Top Scuba Diving Sites in India

A must-do activity in India, scuba diving is something that every adventure seeker prefers. If you are someone who seeks thrills from your travels, then diving in the azure waters is all you need. Travelling in India and still thinking of which adventure activities to add to the itinerary? The best experience awaits you if you are planning to scuba dive here. The splendid natural charm will enthral you and the diverse marine world will enamour you. Begin an adventure of a lifetime by diving into a new world!

In this blog, we present the best scuba diving sites in India. So if you are travelling to any of these places anytime soon, then don’t miss out on scuba diving! 

Best Dive Locations in India

Andaman Islands

The Bay of Bengal offers a vibrant underwater world to scuba divers in the Andaman Islands. This union territory is the topmost dive location in India. Picturesque coral reefs and corals create amazingly beautiful views under the water here. One can spot turtles, moray eels, manta rays, trevally, and batfish in its crystal-clear waters!
One can go for shallow as well as deep diving in the Andamans. Whether you are an experienced swimmer or a non-swimmer, a pro diver with hundreds of dives or a newbie seeking their first experience–scuba diving on this island is out of the world for sure.

Havelock Island has some of the best scuba diving sites across Southeast Asia. The best part is that all of them are easily accessible. You will be taken to a site depending on your training and experience level. Even if you are a beginner, you will have multiple choices when it comes to diving sites. For an advanced certified scuba diver, Johnny’s Gorge, Dickson’s Pinnacles, and Jackson’s Bar are the most popular sites. If you are taking the PADI Open Water course, then The Wall, Whitehouse Rock, and Inchket Wreck are your best bet. The most sought-after sites for a one-time scuba diving experience are Tribe Gate, Red Pillar, The Slope, Turtle Beach, and Nemo Reef. 
 

Lakshadweep
This union territory of India is also quite popular among scuba divers. Diving here is both fun and enthralling. The blue transparent lagoons and coves here are ideal for exploring the underwater world. The marine life is quite rich here and includes manta rays, turtles, vibrant fishes, sharks, whales, etc. 

Goa
Scuba diving in Goa is sought-after for tiny exotic corals, flights of attractive fishes, and other colourful marine animals. If you are a beginner, then scuba diving here is perfect for you as there is a lack of underwater currents and the water is also clear.

Puducherry
Located on the eastern coast of India, Pondicherry is also a well-known dive location. Natural coral reefs, man-made ridges, rocky pop-ups, and a myriad of lovely marine creatures are its highlights. One can spot jackfish, sea snakes, manta rays, and fan corals while scuba diving here. One of the best scuba diving places in India, Puducherry is an ideal destination for beginners as well as professionals.

Netrani Island, Karnataka
Popularly known as Pigeon Island, Netrani Island is located 10 kilometres from Murudeshwar, off the coasts of Karnataka. It is a heart-shaped tiny island that is known for bio-diverse marine creatures such as fishes, corals, humpbacks, etc. An unconventional scuba spot, one can also spot whale sharks here! Bhatkal shipwreck is one of the most sought-after diving spots of Netrani. It is 25 kilometres off the shore. 

Tarkarli, Maharashtra
Located near Sindhudurg Fort in Maharashtra, Tarkarli is a great scuba diving site in India. Its coastal water is clear and home to plenty of corals and colourful marine animals. To reach the diving spot, you are transported from Dandi Beach. There are certified divers to accompany you while scuba diving here. Diving here is incredibly joyful for sure.

Kovalam, Kerala
This location in Kerala has been gaining immense popularity among scuba divers in India. the water here is clean and is known for its rich marine life. Not mainstream yet, but this dive site is counted among the best scuba diving destinations in the country. 

Things to Carry while Scuba Diving 

• Sunblock
• Diving mask 
• Rehydrating salt 
• Dive logbook 
• Dry bag 
• A good quality wetsuit 
• Depth gauge, compass, submersible pressure gauge 
• Quality diving footwear

Experience Scuba Diving in the Andaman Islands

Fun, exciting, and safe–that is what the scuba diving experience in the Andamans is all about. The dive industry here is world-class and well-established. Specifically, Havelock Island (now known as Swaraj Dweep officially) is home to the oldest dive operations across the Andamans. There are a number of beachfront dive shops and resorts dotting one side of the island. You will find various diving options to choose from, as per your convenience. The diving program and dive centre can be selected accordingly. The water of Havelock Island is mesmerising and home to a myriad of extraordinary marine species comprising amazingly colourful schools of fish and rich coral reefs.

Diving in the Andamans is for everyone–whether you are a beginner or a professional. The dive sites on its islands are suited for almost all scuba diving courses. These are easily accessible as well. This incredible water sport may seem complicated and tough, but the sincere dedication of the diving instructor and high-quality scuba equipment make your diving experience very safe as well as rewarding.

Choosing to Dive in the Andaman Islands

Across the country, the Andaman Islands stand out among all the locations for scuba diving. Its aquatic life is protected by the island’s administration and thus, one can witness so much under its waters. You are guaranteed to have the best diving experience. Go diving early in the morning and come back in the afternoon to enjoy sunbathing on a white sand beach. Or take rest in the afternoon and go to the beach in the evening to unwind and cherish a memorable sunset. There are numerous diving sites in the Andamans, especially on Havelock Island.