or using the diving equipment.
Many people don’t realise this, but diving and snorkelling are NOT reserved for a luxurious trip abroad! There are plenty of options in India waiting to be explored and we bring you some right here:
1. GOA
This is a no-brainer. Goa is one of India’s most popular beach destinations where adventure sports like jet skiing and sky-diving are in vogue! Diving is not as popular yet, but we can change that! The diving season here is from mid-October to April.
Grand Island
Image credit: Eternal journeys: Grand Island, Goa
This is the perfect place for diving as well as fishing in Goa. It has about 7 dive sites that include Umma Gumma Reef, Suzy’s Wreck (where the sunken SS Rita lies) and Shelter Cove (a channel along the rocks and a sandy patch where squid and cuttlefish mate and lay eggs), all of which make for interesting dives. There are great facilities for both beginners and certified divers here.
Netrani
This is the perfect place for diving as well as fishing in Goa. It has about 7 dive sites that include Umma Gumma Reef, Suzy’s Wreck (where the sunken SS Rita lies) and Shelter Cove (a channel along the rocks and a sandy patch where squid and cuttlefish mate and lay eggs), all of which make for interesting dives. There are great facilities for both beginners and certified divers here.
Netrani
Image credit: Subhrajit Ghadei
Netrani is a small, unassuming island, off the coast of Karnataka, that consists of a group of amazing dive sites. It is accessible from Goa, but also from Mangalore, Bangalore and Mumbai! Known as Pigeon Island, dive shops from Goa organise trips there to explore sites like Pebble Beach (home to huge mushroom corals), T55 (formerly used by the Navy for target practice - you might just see a torpedo here!), Grand Central and Cavern (here you can explore a cavern with urchins and lots of pelagic fish) and Bomb Rock (another former Navy site where target practice has created a rocky ridge).
Netrani is a small, unassuming island, off the coast of Karnataka, that consists of a group of amazing dive sites. It is accessible from Goa, but also from Mangalore, Bangalore and Mumbai! Known as Pigeon Island, dive shops from Goa organise trips there to explore sites like Pebble Beach (home to huge mushroom corals), T55 (formerly used by the Navy for target practice - you might just see a torpedo here!), Grand Central and Cavern (here you can explore a cavern with urchins and lots of pelagic fish) and Bomb Rock (another former Navy site where target practice has created a rocky ridge).
2. ANDAMAN ISLANDS
The Andamans are hailed as the best diving locations in India, boasting of beautiful clear waters and some of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world. The best part? Much of it is believed to be unspoiled by the likes of us, so you’ll see the beautiful sea in all her glory! Here, the diving season is from December to April.
Havelock Island
The Andamans are hailed as the best diving locations in India, boasting of beautiful clear waters and some of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world. The best part? Much of it is believed to be unspoiled by the likes of us, so you’ll see the beautiful sea in all her glory! Here, the diving season is from December to April.
Havelock Island
Image credit: Tripigator
One of the most popular dive spots in India, Havelock is a beautiful tropical island just 2-3 hours from Port Blair and has treasures both for the diver and the snorkeler. There are 11 unique dive spots here, including The Wall (Floyd fans, there’s more to it than just the cool name - the small wall is covered in colourful soft coral and hosts a multitude of fish within its holes or whizzing around it), Dixon's Pinnacle (3 pinnacles which are the hotspot of the fish’s feeding frenzies), MV Mars (a short dive but one with a wrecked cargo ship that can be seen if visibility is favourable) and Minerva's Ledge (a plateau of coral so large and full of diverse marine life, that more than one dive here is recommended).
One of the most popular dive spots in India, Havelock is a beautiful tropical island just 2-3 hours from Port Blair and has treasures both for the diver and the snorkeler. There are 11 unique dive spots here, including The Wall (Floyd fans, there’s more to it than just the cool name - the small wall is covered in colourful soft coral and hosts a multitude of fish within its holes or whizzing around it), Dixon's Pinnacle (3 pinnacles which are the hotspot of the fish’s feeding frenzies), MV Mars (a short dive but one with a wrecked cargo ship that can be seen if visibility is favourable) and Minerva's Ledge (a plateau of coral so large and full of diverse marine life, that more than one dive here is recommended).
Image credit: adventureclicknblog
There are five good snorkelling sites (which also serve as great dive spots), which have a lot to offer both beginners and veterans. These include Elephant Beach (its calm waters and soft sand are ideal for beginners), The Lighthouse (these shallow waters are filled with fish, coral and sometimes even turtles, eels and octopi!) and Inglis Island (a tropical paradise complete with blue waters, rainforests, white sand and the chance to see colourful fish and maybe even lobsters and sea snakes).
