Scuba Diving in India: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Dive Spots
For a long time now, India has captivated travellers with its magnificent mountains and glorious beaches, but little do people know that India also possesses some of the top scuba diving spots in the world. From swimming alongside mighty manta rays to the colossal whale sharks, scuba diving in India offers something for everyone. From the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Islands to the mythical underwater ruins of Dwarka, every dive site is a gateway to a breathtaking marine world. Given the hundreds of people looking for scuba diving in India, there is no better time than now. So, grab your gear, hold your breath, and get ready to explore the unseen wonders of the deep blue
In this Blog
Andaman Islands: Exploring New Depths in the Deep Blue Sea
When it comes to scuba diving in India, the Andaman Islands top the list. This tropical paradise in the Bay of Bengal is considered one of the best places to scuba dive, offering crystal-clear waters, untouched coral reefs, and an abundance of marine life. It is easy to notice the untouched coral reefs and marine life living fiercely within the crystal-clear waters. Imagine swimming with manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and schools of clownfish – this is the kind of scuba adventures Andaman promises.
The islands offer all diving range from shallow coral gardens to deep walls which makes them perfect for first-timers as well as seasoned divers. If you’re looking to take a scuba diving course, this is one of the best spots to get certified, thanks to world-class dive instructors and PADI-accredited schools.
Oh, one more thing, the waters here are so pristine that visibility can extend up to 40 meters on a clear day, making it one of the top scuba diving destinations in Asia!
- Top Dive Sites: Turtle Beach, Tribe Gate, The Wall, Junction, Corruption Rock, Snake Island
- Price: Rs 3,500 – Rs 6,500 per dive
- Best Diving Season: October to April
Havelock Island: A Diver’s Paradise
Scuba diving in Havelock Island (currently known as Swaraj Dweep) is an unforgettably magical experience. The island is rich in marine life ranging from magnificent manta rays to reef sharks swimming in vibrant coral reefs. What sets scuba diving in Havelock apart from the rest is the variety of dive sites, ranging from beginner-friendly shallow waters to advanced drift dives. The calm conditions and excellent visibility make it perfect for those looking to take their first scuba diving course.
- Top Dive Sites: Nemo Reef, Johnny’s Gorge, Red Pillar, Aquarium, Whitehouse Rock, Dickson’s Pinnacle
- Price: ₹2,500 – ₹6,000 per dive
- Best Diving Season: October to April
- Additional Info: If you’re a photography enthusiast, Havelock offers some of the best scuba diving in India for underwater photography, thanks to its diverse marine ecosystem and clear waters.
Lakshadweep: India’s Secret Underwater Wonderland
If you are a fan of remote locations that are not too touristy, then Lakshadweep is a great scuba diving spot in India. With its crystal-clear lagoons and remote location, it offers one of the most exclusive scuba diving packages in the country. Due to its unique location, it is one of the best places in the country to go diving. This location supports a variety of wildlife, including turtles, manta rays, nurse sharks and large schools of barracuda.
One of the most thrilling aspects of scuba diving in India is discovering shipwrecks, and Lakshadweep does not disappoint. Off of the coast with the name “Princess Royal” you can visit the ruins of a warship that was sunk during the Anglo-French War, 200 years ago. On top of that, you’ll even catch a glimpse of archaic pottery and cannons in the process.
- Top Dive Sites: Dolphin Reef, Classroom, Princess Royal, Lost Paradise, Manta Point, Fish Soup
- Price: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 per dive
- Best Diving Season: December to April
Goa: Budget-Friendly Scuba Adventures
If you think Goa solely for beaches and partying? Think again because there is so much more to do. Scuba diving in Goa is a fantastic experience for those who have just started because of how affordable it is. While the dive sites in Goa aren’t as deep as other sites in Andaman or lakshadweep, they are still filled with tons of marine life. Filled with colourful corals, a variety of tropical fish such as lion fish and moray eels, and even shipwrecks.
The scuba diving packages are super affordable compared to other places, which is helpful for beginners. Also, lots of diving shops in Goa provide deals that consist of snorkelling as well as a boat ride to Grand Island which is one of the best places to scuba dive in the region.
