Scuba Diving in India: Andaman, Goa, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, Karnataka & Kerala

Looking forward to experiencing the best scuba diving in India? We have plenty of options for you. From beginners to intermediates and experts, many scuba diving sites in India will get your adrenaline pumping. With their exquisite charm, these scuba diving places in India will make you crave for more water adventures.

1. Havelock Island
2. Margherita’s Mischief
3. Port Blair
4. Baga Beach
5. Sail Rock
6. Grande Island
7. Temple Reef
8. Aravind's Wall
9. Four Corners
10. Malvan
11. Alibaug 
12. Netrani Island
13. Kovalam
14. Kochi

Certifications: PADI vs SSI

If you want to become a proficient diver and dive across the different parts of the world, you need to get your scuba diving certification. PADI and SSI are the two most famous and widely accepted scuba diving training courses in India. “Which course has more precedence over the other?” – this question often leaves amateurs confused about scuba diving certifications.

What is PADI?

PADI is the short-term abbreviation for Professional Association of Diving Instructors. PADI instructors can choose to teach independently in any part of the world but these courses are not very flexible.

The PADI course doesn't let you move on to another skill until you become proficient with the first skill. This might be slightly rigid but is highly beneficial in making you capable of undertaking the challenges of the oceans.

What is SSI?

SSI stands for Scuba Schools International. SSI instructors cannot independently choose to teach diving but SSI offers a flexible, e-learning course.

SSI lets a diver learn at his or her own pace without strictly focusing on just one skill. All the skills, however, must be completed by the end of the course to get the certification.

Which one between PADI & SSI is better?

PADI and SSI both create competent divers across the world with slight differences in their teaching methods. The main difference in both is their teaching style. So, the answer to which one is best lies within you. You should take a course that matches your learning style.

Moreover, course prices and the instructor who guides you throughout the training play a significant role in selecting PADI or SSI. At the end of the day, both courses provide you with quality training ensuring safety standards for you to become a capable and skilled diver.

List of Places for Scuba Diving In India

Want to know where you can experience the best scuba diving in India? Wait no more. Although India is not well known for diving, there are plenty of options for divers to explore in India. We have categorized these popular places for scuba diving in India under different sections for your ease.

Best Spot for Scuba Diving in Karnataka

If you want to experience scuba diving in Karnataka, here is our top recommendation for you.

Netrani Island

Situated in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Karnataka, around 10 nautical miles from Murudeshwara, Netrani is a small heart-shaped island. With an abundance of pigeons, Netrani is also known as Pigeon Island. Wild goats, eels, butterflyfish, parrotfish, etc. are also regular inhabitants here. 

Netrani Island is probably the best diving spot in mainland India. You will witness beautiful coral reefs, sharp rocks, and steep cliffs everywhere around. The visibility lies is quite good and is  in the range of 15 - 20 meters. 

Recommended for: Beginners – Intermediate

Cost: ₹4,000 onwards

Best Time to Visit: October to May

For more info, click here.

Top 3 Places for Scuba Diving in Andaman

The Andaman islands are probably the best place to learn scuba diving in India. If you are looking for destinations for scuba diving in Andaman, here are our top three picks. 

1. Havelock Islands

Havelock Island is the largest piece of land in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Havelock Island, which is just approximately 30 kilometres from Port Blair, attracts the most visitors in the region.

Havelock Island scuba diving is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The seas around here are filled with fascinating aquatic life. The waters here provide you the opportunity to fully appreciate the wonders of the sea, from vibrant coral reefs to concentrated schools of fish. Observe delicate, transparent jellyfish, lionfish, kingfish, moray eels, manta rays, and crustaceans as they traverse the unpredictably unpredictable world beneath the surface.

Depth: 10-15 meters

Recommended for: Beginners

Cost: ₹15,000 onwards for 1-2 days

Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year except for monsoons (June-September)

2. Margherita’s Mischief - Neil Islands

As interesting as its name, Margherita’s Mischief is a relaxed diving spot with an abundance of marine life. The smooth currents, deep blue waters, and magnificent coral and aquatic life make this dive spot very serene and calming.

