Scuba diving is also an extreme sport where people go deep inside the water by using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus and experience the underwater world. If you are curious about underwater life, try Scuba Diving once. This will change your perspective on living life.
There are several places in India where you can enjoy scuba diving. In this article, I am listing the best places where you can enjoy scuba diving. I am primarily listing the cities or islands where you can find scuba diving spots. One island may have several spots for scuba diving.
Also see: Best Places for Skydiving in India
Best Places For Scuba Diving in India
Here are the best places for enjoying scuba diving in India. I have included the places, the best time to visit, and the approximate cost of Scuba diving at the place. You can plan your trip accordingly.
Scuba diving in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep island is a Union Territory of India. It has sea around, so there are several Scuba diving sites. You will get a beautiful underwater view of coral reefs, fish, and other species.
These are the two primary places in Lakshadweep
1. Bangaram
Laccadives, Aggati Island, and Bangarram Island few popular Diving Sites at Bangaram where you can enjoy the underwater beauty. You can easily reach here by taking a boat.
2. Kadmat Islands
It is also known as the Cardamom Islands. It is home to the marine turtles and several other species of live coral.
Approximate Cost: Ranges from 4000-7000 INR
The best time to visit the Lakshadweep islands is from November to March.
Scuba Diving in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are another Union Territory of India. It is situated right in the middle of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. You can enjoy beautiful beaches and an awesome underwater world.
3. Havelock Islands
It is located about 50 km away from the Port. The island has a wide range of exotic marine life to see.
Here are the popular diving sites in the Havelock Islands:
- Barefoot Scuba
- Andaman Bubbles Scuba Diving
- Scuba Lov in Dive Resort
- Dive India
- India Scuba Explorers
- Ocean Dive Centre
- Blue Corals Dive
- Eco Diver
- Dive India Outbound
- Ocean Tribe Scuba
4. Neil Island
This is another beautiful place where you have several unexplored beaches and great scuba diving spots. You can see the beautiful untouched coral reef. Here are the popular diving sites in Neil Island.
- Margherita’s Mischief
- K Rock
- Bus Stop
- Junction
5. Port Blair
Port Blair is the capital city where you have several sites for scuba diving. These are the popular diving sites:
- Dive Mantra
- Maruti Diving School
- Experience Andaman
- Lacadives
6. North Point, Cinque Island
North Point has one of the clearest waters in the world, with clarity up to 80 feet. This is also one of the most amazing scuba diving places in India. Here, you can enjoy its beaches, black corals, and ferocious sharks. Popular diving sites:
- Barefoot Scuba
7. Corruption Rock
This is a beautiful dive point that attracts a large variety of flora and fauna. The place is really beautiful and is famous for its unicornfishes, Napoleon and Eagle rays etc. Popular diving sites:
- Lacadives
Best Time to Visit: October and April
Approximate Cost: Rs. 3000 – 6000, depending on the site.
Scuba Diving in Goa
9. Grand Island
Grand Island in Goa is also known for Scuba Diving. It is located a few kilometers westwards of the Mormugao peninsula. Scuba Divers also go down in the sea to see Suzy’s Wreck, a British ship sunk in 1930. You can reach there by boat or ferry.
These are the popular diving sites:
- Atlantis Watersports
- Goa Diving
Best time to visit: November to March
Approximate Cost: Rs. 4000
Scuba Diving in Karnataka
10. Netrani Island
Netrani Island is located around 10 miles from the temple town of Murudeshwar. It is also known as Pigeon Island. Netrani Island is also a beautiful place for scuba diving. It is a coral island with varieties of coral. You can also see butterfly fish, parrot fish, eels and shrimps. Lucky people can also see a whale or orcas.
These are the popular diving sites:
- Netrani Adventures
- West Coast Adventures
- Dive Netrani
Approximate Cost: Rs. 5500-6000 per person.
Scuba Diving in Pondicherry
11. Pondicherry Scuba Diving
Pondicherry is also one of the best places in India for scuba diving. There are numbers of places where you can enjoy underwater works and see lionfish, butterflyfish and also a variety of sea snakes.
Here are the best places for Scuba Diving in Pondicherry:
- Cool Shark Reef
- Temple Reef
- The Hole
- 4 Corners
- Temple Adventures
Best time to visit: October to March
Approximate Cost: 3500-6000 INR
Scuba Diving in Maharashtra
12. Tarkarli Scuba Diving
Tarkarli is a beachside city in Maharashtra. Here, you can explore exotic underwater creatures with a scuba diving experience. There, you can also witness elegant crocodiles at Crocodile Point.