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Image credit: honeymoonspecial
This national park consists of 15 islands, having coastlines as its boundaries. It is located in a small village called Wandoor and is dedicated to protect the marine life and corals of the Andamans. Other than the 271 kinds of birds that will excite any bird enthusiast, there are plenty of unique and rewarding opportunities for divers and snorkelers. Innumerable kinds of colourful fish, molluscs, starfish, corals, turtles and salt-water crocodiles – the list is enough to ensure that diving or snorkelling here will be an unforgettable experience. The best time to visit here is between October and February.
Cinque Island
This national park consists of 15 islands, having coastlines as its boundaries. It is located in a small village called Wandoor and is dedicated to protect the marine life and corals of the Andamans. Other than the 271 kinds of birds that will excite any bird enthusiast, there are plenty of unique and rewarding opportunities for divers and snorkelers. Innumerable kinds of colourful fish, molluscs, starfish, corals, turtles and salt-water crocodiles – the list is enough to ensure that diving or snorkelling here will be an unforgettable experience. The best time to visit here is between October and February.
Cinque Island
Image credit: sanctuariesindia
A part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National park, this is a beautiful uninhabited island situated near Port Blair and is a treat for the experienced diver. The clear emerald waters, black corals, shark sightings and immense diversity of marine life make this place a must-see for serious divers. However, snorkelers, never fear! There’s plenty to see and enjoy with the high visibility and amazing diversity in flora and fauna.
Neil Island
A part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National park, this is a beautiful uninhabited island situated near Port Blair and is a treat for the experienced diver. The clear emerald waters, black corals, shark sightings and immense diversity of marine life make this place a must-see for serious divers. However, snorkelers, never fear! There’s plenty to see and enjoy with the high visibility and amazing diversity in flora and fauna.
Neil Island
Image credit: retinacharmer
This is a small island located at the south of Ritchi’s Archipelago. The great part about diving here is that it is not as busy and crowded as the other islands such as Havelock. This means that you will get more attention from instructors, more time to dive and most importantly, it will be just you and the sea!
This is a small island located at the south of Ritchi’s Archipelago. The great part about diving here is that it is not as busy and crowded as the other islands such as Havelock. This means that you will get more attention from instructors, more time to dive and most importantly, it will be just you and the sea!
3. PONDICHERRY
Image credit: aritra20bose
We all know about the unique little towns, the great restaurants and the fascinating French influence that still persists here. But Pondicherry is also perfect to plan that trip for the dive sites! Best times to go for dives here are from January-June and September-November, although they are open all year round. Need another reason? The dives here are for everyone, from those without swimming experience to expert divers who can practically live among the fish!
Aravind's Wall
We all know about the unique little towns, the great restaurants and the fascinating French influence that still persists here. But Pondicherry is also perfect to plan that trip for the dive sites! Best times to go for dives here are from January-June and September-November, although they are open all year round. Need another reason? The dives here are for everyone, from those without swimming experience to expert divers who can practically live among the fish!
Aravind's Wall
Image credit: traveltipsor
This is the ultimate drift dive with a low current and good visibility. This wall is teeming with marine life such as lionfish, parrot fish, banner fish etc. On lucky days, you could even spot whale sharks, turtles or dolphins! The wall is full of mystery – it has many secret spots and progressions waiting to be discovered. Recent research by dive experts has revealed many new spots that are now dive favourites – Ravines (here the first Manta Ray was spotted), the Hole (great for Advanced and Deep divers who can explore this deep hole with a torch and see some fascinating large creatures residing within it) and Danny’s Eel Sanctuary (the most recently discovered haven for Moray eels).
Cool Shark Reef
This is the ultimate drift dive with a low current and good visibility. This wall is teeming with marine life such as lionfish, parrot fish, banner fish etc. On lucky days, you could even spot whale sharks, turtles or dolphins! The wall is full of mystery – it has many secret spots and progressions waiting to be discovered. Recent research by dive experts has revealed many new spots that are now dive favourites – Ravines (here the first Manta Ray was spotted), the Hole (great for Advanced and Deep divers who can explore this deep hole with a torch and see some fascinating large creatures residing within it) and Danny’s Eel Sanctuary (the most recently discovered haven for Moray eels).
Cool Shark Reef
Image credit: binox
A natural reef made of scattered corals and reef balls, it is only 6 kms from the shore. If the name hasn’t sold you already, this site is great for snorkelers, divers and even advanced divers. As you might have guessed, shark sightings here are common, even though the shy creatures only pop out for a bit and gracefully glide away (you’ll be wonderstruck for those few seconds).
