India is a land of one hundred and thirty crore people. Among them are the people living in the coastal areas of India in the states including Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other regions of southern India and Many UTs. India has a wide coastal range and thus offers an extremely interesting and affordable scuba diving experience at many places. Apart from the main landmass of India, the Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands are one of the most famous places to experience the amazing sea life and underwater canyons. In this blog, we have for you the top ten amazing places in India, some of which are even underrated where you can have the best diving experience and create a memory for a lifetime.
1. Scuba Diving & Sea Walk Experience in Andaman
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the most famous tourist destinations of India. It is a major place of attraction for both Indians and international tourists. Andaman also has some of the most famous diving spots in the world. At Neil Island in Andaman, you can have the best scuba diving experience. Situated between the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, the Andaman Islands offer a 50 kilometers range for scuba diving within Port Blair. Here you can find the best aquatic life and colorful fishes and witness the underwater canyons as well. Along with this, you can also try out Sea walking which can be done in the north bay island of the Andaman Islands.
Cost: Rs 3500 per person
Time: 10-15 minutes of Scuba Diving
Experience: Water is deep and you can witness a wide range of Corals and underwater marine Life.
2. Lakshadweep Scuba Diving
Another famous and amazing destination where you cannot miss the experience of scuba diving is the Lakshadweep Islands. Located at a distance of about 400 kilometers from Kochi, this island is coral Paradise of India. Lakshadweep offers you a unique experience of extremely translucent and crystal-clear water that you wouldn’t have experienced earlier in life. Lakshadweep is a group of 36 islands where you can find extremely clean water. As a result, it offers one of the best views of the ocean. While scuba diving in Lakshadweep you will experience a wide variety of Corals, Fishes and rich Marine Life including rare sea creatures like Manta Ray, Big Turtles, and even Sharks. Although these sharks aren’t the big ones.
Cost: Rs 3000-5000 per person
Time: 15-20 minutes
Experience: Extremely clear waters with unique sea creatures and amazing aquatic life.
3. The Deep Waters of Pondicherry
A true destination for scuba lovers, Pondicherry is where the heart of Scuba divers lies. A major part of India, this city shares its borders with Tamil Nadu and stretches across the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Great Indian Ocean. Pondicherry is known for its magical waters that are deeper than any other scuba spot in India. The scuba at Pondicherry will take you to a depth of about thirty meters where you can experience the perfect Marine Life. At such a depth, there is usually no human disturbance and the beauty of nature is at its peak. Although, this doesn’t mean that beginners cannot try scuba at Pondicherry. There are scuba dives at a depth of five meters as well. Thus, Pondicherry offers a quality experience for both beginners and advanced-level scuba divers. To witness some more beautiful spots in the ocean, you can reach the “Arvind’s Wall”, a place in Pondicherry where a majority of sea creatures live. Along with it, you can also experience a hole or a dark spot amidst the ocean to get some chilling vibes at the bottom. Isn’t Pondicherry a cool destination?
Cost: Rs 5000 per person (this is the minimum package, there are other expensive ones for spending more time underwater)
Time: 10-15 minutes
Experience: The waters are deeper than anywhere else in India and offer an unseen and unique natural beauty under the sea.
4. Diving in the heart at Murudeshwar, Karnataka
Situated near the Murudeshwar Temple in Karnataka is the famous Netrani Island. This Island was originally known as Pigeon Island. Off the coast of the famous Murudeshwar Temple is a famous scuba diving site. The specialty of this scuba diving spot is that it is in the shape of a heart. Connecting directly to Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, this scuba diving spot in Murudeshwar is quiet among newly married couples. Although, people from all age groups enjoy the experience of Scuba Diving here. The waters at Murudeshwar Scuba Diving site are extremely friendly for diving. They provide everything a diver wants to experience including deep waters with a deep blue color and the beautiful life of the sea. This site in Murudeshwar is still unexplored as compared to the Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands. So you must try considering this as your next Scuba Diving spot undoubtedly.
Cost: Rs 5000 per person
Time: 15-20 minutes
Experience: Offers a unique experience in deep waters and less crowded areas.
5. The Famous Shipwreck diving spot at Grand Island, Goa
Situated alongside Mumbai, the money capital of India, Goa is a city someone would have hardly not heard of. While Goa is a famous tourist attraction for Indians and international tourists, it provides a quality diving experience at the Grand Island. The sad part is that among the beauty of beaches and coconut trees, people miss the chance of experiencing this famous and unique scuba diving experience at the Grand Island. The scuba at the grand island is extremely affordable and safe. Scuba diving at the Grand Island is famous for its shipwrecks. This place has experienced so many shipwrecks in the past that all those sunken ships now make the scuba diving experience here a unique one. While scuba diving here, you will witness broken ships lying under the ocean for years. Along with this, the Grand Island scuba is also famous for its historical experiences and forgotten treasures. The Island also lets you have a nautical experience in scuba. Here you might find a friendly lobster or a group of needlefish passing by while you dive in the water.
