Much like the Indian culture, India offers a plethora of adventure sports like trekking, bungee jumping, scuba diving, rafting, parasailing, wind rafting etc. This blog will be about scuba diving, one of the most loved adventure sports for those adrenaline junkies. India, being surrounded on three sides by water sure has some amazing scuba diving spots, ranging from popular to some not-so-popular-yet-unexplored, with the ability to make anyone fall in love with them. In this blog, we are going to talk about the same. So here it goes:
Havelock Islands (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) : Andaman is one of the amazing creations of the Almighty. Situated right in the middle of the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, this archipelago has a number of stunningly beautiful beaches and scuba diving spots, Havelock Islands being one of the most popular. Located about 50 km away from Port Blair, the island has a wide range of exotic marine life like Humpback Parrotfish, Lionfish, soft corals, The rare dugongs and schools of colourful fishes. To get there, one can fetch a ferry from Port Blair which would take about 2.5 hours.
There are many interesting sites upon reaching there like there is The Wall, Lighthouse, Aquarium, and Mac Point etc each with its own unique features. The hotels and resorts are also pretty good- affordable and up to the mark. The place is at its best during the months between Octobers and April, so that might just be the time to visit it otherwise the currents are simply too high and also there is a factor of monsoons.
Neil Island , Andaman and Nicobar Islands : Is another part of Andaman which is just as beautiful albeit with less hustle and bustle that surrounds the Havelock islands. It is a tiny island but a really beautiful one with its yet unexplored beaches, great scuba diving spots. The coral reef here is quite untouched by external factors and hence retains its beauty owing to the rich variety of marine life. The best time to visit this place would be between December and May, again due to the rough sea in the rest of the year and also due to monsoons. Neil Island is renowned for its beautiful beaches with soft white sand and clear blue waters. Some of the popular beaches on the island are Bharatpur Beach, Laxmanpur Beach, and Sitapur Beach. These beaches offer fantastic opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying stunning sunsets.
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Port Blair : The capital city of the Union Territory has some amazing places to go to for scuba diving. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor is one of a unique place reserved to protect the marine flora and fauna. It is surely a one- of-the- kind place in the country. Brace yourself to see some of the most beautiful sea flowers and about 50 different kinds of corals including Fungia, Pocillopora, Clown fishLeptoseris etc.
You will also Clownfish,Butterflyfish, Parrot fish etc. The best time to go there is between December and April due to the calm seas during that time. Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal, India. It serves as the gateway for travelers visiting the Andaman Islands and is the largest town in the archipelago. Port Blair offers a mix of historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and a unique cultural experience.
North Point, Cinque Island : Another beauty of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, this spot has one of the clearest waters in the world. With clarity up to 80 feet, this place makes for one of the most amazing scuba diving places. With a variety of corals, sponges and a rich diversity of colorful and vivid marine life, this makes a wonderful visit. The place has a variety of amazing black corals and also ferocious sharks. After reaching Port Blair, one can go to Cinque Island by a chartered boat.
Keep in mind that conditions and regulations regarding travel, permits, and diving sites can change over time. If you plan to visit North Point or any other diving destination in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it's essential to check for the latest information, obtain necessary permits, and adhere to local rules and guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Grand Island, Goa : Is all about beaches, party and the Sunburn festival Is that what you think? Then I implore on you to think again, because the Grand Island is going to change your perception. The Grand Island is a popular destination for adventure junkies all over the world. Want to experience a beginner's tryst with the sea or want to push your limits in the strong currents of the sea, fret not, because the Grand Island has it all. Located few kilometers westwards of the Mormugao peninsula, this place is a haven for scuba divers. Amongst the most popular sites is the Suzy's Wreck, a British ship sunken in the 1930's due to strong storm.
The ship still remains at the bottom covered with mussels and corals, becoming a home for many fishes and crustaceans There is another shipwreck called Davy Jones Locker not far away, which is a favorite among the professional scuba divers. The sea current is quite strong here so it is advisable for only professionals and experienced scuba divers. For beginners, the Uma Gumma Reef would be a wonderful place to start with its calm waters and a range of sea creatures like needlefish, lobsters, white tip reef sharks etc.
Netrani Island , Karnataka : also known as Pigeon Island, is located approximately 10 nautical miles from the temple town of Mudreshwar in Bhatkal Taluk. It is a beautiful diving spot, shaped in the form of a heart, fondly known as 'The heart of India's diving'. It is a coral island and has a coral reef with varieties of coral, butterfly fish, parrot fish, eels and shrimps. If you are lucky enough, you might even see a whale or orcas.
The island is mainly uninhabitated and due to the steep stones, it is advisable to do diving for a boat. The place is well connected from Goa, Mumbai , Mangalore and Bengaluru. The best time to visit will be between December and January because the current is high in the rest of the time of the year. Moreover the waters here are really calm, with shoals of anchovy and silver moony, Bluefin trevaly, the odd Moray eel, puffer fish, groupers, box fish, sergeants, pipe fish etc.
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