If you’re making a bucket list of adventurous things to do while in India then Scuba diving has to be one of them. Scuba Diving is an exhilarating experience that one must try at least once as the sea holds the power to leave you awestruck with all its magic. In India, Scuba Diving is one of the popular and most loved water sports that allows one to explore the hidden marine life and unravel the mysteries underwater as part of the India tour packages. Be it young or old, beginner or an advanced diver, nature lover or a pacifist, everyone is thrilled while making their way between the hundreds of fishes and sighting of whale sharks sightings. To make sure that your adrenaline rush finds a perfect settlement, here is a list of best places to visit in India to hit for Scuba Diving in India.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Located far away from mainland India, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a group of around 570 islands in the Bay of Bengal. With its azure waters, exotic beaches, secluded islands, evergreen tropical rain forests, vibrant flora, and fauna, Andamans is among the most trending honeymoon destinations in India. Besides, it is also a paradise for travellers and scuba divers as the coastal belt of the Andaman Islands is the abode of one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world. One of the most popular places for scuba diving in the Andamans is the Havelock Island where you will be introduced to exotic marine life species like Humpback, parrot fish, soft corals, dugongs, and schools of fishes. Neil Island, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor, North Point in Cinque Island, and Corruption Rock are some other well-known places to visit in Andamans for diving. With pleasant and cool weather, winter is considered to be the perfect time to visit Andamans for water sports, especially scuba diving. Many Scuba Diving Organisers are offering certified training courses for beginners, advanced level, professionals, and rescue divers.
Book Here : Andaman Tour Packages
Grand Island, Goa
Spectacular beaches, fantastic surf, verdant forests, and hippy parties make Goa the most-visited beach destination in India that lures an endless number of domestic as well as international visitors throughout the year. Besides, this coastal state by the Arabian Sea also serves as a haven for water sports enthusiasts including divers as it is home to excellent underwater life. Grand Island is the most popular site in Goa for scuba diving as well as snorkeling. The lack of underwater currents, wrecks of sunken ships, and clear visibility makes Grand Island one of the safest spots for scuba diving in India. One can spot colorful fish, coral reefs, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, lobsters, turtles, and other aquatic life. Uma Guva Reef, Malvan Island, and Calangute Beach are the other popular places to visit in Goa to try scuba diving. November to March is an ideal time for scuba diving as the temperature and sea conditions are perfect. Goa is one of the most popular places to visit near Mumbai.
Book Here : Goa Tour Packages
Kovalam, Kerala
Just 16 km from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, the beach town of Kovalam is one of the popular places to visit near Trivandrum, and among the top beach destinations in Kerala. With its clean waters and rich marine life, Kovalam is slowly developing into a popular scuba diving site in India that attracts a large number of adventure enthusiasts as well as swimmers during Kerala tour. A company called Bond Safari operates diving tours at Kovalam. Instead of using the traditional scuba gear for diving, they use an underwater scooter fondly known as “Bond Submarine”. One can spot Moray eel, Boxfish, Pipefish, Pufferfish, etc. here. The best time to visit the place would definitely be between December and January because the temperature and humidity are just right then.
Book Here : Kovalam Tour Packages
Lakshadweep
Located 200-400 km west of the coast of Kerala in the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is an archipelago that comprises 36 main islands, many smaller islands, coral atolls, and coral reefs. With white sandy beaches and blue lagoons, Lakshadweep is one of the most secluded beach destinations in India and also one of the best places to visit as part of honeymoon tour packages. Besides, the islands of Lakshadweep are the ideal places for scuba diving where you can find exotic aquatic species of fishes, critters, plants, and sea animals. Some of the best-known islands in Lakshadweep where you can enjoy this thrilling adventure sport are Kadmat, Agatti Island, and Bangaram Island. From octopi and manta rays to crabs and hawks, to hawksbill turtles, tourists can enjoy breathtaking views of coral reefs and vibrant tropical fish in the shallow waters of Lakshadweep Sea. December to April is the best season for the best scuba experience.
Also Read : Best Spots for Snorkeling in India
Netrani Island, Karnataka
Also called ‘Pigeon Island’, Netrani Island is a heart-shaped island located in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Murudeshwar, among the top places to visit near Mangalore. Known for its snorkeling and diving activities, it is one of the famous places to do scuba diving in India, and among the top Murudeshwar tourist places. Its crystal-clear waters allow visibility up to 25-30 meters giving you an amazing diving experience. One will get a chance to spot a diverse variety of marine life like butterfly fish, parrotfish, eels, barracudas, mantas, clownfish, and other colorful residents. Sea turtles can also be easily spotted in deeper waters. Besides, visitors can find a ruined temple, a Roman Catholic Church, and a mosque on this island.
Book Here : Murudeshwar Tour Packages
Pondicherry
Among the most scenic places to visit near Chennai, Puducherry is yet another popular tourist destination in India popular for scuba diving. With a depth of the sea that ranges from 5m to 23m, it is one of the best places for beginners as well as professionals. The place is characterized by natural coral reefs, rocky pop-ups, man-made ridges, and a plethora of marine organisms like jackfish, sea snakes, manta rays, and fan corals. Aravind’s Wall is among the popular places to visit in Puducherry for scuba diving where one can spot a wide range of animal species such as snappers, groupers, jacks, fusiliers, rabbitfish, bannerfish, and all sorts of crustaceans. Coral Sharks Reef, 4 Corners, and The Hole are some of the popular diving sites in Pondicherry. Scuba diving in Pondicherry is open throughout the year but the best months are February to April and September to November.
Book Here : Pondicherry Tour Packages
Dwarka, Gujarat
Dwarka in Gujarat is one of the popular places to visit near Ahmedabad and among the famous places of pilgrimage in India known widely as the abode of Lord Krishna. Apart, Dwarka has recently emerged as a scuba diving spot that draws adventure junkies from all across the world to explore the beautiful marine ecosystem. It is among the popular places to visit in Gujarat Tour Packages. With decent visibility, a marine sanctuary in the Gulf of Kutch, and spotting of whale sharks, dolphins, and turtles, there is plenty to look forward to during your dive here!
Book Here : Dwarka Tour Packages