The Indian coast is packed full of incredible dive spots, warm waters make diving accessible throughout the year. They have a collection of interesting and accessible spots which can be easily explored by beginners including low lying wreck dives, reefs and walls. Outside of the safety of lagoons lies deeper dives with hundreds of species waiting to be discovered for advanced divers.
Experience a new, tranquil version of India by venturing to one of our top diving spots.
1.Coral Sharks Reef, Pondicherry
If you are a fan of sharks then Coral Sharks Reef in Pondicherry cannot be missed. This dive site has the highest concentration of whitetip reef sharks. You can also see snappers, fusiliers, bannerfish and turtles hanging out at the reef. One of the great features of this site is it is accessible to all diving abilities, the site starts at 5m/16ft and slopes down to 23m/73ft so there is lots to explore. It is possible to dive year round but the spring and fall are the best months to visit, though these are also the busiest months. Temperatures stay warm throughout the year peaking at 85°F/29°C in June.
Interested in sharks? Check out the SSI Shark Ecology Specialty.
2. Suzy’s Wreck, Grande Island, Goa.
Goa is an ideal location for new divers, the water is calm and the dive sites are shallow. This does not mean diving is any less thrilling. Grande Island has plenty of sites to explore but one of the best adventures is Suzy’s Wreck. This sunken cargo ship sits at 12m/40ft making it accessible to beginners. Having sat on the sea bed since the 1950s it is now home to varied sea life including surgeonfish, giant groupers, barracuda and nudibranchs. Divers will find soft coral growing in this shelter vessel which has calm currents and warm waters averaging 85°F/29°C. There’s also an opportunity for novice divers to work on their open water skills on the sea bed before penetrating the wreck.
Check out our 14 Fun Facts About Nudibranchs!
3. Dixon’s Pinnacle, Havelock Island, Andaman
Dixon’s Pinnacle is unmissable for advanced divers looking to see multiple species in one dive. There are several pinnacle covered in soft coral and barrel sponges, it is even possible to see methane bubbles floating up from the rock. The currents can be strong at this site and it begins at a depth of 18m/59ft meaning it is only accessible to qualified and experienced divers. Once submerged you will be greeted by marine life of all sizes, from tiny mantis shrimp to schools of barracuda. Even large creatures such as turtles and manta rays can be found at the cleaning station near the peak of the site. Without moving, divers will be in awe of the varied marine life surrounding them. The site offers visibility of up to 20m/65ft with temperatures from 80˚F/27˚C to 84˚F/29˚C.
4. The Wall, Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep
A massive wall of coral sits in the waters of the Kadmat Island, a small strip of land surrounded by clear blue waters. Considered a coral island itself, divers won’t be surprised to find a wall covered in coral stretching from 6m/20ft down to 30m/100ft. Low currents make this dive a relaxing experience for all abilities. It is the thrilling opportunity to spot green turtles, napoleons, fantail rays and more that lure divers to these idyllic warm waters with visibility of up to 40m. Visiting between November to March is the best time to ensure calm seas and high visibility whilst enjoying pleasant temperatures around 83°F/29°C.
Interested in learning more about manta rays? Why not sign up for the SSI Manta & Ray Ecology Specialty?
5. Chintapalli Wreck, Visakhapatnam
Less than five years ago a massive 150m/492ft ship was found scattered in the water off the coast of fishing village Bheemunipatnam. Local rumors of the sunken wreck add to the lure of exploring this relatively undisrupted site. Little is known of the ship’s history but the wreck has been resting on the sea bed for over 100 years and the temptation of the unknown is what makes this dive so exciting. This site is only 6m/20ft deep so accessible by beginners but it is recommended for well experienced and advanced divers who understand the intricacies of wreck diving. Groupers, turtles, reef sharks and dolphins have all been spotted in these waters. The average water temperature for this region is around 82°F/28°C
6. Lighthouse, Havelock Island, Andaman
This shore dive is a top location for night diving in India, visibility in the Andaman water is particularly good allowing divers to spot nocturnal critters once the sun sets. Featuring hard and soft corals the dive starts 6m/20ft and descends to 20m/65ft, beginners can discover the underwater world whilst advanced divers can venture deeper. Divers who venture to the site will have the chance to spot fusiliers, octopus, lobsters, humpback parrotfish and more. Thanks to the dense ecosystem in the Andaman Sea there is always the promise of discovering new and rare species. Waters always remain warm ranging from 82°F/28°C to 87°F/31°C and it is best to visit from late fall til early spring to avoid the wet season.
Want to know how to improve your skills as a dive buddy? Click here.
7. Manta Point, Bangaram, Lakshadweep
Outside the lagoon surrounding Bangaram is Manta Point, a great location for advanced divers to spot larger marine life. Depending on the day, diving at this spot offers the opportunity to see hawksbill turtles, eagle rays, manta rays, reef sharks and even hammerhead sharks. There are many smaller fish species including parrotfish, snappers, triggerfish and more. Currents are stronger at this site and divers can descend to 20m/70ft meaning advanced certification is required. It is best to visit from October and March after the monsoon season, average temperature of 83°F/29°C.
8. Mac Point, Havelock Island, Andaman
Mac Point offers a unique opportunity to swim amongst dugongs, these sea mammals are cousins to the manatee and are protected in Indian waters. Diving with these curious creatures is a great way to learn more about them and truly appreciate their beauty and serene nature. The dive site is accessible by all abilities and offers good visibility. Divers will also find plenty of hard coral and schools of fish in these warm waters. Mac Point is another gem in the beautiful waters of Andaman Islands which offer an exclusive peek into India’s diving potential away from the hustle and bustle of busy regions.
