Everything you want to know about Scuba Diving in Karnataka
By Meenakshi Gupta
Are you adventurous? Do you love water sports and activities?
If the answer is yes, then you must try Scuba Diving. Scuba Diving is gaining popularity in India at a higher speed. Explore the fascinating life of coral reefs, flora and fauna, colourful fishes, sea Turtles, Great Barracudas, White, and Black Tip Sharks, Stingrays, and much more in the marine world. Scuba Diving in Karnataka is one of the safest and most exciting places to experience the underwater world.
Scuba Diving in Karnataka
Yes! Scuba Diving in Karnataka is one of the best dive sites in India. Netrani in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka offers you the best scuba diving experiences with the best views in India. The crystal clear water of Netrani is undoubtedly the finest diving site on the western coast of India and is often called as ‘heart of India’s diving’. Located just 19 km from the temple town of Murudeshwara, in Uttara Kannada district of the coastal Karnataka, Netrani is the place for Scuba diving. There are several scuba diving and snorkelling operators in Netrani who are PADI certified and provide certificates to divers for professional as well as beginners courses. Netrani Island is often referred to as ‘Pigeon Island’.
How to go about Scuba Diving?
As mentioned there are many certified and qualified diving operators in Netrani, you may book your level of course with anyone of them. The Scuba Diving is usually 2-3 days of programme of which one day can be clubbed for Kumta Beach Trek. With a maximum depth of 12 meters, the divers get acquainted with basic scuba safety, knowledge of equipment, etc. on the first day in the pool. A day of local sightseeing to Heaven Beach, Trek to Kagal Fort, Mystery caves, and other beaches are included in the first day of the itinerary. Day 2 starts with a ferry ride to Netrani Islands where instructors brief the divers about the basic lessons, wildlife, and the dive sites. The diving takes about 30-40 minutes and an hour or so in total, post which divers are taken back to the Murudeshwara Beach. There are various modules like theory, pool modules and then exotic open water modules for certified PADI divers ranging from basic to rescue diver’s courses.
Cost of Scuba Diving
Usually, the operators offer a package for a day to 3 days. The package includes, a scuba diving course based on your requirements, stay, food and snacks, local sightseeing, boat ride to and from Netrani island, cost of photos and videos, first-aid, diving equipment, and life jackets. The price starts from as low as Rs 999 and goes up to Rs 8000. However, the advanced course charges are much higher depending upon the level, of course, you are seeking.
How to reach Netrani Island?
The diving site is about 19 km from Murudeshwara beach and it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by boat to reach the island.
The quaint and serene Netrani Island can be reached by boat from Murudeshwara Beach. Murudeshwara beach is well connected by rail, road, and air to major cities of India.
By Air
The diving site is about 19 km from Murudeshwara beach and it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by boat to reach the island.
The quaint and serene Netrani Island can be reached by boat from Murudeshwara Beach. Murudeshwara beach is well connected by rail, road, and air to major cities of India.
By Rail
Murudeshwara railway station is well connected with major cities in India via Mumbai and Mangalore. The station is on the Konkan Railway line.
By Road
Murudeshwara can easily be reached by road from Bangalore, Mangalore, Kochi, and Mumbai. The inter-state and intra-state buses ply regularly from these cities.
Best time to visit Netrani for Scuba Diving
Monsoons are to be avoided at Netrani for Scuba Diving, hence the best time to visit is between February to June and October to December. The water is usually calm during these months.
Important Information
- Carry a copy of your Aadhar Card /Voter ID.
- A medical test is performed before the dive for every participant to make sure they are medically fit for the scuba.
- Anyone with a prior history of heart or lung issues should carry a NOC from the practitioner and inform your PADI Instructor.
- There are no staying options or no harbouring area on the island so travel light.
Image credits: Shree Netrani Adventures
