Make A Splash With The Best Water Sports In Pondicherry

Pondicherry, a beautiful union territory along the southeastern coast of India is catching the attention of tourists very fast. This attention is not because of its historical landmarks or serene beaches but because of the array of water sports options that it offers to its visitors. Initially Pony’s French colonial charm, vibrant culture, picturesque beaches and cafes was the reason for people to visit this charming little place, but now with so many options for water sports in Pondicherry, this place is looking more like the east coast’s Goa.

Overview Of Pondicherry

Pondicherry or Puducherry, is a peaceful coastal place that has a heavy French influence. The architecture, the street signs, the mouthwatering cuisine, everything here has a French colonial charm. This is because until 1954 Pondicherry was a French colonial settlement but today it is a Union Territory town in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It’s nice to see that Pondicherry has still kept the French legacy alive. 

Book Now: Pondicherry Excursion From Bangalore

6 Best Water Activities In Pondicherry 

In this blog, we will take you through the exciting world of water sports in Pondicherry that will help plan your water sports adventure better.

Kayaking – Paddle All The Way

The calm waters of the backwater mangroves is a perfect place for Kayaking in Pondicherry. Not just the tourists but the locals too enjoy this water sports. Unlike other water activities, kayaking is an environmentally friendly (no smoke, no sound) way to enjoy the waters. It also helps to build your physical as well as mental strength in a great way. So, grab your kayak and paddle to get close to nature, ideally in the morning and evenings to catch sunrises and sunsets.

Best Spots: Chunnambar Boat House, Paradise Beach, Serenity Beach

Best Month For Kayaking: October to March

Rentals: ₹300 – ₹800 per hour

Tips: Life jacket is a must and avoid kayaking during high tides.

Surfing – Playing With The Waves

Surfing in Pondicherry is one of the most fun and enthralling water activities. This place is home to some of the excellent surfing spots. From beginners to seasoned pros, surfers of all levels can try their hand at this water sports in Pondicherry. There are a lot of trainers to help you to learn the art of identifying the waves and timing to surf efficiently. So, without much fear, enroll yourself for a surfing class and enjoy this most famous adventure sport in Pondicherry.

Best Spots: Serenity Beach, Paradise Beach

Best Month For Surfing: June to September

Rentals: ₹500 – ₹1000 per hour

Tips: Take a few lessons to get familiar and handle the waves safely.

Scuba Diving – Glimpse Of The Underwater World

With more than 25 diving sites, scuba diving in Pondicherry is sure to give you some thrilling and unforgettable experiences. There are many natural sites and artificial reefs that are hidden in the depths of the waters of Pondicherry. Scuba diving is the best way to explore the underwater world. The vibrant marine life and crystal clear waters make the whole process of diving in Pondicherry a once in a lifetime experience. 

Best Spots: Eden Beach, Temple Reef, the Hole, Cool Shark Reef, 4 Corners

Best Month For Diving: October to March

Rentals: ₹4000 – ₹6000 for a single dive

Tips: Take all the guidelines and instructions given by your instructor seriously.

Canoeing – For Some Peace And Tranquility

The calm and turbulent waters of Pondicherry makes canoeing one of the most popular water sports in Pondicherry for both adventure seekers as well as for those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature. This water activities in Pondicherry is your best chance to explore the scenic backwaters and coastal areas. In recent years canoeing has risen to such demands that most of the beachside rental shops offer canoes for rent.

Best Spots: Chunnambar Backwaters, Karaikal Beach, Ousteri Lake

Best Month For Canoeing: October to March

Rentals: ₹500 – ₹1000 per hour

Tips: Take a guide along if you’re not familiar with the area.

Paddle Boarding – Unique Boating Experience

Boating in Pondicherry or for that matter in any other place is a huge part of the water-sports activity. However what makes Paddle boarding different from the rest is that it involves standing on an inflated paddle rather than sitting inside the paddle. It may look a little risky and tough but the still water of Pondy is perfect for this activity. All you need is a paddleboard and adventure spirit inside you to get going. 

Best Spots: Serenity Beach, Paradise Beach, Auroville Beach, Chunnambar Backwaters

Best Month For Boating: October to March

Rentals: ₹500 – ₹1000 per hour

Tips: Paddle boards are available for rent, check if they are in good condition before setting out.

Banana Boat Ride – Fun Ride With Family And Friends

If you are someone who is not ready to get into water alone, the banana boat ride is a must-try activity for you. This is a thrilling water ride to be enjoyed with family and friends. It involves around 5 to 6 people to ride an inflatable banana-shaped boat. It’s complete fun all the way as the boat twists and turns. So hold on tightly to the one sitting in front of you as you laugh, shout and scream through the sea.

Best Spots: Paradise Beach

Best Month For Banana Boating: October to March

Rentals: ₹300 – ₹500 per adult

Tips: Buckle up all the safety gear provided.

General Tips For Water Sports In Pondicherry 

Please go through the below points before engaging in any kind of water sports activities. By doing so, you not only get to enjoy the activity to its fullest but also it keeps you safe. 

• Before booking a water activity, do your research. Check the weather forecast and get details about the service provider.
• Choose a certified diving operator in Pondicherry which is recognized by the diving associations like PADI, SSI, or CMAS.
• However good you are at swimming, do take the pool training and wear a life jacket. Do not take things for granted.
• Avoid going alone for any water sports in Pondicherry. It’s always good to have company.
• If you’re unfamiliar with the area or if you are new to the sport, consider taking a guided tour.
• If you’re borrowing equipment, make sure they are from reputable operators.
• Pick the morning or late afternoon slots as the water is usually calmer during this time of the day.
• Pregnant women and people who have recently undergone surgery and are not allowed to take part in any water activities. 
• Carry sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, basic medicines, water-resistant clothing and footwear.
• Respect nature by not disturbing the natural habitat of the marine creatures. 

Pondicherry Water Sports Service Providers 

There is no dearth for water sport service providers in Pondicherry. Let’s take a look at the top few among them.

Temple Adventures – Temple Adventures is the first dive center in Pondicherry known for scuba diving and water sports training.  They provide activities like, Scuba courses and Diving, Snorkeling trips, kayaking.

Kallialay Surf School – Kallialay Surf School offers surfing lessons, paddle boarding sessions and rents out surfing equipment. They provide activities like, Surfing, Paddle Boarding.

Soulmate Surf School – They offer surfing and paddle boarding lessons for beginners and advanced surfers under the guidance of experienced instructors. 

Chunnambar Boat House – Offers boat rides in Paradise Beach as well as canoeing/kayaking in the Chunnambar backwaters.

Elate Scuba – They offer PADI certified scuba diving courses and fun dives with prime focus on the safety of the divers.

Thrill Valley Adventures – They offer activities like, Jet Skiing, Parasailing, and Banana Boat Rides.

Pudu H2O Water Sports – They offer activities like, Jet Skiing, Kayaking, and Paddle Boarding. They also provide equipment rentals and guided sessions.

Also Read: Best Time To Visit Pondicherry

Final Words

Be it a beginner or an experienced person, water sports in Pondicherry offers a wide range of thrilling activities that cater to every taste. As you embark on this underwater adventure along Pondicherry’s stunning coastline, make sure to relax and have a deeper connection with nature. For these are memories that you are going to take back home and cherish for a very long time. 

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