Fun to watch, exciting to participate in, and enjoyed by all ages, is the water sports activity. Watersports in India is one of the most exciting and thrilling activities that one cannot miss.
Adventurous watersports have caught up the Indian milieu. It offers plenty of opportunities for adventure lovers through its length and breadth. India offers the most unique watersports which involve scuba diving, skiing, river rafting, and many more.
Most of the adventure lovers associate with the high waves of Mauritius and Australia, but just to bring under the eyes that India is no less than Australia and Mauritius. India also has a bucketful of options for watersports destinations. All adventure enthusiasts will be spoilt by the choices of watersports activities available in India. Rishikesh is heaven on hills, alluring the natural beauty, and diving deep into the chilled water is a terrific combination for all the adventurous enthusiasts.
Surfing is an ideal watersport for not-so adventurous people, since it’s fun, enjoyable, and requires an average skillset. So, fasten the seat belts, pull off your swimsuit, and catch all the necessary tools/equipment required for diving deep in the water.
Best places for watersports in India
1. Goa
Goa is a satisfactory place for watersports in India. Whether you love water sports such as swimming and scuba diving or any or any other water endeavor like fishing, Goa is surprisingly a hub of all the activities because of its innumerable beautiful sandy seashore and rolling waves provide a perfect condition, thus making it a haven for water sports enthusiasts.
The best water sports to do in Goa are scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, banana boat ride, jet skiing, and many more. Apart from the thrilling watersports, you can check out these options to make your evening worth remembering. Please check 14 Amazing Pubs in Goa for a Stellar Evening.
Location – Candolim Beach, Great Island, Malvan
The best time to visit – October to May
Famous Water Sport – Windsurfing, jet skiing, and parasailing.
2. Pondicherry
The allure and beauty of Indian coastal areas are unparalleled. Pondicherry’s beautiful beachfront stretch, combined with its tranquil and calm atmosphere, redefines spirituality in a whole new light and is one of the most popular family beach vacation destinations. You can get a taste of the action by participating in a variety of leisure sports.
Aside from the numerous sights to see in Pondicherry, there are numerous activities to participate in. There are a few watersports destinations that are famous are scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, cycling, surfing quad biking, rock climbing, rafting, and camping. For not so adventurous person, you can stroll around the beaches of Pondicherry. Please check 8 Best Beaches in Pondicherry You’ll Absolutely Love!
The best time to visit – November to March.
Location – Karaikal Beach, Paradise Beach, Temple Adventure Centre
Famous Water Sport – Scuba Diving
3. Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep’s major islands are Agatti, Bangaram, Kavaratti, Kadmat, Kalpeni, and Minicoy. Their surrounding waters are rich in coral reefs and marine life, making them popular among snorkelers and scuba divers. What lies beneath are tropical fish, sea turtles, crabs, and underwater flora and fauna that make the plunge worthwhile!
Lakshadweep is the most frequently visited place by all travel enthusiasts. Embraced with vast lagoons from all sides, Lakshadweep thrives as one of the most sought destinations of water sports in India. To protect the fragile ecology of the islands, only non-intrusive water sports are encouraged. Scuba Diving is a famous activity followed by snorkeling and kayaking.
Location – Kavaratti, Agatti
Best Time – October to May
Famous watersport – Scuba Diving and Deep-sea Fishing
4. Andaman
Andaman is well known for its beautiful beaches, watersports, and hordes of natural exotic beauty. The palm trees on the beach sway back and forth, soothing a traveler’s heart and mind. The Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex here offers a variety of water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, banana rides, and sea cruises. The Neil and Havelock islands are another well-known location for adventurous activities.
Water sports in India and particularly in Andaman are reasonably priced if you plan ahead of time. You can participate in these activities once you arrive at the location. Andaman offers the best watersports activity in entire India. The activities include a banana boat ride, scuba diving, underwater sea walking. To get more insights about this beautiful land of beaches, then you should definitely plan a trip to Andaman.
Location – Havelock Island, Northern Bay
Best Time – November to May
Famous watersport – Banana Boat Ride
5. Rishikesh
Rishikesh is the ideal location for thrill-seekers to put their skills to the test. Rishikesh, ‘India’s Adventure Capital’, offers a wide range of adventure sports activities. Tourists can participate in a variety of thrilling activities, ranging from river rafting to bungee jumping, making Rishikesh an ideal watersports destination in India.
Get thrilled and add some fun and adventure to your life as you head to Shivpuri to experience River Rafting. Indulge in the spiritual beauty of Rishikesh while also letting your heart pump faster as the rapids in the river will thrill you.
From body surfing to cliff jumping, rafting all the travel enthusiasts will be spoilt by the choices and options that Rishikesh offers in watersports. Rishikesh is heaven on hills, alluring the natural beauty and smacking chilled water is a terrific combination for all the adventure enthusiasts.
