Shark Diving expeditions are probably one of the most adrenaline-pumping, mind-blowing experiences any adventurist would participate in. So if you’re traveling to the Indian subcontinent on a beachside holiday, don’t forget to visit these excellent shark diving sites. They’ll make for an unforgettable experience.
Feature Image credits: Unsplash
Swaraj Dweep in the Andaman Islands
Sharks to see: Whitetip reef sharks, Eagle rays, Mobula rays, and Manta rays
The Andaman Islands are a haven for marine life, and divers will spot lots of wonderful ocean life in its crystal clear waters. However, if you’re particularly interested in seeing sharks, there’s no place better than Swaraj Deep, also called Havelock Island.
Johnny’s Gorge, in particular, is where you’ll have frequent shark sightings. While White tip reef sharks are the most commonly seen, you can also spot Manta rays if you’re lucky. In addition, this site is rich with colorful Damselfish, Napolean wrasse, and tigerfish.
Kadmat Islands in the Lakshadweep Islands
Sharks to see: Fantail rays, white tip reef sharks, eagle rays, stingrays
Popularly known as the “Cardamom Islands,” Kadmat in the Lakshadweep is a gorgeous shark and ray diving spot. Just like Pondicherry, you’ll spot so many kinds of rays here. The reef sharks are also regular visitors to the vibrant coral reefs here. The waters are calm, and they are home to an iconic diving site called “The Wall.” Starting at 6 meters/20 feet underwater, The Wall boasts of a sheer drop that reaches 30 meters/100 feet. Here, you’ll find most of the sharks lurking around, along with barracuda, Napoleons, and sea turtles. Visibility is excellent here, and you’ll find very few dark and scary diving sections.
Corruption Rock in the Andaman Islands
Sharks to see: Eagle rays
Another shark diving spot in the Andaman Islands is Corruption Rock. This site is a high current area, and it’s recommended that only experienced divers visit here for shark diving. The hauntingly beautiful eagle rays come here in great numbers. Plus, you’ll be able to swim in plankton-rich waters amidst giant groupers, massive sea turtles, and vibrant bump head parrotfish.
Coral Sharks Reef in Pondicherry
Sharks to see: Whitetip reef sharks
Pondicherry is the cherry on top of the shark diving sites in India. Coral Sharks Reef has been named so because of the high shark traffic in these waters. Whitetip reef sharks frequent this region the most. You may, on certain days, spot different types of rays as well. Coral Sharks Reef has one of the most prosperous crops of coral reefs in India. You’ll find bannerfish, fusiliers, snappers, groupers, sea turtles, and marine life here.
Netrani Island in Karnataka
Sharks to see: Manta rays
Manta rays can be elusive in most diving sites in and around India. But not on Netrani Island in Karnataka. While they can be hard to spot if you’re not a discerning diver, manta rays form the highlight when here. You’ll also find an incredibly exotic array of marine life here, including butterflyfish, moray eels, trumpetfish, angelfish, and more here. The coral reefs are lush here, too, and are worth exploring.
Dwaraka in Gujarat
Sharks to see: Whale sharks, Stingrays
In truth, whale sharks aren’t sharks. But you’ve got to see this massive beast if you’re interested in diving in India. The largest fish on this planet, whale sharks, are a sight that cannot be missed. And you certainly won’t miss them if you head over to the seaside town of Dwaraka in Gujarat. This is the same Dwarka where legend says God Krishna once ruled over. In addition to whale sharks, you’ll be able to swim alongside stingrays – a treat in itself. The Gulf of Kutch, Dwarka’s waters are a part, is also home to sea horses, sea urchins, pufferfish, dolphins, and endangered turtles like the Leatherback and Olive Ridley’s.
Grand Island in Goa
Sharks to see: Whitetip reef sharks
Most beach-loving visitors to India will head to Goa. If you’re one of them, pay a visit to Grand Island. While the number of shark sightings here is fewer than in other spots in the country, you can still find white tip reef sharks here. Also, Suzy’s Wreck, a famous underwater shipwreck, makes for an excellent dive site. Don’t be surprised to run into the occasional shark, needlefish, lobster, and sea turtle resting in the crevices of the wreck.
Ten safety tips to remember when diving with sharks
While shark diving companies take precautions to ensure you’re safe, it’s also up to us as travelers to be on our best behavior when around sharks. Not doing so can be incredibly dangerous and put our loved ones and us in harm’s way. That’s why it’s super important to follow the ten tenets of safe shark diving:
1. Study the shark you’re about to see.
2. Choose caged dives the first few times.
3. Learn safety signs from professional shark divers.
4. Follow feeding instructions carefully.
5. Don’t dive during low light periods (dawn & dusk).
6. Dive in large groups.
7. Wear clothes that don’t make you look like shark food (your guide will advise you about your outfit).
8. Bandage any cuts before getting into the water.
9. Don’t bring anything shiny since it can attract shark attention.
10. Keep track of any unusual marine activity and get out of the water if you feel unsafe.
Now that you know some of the best spots in India to dive for sharks, you can go about booking your trip for the ultimate adventure. To save you time and find out about other places in India to visit while on your trip, join our community and check out itineraries from other Travel Wise travelers!