Ever thought about scuba diving? How cool would it be to have an aqualung (scuba) and dive underwater to explore the unknown? The thrill of watching the sea creatures and mesmerizing coral reefs never fades away. Looks like one doesn’t have to go abroad to do such a wonderful activity. There are plenty of awesome spots to go scuba diving in India. Let’s take a look at the places one will have a great experience scuba diving.
Andaman And Nicobar Islands
- Havelock Island
Havelock Island also known as Swaraj Deep is widely known for its dive sites. Regardless of whether one is an experienced swimmer or a complete newbie who doesn’t know the first thing about swimming, their diving experience will be safe as there are several certified professional instructors to choose from. The coral reefs and marine life are breathtaking to watch. The Lighthouse, aquarium, and Mac point are some of the most popular spots on Havelock Island for scuba diving.
- Neil Island
Neil Island referred to as the vegetable bowl of Andaman is popular because of its beautiful beaches and tropical forests. Due to the prevailing climatic conditions, the land is ideal for the cultivation of fruits and vegetables. That is why it is known as the vegetable bowl of Andaman. Neil Island was renamed Shaheed Dweep in honor of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. It is much quieter and secluded than Havelock Island. The coral reefs and the high number of tropical fish enrich the experience of scuba diving. The view of sunsets alone is persuasive enough to make people choose this island to go diving.
- Port Blair
Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is an extremely popular diving site. Its peacefulness and beauty have no trouble luring people into flocks to it. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park has exotic biodiversity and beaches that are pleasing to the eye. A person who has decided to go scuba diving can enjoy these even though most of the islands situated there are protected and cannot be accessed by the general public.
- Passage Island
Passage Island otherwise known as Duncan Island is an uninhabited island in Andaman and one can do fun activities like swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving there. The water present in Passage Island attracts plenty of open sea fish. Clownfish, Butterflyfish, and Parrot fish can be found here. Best of all, there are dolphins! What more could one want?
Lakshadweep Islands
- Minicoy Island
Minicoy is located in the southernmost region of Lakshadweep and is the second largest island in it. Minicoy is peaceful and quiet and contains shipwrecks. Imagine the joy of seeking treasure in those shipwrecks. Even if nothing is gained from the dives, the search itself will be invigorating and worth the time spent underwater. Is there a better way to spend an afternoon with a self-contained independent source of oxygen?
- Kadmat Island
Kadmat has one of the most beautiful coral reefs and as the water is crystal-clear it is easy to get caught in the beauty of those soft corals. Kadmat Island is also known as Cardamom Island. The marine turtles that reside here are a sight to behold. The seagrass beds spread across the island are the main food source for the turtles. It is believed that Kadmat Islands had trade dealings with Romans as in 1948, a Roman coin was unearthed by a girl in a quarry on the island.
Dwarka, Gujarat
Scuba diving in Dwarka is one of the best options as the visibility underwater is exceptionally good. Besides, it is the Hindu pilgrimage site and the nearby Dwarka Lighthouse offers a stellar view of the Arabian sea. Also, the Gaga Wildlife Sanctuary has several endangered species including the Indian wolf.
If one wants to go scuba diving and watch how the endangered species are protected at the same time, Dwarka is the best option. Also, a two-day certification course in scuba diving is provided in Dwarka.
Grand Island, Goa
Ilha Grande popularly known as Grand Island or Bat Island is best suitable for snorkeling but is also a great spot for scuba diving. Dolphins can be found here all year long as the climate of the island is favorable to them. The Monkey Island on Grand Island is said to have the potential to be food heaven for tourists as well as scuba divers.
Pondicherry
1. The Hole
The Hole is meant for expert scuba divers. Divers aspiring to be professionals can practice here to improve their odds. The deeper one goes in, the darker it grows. Therefore, bringing a torch along is advisable. People who tremble at the mere mention of darkness should avoid this place. A few divers come across gigantic sea creatures in this spot. One can also enjoy the beautiful hard corals out there but the main thrill that is sought in the Hole is the search for hidden gems in the sea bed. One never knows when their luck will turn. Who knows what will happen? Maybe you too will find a gem there.
2. Coral Sharks Reef
Coral Shark Reefs got its name as a result of the abundance of reef sharks there. It is a diving site that is open to all divers ranging from wannabes and newbies to experts and professionals since it is not as deep as diving sites like the Aravind’s Wall or the Hole. Coral Shark Reef is a natural reef with a sandy bottom.
3. Aravind’s Wall
Aravind’s Wall is meant for expert divers only as it has a depth of 130 feet. Also, the dive site has several sub-sites as it is huge. The massive rock formation due to which the diving site came to be known as the wall, offers a perfect opportunity for drift dives. Apparently, lionfish and sea snakes can be spotted here. Pelagic fish is also abundant here.
4. Four Corners
Four Corners is one of the oldest diving sites in Pondicherry and is favored by open sea divers. Palm trees can be seen scattered here and the diverse coral reefs are pleasing to the eyes.
5. Ravines
This site is incredibly popular for the Manta rays seen here. Manta rays are a type of fish with two-horn-shaped fins and bodies shaped like diamonds. Due to the shape of its horns, it is also nicknamed the ‘Devil Fish’. Ravines is a suitable diving site for beginners in scuba diving. Ravines came to be known because of the rocky reed beds at their bottom. Many different coral reefs, plants, and plenty of fish add to the joy of the diving experience.
6. Temple Reef
Temple Reef is a widely popular man-made (artificial) reef. It was built with recycled rocks, concrete, trees, metal structures, and ropes. It is named after Temple Adventures, who are its creators. Temple Reef is home to a wide variety of marine life. In fact, it boasts the widest variety of marine life in Pondicherry. Temple reef consists of four areas- Original Temple Reef, Parking Lot, Beer Garden, and Wreck city. As the reef begins at the depth of 5 meters, it is suitable for everyone to go scuba diving regardless of experience.
Conclusion
So, whether one wants to be one with the fish, explore the deep sea, search for lost treasure or just swim underwater, scuba diving is the answer. Remember, always have an instructor by your side if you are not an expert in scuba diving. After all, with beauty comes peril. Hopefully, this article has given you several wonderful spots to choose from. So, have you packed your bags yet?