Approximate Cost: 700-1000 INR
Scuba Diving in Kerala
13. Kovalam Scuba Diving
Kovalam in Kerala is located about 16 km from Thiruvananthapuram. This beach area is popular for scuba diving. These are the popular diving sites in Kovalam.
- Bond Safari scuba diving
- Scuba cochin dive centre
- Scuba diving kovalam
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Approx. Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per dive
Scuba Diving in Meghalaya
14. Dawki
Dawki or Shnongpdeng is a very less popular place for scuba diving, and many people don’t even know about this place. But this place exists. Dawki is the home of the cleanest river in India, where you can enjoy many water sports, from kayaking to scuba diving.
The popular diving site in Shnongpdeng or Dawki is:
- Pioneer adventure tours
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Approx. Cost: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 per dive
Read more: Dawki Camping, Meghalaya: A Complete Guide with Photos and Price
Scuba Diving in Visakhapatnam
15. Chintapalli, Rushikonda Beach
Chintapalli, Rushikonda Beach, was already popular for water sports and is now one of the newest scuba diving destinations on the east coast. At Chintapalli, a full-fledged scuba diving academy is being set up with PADI-certified courses. Divers can explore coral reefs and even sunken shipwrecks nearby.
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Approx. Cost: ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per dive
Scuba Diving in Gujrat
16. Dwarka
Dwarka is not only a spiritual destination but also a growing scuba spot. Diving here gives you a chance to explore coral reefs and underwater rock formations, and some even believe there are ancient submerged structures near Bet Dwarka.
Best For: Marine life + mythological interest
Dive India (occasionally conducts dives in Gujarat) or local adventure tourism offices under Gujarat Tourism
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Approx. Cost: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 per dive
Scuba Diving in Tamil Nadu
17. Pamban Island, Gulf of Mannar
Located in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Rameswaram offers rich biodiversity and coral reefs. The waters around Pamban Island are clear and calm, making it perfect for scuba enthusiasts. It is best known for Coral reefs and bio-reserve diving.
- Recommended Operator: Coral Reef Diving School, Rameswaram
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Approx. Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹4,500 per dive
Scuba Diving in Tamil Nadu
18. Covelong (Kovalam Beach), Mahabalipuram
Chennai’s coastline is now home to several diving sites. Covelong (Kovalam Beach) and the area around Mahabalipuram offer accessible dive spots, mostly suited for beginners or weekend divers.
Best Time to Visit: February to May and September to November
Approx. Cost: ₹4,500 – ₹6,000 per dive
Scuba Diving in Andhra Pradesh
19. Hope Island, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary area
This is a lesser-known and raw diving location near Kakinada. Surrounded by mangroves and remote islands, this area offers a mix of diving and eco-tourism. Still under development, but ideal for offbeat explorers.
Mostly local or seasonal operators are here. You can check with Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC).
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Approx. Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 per dive
Things to Know Before Trying Scuba Diving in India
If you are planning your first scuba diving experience, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
1. You Do Not Need to Know Swimming (Always): Many beginner dive spots in India allow non-swimmers to try shallow, guided dives. However, for deeper dives or certification, basic swimming skills are required.
2. Choose a Certified Dive Center: Always dive with instructors certified by international bodies like PADI or SSI. This ensures safety, proper equipment, and professional guidance.
3. Health Check Is Important: You should be in good health. Avoid diving if you have respiratory or heart issues. Pregnant women are generally not allowed to dive.
4. Listen to Your Instructor: Pre-dive training is important. Follow all instructions carefully, especially when it comes to breathing techniques, equalizing pressure, and underwater signals.
5. Do Not Rush Your First Dive: Scuba diving is not about speed. Relax, breathe slowly, and enjoy the underwater world.
6. Safety First, Always: Never dive alone. Make sure your equipment fits properly, and check the oxygen tank pressure and depth limits.
7. Respect Marine Life: Do not touch or step on corals. Avoid chasing fish or disturbing sea creatures. Take only photos, leave only bubbles.
8. Avoid Flying After Diving: Wait at least 18–24 hours after a dive before taking a flight. This helps your body safely eliminate excess nitrogen.
9. Time It Right: The best time for scuba diving in India is generally between October to April, when the sea is calm and visibility is good.
10. Wear the Right Gear: Use a wetsuit suited for the water temperature. Also, carry reef-safe sunscreen if you are spending time on the boat or beach.
These are the best places to do scuba diving in India. You can choose any of these destinations in India for scuba diving and enjoy the underwater world. Do share your experiences with us.
