Scuba Diving would be something totally unheard of surely some years ago but today it has emerged as one of the most popular water sports activities. Not only is it thrilling and filled with adventure, there is a lot more we can learn about life underwater and the creatures living there.
Scuba Diving infrastructure and facilities has improved in the recent years incorporating all the safety standards in this activity.
There are many places in India where scuba diving can done. Most of the scuba diving activities are present along the coastal states of Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra which has long coastline. It is lined with many picturesque beaches and islands which are hubs for scuba diving.
Scuba Diving facilities are also present in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Basic scuba diving at most of these places do not require any special training. Knowing how to swim is also not compulsory. The activities are performed under the supervision of experts and a basic briefing session with the instructions is conducted before the activity.
While there many scuba diving places in India, we have selected 6 best scuba diving places in India which you should absolutely visit. They are as follows-
#1 Havelock Island
Havelock Island which is one of the places on Andaman and Nicobar islands where the local administration has encouraged tourism to grow by advocating Eco-friendly practices. It is one of the most visited islands but is not so overcrowded.
This island is quite easily accessible from Port Blair, which is where the airport is located. You have to hop onto any one of the government operated ferries or get your tickets in any one of the private cruises. There is also a helicopter service that operates between Port Blair and Havelock, but it is a tad expensive.
Havelock Island has a couple of quaint and beautiful beaches. The Radhanagar Beach here is touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Though a number of people regularly visit these beaches, the charm and beauty of these places have remained the same throughout the years.
Havelock Island provides a long list of interesting things and activities that people can indulge on while on their visit here. This does not just include sightseeing or spending some romantic time with each other but also indulging in various water sports and activities.
Scuba Diving in Havelock island is an extremely popular activity and the waters here are home to number of corals and aquatic life.With secluded beautiful beaches, tropical jungles and so many things here on offer, Havelock Island has sights and experiences to cherish forever.
#2 Neil Island
Neil island is home to the most remote and unexplored beaches. Though tourists visit this place, the number of them visiting this place is comparatively lesser than the other beaches here which remain crowded almost on all days.
There are three major beaches here namely the Sitapur, Ramnagar and Lakshmanpur beaches. The waters here are home to a number of corals which are still very much intact away from the pressures of the tourism industry and therefore scuba diving is quite popular here. There are a few operators who conduct scuba diving sessions in the waters here.
Neil island is easily accessible from Port Blair.A ferry from Port Blair takes around 2 hours to reach this place. There are a few private boats that also operate between these two places. Neil island has limited accommodation options but there are a few small hotels and resorts where you can stay. Neil Island is extremely picturesque with peace and tranquility all around.
#3 Port Blair
Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and is one of the largest towns on this island. Port Blair airport has flights connecting to all major cities in India. It is surrounded by tropical forests and beaches and is home to a number of various communities like Bengalis, Tamils and Myanmarese who had come and settled here years ago.
Port Blair is the main hub from where all sightseeing points on these islands can be visited. There are historical monuments like the Cellular Jail and the ruins of the Ross Island that speak volumes about the rich historical past of this place. There are also nature sports like the Chidiya Tapu where are number of different types of bird species can be spotted.
The Rajiv Gandhi Water Complex here provides facilities for water sports activities like scuba diving and many more. There are also short term certification courses in scuba diving that can be obtained from here. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are said to have the best coral reserves in the country. The Open water PADI and advance PADI diving courses are popular here.
#4 Grand Island
Grand Island is famous for its water sports and adventure activities.You can indulge in activities like fishing and snorkeling. Being surrounded by waters on almost sides, this region has some of the best and diverse forms of marine and aquatic life.
Grand Island in Goa is one of the best places in Goa to indulge in Scuba Diving.Scuba diving in Grand island is performed under the supervision of experienced instructors and therefore beginners can even take part in this activity.
Grande Island can be easily reached by ferry boat ride from the jetty that is located at a distance of about six kilometers away from Calangute beach. A 40 minute boat ride will take you to this island. On the way you can also spot dolphins coming out of the water. The boat ride till here is actually quite exciting. Grande Island itself has picturesque surroundings.Videos and photographs of your scuba diving experience can be also be obtained.
#5 Netrani Island
Netrani Island is famous for scuba diving located just 19 kilometres away from Murudeshwar. It is the perfect place for adventure junkies and is comparatively less crowded and more peaceful than the other beach towns of Murudeshwar and Gokarna that are located nearby.
This island needs to reached by a boat and is located 15 kilometers away from the beach. Many people opt for sea diving for reaching the island. There are great scuba diving facilities here from where you can spot corals, fishes and other aquatic life. This place provides some great views of the ocean and the hills surrounding it.
#6 Kovalam Beach
Kovalam is a beach town located around 18 kilometers away from Thiruvananthapuram. The Kovalam Beach is one of the best and well maintained beaches in Kerala and attracts a large number of foreign tourists every year. The Lighthouse beach here is the most popular stretch dotted by restaurants and hotels.
The Samudra beach has a number of premium resorts and posh restaurants. It is relatively quiet and more serene.Beaches at Kovalam are dotted by coconut trees and rocky stretches. The sea waves are perfect for bathing or swimming.
There are also surf clubs where you can learn surfing. Kovalam is also an important center for Ayurveda and yoga. There are a number of Ayurveda and yoga centers. Scuba Diving facilities are also available here and is actually quite a thrilling experience that you can part of here.
Conclusion
Scuba diving lets you view the underwater aquatic life from a close distance. The feeling of swimming along with fishes and other aquatic life in their territory does absolutely magical and cannot be described by mere words. Scuba Diving is one of the most thrilling and adventurous activities that you can be part of while on a vacation. The above mentioned places are some of the best scuba diving potshots in India with great facilities and infrastructure.
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