Snorkeling is an underwater activity where you are given a face mask, a snorkel which is a breathing device consisting of a tube to breathe underwater, a uniform with swim fins that makes it easier for you to observe and enjoy the sea life underwater in the seabeds. Coral reefs are ideal for snorkeling in India as they have clear water and give you the opportunity to witness the rich sea life.
You can explore the seabed without a lot of training and experience. You will not need a guide to help you snorkel and enjoy the underwater sea life. Snorkeling is easier and less expensive compared to diving as it lets you explore life underwater in public beaches as well. The snorkeling gear does not cost much and is more suitable for people of any age as you can float around in the ocean beds and coral reefs and enjoy the underwater sea life up and close.
Top 7 Places For Snorkeling in India
- Andaman And Nicobar Islands
- Islands In Lakshadweep
- Pondicherry Beach
- Lakshadweep Islands
- Kadmat Island
- Netrani Island Karnataka
- Tarkarli Beach
Top 7 Places For Snorkeling in India
1. Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Havelock island: Popular for being one of the best diving locations, you can go snorkeling in Andaman on the underwater of this island. The Andaman Islands have a breathtaking view and crystal clear oceans. An ideal romantic and adventurous destination. This tropical beach is covered with lush green in the surroundings and is one of the best places to explore underwater sea life through snorkeling. You can float around at your own pace and take pictures of the sea creatures.
The Elephant beach is one of the popular snorkeling sites on this island. It has calm waters and is an ideal location to start snorkeling if you are a beginner. You can find corals, sea turtles, eels, octopus, and other species of fishes. Reach this beach early morning and start snorkeling around 7 am. You can take this activity solo, as a couple, or in a group. This is a 3-hour activity and costs less than 30$. The cost and time for snorkeling depends on the package you opt for.
2. Islands In Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep islands are unexplored and a haven for snorkeling as they have many coral reefs and clear water. Kavaratti island deep blue sea and colorful reefs. The Bangaram Island is a must visit for snorkeling in India as it has ink blue clear water and you can witness a shipwreck at the snorkeling site. Find other aquatic lives and colorful fishes when you snorkel inside the Manta Point. There are many islands in Lakshadweep that have colorful reefs and exotic aquatic life that you can explore through snorkeling.
3. Pondicherry Beach
Reefs in Pondicherry: This is one of the offbeat sites in Pondicherry for snorkeling. You can find exotic aquatic life underwaters such as lionfish, dolphins, whales, turtles, and bannerfish. At the 4 Corners site, you can find exotic species like lionfish and butterflies. And at the Temple Reef, you will find more than 100 species of aquatic life. At this site, you can also get a scooter ride underwater. There are many sites for advanced divers and you may find bigger sea creatures on these sites.
4. Lakshadweep Islands
Agatti Island: One of the most idyllic and tranquil places on the Lakshadweep is Agatti Island. With white sandy beaches and blue lagoons, this is a scenic archipelago in Lakshadweep. You can find many instructors in various languages for basic snorkel and diving on this island. There are various sites for snorkeling where you can find mushrooms, aquatic plant species, fishes, and many more interesting underwater living organisms.
The Japanese garden has snappers, eels, turtles, pelagic fish, eagle rays, and more exotic species. At the Alice in Wonderland find triggerfish, jacks, cobias, sweetlips, barracuda fish, butterflyfishes, mushroom-shaped corals, the colorful nudibranchs, and more. At Coral, Fantasies site find angle fish, colorful anthias fish, and sponges. There are many more sites on Agatti Island where you can find exotic aquatic species of fishes, critters, plants, and other sea animals.
5. Kadmat Island
This is a tranquil island with white sandy beaches and blue water. It has many lagoons and is one of the best snorkeling sites. You can spot dolphins in the evenings. You can find aquatic plants and fishes in the coral reefs of this island. This is one of the best diving and snorkeling sites as it has clear waters and many unexplored areas.
6. Netrani Island Karnataka
To experience an abundance of aquatic life, go snorkel in the Netrani Island in Karnataka. On the Murudeshwar beach, find coral reefs where there are many colorful aquatic plants and species of fishes. This is known as the haven of scuba diving and snorkeling in India. There are many coral reefs on this island where you can find aquatic species like barracudas, clown fishes, mantas, eels, parrot fish, butterfly fish, and sea turtles and sharks in deep waters.
7. Tarkarli Beach
Find fishes, sharks, colorful plants, and many coral reefs on this beach. Even those with medical conditions can go snorkeling in the waters of Tarkarli beach. Find oysters, mollusks, seaweeds, sea anemones, dolphins, and more than 30 species of fishes.
Snorkeling is a relaxing and a fun activity where you come face-to-face with marine life and explore underwater sea life at your own pace. For beginners, snorkeling is easy and can be done without a lot of guidance. These sites have the best coral reefs and give you the opportunity to have a closer look at the exotic marine life.
Read More: Best Things To Do In Bali