Blue ocean, blue water, feel better and breathe better. Lose yourself to the beauty of the underwater world and escape gravity. Enough with the land! This time avoid highways and dive deep in the water. The Goa party has passed us by. The upcoming season calls for a dip in the beautiful and deep blue waters of the Andaman and Lakshadweep islands. You guessed it correctly, we’re talking about scuba diving. Scuba diving in India has started a whole new world of underwater.
Scuba diving was glamorized in Zindagi Milegi Na Dobara in the way it should be. Scuba transports you to a different world with its tranquil underwaters, colorful marine life, and soul-surfing experience. Swimming underwater with SCUBA, or Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus, is a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Non-swimmers are no longer irritated. Swimming ability is not required for scuba diving!
We’ve compiled a list of the best places for scuba diving in India. The places are –
1. Andaman
The vibrant underwater life of the Bay of Bengal provides an ideal setting for scuba diving in Andaman. The amazing corals and pristine coral reefs provide an ideal setting for this fun activity, and Andaman is said to be the best place for scuba diving in India. On your journey, you may come across turtles, moray eels, manta rays, trevally, and batfish.
Best Time – November-April. To get worth every penny experience, you should dive deep during the morning hours.
Cost – INR 4,000 per dive
2. Lakshadweep
One of the best attractions for scuba diving in India. Lakshadweep is a paradise of 36 islands with sun-kissed beaches and lush greenery. The marine fauna found in the blue lagoon includes turtles, colorful fish, and sharks. Princess Royal Bantam is a popular diving spot. A visit to India’s smallest Union Territory is the ideal way to unwind from your hectic schedule. The main draw is scuba diving. The clear, pristine water is home to a diverse array of marine vegetation and fauna. Scuba diving is both fascinating and dangerous in Lakshadweep. Experiencing manta rays in the azure translucent lagoons and coves is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Best Time- October – April. Try to be there between December-April to get the best scuba diving experience.
Cost – INR 4,000 – 6,000 per dive
3. Pondicherry
Pondicherry is situated in the eastern part and is the only location that is there for scuba diving in India. Pondicherry is India’s only diving destination on the country’s eastern coast. The area is characterized by natural coral reefs, rocky pop-ups, man-made ridges, and a wide variety of marine species such as jackfish, sea snakes, manta rays, and fan corals.
It is a great scuba diving spot for beginners and experts alike and is regarded as one of India’s top scuba diving locations. Scuba diving in Pondicherry is a fantastic experience that you should not miss. This collection includes unusual aquatic species, beautiful fish, and fascinating aquatic critters. If you’re looking for a pleasant holiday in Pondicherry then please check 15 Places to visit in Pondicherry for a pleasant holiday.
Best Time – Open throughout the year. Though the best months are February-April and September- November.
Cost – INR 6,500-7,500 per person which includes 2 dives in a day
4. Dwarka
Dwarka is known as Lord Krishna’s residence, and only a few daring souls are aware that it is also one of the best places for scuba diving. Divers can see a spectacular marine ecosystem at this location, which has recently gained popularity as a scuba diving destination. Because of the good visibility, marine species such as dolphins, whale sharks, and turtles can be seen underwater.
It is quickly becoming a hotspot for the discovery of new dive sites and marine habitats. Although there are only a few visible marine life species, the beauty and diversity of life beneath the sea are undeniable. It contains some endangered marine life.
Best Time – October – March
Cost – INR 4,500 per dive
5. Goa
Scuba diving in Goa is pure joy, with tiny exotic corals, flights of gorgeous fish, and other colorful marine species. Because of the lack of underwater currents and good visibility, Goa’s water is one of the safest options for scuba diving in India. Goa is the best place in India to go scuba diving for all adventure seekers, beach lovers, and party animals. To explore more about Goa, please check 21 Exceptional things to do in South Goa.
Grand Island is the premier scuba diving destination, with sunken shipwrecks that are now home to a plethora of marine life. Umma Gumma Reef is another beginner-friendly site. Goa has a great combination of exotic views and thrilling thrills. Throughout the 15-minute scuba dive, you will see serene sights of fascinating marine life. To explore North Goa, you can check 19 Mind-Blowing Places to visit in North Goa for the best trip ever.
