Diving in Bay of Bengal

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Aqua House Reef

Aqua House Reef is located just 20 meters from the shore, featuring a diverse coral ecosystem that extends along the coastline for several hundred meters. The reef descends to a depth of approximately 5 meters, making it an ideal location for beginner divers and snorkelers. The underwater landscape includes various types of corals such as table coral, fan coral, and brain coral, interspersed with sea grass. Marine life commonly observed here includes lionfish, angelfish, bannerfish, juvenile barracuda, as well as larger species like snappers and groupers.

Aravind Wall

Aravind Wall is a wall dive that reaches a depth of 40 meters (130 feet) and is suitable for advanced open water divers. The site features a significant rock formation that extends 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) in a north-south direction. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including gorgonians, whip corals, snappers, groupers, jacks, fusiliers, and rabbitfishes. Entry to the site is by boat.

Aravind Wall

Aravind'S Wall

Aravind's Wall is a dive site off the coast of Pondicherry at a depth of 40 meters (130 feet), suitable for advanced open water divers. The site features a large rock formation that extends 2.5 km (1.5 miles) and is divided into several sub-sites, each with diverse marine life and structures to explore.

Aravind'S Wall

Bomb Bay

Bomb Bay is a small cove located on the southeast side of Netrani, characterized by a rapid descent from shallow waters to depths of 12 meters and then to 20-24 meters. The shallow area experiences significant surge, making it a dynamic environment. The rocky structure of the cove supports diverse marine life, including schools of scats, damsels, surgeons, and fusiliers. This site is suitable for beginners and snorkelers due to its relatively shallow depths and the abundance of marine species to observe.

Bomb Rock East

Bomb Rock East is named for its use by the Indian Navy for target practice, although the site shows minimal environmental impact. The dive site features a depth range of 18 to 25 meters, with a rapid drop-off. While visibility may be slightly reduced compared to other locations around Netrani, divers can expect to encounter vibrant marine life, including large schools of triggerfish and snappers.

Bounty Bay

Bounty Bay, located in Goa, India, features a depth range of 4-8 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers. The underwater terrain consists of sand, gravel, and rocks. Common marine life includes crabs, cuttlefish, triggerfish, lobsters, and nurse sharks.

Bounty Bay

Bounty Bay features a diverse underwater landscape with fingers of rock extending northward from Grande Island. The seafloor consists of gravel, sand, and rocks, providing a varied topography for divers. Conditions can become challenging with north winds, leading to surge; however, it is generally an easy dive site. Marine life is abundant, with large schools of snappers frequently observed alongside scorpionfish, groupers, moray eels, gobies, shrimps, parrotfish, puffers, bannerfish, angelfish, wrasse, surgeonfish, crayfish, and crabs.

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Car Wreck (Chief Dragon)

The Chief Dragon wreck is an old cargo ship sunk in 1983, located at a depth of 20 to 35 meters (66 to 115 feet). The wreck measures approximately 112 meters (368 feet) long and 22 meters (72 feet) wide, featuring several car chassis on the top deck. This site requires multiple dives to fully explore.

Coral Garden

Coral Garden is a shallow coral reef located off the eastern side of Grande Island. This site is characterized by an abundance of cabbage and table corals, making it an ideal location for beginner divers or those returning to diving after a break. The site remains accessible even during adverse weather conditions, providing a reliable option for divers. The entry to the site is from the shore, allowing for easy access to the underwater environment.

Cozy Canyon

Cozy Canyon is a dive site located off the coast of Chennai, characterized by its abundant marine life and numerous swimthroughs. The site is accessible via shore entry and is known for its variable visibility and strong currents, making it more suitable for experienced divers. The underwater landscape offers a variety of features that attract a diverse range of marine species, enhancing the diving experience.

Cozy Canyon

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Dalawella beach

beginner friendly, enclosed lagoon with beach entry, sandy bottom with chunks of reef formations to swim around, quite shallow all over. Best time to visit is in the mornings, in the afternoon the tide comes over the reef wall at the back and swell can get strong and drag you around. Perfect place to see turtles and various fish, but beach does get crowded as many tourists visit to see the turtles which can ruin the vibe. But this is mainly at the shore, pop your snorkel on and head out into the lagoon and its far more peaceful and enjoyable!

Danny’s Eel Garden

Danny’s Eel Garden is a dive site with a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet). The site is known for its diverse population of eels, which are frequently observed in the area. In addition to eels, divers can encounter various marine species including cuttlefish, octopus, scorpion fish, lion fish, barracudas, cleaner shrimp, bannerfish, fusiliers, and trigger fish. The entry to the site is from the shore.

Danny’s Eel Garden

Davy Jones Locker

Davy Jones Locker is located on the southern side of St. George’s Island and features the stern section of a steel-hulled wreck. The dive site has a depth range of 12 to 16 meters and is known for a variety of fish species. It is recommended for experienced divers due to the potential for strong currents and low visibility conditions.

Dive Goddess

Dive Goddess is named for the notable underwater statue located at this site. The dive is relatively easy, with depths ranging from 1 to 15 meters and typically experiencing little to no current. In addition to the statue, divers can observe a variety of marine life, contributing to the site's ecological richness.

