Watersports in Gokarna

Located beside the Bay of Bengal, Chennai in Tamil Nadu is known for its long stretches of golden beaches, backwaters, gentle winding rivers and serene lakes that contrast sharply with the hustle and bustle of the city. If you have a passion for water sports, this coastal region draws you in with the promise of exhilarating experiences on the shores of South India as you explore the gleaming waters that border the city. 

Watersports in Chennai are still in its nascent stage as this capital is primarily a fishing and port city, and scuba diving is not conducted here. The large amount of fishing activities nearby makes the water cloudy and visibility is low, so this can make it hard to see the gorgeous ocean bed that lies beneath. However, watersports in Chennai finds its heart in Pondicherry just 165 km away. So if you’re up for a road trip, hop into a car or bus and drive down to this picturesque Union Territory that is home to spectacular dive sites such as Aravind’s Wall, Four Corners, Temple Reef and The Hole. 

If you’re still itching for watersports in Chennai that are being conducted closer than Pondicherry, don’t be discouraged just yet! Surfing has taken off thanks to a small group of surfing enthusiasts that are excited to ride atop the waves of the Bay of Bengal with you. If you’re new to surfing, you can take up one of the courses at the surfing schools in Covelong and also make friends with local surfers in the region. 

Give your love for water a brand new twist by dipping into a world of watersports! 

If you are looking to explore the unexplored and quench your thirst for adventure sports, Dandeli is the ultimate travel destination for you! It is not without reason that Dandeli is known as the adventure capital of South India. 

Lush and beautiful, Dandeli has adventure embedded in its landscape. Tall hills are decorated with large boulders perfect for rock-climbing and paths wind throughout the countryside, begging you to explore its trails with your trusty bicycle. The gorgeous Kali River meanders through this charming adventure hub and its here that your sense of adventure reaches new heights, as you dip your feet into the exciting world of watersports! 

Unpack a new world of fun by engaging in watersports in Dandeli. 

The Arabian Sea is majestic and blue, stretching towards the horizon. As the waves rise and fall, you can’t help but think of riding its crest as you fly across the water. Surfing in Goa allows you to experience the magic of this coastal state for what its famous for, the spectacular beach. 

Whether you love beaches filled with different groups of people and colourful shacks or undisturbed slices of soft sand where its only you and the beach, Goa has a variety of places for you to choose from. Surfing in Goa isn’t limited to pro surfers that have learnt to master the swells of azure water. If you’re excited to dip your toes into this delightful water sport, there are numerous classes for beginners that give you the confidence to take on the ocean and its hidden depths. 

So, grab your swimwear and head to this captivating destination for surfing in Goa! 

There’s a certain magic to surfing. The feeling of surfing is akin to flying, as you glide over the gleaming frothy swells of the ocean with a salty sea breeze caressing your face, the golden sun above you, warming your skin with its rays and an endless vista of blue without a concrete building in sight.

Chennai’s proximity to the majestic and beautiful Bay of Bengal promises a wealth of adventure atop its glistening waves and for watersports enthusiasts, every water body is a playground worth exploring. However, surfing in Chennai is just kicking off, thanks to a small group of enthusiastic, dedicated surfers who love to set sail across the glorious waters of Tamil Nadu. 

If you’re longing to master the unpredictable waves of the ocean and get away from the sweltering heat of the city, surfing in Chennai is sure to delight you and help you create a lifelong passion. If you’re a beginner that’s new to surfing or a professional that wants the local know-how on surfing in Chennai, there are plenty of courses offered by surfing schools such as Bay of Life Surf School & Ocean Literacy, Covelong Point, Ocean Delight Surf School, Surf Turf and more that will help you board your surf board and set sail on a thrilling new surfing adventure! 

Oceans are the biggest wonder of the world and there’s not many other things in life that bring as much joy. Just being by the shore and watching the waves feels like food for your soul. Many travellers who go back there time and again are testament to the fact that the ocean gives you courage to try newer things. Though intimidating at  the start, being in the water can help you develop a newfound respect for this force of nature and let go of the inhibitions you might have been holding onto! If you’re eager to see what the waves have in store for you, Gokarna is a great place to start. With over 10 water sports frequently and safely practiced, it is the ideal beginner's paradise. 

