13 Best Spots In India For Scuba Diving In 2023
Are you someone who’s interested in scuba diving? It can be a thrilling and unique experience, and there are many great places to go scuba diving in India. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep Islands are both popular destinations for scuba diving and offer a variety of marine life, crystal clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs.
Other top scuba diving spots in India include Havelock Island, Netrani Island, Pondicherry, Goa, Kovalam, Malvan, Tarkarli, Radhanagar Beach, Diveagar, Gokarna, Varkala, and Diveagar.
And you must be thrilled to learn that scuba diving doesn’t require swimming competency. However, it is helpful to have basic swimming skills and be comfortable in the water. If you’re new to scuba diving, you can take a beginner’s course to learn the basics of diving and get comfortable with the equipment.
Now that you’re planning to go scuba diving in India, it’s important to follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable dive. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:
- Get proper training and certification: Make sure to take a beginner’s course or a refresher course if you’re an experienced diver. This will teach you the basic skills and knowledge needed to dive safely in different environments.
- Follow your dive plan: Before diving, make a dive plan with your instructor or dive master, including your maximum depth, dive time, and emergency procedures. Stick to your plan and never exceed your limits.
- Always dive with a buddy: Never dive alone. Make sure to dive with a buddy who is trained and capable of assisting you in case of an emergency.
- Check your equipment: Make sure your scuba diving equipment is in good working order and fits properly.
- Pay attention to your surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards, such as strong currents or underwater obstacles.
- Know your limits: Never dive beyond your level of training or experience. If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain at any point during the dive, let your instructor or dive master know and follow their guidance.
By following these safety tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable scuba diving experience in India.
The Top Scuba Diving Destinations in India
India is home to a variety of marine life and offers some of the best scuba diving spots in the world. Here are 13 of the best places to go scuba diving in India:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Located in the Bay of Bengal, these islands are known for their crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal. They are known for their crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and diverse marine life, making them a popular destination for scuba diving in India.
There are several places to go scuba diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including Havelock Island, Neil Island, and Ross Island. Havelock Island is known for its coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a variety of marine life, including turtles and manta rays. Neil Island is known for its beautiful beaches, and coral reefs, and Ross Island is known for its rich history and underwater wrecks.
In addition to scuba diving, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The islands are also home to a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, where you can see a variety of flora and fauna.
Havelock Island
This island is a popular spot for scuba diving in India, with its coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a variety of marine life, including turtles and manta rays.
Havelock Island is one of the most popular destinations for scuba diving in India. It is located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and is known for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and a variety of marine life, including turtles and manta rays.
There are several dive sites around Havelock Island, each offering a unique diving experience. Some popular sites include Elephant Beach, the Lighthouse, and Shark Island. Elephant Beach is known for its shallow coral reefs and a variety of fish, while Lighthouse is known for its deeper coral reefs and shipwrecks. Shark Island is named after the sharks that can sometimes be spotted in the area.
In addition to scuba diving, Havelock Island offers a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The island is also home to a number of beautiful beaches, where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
Lakshadweep Islands
These coral islands offer some of the best scuba diving in India, with clear waters and a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and fish.
The Lakshadweep Islands are a group of coral islands located off the coast of India in the Arabian Sea. They are known for their crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and diverse marine life, making them a popular destination for scuba diving in India.
There are several places to go scuba diving in the Lakshadweep Islands, including Kavaratti, Kalpeni, and Minicoy. Kavaratti is known for its coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and fish. Kalpeni is known for its shallow coral reefs and a variety of fish, while Minicoy is known for its deeper coral reefs and shipwrecks.
In addition to scuba diving, the Lakshadweep Islands offer a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The islands are also home to a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, where you can see a variety of flora and fauna.
Netrani Island
Located off the coast of Karnataka, this island is known for its pristine waters and diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, and schools of colourful fish.
Netrani Island, also known as Pigeon Island, is a small island located off the coast of Karnataka, India. It is known for its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for scuba diving.
Netrani Island has a number of dive sites, each offering a unique diving experience. Some popular sites include Shark Point, Temple, and the Deep Wall. Shark Point is named after the sharks that can sometimes be spotted in the area, while Temple is known for its coral reefs and a variety of fish. Deep Wall is a deep diving site with a vertical wall that drops down to a depth of over 100 meters.
In addition to scuba diving, Netrani Island offers a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The island is also home to a number of beautiful beaches, where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
Pondicherry
This city on the eastern coast of India is known for its beautiful beaches and scuba diving opportunities, with a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish.
Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a city on the eastern coast of India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, French colonial architecture, and scuba diving opportunities.
There are several places to go scuba diving in Pondicherry, including the Temple Adventures Dive Center and the Pondicherry Scuba Diving Centre. These centres offer a variety of scuba diving packages and courses for beginners and experienced divers.
Pondicherry is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish. The waters around Pondicherry are also home to a number of shipwrecks, which can be explored by experienced divers.
In addition to scuba diving, Pondicherry offers a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The city is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including temples, churches, and museums.
Goa
This popular tourist destination is also a great place for scuba diving, with a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colourful fish.
Goa is a popular tourist destination located on the western coast of India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, Portuguese colonial architecture, and scuba diving opportunities.
There are several places to go scuba diving in Goa, including the Dive Goa Dive Center and the Goa Scuba Diving Centre. These centres offer a variety of scuba diving packages and courses for beginners and experienced divers.
