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Uncover The Marine Life - 8 Best Places For Scuba Diving In India

By Swati Mishra

Updated - May 9, 20249 min read

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Before you begin reading this blog, we would recommend you to read our master post regarding adventure destinations in India and pick the best one which suits you the most - The Greatest Adventure Lies Ahead: Top 8 Adventure Destinations In India.  It's high time you get out of your comfort zone to have unbelievable, unforgettable and most exciting experiences. The thrill will give you a memory that will last for life.

Calling all the water babies and adventure junkies out there to find the perfect destinations for a thrilling scuba diving experience in India. We've picked out 10 destinations to choose from - it's time to find your favorite one and pack your bags for an unforgettable experience. The coral life is waiting to get explored by you - nothing can beat the underwater experience. We promise you, it will change your life.

 

Andaman And Nicobar 

It's a paradise for the people living on the marine line and uncovers the real beauty of the underwater world. It's one of the most beautiful places to experience Scuba Diving in India. The amazing corals and coral reefs will leave you awestruck - you'll be amazed to witness the underwater fauna which includes Turtles, Manta Rays, Moray Eels and Batfish - there's so much waiting for you. The Best Scuba Diving spots in Andaman and Nicobar as follows:

 

1. HAVELOCK ISLAND - THE WALL

It is 50kms away from Port Blair, the marine life here will leave you mesmerized as it includes - Humpback Parrotfish, Lionfish, soft corals and rare fishes. These are the few diving sites in Havelock Islands - India Scuba Explorers, Ocean Dive Centre, Blue Corals Dive and Eco Divers.

 

2. CORRUPTION ROCK

It is situated between Chidiyatappu and Rutland Island and located 57kms away from Port Blair. This island is famous for its marine life which includes eagle rays and Unicorn Fishes. It's popular as the diving sight consists of a rock which is underwater - the height is around 30 meters and a part of it is sticking out of the water as well.

 

3. CINQUE ISLAND

One has to take a boat from Wandoor to reach Cinque Island which takes approximately three and a half hours. It's untouched by tourists which makes it more heavenly and beautiful and serves as one of the most fascinating sights for scuba diving in Andaman and Nicobar islands. December and May seem like an ideal time to scuba dive here as the water is much calmer.

Other Diving Spots In Andaman And Nicobar:  Passenger Island, Snake Island and Neil Island

Best Time For Scuba Diving - October to April

Cost Per Dive In Andaman And Nicobar - Rs. 4,500 - 5,000

 

GOA

If Mountains don't amaze you then this place is perfect for all the aqua lovers. Goa is a paradise for water sports adventure fanatics. One can have a thrilling experience not just experiencing one of the best watersports but also several other adventure sports. It's definitely one of the top adventure tourism destinations in India. Scuba Diving in Goa will definitely get your attention as the underwater life has the most beautiful flora and fauna which includes - sergeant-major puffers, lion-fish, scorpion-fish, surgeon-fish, barracuda, tuna, and eels. The Best Scuba Diving Spot in Goa is Grand Island:

 

4. GRANDE ISLAND

It is located a few kilometers from the Mormugao peninsula, one can take a boat ride from the Bogmalo beach to reach this water paradise. It's the best to experience scuba diving in crystal clear water and explore fascinating marine life with your naked eye. Don't forget to uncover the Suzy's Wreck and Davy Jones Locker - it's better if a professional scuba diver explores these shipwrecks as the water currents are very strong here. For freshes, one can go for Uma Gumma Reef - if it's your first or second dive as the water is calm at this diving site.

Other Best Diving Spots In Goa: Malvan, Candolim and Sao Gorge Island

Best Time For Scuba Diving - October to Mid May

Cost Per Dive In Goa - Rs. 3,000 - 5,000

 

KARNATAKA

This city is blessed with beautiful coral and coral reefs, you'll be mystified by witnessing the stunning underwater flora and fauna. One can spot whales, colorful fishes, Turtles, Stingrays and Stonefish easily if scuba diving is your passion. Netrani Island is the best spot to experience Scuba Diving at it's best.

 

5. NETRANI ISLAND 

It's basically a coral island, full of coral reefs and other aquatic animals. It is located about 10 miles away from Mudreshwar. Feel free to be friends with these aquatic water buddies which include butterflyfishes, parrot fish, and eels and don't be shocked to encounter a whale. This island has a lot of steep stones so it's advisable to go diving with a boat along. 

Best Time For Scuba Diving In Karnataka - December And January

Cost Per Dive In Karnataka- Rs. 5,000 - 6,000

 


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KERALA

With the recent facilitation regarding Scuba Diving, Kerala has also become one of the famous spots for Scuba Diving. Kovalam and Varkala beach serve as one of the best scuba diving spots in Kerela. Get to know more about the best one:

 

6. KOVALAM

Kovalam situated in the heart of Kerala which is about 16km away from the popular major city of Thiruvananthapuram. They use an underwater scooter instead of the traditional scuba diving gear. The marine fauna includes - pufferfish, groupers, boxfish, sergeants, pipefish and butterfly fish. The best party about this diving site is it has calm waters which makes it a more approachable site for Scuba Diving for tourists.

Best Time For Scuba Diving In Kerela- December And January

Cost Per Dive In Kerela - Rs. 5,000 - 6,000

 

LAKSHADWEEP

At Lakshadweep witness the sparkling coral reefs, blue lagoons, white beaches, and the scenic coconut palms and dive into the water amidst the beauty of marine life.

 

7. BANGARAM 

It's a beautiful place situated in the arena of Lakshadweep Island - surrounded fully by coral reefs, it's also considered as one of the cleanest beaches in India - what are you waiting for? You just found the best scuba diving destination in Lakshadweep. Being one of the cleanest and finest makes it easier to explore the underwater marine life clearly.

Other Best Scuba Diving Spots In Kerela - Laccadives and Aggati Islands

Best Time For Scuba Diving In Kerela- October To March

Cost Per Dive In Kerela - Rs. 4,000 - 7,000

 


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PONDICHERRY

Another one of the best destinations for scuba diving in India, Pondicherry has established a name for itself too - It offers sites like The Temple Reef, Aravind Wall, and 4Corners are one of the best diving spots in Pondicherry. The most popular one still remains - The Coral Shark Reef

 

8. CORAL SHARK REEF 

This is one of the coolest places for scuba diving in the arms of Pondicherry - the land of beautiful beaches. There is a variety of height from 5m to 40m for the convenience of both the beginners and the experts going for Scuba Diving. This place is a home to different species of sharks such as Tawny Nurses, Sicklefin Lemons, Grey Reefs, Blacktip Reefs, Whitetip Reefs, Silvertips, massive Bulls and the occasional Tiger.

Best Time For Scuba Diving In Pondicherry - March To October

Cost Per Dive In Pondicherry - Rs. 3,800 - 6,000

 


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FAQ

Q: What are the rules for safe Scuba Diving?

A: Practicing safe ascents, Plan your dive well in advance, Dive within your limits, Never hold your breath - it can be very dangerous and can lead to death as well, check your gear - it's very important to know about your gear.

 

Q: Which are the best adventure sports destinations in India?

A: Himlayas, Leh Ladakh, Goa, Pondicherry

 

Q: What is the rule of thirds in Scuba Diving?

A: 1/3 of the gas supply is planned for the outward journey, 1/3 is for the return journey and 1/3 is a safety reserve. The rule of thirds is used TO plan dives so they have enough breathing gas left in their diving cylinder at the end of the dive to be able to complete the dive safely.