With boulders strewn over the golden sand, the uniqueness of this place increases even more. Pufferfish, Angelfish, Yellow Snappers and Soldierfish are permanent residents here. Occasionally, you may also spot Dugongs, Blue-spotted stingrays and Batfish.

Depth: 7-16 meters

Recommended for: Beginners – Experts

Cost: ₹8,000 onwards per person

Best Time to Visit: January to May

3. Port Blair

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India's hidden jewel, are rich with gorgeous beaches, brilliant blue oceans, awe-inspiring sunsets, and superb scuba diving, despite being far apart from the rest of the subcontinent. Watersports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and even adventure seekers will appreciate these islands. Scuba diving in Andaman is simplest and most convenient at Port Blair, the capital of these islands. Scuba diving in Port Blair, however not as unusual as the other islands will get you close to the islands' enticing marine life.

For those of us who have never dived before, scuba diving at Port Blair is advised. With calm waters that offer great visibility, scuba diving in Port Blair offers beginners the ideal opportunity to experience the exciting sport of scuba diving.  

Depth: up to 40 metres

Recommended for: Intermediate – Experts

Cost: ₹12,000 onwards per person

Best Time to Visit: November to February

Our 3 Recommendations for Scuba Diving in Goa, India

Goa is obviously not Andamans but if you are in Goa, you might as well try scuba diving as it does offer interesting diving options. It does have crystal-clear waters, sandy banks, and a myriad of coral reefs making scuba diving in Goa, a  one-of-a-kind experience.

1. Baga Beach - Scuba Diving in North Goa

Located 16 kilometres away from Panaji, Baga Beach is a picturesque diving spot for ambitious divers looking for an enthralling experience. At Baga Beach, prepare to witness marine life diversity, breath-taking scenery, and endless coral species. Explore this aquatic wonderland to spot dolphins playing in the azure waters along with sea turtles, schools of fish, and other aquatic species.

Depth: Varying

Recommended for: Beginner – Intermediate

Cost: ₹6,000 onwards per person

Best Time to Visit: October - May

2. Sail Rock - Scuba Diving in South Goa

Sail Rock, situated just 1 km from Grande Island, is a rock pinnacle jutting out of the surface of the sea. Diving off the granite pinnacle and diving below can reveal a fascinating world of aquatic life that thrives in Goa's waters. Dive here to get up close and personal with larger fish including Giant Barracuda, Tuna, Sharks, Eagle Rays, and Red Snapper. 

Smaller species such as Bannerfish, Blue Ringed Angelfish, Moorish Idols, and Yellowtail Snappers live on the sloping walls. The depth of the site might range from 8 to 24 metres. Diving in this area is only recommended for experienced scuba divers due to strong undercurrents at the depths. 

Depth: 8-24 meters

Recommended for: Experts

Cost: ₹5,500 onwards per person

Best Time to Visit: Through the year

3. Grande Island - Scuba Diving in South Goa

Grande Island, also known as Bat Island, is the ideal location for adventure water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and other water sports. This island, located a few kilometres from Vasco do Gama in South Goa, is easily accessible by yacht from Bogmalo Beach. Strap yourself with a pair of fins, a dive mask, and an oxygen tank as you submerge yourself in the surreal waters here.  

The clear visibility of the waters allows you to have a close look at marine life. Colorful fish, coral reefs, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, lobsters, turtles, and other aquatic life can all be found. In addition, visitors can examine the remnants of WWII warships and sunken vessels on the seafloor. Accompanied by trained professionals, Scuba Diving in Grande Island is completely safe. So, come on down and experience all these waters have to offer you. 

Depth: 8-40 meters

Recommended for: Beginners – Experts

Cost: ₹2,500 onwards per person

Best Time to Visit: October to April

Our Top 3 Picks for Scuba Diving in Pondicherry

Scuba diving in Pondicherry is one of the best ways to witness the uniqueness of the underwater world. Here are our top three recommendations for Pondicherry scuba diving.

