Scuba Diving in India: Complete Guide to India's Best Diving Destinations
India has several very different dive regions, from easy mainland training bases to clear-water island reefs. This guide compares the major destinations so you can choose the right dive trip instead of treating the whole country as one diving product.
India has scuba diving on both coasts and in two island groups: the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep in the Arabian Sea. Water is warm all year, many sites suit beginners, and the main season runs from October to May.
How much does scuba diving cost in India?
It depends on where you dive and what you book. The table lists what the dive shops on Coral Circuit charge today, from a single try dive to professional courses. Each destination links to its full price list.
| Destination | Price range |
|---|---|
| Andaman Islands 13 shops, dives, courses and snorkeling | ₹2,000 to ₹1,60,000 |
| Murudeshwar 13 shops, 47 courses | ₹2,499 to ₹75,000 |
| Goa 7 shops, 76 courses | ₹990 to ₹75,000 |
| Pondicherry 4 shops, 79 courses | ₹2,360 to ₹2,02,000 |
| Kovalam 4 shops, 26 courses | ₹2,500 to ₹38,000 |
| Kochi 3 shops, 13 courses | ₹3,000 to ₹72,159 |
| Malvan 2 shops, 8 courses | ₹25,000 to ₹90,000 |
| Bengaluru 2 shops, 10 courses | ₹1,000 to ₹30,000 |
| Chennai 2 shops, 13 courses | ₹7,100 to ₹36,500 |
| Mumbai 2 shops, 12 courses | ₹5,500 to ₹19,000 |
| Agatti 1 shop, 4 courses | ₹25,000 to ₹65,000 |
| Trivandrum 1 shop, 16 courses | ₹6,000 to ₹30,000 |
| Vizag 1 shop, 10 courses | ₹2,500 to ₹31,500 |
| Sindhudurg 1 shop, 17 courses | ₹1,000 to ₹29,000 |
Taken from the prices each shop publishes, updated hourly. Some shops add GST.
A try dive, usually called Discover Scuba Diving, is the cheapest way to start and needs no certification. The Open Water course is the first full certification and takes several days. The cheapest places to dive in India page compares the lowest prices side by side.
Where to go scuba diving in India
Andaman Islands
India's main diving destination, with visibility of 15 to 30 metres, healthy coral reefs, and manta rays, sharks and a wide range of reef life. The season runs from October to May.
See dive shops and prices in the Andamans, or read the Andaman Islands diving guide.
Goa
An easy place to start, with reefs, shipwrecks and artificial reefs, and many shops that teach beginners. The season runs from October to May.
Compare scuba diving prices in Goa or browse dive shops in Goa.
Netrani Island and Murudeshwar, Karnataka
Dives at Netrani Island are boat dives from Murudeshwar, with frequent turtle sightings and sites for all levels. The season here is shorter, November to April.
Compare scuba diving prices in Murudeshwar, browse dive shops in Murudeshwar, or read the Murudeshwar diving guide and the Netrani Island guide.
Lakshadweep
Remote islands with untouched reefs and very clear water. Coral Circuit lists dive shops on Agatti. The season runs from October to May.
See scuba diving prices in Agatti or read the Lakshadweep diving guide.
Pondicherry
East coast diving on artificial reefs and shipwrecks, from October to May.
Compare scuba diving prices in Pondicherry or browse dive shops in Pondicherry.
Sindhudurg (Malvan and Tarkarli)
Konkan coast reef dives near Tarkarli and Malvan, with shore and boat sites that suit beginners and snorkellers. The season runs from October to May.
See dive shops in Sindhudurg, dive shops in Malvan, or read the Sindhudurg diving guide.
Best time for scuba diving in India
Most of India dives from October to May, with the best conditions from December to April. The Karnataka coast, including Netrani, runs from November to April. For month-by-month detail, see the best time to dive in Murudeshwar.
Diving conditions in India
- Water temperature: 26 to 30°C all year.
- Visibility: 8 to 30 metres depending on the site.
- Difficulty: beginner to advanced.
- Marine life: reef fish, rays, sharks and turtles.
Getting certified in India
PADI and SSI dive centres across India teach every level from the first try dive to professional courses. New to diving? Start with the beginner's guide to scuba diving in India, compare Open Water courses in Goa, or see the best places to dive in India.
Ready to book your dive?
Compare certified dive shops, check starting prices, and message an operator directly.
Continue your dive journey
Log your next dive or explore dive experiences to keep the momentum going.
