India
Havelock Island (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Highlights:
- Neil’s Cove & Aquarium: Coral gardens with vibrant reef fish.
- Jackson’s Bar: Grey reef sharks, barracuda, and Napoleon wrasse.
- The Wall: A vertical drop with pelagic fish and colorful corals.
Marine Life:
- Reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, groupers, and vibrant corals.
Best Time to Dive:
- October to May.
How to Reach:
- Fly to Port Blair, then take a ferry to Havelock Island.
Chidiya Tapu (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Highlights:
- One of the best macro dive sites in India.
- Perfect for underwater photography and night diving.
Marine Life:
- Seahorses, nudibranchs, frogfish, octopuses, and lionfish.
Best Time to Dive:
- November to April.
How to Reach:
- 30 km from Port Blair, reachable by taxi or boat.
Neil Island (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Highlights:
- K-Rock: A unique dive site with volcanic rock formations.
- Margherita’s Mischief: Crystal-clear waters with stingrays and lionfish.
Marine Life:
- Parrotfish, sea snakes, moray eels, and eagle rays.
Best Time to Dive:
- October to May.
How to Reach:
- Fly to Port Blair, then a ferry ride to Neil Island.
Cinque Island (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Highlights:
- Exceptional visibility and unspoiled reefs.
- Ideal for experienced divers looking for deep dives.
Marine Life:
- Dolphins, reef sharks, groupers, and fusiliers.
Best Time to Dive:
- November to April.
How to Reach:
- Accessible by private boat from Port Blair.
Pondicherry (Tamil Nadu)
Highlights:
- India’s only East Coast diving destination.
- Artificial reefs, shipwrecks, and deep-sea diving.
Marine Life:
- Whale sharks, manta rays, sea snakes, butterflyfish, and lionfish.
Best Time to Dive:
- February to April & September to November.
How to Reach:
- Fly to Chennai, then drive or take a bus/train to Pondicherry.
Netrani Island (Karnataka)
Highlights:
- Best diving spot on the west coast of India.
- Clear blue waters with a variety of marine species.
Marine Life:
- Barracuda, moray eels, reef sharks, and angelfish.
Best Time to Dive:
- October to May.
How to Reach:
- Fly to Mangalore, then drive to Murudeshwar and take a boat to Netrani.
Bangaram & Kadmat Islands (Lakshadweep)
Highlights:
- Minimal human impact, making it one of the most pristine dive spots.
- Crystal-clear lagoons and dramatic drop-offs.
Marine Life:
- Manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, tuna, and large groupers.
Best Time to Dive:
- October to May.
How to Reach:
- Fly to Agatti, then take a boat to Bangaram or Kadmat.
Grand Island (Goa)
Highlights:
- Best wreck diving in India, including Suzy’s Wreck.
- Ideal for beginners and fun divers.
Marine Life:
- Snapper, triggerfish, barracuda, and occasional dolphins.
Best Time to Dive:
- October to May.
How to Reach:
- Fly to Goa’s Dabolim Airport, then take a boat to Grand Island.