Diving in India
This article is intended to provide the already qualified scuba diver with information which will help to plan dives in the waters of India, whether as a local resident or a visitor. Information is provided without prejudice, and is not guaranteed accurate or complete. Use it at your own risk.
Understand
India's coasts have tropical climates. Pondicherry's peak season is January through June and then September through November, although diving in this area may be done all year long. The water temperature varies between 27 °C (80 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F). The average annual temperature across India is 25 °C (77 °F). Many of the dive sites popular with tourists are in the Andaman and Nicobar islands and the Lakshadweep Islands which have clear oceanic water.
- 🌍 Andaman and Nicobar islands — between India and Thailand, but in the same timezone as India. You can fly there from 🌍 Chennai or 🌍 Calcutta, therefore require an Indian visa, which makes it a bit hard to reach. Around 🌍 Havelock Island there are very good reef dives, with a great variety of sea life and good visibility. The peak season in the Andamans runs from November through April.
- 🌍 Angria Bank — a shallow sunken atoll on the continental shelf 105 km (65 mi) west of 🌍 Vijaydurg, Maharashtra, India. Reported as the largest submerged coral reef of India. Depth approximately 20 m. Access by a two-hour boat ride from 🌍 Malvan, Maharashtra.
- 🌍 Goa — one of India's most popular dive destinations, but mostly just because it's the easiest to get to — visibility is usually only 5–6 m. Diving at Goa is best from October through May and is not allowed during the monsoon season.
- 🌍 Lakshadweep Islands — dive sites are clustered around 🌍 Agatti, 🌍 Kadmat and 🌍 Bangaram islands. May through November is the best time for diving Lakshadweep.