Diverse forms of marine life, sunken ships and torpedoes, and even a lost city; India underwater is an enchanting experience that is not to be missed. The country’s coastline and islands harbour many breathtaking spots that also double up as some of the best diving sites, allowing you to step into a different world altogether.
Find Tranquillity in the Turquoise Waters of the Andaman Islands
Say ‘scuba’ and your mind will immediately conjure up the pristine waters surrounding the Andaman Islands. The Bay of Bengal’s rich marine biodiversity, coupled with long stretches of coral reefs and volcanic hills, makes for a mesmerising dive. The most popular diving sites are situated in the Havelock Islands. If you are looking to sight grazing Dugongs, the vulnerable marine animal, Mac Point is the best diving site for you.
Meanwhile, Barren Island allows you to dive near an active volcano, dating back 1.6 million years. Manta rays, moray eels, octopus, barracudas, whitetip and blacktip sharks are some major attractions. Best diving sites include Purple Haze, where purple corals are spread widely, Manta Point, and Manta Bay.
Fish Rock, an outcrop off the shores of the uninhabited Passage Islands that lie south of Port Blair, makes for yet another beautiful diving site. Large fan corals and barrel sponges can be found along the sloping dive, and you can swim with a vibrant school of bannerfish, Yellow fusilier fish, and Napoleon wrasses.
A Peaceful First Dive in Karnataka
One of the best diving sites off India’s west coast would be Karnataka’s Netrani Island. A wild, uninhabited spot, Netrani Island is accessible by boat from the temple town of Murudeshwara. It comprises rocky outcrops and calm water that is teeming with marine life. T55, The Abyss, and Aladdin’s Cave are three of the seven diving sites on this island where you can expect to encounter barracudas, stingrays, parrotfish, pufferfish, and groupers, among many other forms of sea creatures.
Discover an Underwater City in Gujarat
A lot lies hidden under the sea surface, including the lost city of Dwarka, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Legend has it that the city of Dwarka has been rebuilt seven times, with the present city in Gujarat being the last of these. The previous versions of this city lie submerged under the sea waters. The opportunity to discover the underwater city along with a wide range of corals, turtles, pufferfish, octopus, sea fans, and anemones makes this a significant diving site today. Elusive whale sharks also frequent the Gulf of Kutch, making for a captivating sight.
Swim Through Life-Supporting Artificial Reefs in Puducherry
Crystal clear waters and a mix of natural and artificial reefs make Puducherry a prime diving location. If you want to spot whale sharks, make your way to Shark’s Reef in February and March. The artificial Temple Reef, created using recycled materials including rocks, concrete blocks, cars, bikes, and even palm leaves, is a sight to behold. It is home to a variety of sea life, including lionfish, angelfish, manta rays, bannerfish, and moray eels.
Survey Shipwrecks in Goa
Though mostly thought of as a party destination, Goa has an immense range of experiences to offer, including some of the country’s best diving sites. Grande Island, off the coast of South Goa, is one of the most popular places where you can find a wide variety of life underwater.
If shipwrecks are what entice you, then Suzy’s Wreck—the remains of a sunken British ship—is a must-visit. This cargo ship, reportedly the SS Rita, dates back to the 1930s and is said to have sunk during a severe storm. Today, several fish, including batfish, angelfish, snappers, sweetlips, barracudas, as well as squids and rays, shelter under this wreckage. Davy Jones Locker, another wreck that can be found in Goa, is recommended only for professional divers. For first-timers, Uma Gumma Reef is the right place to begin exploring calm waters and the astounding range of life that can be found here.
Whichever location you choose for your first scuba session, the adrenaline-pumping dive followed by the almost trance-like exploration of the underwater realm is sure to be a memorable experience.