- Top Dive Sites: Davy Jones’ Locker, Suzy’s Wreck, Grand Island, Turbo Tunnel, Shelter Cove, Sail Rock
- Price: ₹1,500 – ₹4,000 per dive (including training)
- Best Diving Season: October to April
Kovalam: Kerala’s Hidden Scuba Diving Gem
If you are looking for scuba diving in Kerala, then Kovalam is quickly becoming a well-known spot marking its presence as one of the top underwater diving experiences. It’s crystal-clear waters, coupled with its unique underwater marine life makes it the perfect site for both new and advanced divers. From pufferfish, butterflyfish to moray eels, you can encounter it all situated in the gorgeous coral reefs.
Kovalam is very welcoming for people who are new at diving and aims to provide a delightful learning experience. With trained instructors and proper dive shops available, everyone is equipped for their scuba adventure. Since coast line is vast, there is plenty of opportunity to explore new diving sites, providing ample room for expansion. This means that Kovalam can count itself amongst best places for scuba diving in India.
- Top Dive Sites: Puffer Paradise, Lighthouse Beach, Kovalam Beach, Hawah Beach
- Price: ₹3,500 – ₹4,500 per dive
- Best Diving Season: September to February
Pondicherry: The Only East Coast Scuba Haven
While talking about favourite scuba diving in India, Pondicherry stands out as the only diving destination on the eastern coast. This quaint town brimming with French influence comes with its fair share of underwater wonders, mesmerising coral reefs interspersed with artificial structures and an extravagant underwater life which includes manta rays, sea snakes, and parrotfish.
The underwater world of Pondicherry is simply breathtaking and ideal for divers. The combination of artificial and natural reefs allows divers of any skill level to take classes and receive their diving certification. Scuba diving or scuba diving courses in this area perfectly captures why diving here so captivating, it’s because the water is filled with a variety of marine life, which adds a unique twist to Pondicherry.
- Top Dive Sites: Temple Reef, Cool Shark Reef, 4 Corners, The Hole, Aravind’s Wall, Ravines
- Price: ₹4,000 – ₹6,000 per dive
- Best Diving Season: September to November & February to April
Netrani Island: Karnataka’s Best Kept Diving Secret
Diving in Netrani has been a well-guarded secret, as it is often overlooked for other diving spots. Netrani Island, also called Pigeon Island, is one of the best scuba diving spots in India. Netrani carries some of the most stunning diving locations, especially for scuba. While being located off the coast of Murudeshwar, the heart shaped island is adorned with exotic marine creatures, including coral and whale sharks. To put it simply, it is a paradise for divers.
The deep, clear waters surrounding Netrani are perfect for skilled divers in search of thrilling scuba adventures. If you’re lucky, you might spot a whale shark gliding past, making your dive an unforgettable experience!
- Top Dive Sites: Pebble Beach, Nursery, The Grotto, T-55
- Price: ₹5,000 – ₹6,000 per dive
- Best Diving Season: September to April
Tarkarli: Budget-Friendly Scuba Diving in Maharashtra
If you are looking for budget-friendly scuba diving in India, look no further than Tarkarli. Located near Sindhudurg Fort, this place is guaranteed to leave you speechless with its crystal blue waters, lively marine biomes, and stunning coral formations.
Tarkarli is not only good for a budget, but it’s also perfect for people that wish to go snorkling. Unlike deep-sea soaked areas, the dive sites present are easily accessible for the beginner that has yet to hone their diving skills.
The best part? First timers that don’t know how to swim can comfortably snorkel up to a depth of 30 feet here. It is for this reason that Tarkarli is quickly gaining recognition as one of the top scuba diving destinations in Maharashtra.
- Top Dive Sites: King’s Garden, Dharan Point
- Price: ₹500 – ₹1,000 per dive
- Best Diving Season: October to April
Dwarka: Dive into the Mythical Underwater City
Dwarka is not just a religious place but one of the most unique scuba diving destinations in India. Located off the shore of Gujarat, Dwarka provides a unique chance to see structures that are submerged and thought to be a part of the ancient city of lord Krishna.
Scuba Diving in Dwarka is an experience of a lifetime with relatively clear water and diverse marine life. If you are a keen historian or a lover of fun and adventure, there is something special for you in this dive spot.
- Top Dive Site: Shivrajpur Beach
- Price: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per dive
- Best Diving Season: October to mid-April
From the pristine reefs of Andaman to the mythical waters of Dwarka, scuba diving in India offers an adventure like no other. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a scuba diving course or an experienced diver seeking the best scuba diving destinations in India, these locations promise an unforgettable experience.
Image credit: Sebastian Pena Lambarri via Unsplash