Double Boiler

Double Boiler is a steel-hulled steamship wreck located at a depth range of 15 to 19 meters. Divers can explore various features of the wreck, including the bow which contains anchors, as well as the midsection where boilers, pistons, and the propeller shaft are found. The stern section showcases the propeller and steering gear, providing a comprehensive view of the ship's structure. This site is accessible via shore entry.

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Fort Frederic

Fort Frederic is a reef located approximately 15 minutes from Uppuveli Beach, accessible via shore entry. The site features a mix of corals, stones, and sandy areas. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including snappers, rays, and moray eels. Note that there is a net present in the area, which may affect visibility and access to certain parts of the reef. This site is suitable for divers who are becoming accustomed to deeper dives following their open water training.

Freddies Nook

Freddies Nook is located near Suzy’s Wreck and features a rocky reef with encrusting coral. The dive site has a depth range of 8 to 12 meters, providing a sheltered environment with a sandy bottom. This makes it suitable for training courses and introductory dives.

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Govind’s Garden

Govind's Garden features a landscape of sea grass interspersed with hard coral formations, making it an ideal location for novice divers to enhance their buoyancy control, finning techniques, and underwater photography skills. The site is characterized by clear waters and the absence of current, providing a comfortable diving experience. Divers can observe various hard corals, including brain corals, staghorn corals, and table corals. The marine life includes tropical species such as moray eels, anemonefish, parrotfish, and the occasional sightings of stingrays and cuttlefish.

Grande Banks/ Navy Bay Rocks

Grande Banks, located in the northern area between St. George’s and Grande Island, features a rocky reef characterized by a significant expanse of Plate coral. The dive site has a depth range of 5 to 13 meters, making it suitable for beginner divers and students. The site offers an easy exploration of the coral formations, providing a conducive environment for introductory dives.

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Great Wall

The Great Wall features an extensive stretch of staghorn coral that extends for hundreds of meters. This site is bordered by seagrass meadows and soft sandy areas. Divers should possess good buoyancy control due to the slight surge, which can pose a risk of contact with the sharp coral. Marine life commonly observed here includes various tropical fish such as snappers, damselfish, angelfish, anemonefish, and parrotfish. Additionally, sightings of cuttlefish, moray eels, and stingrays may occur.

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Green Mile

Green Mile features a seagrass bed interspersed with coral patches, extending for approximately one mile. The dive site has a depth range of 6 to 8 meters, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. It is located just a 5-minute boat ride from the shore. Marine life includes various macro species such as nudibranchs, shrimp, and anemone crabs. Additionally, during the summer months, giant pink jellyfish can be observed in the area. The coral types present include fan coral, table coral, and cabbage coral.

Groupers Den

Groupers Den is situated approximately 6-7 kilometers from the coast of Pondicherry, requiring about 45 minutes to reach the site. The underwater landscape features large tree trunks that stand upright, covered with nets, and surrounded by sandbags that outline the perimeter at the bottom. The dive site is home to a diverse array of marine life, including large groupers, batfish, rabbitfish, giant trevally, long snout pipefish, nudibranchs, snappers, silver moonies, and schools of barracuda. The maximum depth at this site ranges from 21 to 25 meters.

Groupers Den

Lobster Avenue

Lobster Avenue is located on the southern side of St. George’s Island, featuring a coral reef and rocky pinnacle. The dive site ranges in depth from 8 to 14 meters. Divers can expect to encounter lobsters hiding among the rocks and plate corals, making it a notable spot for observing this marine life.

Naveens Reef

Naveens Reef is an artificial dive site established by the local fishing community. The site features coconut leaves secured to a buoy, with a substrate composed of branches and tree logs at the bottom. This structure creates a habitat that attracts various fish species. The maximum depth at this site is 17.5 meters, and it is located approximately 6 kilometers from the shore. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including snappers, groupers, silver moonies, trevally, scorpionfish, pufferfish, porcupinefish, and box cowfish.

Naveens Reef

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Navy Museum

Located approximately 20 minutes from Uppuveli beach, the Navy Museum dive site features two shipwrecks and several statues. The dive area includes a long reef with a maximum depth of 18 meters. Divers can observe various marine life, including octopus, schools of snappers, and occasionally rays and turtles. The predominant underwater structure consists of hard corals.

Neptune Bay

Neptune Bay is situated at Palolem Beach and serves as a local dive site ideal for training activities such as Try Scuba sessions and skill updates. The site is characterized by limited visibility, making it suitable for divers looking to enhance their skills. It is recognized as a macro dive location, where divers can observe a variety of marine life, including small soft corals, sea cucumbers, and various juvenile fish.

Nursery

Nursery is located on Netrani Island and is accessible via shore entry. The site typically offers good visibility and features minimal current, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced. The average depth at this site is around 12 meters, providing a comfortable environment for exploration.