Location – Ramjhula, Dannies Dip, and Three Blind Mice
Best Time – September to April
Famous watersport – River Rafting
6. Gokarna
Gokarna draws visitors from all over the world who want to experience the peaceful vibes while also exploring the region to the fullest. Beaches are all about sand, shade, sun, waves, seafood stalls, beach shacks, beach volleyball, and so on. Water sports in India and especially in Gokarna is the most exciting of all, and they literally keep adrenaline enthusiasts hooked.
About 120kms away from Gokarna are the famous jog falls where you can go on the day trip and enjoy the water sports. Beaches are all about sands, shades, suns, and waves, the most thrilling all of this is the water sports in Gokarna that allows you to make the best use of time. Jet Skiing is counted amongst one of the most exciting water sports, followed by banana boat rides and scuba diving. For more adventure, you can check 12 Fun and Cool Things to do in Gokarna.
Location – Hippie Town
Best Time – October to March
Famous Watersport – Parasailing, jet skiing, surfing
7. Kerala
Kerala, believe it or not, is home to a plethora of water sports that will make you forget about Rishikesh, Goa, and other similar destinations. And to add to Kerala’s exciting water sports options. Its majestic art forms, lush landscapes, and best watersports tours contribute to its reputation as one of India’s most popular tourist destinations.
The Kerala backwaters are a network of lagoons and lakes. The lakes run parallel to the beaches. Every year, tourists are drawn to Kerala by the beauty of God’s own country, but now it’s high time to experience the thrill and adventure that the land provides. Water sports in Kerala include canoeing, kayaking, Parasailing, and scuba diving.
Location – Kovalam Beach, Kappil Beach
Best Time – December to March
Famous watersport – Surfing and rafting
8. Ladakh
The rugged valley of Leh-Ladakh is unrivaled as an ideal location for adventure seekers. And indeed the best place for watersports in India. This region, blessed with high altitude ranges, massive lakes, scenic trails, deep valleys, and high passes, provides a platform for a wide range of adrenaline-pumping action. A variety of adventure sports are available here. If you want to do camping, then please check 9 Gorgeous Camping Places in Leh and Ladakh.
The best watersports are river rafting, tubing, kayaking. The delight for more adventure and sports is located in the hills, Zanskar in Kashmir. It is located 12,000 feet above sea level. It poses a challenge to skill rafters. Tackle rapids of every grade, ranging from 1-4 while enjoying the spectacular scenic valley.
Location – Leh, Zanskar
Best Time – June to September
Famous watersport- River rafting
9. Covelong
In Chennai, people enjoy scuba diving, canoeing, paragliding, paramotoring, rock climbing, surfing, mountain camping, trekking, and a variety of other adventure sports. The beautiful coastline of Chennai is still ideal for scuba diving. This beach has some of the best watersports activities. Covelong Beach’s best feature is its crystal-clear water, which allows you to see beautiful underwater flora and historic shipwrecks.
Covelong, which has beautiful beaches, is another popular watersports destination. The peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of this location is well-known among visitors. The fresh air, beautiful sandy beaches, and clear blue waters of the Bay of Bengal are nothing short of heavenly. Watersports are an excellent activity to participate in if you are planning a trip to Covelong to make your trip unforgettable.
Location – Mahabalipuram, Covelong Beach
Best Time – November to February
Famous watersport – Windsurfing, surfing, angling
Few FAQ’s for your adventurous vacation –
1. What is the best time to visit Goa for watersports?
The best time to visit Goa for watersports is from October to May. The skies during this time are cloudless and the pristine blue water takes the charge of adventure. It is considered to be sheer bliss to watch the dropping sun meeting the horizon and indeed it is the best time to practice watersports in India.
2. What is the best place for scuba diving in India?
Scuba Diving is one of the most loved adventure watersports. India has got some amazing watersport destinations for all the travel junkies out there thriving for more and more adventure in their busy life.
Watersports in India and specifically in Andaman is one of the amazing creations of the almighty. It has got some amazingly beautiful beaches and scuba diving spots. Next in the line comes Havelock Island, followed by Neil Island and Grand Island, which has got some unexplored tiny beaches popularly known for scuba diving. Last but not least Netrani Island, which is fondly known as ‘The Heart of India’s Diving’.
3. What is the best time to visit Andaman for watersports?
The ideal time to visit Andaman & Nicobar Islands is post-monsoon which is between October and May as the weather during this time is pleasant and just perfect for sightseeing, water sports, and beach expedition. Watersports in India are worst in monsoons (July to September) and is not advisable to visit during this time because of the high tidal waves, incessant rains, and strong winds.
4. What are the best places for rafting in India?
Watersports in India and rafting being on the top of the list, it is a must-try adventure for people. Combining with the rapids, navigating through the unstoppable and impossible water, and eventually extending the target point provides one of the most thrilling adventure experiences available.
The best watersport destination is Rishikesh, it is the pivot of river rafting and one cannot question it. Next in the line comes Manali, which is popular for white water rafting. Kolad, Dandeli, Maharashtra (Kundalika River), Haridwar, Devprayag, and Gangtok.
