If you are an adventure junkie and looking to include scuba diving in your South Indian vacation itinerary, then this blog is for you. When it comes to scuba diving, Pondicherry is the last name that’s on anyone’s mind. Everyone wants to do it in the Maldives or the Andamans, but did you know that the sole diving location on India’s east coast is in Pondy. Scuba diving in Pondicherry is rapidly gaining popularity among adventure seekers because of its clean oceans, exotic marine life, beautiful coral reefs and underwater caves. Be it for the beginners or seasoned divers, the waters of Pondicherry are sure to surprise you.
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Where To Go Scuba Diving In Pondicherry
Here’s a list of some of the top places in Pondicherry for scuba diving that cater to divers of different skill levels.
Temple Reef
Temple Reef is an artificial reef created by Temple Reef Adventures for scuba divers to explore the deep waters. Recycled materials like trees, palm leaves, and rocks were used to build this reef. Temple reef was built mainly to restore marine life, however its surreal underwater world glory and unparalleled adventure has made it one of the best spots for water sports in Pondicherry.
Depth: up to 18 meters
Suitable for: Beginners & Experts
Scuba Diving Price: Starting from ₹8,000 & can go up to ₹25,000
The Hole
The Hole is a renowned scuba diving spot in Pondicherry which is for experienced divers only. As the name indicates, there is a hole-like formation in the center of the diving site. The challenging diving conditions, unique topography and the enormous aquatic monsters are the reason why this place is one of the best spots for scuba diving in Pondicherry. A must-visit destination for people who love to explore the hidden underwater secrets.
Depth: 18-30 meters
Suitable for: Experienced Divers Only
Scuba Diving Price: Starting from ₹9,000 to ₹82,000
The Ravines
The Ravines with flowing rocky reed bed is one of the fantastic places for scuba diving in Pondicherry. The farm plants growing over the scuba diving site, manta rays and plenty of marine spotting is what makes this site so special. It’s the perfect place for first-time divers to try their hand at diving.
Depth: 12 meters
Suitable for: Beginners & Experts
Scuba Diving Price: Starting from ₹6,500 to ₹25,000
Aravind’s Wall
India’s top drift diving location, the Aravind Wall is every divers dream site. This magnificent diving location is accessible only to experienced open-water divers. The huge area and the extensive depth of site is what makes this place dangerous for amateurs. Its exotic marine life, beautiful gorgonians, colorful reefs, and strong water currents make for a prominent scuba diving experience.
Depth: 40 meters/130 feet
Suitable for: Certified Divers Only
Scuba Diving Price: ₹5000 onwards
Coral Shark Reef
The 5 to 23 meters depth makes this site perfect for divers of all skill levels. Be it the novice divers or the experts, Coral Shark Reef is an excellent spot. To see the colorful coral formations and majestic reefs in its full glory book now for that best scuba diving in Pondicherry experience.
Depth: 5 – 23 meters
Suitable for: Beginners & Experts
Scuba Diving Price: ₹5000 to ₹25,000
Book Now: Pondicherry Private Day Tour from Chennai with Guide and Lunch
Where To Learn To Dive
PADI Dive Centre is another initiative by Temple Adventures that offers courses that include theory, pool training, open-water dives and also professional-level diving courses. This award winning dive center follows the international diving standards and has highly trained instructors. If your love for scuba diving is high, this is one of the best places to learn scuba diving in India.
The wide range of courses available here are:
Discover Scuba Diving: This course helps beginners to get the feel of the underwater world with the help and supervision of trained instructors.
Open Water Course: This is an entry-level course, which includes theory, confined water dives, and open water dives.
Advanced Open Course: This course is basically for certified divers who are looking to expand their skills.
Rescue Diving Course: Focuses on developing rescue skills and managing diving emergencies.
Divemaster Course: A course where already trained divers are taught how to lead and guide others.
Specialty Course: Focus here is on various specialty courses like Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Nitrox, and much more.
When Is The Best Time For Scuba Diving In Pondicherry
Avoid scuba diving during the monsoon season as during this time (June to September) the sea can be rough, due to which underwater visibility is poor. Winter months between October to February is the best time to go scuba diving in Pondicherry. It is that time of the year when the waters are calm and still, you can also witness the boom of marine life during this time.
Key Things To Know Before You Book
- Plan your dive in advance by researching on the dive site, depth, currents, visibility, and regarding potential hazards.
- If scuba diving is something new to you, consider taking a PADI course to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
- Book your dive with a reputed diving center which has good safety and service quality.
- Get a medical check-up done to ensure that you are fit enough to take the dive.
- Avoid consuming heavy food or alcohol before and after scuba diving.
- Do not go scuba diving 24 hrs before or after you have taken a flight.
- All dive sites are accessible only via small boats, so chances of feeling the wave of the ocean is more.
- Always pay attention to your instructor and follow all the set down rules and guidelines.
- If the activity is delayed or postponed due to weather conditions, the next best possible time slot will be given.
- Keep in mind that great visibility or spotting marine life is not guaranteed, so don’t be disappointed.
Suggested Reads: Discover The Best Beaches In Pondicherry
Wrapping Up
Now that you know Pondicherry has a thriving scuba diving scene, pack your gear and embark on an unforgettable journey to experience the thrill of one of the best water adventure activities. Book now for you don’t want to miss this opportunity of seeing the wonders beneath the waters. Dive in and share your experience with us in the comment box below.
FAQs
Anyone aged 10 and older can go scuba diving, however there is no upper age limit as long as the participant provides all documents to prove that he/she is fit for the activity.
People with known risk for coronary artery disease, ear problems, an abnormal lipid profile, or anyone with smoking history should avoid scuba diving.
Depending on the package, duration for dives can be anywhere between 20 minutes to 2.5 hours. The scuba diving price in Pondicherry is somewhere between ₹5000/- for a day and ₹82,000/- for a complete course.