Best Time – October – May
Cost – INR 5,000 per person
6. Havelock Island
This virgin island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Andaman & Nicobar, as well as one of India’s best scuba diving spots. This island, located 50 kilometers from Port Blair, is recognized for its diverse array of unusual aquatic species. Underwater, species such as Humpback Parrot Fish, Lionfish, and Soft Corals can be seen.
Best Time – March-May is the best time for enjoying water sports.
Cost – 4,500-6,000 per person
7. Netrani Island
Netrani is one of the popular Islands off Murudeshwara. It is popularly known for its skydiving destinations in Karnataka. The Netrani Islands also referred to as Pigeon Island is off the Murudeshwara coast. This is a captivating island because of the wild growth of trees and meandering rocky formations that shelters numerous pigeons.
The island is famous because of the presence of corals and emerald clear waters are probably the best snorkeling dive sites in India. There are plentiful opportunities for snorkeling – both for beginners to deep-diving experts here.
Best Time – November – May
Cost – INR 4,500 per person
8. Chennai
Experiencing the deep Indian seas and the exuberant Bay of Bengal, Chennai being the best place to explore in terms of water sports and adventure. You will find some spectacular varieties of fish and swaying plants. You will also get to see corals and fantastic marine life. Scuba diving in Chennai is the most thrilling and rewarding thing to do in the sea.
Scuba diving in Chennai is said to be the most addictive thing if you have dived under the deep sea of Chennai. You will have a lot of memories to take home and cherish those relequant moments because of the fantastic fascinating marine life. Chennai has something for everyone, to explore more you should definitely check The list of 16 Places in Chennai that shouldn’t be missed.
Best Time – September – March
Cost – INR 5,000 per person
9. Kovalam
Scuba diving is becoming increasingly popular among tourists in Kerala’s Kovalam. Bond Safari, a firm that uses an underwater scooter, has brought this treat to Kovalam’s beaches. The water is clear and provides a look into a diverse underwater life, including a variety of fish and other sea critters. Kovalam is one of India’s most distinctive scuba diving locations. You should surely not miss the 13 best places to visit in Kovalam, Chennai.
Best Time – September – February is a good option to dive in the
Cost – INR 4,000 per person
10. Malvan
Malvan is a beautiful place with blissful views which brings a feeling of tranquility amid its geographical location. Malvan is a small conurbation located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Malvan has developed as a tourist attraction for years and became famous as a historic place too. It is a favorite destination for water lovers and it gives you a world experience. Malvan is famous for its watersport activities. It is a perfect beach destination that indulges thrilling water experience and gets lost in the scenic beauty.
Best Time – September – May
Cost – INR 4,000 per person
Few FAQ’s for your scuba diving trip –
1. What is the best time to go Scuba Diving in Andaman?
The best time to go scuba diving in India and especially in Andaman is from October to May. Because of the high monsoon storms that occur from June to September. The diving season in Barren Land lasts from February to April. Tides play a much larger role in affecting underwater visibility, which varies from week to week; however, the wind is more important, as when the winds are too strong, the seas become rough and cannot travel to the open sea. This does not affect beginners, but it does have an impact on experienced divers.
2. What is the minimum age for Scuba Diving in India?
No one is too young or too old to take on scuba diving in India. Scuba divers must be at least 10 years old, with no upper age limit. An underwater adventure can be enjoyed by the entire family.
Children aged 10 to 11 must dive with a trained parent or guardian at a maximum depth of 40 feet (12 meters). Although there is no maximum age for scuba diving, adults over the age of 65 must be in good physical and mental health to participate. Before diving, you must have a proper health checkup.
3. What should I wear when going Scuba Diving?
For all scuba divers, wetsuits are the best option. It is because it aids in the maintenance of a healthy body temperature. The water and air on the surface are usually warm, but as you go deeper, you feel cooler, which is why wetsuits are the only appropriate clothing.
4. When to go Scuba Diving in Goa?
When the monsoon has passed, the best time to go scuba diving in India and especially in Goa is between October and May. Scuba diving in Goa is both safe and recommended because the majority of the rain falls during the other months. During the rainy season, any diving activity should be avoided. For all the energetic youngsters out there, please check 18 Amazing things to do in Goa for youngsters.