With the winds of winter making their way in our direction, now’s the perfect time to take that much-anticipated trip to the deep blue waters around the country. The waters are tepid and inviting, the skies are crystal blue, and the roads to the destinations are picturesque drives! So, if you’re an enthusiast of the underwater world, and long to explore the secrets of marine diversity, here are the best spots for scuba diving in India.
1. Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Hailed as one of India’s most beautiful places for scuba divers and snorkelers, Havelock Island is a crowd favourite, with a wide variety of watersports that you can take up, and even glimpse creatures such as the Angler Fish, Scorpion Fish, sharks, and even octopi!
Sites you should visit: The Wall, Cinque Island, Fish Rock
How to get there: Take a flight to Veer Savarkar International Airport (Port Blair Airport) from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata.
Where should you stay: Guru International for Rs 2,576 per night
For that crystal clear visibility underwater, grab a pair of the Generic Mask and Snorkel Set for Scuba Diving for Rs 1,670
2. Tarkarli, Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s only scuba training center built around natural resources, the water is so clear, that you can hope to see sea urchins, starfish, and cephalopods on your underwater adventures.
Sites you should visit: Malvan (near Sindhudurg Fort). Contact Joshua’s SCUBA Diving In Tarkarli for more details on their packages and rates
How to get there: Take a flight to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport or the Mumbai Domestic Airport from all major cities, and take a road trip to the coast using state transport buses, private luxury buses, or even rent cars to take a drive there yourself!
Where should you stay: Sand N Shine Beach Resort for Rs 1,568 per night
One of the essentials for a SCUBA dive is comfortable attire that you need to don for those deep waters. Get yourself the Segolike Scuba Diving Wetsuit for Rs 1,820
3. Pondicherry
The coastal beauty of Pondicherry, also called the ‘Mini France’ of India, has much more to offer than its picturesque streets filled with pretty colours, and the French Quarters with crepes and coffee shops to boot! Marine life in Serenity and Paradise Beach is teeming with wonderful species of the underwater world, that you don’t want to miss!
Sites you should visit: 4 Corners, Temple Reef, Aravind’s Wall. Visit Temple Adventures for various packages they offer, depending on the difficulty level that you’d want to attempt for your dives, and how much of an expert you want to be.
How to get there: Take a domestic flight from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other main cities to Chennai International Airport. You can then take a train from Perungalathur station to Puducherry station, or take one of the several buses that ply from Pondicherry to the airport on a daily basis.
Where should you stay: La Maison Radha for Rs 1,344 per night
Sun protection is an absolute must to prevent those harmful tan lines. Buy yourself the Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3-In-1 Matte Look Daily Sunblock for Rs 296
4. Kadmat Islands, Lakshadweep
Serene, perfect, and almost pristine, the world beneath the waves at Lakshadweep are known to people across, not just the country, but the world! Due to the natural disasters and climatic changes in the recent years, the glory of Lakshadweep has dwindled considerably. But it still remains one of the most sought-after sites for divers and marine enthusiasts everywhere.
Sites you should visit: Bangarram Island, Aggati Island. The Laccadives Kadmat Dive School offers CMAS (Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques) certification courses for beginners as well as expert divers in India.
How to get there: Take a flight from one of the major airports in the country to Agatti Airport.
Where should you stay: Thinnakara Tent Houses subject to availability
Keep your phone dry, and capture beautiful images with AVANTREE 1 In 1 Waterproof Bag For Mobile for Rs 740
5. Kovalam, Kerala
What better way to explore the seas than in God’s own country? Take a peek at the Puffer Fish, Pipe Fish, Butterfly Fish, and so many more varieties of creatures in the choppy waters, with visibility as clear as the waters of beaches abroad!
Sites you should visit: Visit BOND Safari Kovalam to explore the different programs they offer based on the level of difficulty you choose.
How to get there: Hop on a plane to Trivandrum International Airport and get on the road for the 15 km stretch to Kovalam.
Where should you stay: Treebo Adrak for Rs 1,433 per night
Don’t let the waters compromise on your beauty and makeup routine! Get the Colorbar Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner for Rs 280
Images: Shutterstock
