19 Best Places & Destinations to Go Scuba Diving in India

With close to 7,517 km of coastline, the Indian subcontinent touches the Arabian Sea to the west, the Bay of Bengal to the east, and the Indian Ocean to the south. This vast area allows water lovers to dive deep and explore the land beneath the Earth.

Scuba diving is a thrilling water sport that allows anyone to dive into the sea or ocean and be among the marine world. If you are down to scuba dive in India, we've listed some of the best places you simply cannot miss and other important information about scuba diving in India. Read on to know more.

With 2 islands and 6 states offering scuba diving in India, you can pick your favourite spot and explore the water world – fishes, shipwrecks and all! Below is a list of the 19 best places to go scuba diving in India for a memorable experience:

1. Barren Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

One of the most adventurous diving spots in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is at the bottom of this active volcano. 

Barren Island, as the name stands, is untouched and supports rich marine life and colourful corals. You can get a chance to see huge manta rays, underwater caves and more!

• Best Time to Visit: November - February
• Average Cost: ₹3,000 - ₹8,000

2. Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Havelock Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Andaman and Nicobar. It houses many diving spots such as Nemo Reef, Barracuda City, Aquarium, Turtle Bay, The Wall, Pilot Reef and more! You can find a wide range of aquatic life making it an unforgettable experience.

• Best Time to Visit: November - May
  
• Average Cost: ₹3,500 - ₹7,000

3. Neil Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Scuba diving in Neil Island is an ideal spot for tourists and water babies as the marine life here is preserved with calm waters and corals bordering the shoreline. 

You can visit popular diving spots such as Margarita, Junction, Robin's Bay, Bus Stop, Neil Garden, Lighthouse and more! 

• Best Time to Visit: November - May
• Average Cost: ₹6,000 - ₹15,000 

4. Bangaram, Lakshadweep Island

The secluded island of Lakshadweep offers travellers a chance to scuba dive amongst sea turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays, great barracuda, manta, shipwrecks, caves and protected corals. 

Bangaram Island has been ranked as one of the best getaways in the world. The waters are calm, and the beaches are a true sight for sore eyes.

• Best Time to Visit: November - March
• Average Cost: ₹3,000 - ₹5,000 

5. Kadmat, Lakshadweep Island

Large blue lagoons and sandy beaches surround Kadmat Islands in Lakshadweep. The waters are unspoilt, very clear and rich with colourful corals, dolphins, schools of fishes, sea cucumbers, and more. 

Some of the best diving spots around Kadmat Islands include North Cave, Double Reef, Shark Alley, Potato Patch, Jack Point among others.

• Best Time to Visit: October - May
• Average Cost: ₹2,000 - ₹4,000 

6. Kavaratti, Lakshadweep Island

Kavaratti Island, the capital of Lakshadweep, is known famously for its spell-binding views, beautiful beaches and scores of water sports activities. The island also has unique glass-bottomed boats which allow tourists to view the extensive marine life. 

You cannot miss some mesmerizing dive spots on Kavaratti Island, such as Harbour Mouth, Governors Reef, Wall of Wonder, Turtle Nest and Windmill Point. 

• Best Time to Visit: November - May
• Average Cost: ₹3,000 - ₹15,000 

7. Minicoy, Lakshadweep Island

Minicoy is the second-largest, southernmost island in Lakshadweep and an important tourist centre. It is the only island in Lakshadweep that has three large shipwrecks that act as virtual underwater museums. 

One can find fish species of different shapes and sizes and manta rays, across dive sites like Ragganmathi, Mulimatti and  Rabberufarai. Sharks, bull rays, turtles, black snappers, and barracuda are found in abundance here.

• Best Time to Visit: September- February
• Average Cost: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 

8. Netrani, Karnataka

For the best scuba diving experience in Karnataka, you must visit Netrani in Uttara Karnataka district. It is often known as the 'heart of India's diving', offering sights of wonderous life beneath the waves. 

One can see a variety of corals, butterfly fish, parrot fish, eels, shrimps or even whales or orcas!

• Best Time to Visit: October – February
• Average Cost: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000

9. Kapu Beach, Udupi

Udupi is a small town located on the Malabar Coastal Line in Karnataka. The city is a historical tourist attraction with a serene landscape surrounding it. 

Adrenaline-rushing water activities in Udupi include scuba diving at Kapu Beach. The wide variety of marine life and beautiful waters make it a favourite dive spot for tourists.

• Best Time to Visit: October - March
• Average Cost: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000

10. Baga Beach, Goa

As one of the most popular tourist hubs in South India, Goa has plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful Arabian Sea through scuba diving courses. Baga Beach in Goa is famous for the sun, sea, nightlife and wild parties! 

While at the beach, why not explore the underwaters for a change and swim among exotic corals, attractive fishes, turtles, dolphins and more!

• Best Time to Visit: October - May
• Average Cost: ₹2,000 - ₹6,000

11. Grande Island, Goa

Grande Island, also known as Bat Island, is the ideal location for adventure water activities such as scuba diving. 

Situated in South Goa, its surreal waters allow you a glimpse into a world filled with colourful fish, coral reefs, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, lobsters, turtles, and other aquatic life. Tourists can also witness the remnants of warships and sunken vessels on the seafloor.