Cost: Rs 1500 per person
Time: 20 minutes (approx.)
Experience: Can see a lot of wrecked ships and have nautical experience as well. Good for people of every age group.
6. Dive with the dolphins at Tarkarli, Maharashtra
Dolphins are rare mammals in India. It is hardly seen in the Indian waters. But the next scuba diving destination is where you can witness these beautiful and extremely friendly creatures of the ocean. The diving spot at Tarkarli is situated near the Sindhudurg Fort in the Arabian ocean. Although the water here isn’t unique,a this diving spot is famous for its wide range of fishes that one can see while scuba diving. Along with the fish, if you are lucky enough, you will also be able to see Dolphins around you while diving. The underwater life at Tarkarli is an extremely quiet one. There aren’t many tourists also at this spot which makes it ideal for scuba diving.
Cost: Rs 1100 per person (more expensive packages also available with some other water sports activities included)
Time: 15-20 minutes
Experience: Unique experience of witnessing Dolphins. The ocean here is quiet and deep.
7. The Small Beaches of Diu
Daman and Diu are yet other famous tourist destinations like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Although they are less popular when compared with the Andamans. Diu is formed by a collection of several small beaches that come together to extend the coastline of this Island for as long as 17 kilometers. Within these 17 kilometers are some of the most unique and hidden scuba spots that you can’t miss exploring. One of the most famous diving spots in Diu is Nagao beach where you can dive deep into the ocean and experience another variation of the underwater beauty. Diu’s waters have a lot of marine life to offer and thus you can witness a variety of fishes, corals, and other water wonders of nature. Scuba diving here is extremely safe and there is also the facility of complimentary photography while diving. Diu is easily accessible from Gujrat and after coming here you will be diving in the great Arabian sea.
Cost: Rs 5000 per person
Time: 20-25 minutes
Experience: Safe and small beaches. Scuba diving here is longer than in most of the other places so you can experience the underwaters for a longer duration
8. Discover the sunken Dwarka , Gujrat
One of the most underrated and unknown scuba diving spots in the country is in Beyt, Gujrat. While the major attraction here is not the aquatic life and natural beauty, people experience scuba diving here just to witness the ancient Dwarka Nagri of Lord Krishna. Although in the past few years, this scuba diving destination has gained a lot of exposure and is slowly getting discovered by people. The water here is absolutely clear with a depth of around 5 to 10 meters only. Diving into the waters, you will be able to see the remains of the mysterious Dwarka that sank centuries ago in the ocean. Since it is a spiritual spot for the Hindus, it is mostly visited by pilgrims, but you must try experiencing the scuba dive at Beyt. The place has extremely blue water hiding in it some of the most mysterious ancient secrets. The diving spot is located at Shivrajpur which is about 13 kilometers from the main city.
Cost: Rs 2400 per person
Time: 20 minutes (approx.)
Experience: A mysterious and unique experience as you witness the ancient sunken remains of the Dwarka.
9. Ride an Underwater Scooter at Kovalam, Kerala
Another interesting and unique scuba diving spot can be located in God’s own country, Kerala. Kerala is home to the beauties of the world. One cannot miss witnessing this place at least once in their lifetime. At Kovalam Beach in Kerala, you can try out scuba diving in the most beautiful place in India. Kovalam offers a diving experience for both beginners and experienced divers. One can also try out a scuba scooter which is a famous water experience here at Kovalam.
Cost: Rs 4500 per person
Time: 20-25 minutes
Experience: Unique diving experience when trying the underwater scooter. Scuba Diving is, although a normal one, a must-try for a first-time experience.
10. Become a certified diver at Vizag, Andhra Pradesh
Vizag brings to you one of the most vibrant sea life ever. Another great diving spot in India, this place offers an extremely blue water experience to you. Meeting into the Bay of Bengal, divers of all levels can try scuba diving here. The place also has a lot of diving schools where you can become a certified diver.
Cost: Rs 3500 per person
Time: 20 minutes
Experience: A great destination to become a certified diver and experience vibrant sea creatures like never before
Does India offer the most versatile diving experience?
After experiencing all the above extraordinary diving spots of India, one cannot deny the fact that India offers one of the most versatile diving experiences. The scuba spots here are extremely safe and you are always under the guidance of a trained professional. Along with this, there are other water activities to try out at these diving spots including water sailing, underwater scooter, sea walking, and many others which make your scuba experience even worth it. The cost of scuba diving is no more than Rs 5000 per person at most places. So try witnessing these destinations at least once in your life and experience the underwater life never before in the blue waters of Indian Origin.
Enjoy!!!