Goa is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colourful fish. The waters around Goa are also home to a number of shipwrecks, which can be explored by experienced divers.
In addition to scuba diving, Goa offers a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The city is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including temples, churches, and museums.
Kovalam
Located in the state of Kerala, this beach town is known for its beautiful beaches and scuba diving opportunities, with a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish.
Kovalam is a beach town located in the state of Kerala on the southwestern coast of India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, Ayurvedic massage centres, and scuba diving opportunities.
There are several places to go scuba diving in Kovalam, including the Dive India Dive Center and the Kovalam Scuba Diving Centre. These centres offer a variety of scuba diving packages and courses for beginners and experienced divers.
Kovalam is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish. The waters around Kovalam are also home to a number of shipwrecks, which can be explored by experienced divers.
In addition to scuba diving, Kovalam offers a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The town is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including temples, churches, and museums.
Malvan
Located in the state of Maharashtra, this coastal town is known for its beautiful beaches and scuba diving opportunities, with a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish.
Malvan is a coastal town located in the state of Maharashtra on the western coast of India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, coconut groves, and scuba diving opportunities.
There are several places to go scuba diving in Malvan, including the Dive Malvan Dive Center and the Malvan Scuba Diving Centre. These centres offer a variety of scuba diving packages and courses for beginners and experienced divers.
Malvan is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish. The waters around Malvan are also home to a number of shipwrecks, which can be explored by experienced divers.
In addition to scuba diving, Malvan offers a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The town is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including temples, churches, and museums.
Tarkarli
This village in the state of Maharashtra is known for its beautiful beaches and scuba diving opportunities, with a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish.
Tarkarli is a village located in the state of Maharashtra on the western coast of India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, coconut groves, and scuba diving opportunities.
There are several places to go scuba diving in Tarkarli, including the Dive Tarkarli Dive Center and the Tarkarli Scuba Diving Centre. These centres offer a variety of scuba diving packages and courses for beginners and experienced divers.
Tarkarli is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish. The waters around Tarkarli are also home to a number of shipwrecks, which can be explored by experienced divers.
In addition to scuba diving, Tarkarli offers a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The village is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including temples, churches, and museums.
Radhanagar Beach
Located on Havelock Island, this beach is known for its crystal clear waters and scuba diving opportunities, with a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colourful fish.
Radhanagar Beach is a popular beach located on Havelock Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is known for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and scuba diving opportunities.
There are several places to go scuba diving in the waters around Radhanagar Beach, including the Dive Radhanagar Dive Center and the Radhanagar Scuba Diving Centre. These centres offer a variety of scuba diving packages and courses for beginners and experienced divers.
Radhanagar Beach is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colourful fish. The waters around the beach are also home to a number of shipwrecks, which can be explored by experienced divers.
In addition to scuba diving, Radhanagar Beach offers a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The beach is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including temples, churches, and museums.
Diveagar
This village in the state of Maharashtra is known for its beautiful beaches and scuba diving opportunities, with a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish.
Diveagar is a village located in the state of Maharashtra on the western coast of India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, coconut groves, and scuba diving opportunities.
There are several places to go scuba diving in Diveagar, including the Dive Diveagar Dive Center and the Diveagar Scuba Diving Centre. These centres offer a variety of scuba diving packages and courses for beginners and experienced divers.
Diveagar is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish. The waters around Diveagar are also home to a number of shipwrecks, which can be explored by experienced divers.
In addition to scuba diving, Diveagar offers a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The village is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including temples, churches, and museums.
Gokarna
Located in the state of Karnataka, this beach town is known for its beautiful beaches and scuba diving opportunities, with a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish.
Gokarna is a beach town located in the state of Karnataka on the southwestern coast of India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, Hindu temples, and scuba diving opportunities.
There are several places to go scuba diving in Gokarna, including the Dive Gokarna Dive Center and the Gokarna Scuba Diving Centre. These centres offer a variety of scuba diving packages and courses for beginners and experienced divers.
Gokarna is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish. The waters around Gokarna are also home to a number of shipwrecks, which can be explored by experienced divers.
In addition to scuba diving, Gokarna offers a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The town is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including temples, churches, and museums.
Varkala
This beach town in the state of Kerala is known for its beautiful beaches and scuba diving opportunities, with a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish.
Varkala is a beach town located in the state of Kerala on the southwestern coast of India. It is known for its beautiful beaches, cliff-top views, and scuba diving opportunities.
There are several places to go scuba diving in Varkala, including the Dive Varkala Dive Center and the Varkala Scuba Diving Centre. These centres offer a variety of scuba diving packages and courses for beginners and experienced divers.
Varkala is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and colourful fish. The waters around Varkala are also home to a number of shipwrecks, which can be explored by experienced divers.
In addition to scuba diving, Varkala offers a variety of other activities, such as snorkelling, kayaking, and boating. The town is also home to a number of cultural attractions, including temples, churches, and museums.
Conclusion
In conclusion, India is home to a variety of beautiful and diverse locations that offer excellent scuba diving opportunities. From the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Goa and the Lakshadweep Islands, there are many places to explore the underwater world. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there are plenty of options for diving in India that cater to different skill levels.
To have a safe and enjoyable diving experience, it is important to follow safety guidelines such as getting proper training and certification, following a dive plan, diving with a buddy, checking your equipment, paying attention to your surroundings, and knowing your limits.
I hope this information helps you plan your scuba diving trip in India. Have a great dive!