Surfing in Gokarna would be the best place to start. For starters, there are many professional institutes that provide training here and the water is consistently warm with light currents rendering it an ideal surfing location. It makes for a great lesson in patience; none of us can create waves, so learning to be patient and wait for the waves to come is an important exercise in this process. Engaging in this is a great way to take a real break from hectic city lives and daily jobs, and a certified method of de-stressing particularly because riding a wave will consume 100% of your thoughts. Not to mention, all the equipment you need to be surfing in Gokarna and to be one with the waves are available here by the cafes and the institutes. The blue of the sea here is beautified by the deep green hues of coconut trees swaying at the Sahyadri Mountains, making for an ideal view when surfing at Gokarna!

Known for its cultural beauty, Pondicherry was once a French colonial settlement and its chief draw is its French-infused food, architecture, historical sites, and lovely, winding streets. However, if you’re a traveler that’s looking for more to Pondicherry than what you’ll find on its surface, get ready for an adventure that will thrill you to the bone, with scuba diving in Pondicherry. 

Besides the golden beaches of this quaint Union Territory, scuba diving in Pondicherry takes you below the waves of the blue ocean, to the mysterious aquatic kingdom that lurks beneath. Long stretches of coral reef give you a look at the vibrantly coloured sea creatures that swim around in their natural habitat. Spot delicate, translucent jellyfish, lionfish, kingfish, moray eels, manta rays, and crustaceans as they navigate the unpredictable world underwater.

New to this thrilling water sport? Take up a course at one of the Dive Schools that dot the region. These professional divers will show you the ropes for safe and satisfying diving experiences. If you’re a skilled diver, scuba diving in Pondicherry will give you a chance to explore new, exciting dive sites on the coast of South India.  

Let’s dip into the hidden water world of Pondicherry! If you plan to go scuba diving in Pondicherry, here are a few things that you should know.

Depth: Up to 30 meters

Cost: ₹5,200 onwards

Difficulty: Beginner-Advanced

Water Visibility: 20 - 30 meters depending upon the weather

Right Time to Visit: Throughout the year except for monsoons

Marine life in the Andamans is a sight to behold. Surrounded by some of the largest and bluest water bodies, the extent of aquatic life here are not to just be experienced and marvelled at but also safeguarded through responsible decisions made as travellers. The locals and the instructors here have worked tirelessly to leave everyone with a safe and life-changing experience underwater. All the scuba diving guides are PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or SSI (Scuba Schools International) certified.  

Scuba Diving in the Andamans is ritual act – it must be performed if you’ve stepped foot here and is the best way to witness the marine life in all their glory. Scuba Diving is the closest we will come to flying and having to deal with a negligible amount of gravity makes this an adrenaline filled experience. Be certain that each time you dip under the surface, you will learn something new and life on the land will never look the same. The most popular sighting are the corals. There have been 500 species of corals recorded here till date. Most corals live below the depth of 5 meters so there is a good chance you will not encounter them all in your first few dives but with a little guidance and practice, here's some of the aquatic family you will encounter - snails, clams, sponges, anemones, crabs, worms, starfish, shrimps, lobsters, sea cucumbers, sea lilies, surgeonfish, damselfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, clownfish, sharks, turtles, dolphins, green algae, brown algae, red algae and sea grasses.  

Scuba Diving in Andaman is a great place to begin your encounter with the seas and the life it holds. There are safe and equally thrilling options for those of you who are not frequent swimmers or comfortable with water. Dive right in and have yourself a moment that will stay in your memory archives forever! 

Blue and seemingly bottomless, the ocean calls out to us to explore its hidden depths. For those of us who love the water, the aquatic world is our dream destination, with delicate jellyfish fanning out their tendrils, manta rays swimming serenely under the waves, lionfish with elegant spikes and more, splashing about their natural habitat. Scuba diving in Chennai takes you into the mysterious Bay of Bengal and treats you to the beautiful sight of its ocean bed. 

Although you might be ready to begin scuba diving in Chennai, this lovely coastal region does not have many dive sites and the visibility is low. However, right near Chennai is Pondicherry, and this enchanting Union Territory has plenty of stunning dive sights to leave you spellbound and fulfilled. 