• Best Time to Visit: October - May
• Average Cost: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000 

12. Dwarka, Gujarat

Dwarka, also believed to be the dwelling place of Lord Krishna, is one of seven holy places in India. It is also a host to many scuba diving opportunities for water lovers. 

Scuba diving in Dwarka means exploring the marine ecosystem of whale sharks, dolphins, turtles, corals, octopus, puffer fish, sea horse and more!

• Best Time to Visit: April - October
• Average Cost: ₹2,500

13. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu

Scuba diving in Pondicherry in the waters of the Bay of Bengal brings incredible underwater life and thrilling adventure to tourists. From colourful reefs, and fascinating shipwrecks to a diverse range of marine life, scuba diving in the vibrant town of Pondicherry is a must-have on your bucket list.

Don’t forget to visit these famous dive spots when in Pondicherry: Temple Reef, Aravind’s Wall, Four Corners, The Hole, Cool Shark Reef and Ravines.

• Best Time to Visit: February to April; September to November
• Average Cost: ₹5,000 - ₹8,000

14. Chennai, Tamil Nadu

The metropolitan city of Chennai also hosts pristine beaches and with it comes adventurous water activities such as scuba diving! 

Famous spots such as Deccon Pioneer Wreck, Covelong Pinnacle, Murray Point and Devil Rock are places you cannot miss on your trip! Here you can swim among natural corals, booming aquatic life, rocky pop-ups and ridges.

• Best Time to Visit: February to April; September to November
• Average Cost: ₹3,000 - ₹15,000

15. Kovalam, Kerala

Although Kerala is famous for its hilly landscape and backwaters, the beaches in Kerala offer travellers the opportunity to explore the deep blue of the Arabian Sea. 

Kovalam is home to shoals of anchovy and silver moony, bluefin trevally, the odd moray eel, puffer fish, groupers, box fish, sergeants, pipe fish etc. Apart from Kovalam's lighthouse and surfing, the sea bottom is sandy and home to many macro marine life that one can witness when scuba diving.

• Best Time to Visit: September to March
• Average Cost: ₹3,000 - ₹8,000

16. Kochi, Kerala

An important port in the southwest of India is the city of Kochi. Blessed with abundant flora and fauna, Kochi is famously known for its marine life; and what better way to explore underwater than scuba diving? You get the chance to swim among seahorses, butterflyfish, batfish, and various crustaceans.

• Best Time to Visit: September to February
• Average Cost: ₹4,000 - ₹10,000

17. Varkala, Kerala

For calm, clear waters and blossoming marine life, you must visit Varkala. This coastal town in Kerala is popular for its magnificent cliffs and beaches combined with pleasant weather. 

Its underwater terrain boasts unique rocky formations where one can spot pufferfish, lionfish, surgeonfish, and vibrant sea anemones.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Cost: ₹4,000 - ₹9,000

18. Alibaug, Maharashtra

This coastal town located to the south of Mumbai is known for its historical sites and calm and beautiful coastal area. Murud Janjira beach is the finest site to go for scuba diving in Alibaug. 

Scuba diving was initiated recently in the area and kicked off as a huge success due to Alibaug’s clear waters and magnificent coral reefs.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March
• Average Cost: ₹2,000 - ₹5,000

19. Malvan Coast, Maharashtra

The Malvan coast, off Sindhudurg, Burnt Island, is one of India’s most stunning coastal stretches in Maharashtra. 

The clear waters here allow several dive sites to be explored, letting divers witness the beauty under these waters. One can spot turtles, jellyfish, dolphins and critters, among other marine life.

• Best Time to Visit: October to May
• Average Cost: ₹800 - ₹3,000

Before getting your fins wet, here is a checklist of essential items you need to carry before going scuba diving in India:

• Sunblock and sunglasses
• Rehydrating salt and hydrating liquids
• Dry Bag 
• First Aid Kit
• Underwater camera, if needed with a case to protect your camera from getting wet, and
• Identification documents are always handy.

A few important tips to remember before you go scuba diving in India are:

• Ensure that you have a professional scuba diver by your side, and you never go alone. Your safety is essential when inside the water, as unpredictable situations may arise.
• Go for a medical check-up before you scuba dive to ensure that you are fit enough and don't face any complications mid-dive.
• Follow all the instructions given by your instructor. Do not venture off on your own underwater and always stay with your group.
• Check your gear and ensure that it is functioning properly before you go for your dive. A malfunctioning gear/equipment can create panic and a bad experience.

Apart from scuba diving, you can also participate in other adventure activities and sports such as:

• Parasailing
• Snorkelling
• Banana Boat Ride
• Kayaking
• Game Fishing
• Jet Skiing
• Cruise
• Dolphin Watching
• Boat tours
• Speed Boating
• Surfing

It doesn't matter if this is your first time trying this adventure sport or if you are a certified diver; scuba diving can give you the thrill of a lifetime. Once you hit the open water, you will experience freedom, captivating beauty and unique marine life in India. Even if you are a hills and mountains person, you must take advantage of a chance to explore the ocean and sea surrounding India.

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