4 Corners
A natural reef made of scattered corals and reef balls, it is only 6 kms from the shore. If the name hasn’t sold you already, this site is great for snorkelers, divers and even advanced divers. As you might have guessed, shark sightings here are common, even though the shy creatures only pop out for a bit and gracefully glide away (you’ll be wonderstruck for those few seconds).
4 Corners
Image credit: adventureclicking
This is a great site for open divers and refresher courses. Better yet, there have been sightings off shore of cruising dolphins in groups of 3-50! There is also an abundance of marine life to make for a memorable dive.
This is a great site for open divers and refresher courses. Better yet, there have been sightings off shore of cruising dolphins in groups of 3-50! There is also an abundance of marine life to make for a memorable dive.
4. LAKSHADWEEP
You’ve probably heard that out of the 36 islands of Lakshadweep, only about 10 are inhabited! This means that even now, the other islands and the water around them remain largely unexplored. Imagine what an amazing opportunity this gives divers, first-time or otherwise!
Go here during the diving season (November-March) and you’ll experience amazing visibility in these pristine waters. It requires advance planning and permission to visit the islands, but only because the government has taken measures to protect the unique ecosystem here, which we think is pretty great!
Bangaram Island
You’ve probably heard that out of the 36 islands of Lakshadweep, only about 10 are inhabited! This means that even now, the other islands and the water around them remain largely unexplored. Imagine what an amazing opportunity this gives divers, first-time or otherwise!
Go here during the diving season (November-March) and you’ll experience amazing visibility in these pristine waters. It requires advance planning and permission to visit the islands, but only because the government has taken measures to protect the unique ecosystem here, which we think is pretty great!
Bangaram Island
Image credit: Scubadiving in Bangaram Island, Lakshadweep
This teardrop-shaped island is the tropical paradise of your dreams. Hailed as one of the best getaways in the world, it is largely uninhabited, except for tourists and crew. No surprise, then, that it has two brilliant dive sites that you should check out.
Princess Royal
This teardrop-shaped island is the tropical paradise of your dreams. Hailed as one of the best getaways in the world, it is largely uninhabited, except for tourists and crew. No surprise, then, that it has two brilliant dive sites that you should check out.
Princess Royal
Image credit: cloud9miles
Here, in the depths of the ocean, a piece of history awaits both the diver and the snorkeler. You’ll be able to see the remains of a ship that sunk here during a battle between the British and the French! Like all wreck sites, a multitude of marine life has taken over the old ship and will surprise you from its various nooks and crannies. Go on an ocean treasure hunt and try to spot the anchor, broken pottery and large cannons lying around the ship.
Manta Point
Here, in the depths of the ocean, a piece of history awaits both the diver and the snorkeler. You’ll be able to see the remains of a ship that sunk here during a battle between the British and the French! Like all wreck sites, a multitude of marine life has taken over the old ship and will surprise you from its various nooks and crannies. Go on an ocean treasure hunt and try to spot the anchor, broken pottery and large cannons lying around the ship.
Manta Point
Image credit: The Top 5 Sea Diving Destinations
No points for guessing that this colourful reef is a favourite hangout of manta rays! It also attracts other beautiful creatures such as whale sharks, turtles and their fellow pelagics.
Agatti Island
No points for guessing that this colourful reef is a favourite hangout of manta rays! It also attracts other beautiful creatures such as whale sharks, turtles and their fellow pelagics.
Agatti Island
Image credit: praffuls
At about 458 km off Cochin lies Agatti which is known for its multicoloured coral and coral fish. Water sports are the main attraction here, including swimming, canoeing, boating and of course, diving. There are opportunities to learn diving with qualified instructors as well as hire diving gear if you already know your stuff!
There are about eleven dive sites you can visit, including Sting Ray City, Japanese Garden and Dolphin Reef. Full of potential, as you can tell!
This list is in no way exhaustive. It only tries to present a picture of what diving in India could be like, and the plenitude of opportunities available. The great thing about exploring the ocean is that there are new dive sites and locations always being discovered!
At about 458 km off Cochin lies Agatti which is known for its multicoloured coral and coral fish. Water sports are the main attraction here, including swimming, canoeing, boating and of course, diving. There are opportunities to learn diving with qualified instructors as well as hire diving gear if you already know your stuff!
There are about eleven dive sites you can visit, including Sting Ray City, Japanese Garden and Dolphin Reef. Full of potential, as you can tell!
This list is in no way exhaustive. It only tries to present a picture of what diving in India could be like, and the plenitude of opportunities available. The great thing about exploring the ocean is that there are new dive sites and locations always being discovered!
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