So, if scuba diving in Chennai is on your mind and you’re disappointed you can’t dip into the Bay of Bengal, we give you the next best thing with scuba diving in Pondicherry! Scroll through this page to discover the spectacular dive sites that are available in Tamil Nadu. 

If you take to water like a fish then scuba diving is a great adventure activity for you to try for the first time or explore further. When it comes to scuba diving in Bangalore, it can be difficult to find options as the city is landlocked and primarily known for its city culture and bustling clubs and pubs. 

However, this shouldn’t stop you from splashing into this water sport and exploring the astounding aquatic world that lies beneath the surface of the ocean. Around the city lies captivating spots that draw you into the world of scuba diving and give you experiences that make scuba diving in Bangalore worthwhile. Travel out of the city for a quick weekend to boost your dose of dopamine for the week of work ahead! 

Goa is known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed party vibe. However, the primary draw of this enchanting coastal state is its proximity to the majestic, mysterious Arabian Sea. What lies beneath the surface of Goa’s cool, blue waters? Snorkeling in Goa takes you under its waves, opening the doors into a magical aquatic world teeming with exotic life.

When it comes to snorkeling in Goa, each beach has its own personality with water that exhibits different moods and aquatic wildlife. Bogmalo Beach has clear water and vibrantly coloured fish lurk below the surface, swimming in and out of the sparse greenery that grows on the ocean bed. Snorkeling in Goa is incomplete without a visit to Grande Island; you reach this pristine island by boat and beneath the swelling curls of the ocean lie crumbling wrecks and aquatic creatures that are undisturbed by the tourist activity on the commercial beaches. If you’re a water baby that’s ready to explore the ocean realm, dip below the surface with snorkelling in Goa! 

You might be familiar with scuba diving but have you ever heard of snorkeling? For those of us that aren’t too comfortable with diving into the mysterious depths of the ocean, snorkeling is a great segue into the exhilarating world of water sports. For snorkeling, you wear a mask and a breathing tube called a snorkel to take in the beautiful aquatic world that lies below the surface of the gentle waves of the ocean. The key difference is how deep you go into the water; snorkelers can catch panoramic vistas of marine life while floating close to the surface while scuba divers immerse themselves deep into the ocean as they explore coral reefs and sea wildlife. 

Although Chennai is surrounded by the frothy curls of the Bay of Bengal, snorkeling in Chennai hasn’t taken off due to strong currents and low visibility. There’s also significant fishing activities that happen near the ‘Detroit of India’, and while snorkeling in Chennai, this can muddy up the water, making your vision cloudy. 

But when you’re a watersports enthusiast, you should know that where there is a will, there is a way and if you’re in this cultural hub, you can still put snorkeling in Chennai on your to-do list. Pondicherry is 163 kms away from Chennai by road and is a beautiful spot for you to snorkel, giving you a chance to catch a glimpse of lionfish, manta rays, red snapper and so much more! If you’re ready to board a flight for a vacation on a beautiful island, catch one to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which is also located in the Bay of Bengal and provides a fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving experience. 

Browse through our pages on Pondicherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and discover the different dive sites that are well worth a visit! 

Being at a beach town means enjoying the beach fully. There’s more to beaches than endless shores, waves and the sun rising and setting at a distance. It’s not a trip to the beach if you don’t take a dip in. To take it up a notch, you can opt for snorkeling. Snorkeling is swimming near the water’s surface with the use of a mask and a breathing tube, called a snorkel. Snorkelers take in panoramic underwater views from above and don't deep dive into the water. 

Snorkeling in Gokarna is most popularly done at the Om Beach or the Kudle Beach and you can plunge to a depth of about 15 feet or more and swim with the past shipwrecks and the tropical fishes housed by that Arabian Sea. Snorkeling in Gokarna is also a fairly inexpensive event so you will get a tour of the under-waters without burning a hole in your pocket.  

The best time to go snorkeling in Gokarna would be October through May given that there are lesser riptides experienced those months. You will sight parrot fishes, angel fishes, snappers, squirrel fishes, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and of course, corals of varied types. If you’re lucky, you will get to swim with hawk bill turtles and dolphins. Though Gokarna does not have sites known particularly for snorkeling, Om Beach and Kudle Beach are a good spot to experience them anyway given how exciting the sport can be.