1. Temple Reef

Move beyond the world of nature and discover a thriving ecosystem created out of modern waste. An artificial reef, Temple Reef is built out of recycled materials such as blocks of concrete, iron bars, trees, palm leaves, and rocks. This unique artificial reef slowly became home to diverse aquatic life. 

 It is now the natural habitat of a diverse range of corals, lionfish, manta rays, butterflyfish, parrotfish, sea snakes, bannerfish, and more. Over 50 species of coral reefs and 75 species of marine creatures make Temple Reef a spectacular diving spot.  The dive site is divided into four different sites:

• Original Temple Reef
• Parking Lot
• Beer Garden
• Temple 2 aka Wreck City.

Give yourself a one–of–a–kind diving experience in this man-made, eco-friendly reef.  

Depth: 18 m

Recommended for: Beginners – Experts 

Cost: ₹8,000 onwards

Best Time to Visit: October to November

2. Aravind's Wall

One of the best sites for drift diving in India, Aravind’s Wall is a beautiful diving spot that should make it on your diving list. The 130 feet depth at Aravind’s Wall creates a dive site that is best for advanced open water divers looking for a fresh thrill. 

Aravind’s Wall gets its unique name from the massive rock formation sprawled across 2.5 kilometres from North to South. At the wall, you’ll be able to sight massive, gently swimming manta rays, blue and gold fusiliers, snappers, jackfish and so much more. 

Depth: Varying

Recommended for: Experts

Cost: ₹6,500 onwards

Best Time to Visit: September to November

3. Four Corners

One of the oldest diving spots in Pondicherry, Four Corners takes you on a journey into the deep with a variety of marine species. Recommended for open water divers, this lovely dive site takes you 18 meters under the ocean to a world with 70 species of coral reefs, gentle dolphins, lionfish with their delicate-looking tendrils, pancake-like torpedoes, and more. View these exotic creatures up close and return home with memories of Pondicherry’s ocean floor. 

Depth: 18 m

Recommended for: Beginners

Cost: ₹9,000 onwards

Best Time to Visit: February to April; September to November

For more on Scuba Diving in Pondicherry, click here.

Our 2 Recommendations for Scuba Diving in Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, we recommend trying at least one of these scuba diving spots.

1. Malvan

The scuba diving experience in Malvan is mesmerizing and adventurous. Located in southern Maharashtra, Malvan is a calm diving spot with low water currents and clear waters. Malvan has a lot in store for new divers and its fringing reefs and fish schools will give you a thrilling experience to cherish for the lifetime.

Recommended for: Beginners – Intermediates

Cost: ₹1,500 onwards

Best Time to Visit: September to February

2. Alibaug

Famous for its beaches, Alibaug attracts thousands of scuba divers throughout the year. Diving at Alibaug is suitable for ages between 12 to 50. The clarity of water and a decent amount of corals spotted everywhere around make Alibaug an astonishing diving spot. Experience the magical marine life under the waters of Alibaug.

Recommended for: Beginners – Experts

Cost: ₹2,500 onwards

Best Time to Visit: Through the year except for monsoons

2 Popular Spots for Scuba Diving in Kerala

Get ready to discover the two most amazing sites for scuba diving in Kerala.

1. Kovalam

Situated around 17 km south of the city centre, Kovalam is a small coastal town on the Arabian Sea. Bond Safari scuba diving is one of the most popular water adventures here. This scuba dive will allow you to discover the hidden gems of Kovalam Beach through a splendid underwater experience. Be prepared to see a fish-filled shoreline with rocks strewn here and there.

Depth: 6-40 meters

Recommended for: Beginners – Experts 

Cost: ₹4,500 onwards per adult

Best Time to Visit: September to February

2. Kochi

Kochi is a major port city in Kerala that is sure to give you an unreal scuba diving experience. Known as a key destination for amateur as well as professional divers, Kochi is the best way to explore Kerala’s oceanic life. The perfect blend of crystal clear waters and low currents make sure your dive at Kochi is safe and incredibly amazing. You will witness lush reefs and schools of beautiful fish while scuba diving in Kochi.

Recommended for: Beginners – Experts 

Cost: ₹4,000 onwards per adult

Best Time to Visit: September to February