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Oasis, Tuticorin

Oasis in Tuticorin is a shore entry dive site characterized by a coral reef surrounded by extensive seagrass beds. This location is suitable for beginners and training due to its soft sandy bottom and the presence of seagrass. Divers can expect to encounter various tropical fish species, including anemonefish, angelfish, and bannerfish, along with schools of sweepers. The area is also home to resident species such as pufferfish, moray eels, and groupers. Occasionally, divers may spot barracuda, stingrays, and cuttlefish. The site is adorned with numerous seastars, enhancing the underwater landscape.

Pebble Beach

Pebble Beach, located at Netrani Island, is known for its clear visibility and diverse marine life. This site serves as a habitat for various species, including moray eels, lobsters, and turtles. Divers can also observe schools of tropical fish, making it an engaging location for underwater exploration. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, allowing easy access for divers.

Raptors Abode

Raptors Abode is located in Kanjipuram, near Chennai, and is characterized by an abandoned stone quarry that has transformed into a freshwater lake. The site features clear blue waters that have accumulated from rainwater. Divers will experience a unique challenge with buoyancy control due to the freshwater environment, which adds complexity to the dive. The site is accessible from the shore, making it convenient for divers to enter the water directly.

Raptors Abode

Sail Rock, India

Sail Rock is a dive site located south of St. George’s Island, characterized by a rock formation resembling a sail that rises above the water's surface. The site features a rock pinnacle with depths ranging from 8 to 21 meters. It is known for its diverse marine life, making it an appealing location for experienced divers. However, divers should be aware of the potential for strong currents and low visibility conditions.

Secret Reef

Secret Reef is situated on the northern side of St. George’s Island and features a boulder wall that transitions into sandy areas. The depth ranges from 6 to 12 meters, providing a suitable environment for various marine life. Divers can expect to encounter numerous triggerfish, groupers, and a variety of other reef fish among the plate corals.

Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove is a dive site suitable for open water courses, featuring a sandy bay with a depth range from 3 meters to 12 meters. Divers can explore a small swim-through that leads to a Coral Garden, where plate and whip corals become more prominent as depth increases. This site is ideal for conducting courses and refresher sessions due to its manageable depths and conditions.

Shelter Cove

Shelter Cove is a dive site located off Grande Island, with a maximum depth of 10 meters. It offers low currents and suitable conditions for divers of all levels, although visibility is often low and marine biodiversity is limited. The best time to dive here is from November to March.

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Ss British Sergeant Wreck

The SS British Sergeant wreck is located at a depth of 24 meters (80 feet) off Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. The wreck is split into two sections, featuring large structural openings that attract schools of fish and allow divers to swim through and explore various entry points within the wreck.

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Suwame Rock

Suwame Rock is a dive site located near Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, with a maximum depth of 23 meters. The site features a replica statue of Lord Ganesh, stone columns, and blocks of stone, with notable marine life including porcupinefish, pufferfish, crayfish, and trumpetfish. Visibility is generally good, and there is no current, making it best to dive here between January and April.

Suzy'S Wreck

Suzy’s Wreck is a dive site featuring the remains of the British cargo ship SS Rita, which sank in the 1950s. The wreck lies at a depth of 5-12 meters (16-40 feet) and is approximately 130 meters (430 feet) long. Marine life includes scorpionfish, groupers, moray eels, squid, barracudas, and stingrays, with structures covered in mollusks and coral.

Temple Reef

Temple Reef is an artificial reef located at a depth of 5 meters, making it accessible for divers of all experience levels. The site spans an area of 40 x 40 square meters and was constructed by local efforts using rocks, concrete, and metal. This dive site reaches a maximum depth of 18 meters. Notably, during February and March, divers may encounter whale sharks, which are known to visit the area annually.

Temple Reef

The Jetty

The Jetty is situated north of St. George’s Island and features the remains of an old jetty. The dive site has a depth range of 4 to 10 meters, making it suitable for introductory dives. The broken structure serves as a nursery for juvenile fish, providing an environment rich in marine life. The sandy bottom is interspersed with rocky patches that host encrusting coral. Divers can expect to see numerous sea cucumbers and shrimp gobies, along with a variety of fish species around the jetty.

West and South Indian ShelfSouth India and Sri Lanka

Thermopylae Sierra

Thermopylae Sierra is a wreck dive site located 23 meters deep off the coast of Lunawa, Sri Lanka. The 165-meter-long former Cypriot ship sank in 2012 and is now home to barracudas, parrotfish, surgeonfish, snappers, and octopuses. Whale sharks have been occasionally observed in the area.

Turbo Tunnel

Turbo Tunnel is characterized by a rock canyon that divers can navigate through, reaching a maximum depth of 8 meters. The steep rock walls are adorned with orange sponges and whip corals, providing a unique underwater landscape. Divers should be cautious of sea urchins located on the walls, particularly during surge conditions, as maintaining proper buoyancy and distance from the walls is essential.

Umma Gumma

Umma Gumma features a rock formation that extends from east to west, with a small wall descending from the surface to a maximum depth of 12 meters on the southern side. The northern side presents a gentle slope covered with large boulders, reaching depths of about 8 meters. Divers should be aware that this site is subject to currents that can flow in both north-south and south-north directions. Marine life commonly observed here includes morays hiding in the rock crevices, as well as octopus, cuttlefish, and Grey triggerfish.