Why Dive in Kerala?
Kerala's coastal regions offer a unique diving experience different from other popular diving destinations in India. The relatively untouched underwater ecosystem here boasts a rich biodiversity. From schools of vibrant fish to fascinating coral formations and even the occasional sea turtle, the waters off Kerala's coast are a haven for divers.
Top Dive Sites in Kerala
Kovalam
Among the most popular water sports and activities available in Kovalam are snorkelling, sofa diving, scuba diving etc. Bond Safari is known to provide the best scuba diving experience in Kovalam so far. The divers are trained beforehand, depending on their level of expertise- beginner or professional. The gears, accessories and suits that they provide are also all new and in perfect condition. Besides, they also have a school where you can learn to scuba dive and become a trainer, if at all. The courses are aligned with the international standards and once completed, the students are given proper certificates and documents. Other than scuba diving, you can also try activities like Bond Scooter Ride, Snorkelling etc.Marine Life: Expect a colorful display with the likes of boxfish, moray eels, butterflyfish, and parrotfish. The rocky seabed and coral formations here provide a perfect habitat for these species.
Cost: A dive at Kovalam can cost between INR 6,000 to INR 8,000, inclusive of equipment rental.
Diving School: "Bond Safari Kovalam" is a notable PADI-certified diving center here, offering both discovery dives for beginners and certification courses for those keen on furthering their diving skills.
About Bond Safari
Bond Safari Kovalam is a thrilling underwater diving experience in the beach town of Kovalam, Kerala, where participants can walk on the sea floor while breathing normally, even if they don't know swimming. It's a unique opportunity to explore marine life closely and witness colorful fishes, vibrant corals, and other aquatic wonders. This adventure is facilitated by expert instructors ensuring safety and a memorable experience for all participants.
Duration: Typically around 15-20 minutes underwater.
Requirements: No prior diving or swimming experience required.
Safety: Trained instructors accompany participants at all times.
Bond Safari Kovalam offers a variety of scuba diving courses:
1. Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): An introductory dive for beginners.
2. Open Water Diver Course: A basic certification course.
3. Advanced Open Water Diver Course: Further training for certified divers.
4. Rescue Diver & EFR Course: Skills for diving emergencies.
5. Dive Master Course: Professional-level training.
6. Specialty Courses: Includes deep diving, night diving, and underwater photography.
For detailed course offerings, it's best to directly check with Bond Safari Kovalam or their official website.
Varkala
Varkala is another prominent diving destination in Kerala. Renowned for its majestic cliffs and pristine beaches, it is also a burgeoning hotspot for scuba diving enthusiasts. Its underwater terrain boasts unique rocky formations, providing an intriguing landscape for divers. Divers are often mesmerized by the sight of pufferfish, lionfish, surgeonfish, and vibrant sea anemones. The dive centers in Varkala uphold high safety standards, ensuring a memorable and secure diving experience for both novices and professionals.Marine Life: Pufferfish, lionfish, surgeonfish, and sea anemones are frequently spotted. The rocky formations serve as a refuge for many smaller marine species.
Cost: A dive here can set you back by around INR 7,000 to INR 9,000, inclusive of gear and guide fees.
Diving School: "Kerala Divers" in Varkala is known for its safety standards and professional dive instructors.
About Kerala Divers
Situated in the picturesque setting of Varkala, Kerala Divers offers a unique diving experience, blending the excitement of the Arabian Sea with the charm of Kerala's coastlines. This dive center provides a range of diving courses, from beginner levels to advanced certifications, ensuring every diver's needs are catered to. With its dedicated team of professionals, Kerala Divers ensures that diving is safe, educational, and most of all, fun.
Duration: Discover Scuba: 2 hours.
Open Water: 3-4 days.
Advanced Open Water: 2-3 days.
Requirements: Age: Minimum 10 for Discover Scuba, 12 for Open Water.
Health: Good physical condition; medical check advised.
Swim Skills: For Open Water: 200 meters swim and 10-minute float.
Safety: Comprehensive training before dives.
Modern, well-maintained gear.
Established emergency procedures.
Strict adherence to dive limits.
Courses Offered: Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and more.
Kochi
Kochi, a significant port city on the southwest coast of India, offers a distinctive scuba diving experience blending natural marine beauty with historical intrigue. The underwater world of Kochi reveals an array of marine life including seahorses, butterflyfish, and colorful corals. Divers might also stumble upon remnants from ancient shipwrecks, adding an archaeological twist to their adventure. Numerous diving schools in the city cater to both beginners and experienced divers, providing training and certification courses. With its clear waters and rich marine biodiversity, Kochi stands as a must-visit scuba diving destination in Kerala. Marine Life: Apart from typical reef fish, the shipwrecks have become artificial reefs over time, attracting a plethora of marine life, including groupers, batfish, and various crustaceans.
Cost: Diving at Kochi might cost between INR 7,500 to INR 10,000, depending on the specific dive site.
Diving School: "Scuba Cochin" is a renowned diving center, offering PADI courses and fun dives. They're especially known for their wreck dives.
About Scuba Cochin
Scuba Cochin is the premier diving school in Kochi, reputed for its professional instructors and adherence to safety standards. They offer a diverse range of PADI certified courses catering to both beginners and seasoned divers. Their state-of-the-art equipment and personalized training ensure a memorable underwater experience.
Duration: Varies based on the course. Basic dives typically last 2 hours, while certification courses span several days.
Requirements: Age varies by course (minimum 10 for basic dives). Good health and basic swimming skills are essential.
Safety: Strictly follows PADI safety regulations, with equipped rescue teams on standby.
At Scuba Cochin, a range of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified courses are typically offered, catering to both beginners and experienced divers. The offerings might include:
1. PADI Discover Scuba Diving
2. PADI Open Water Diver Course
3. PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
4. PADI Rescue Diver Course
5. PADI Dive Master Course
Specialized courses like Enriched Air and Deep Diver are also available. For detailed course listings, it's best to contact Scuba Cochin directly.
Best Time for Scuba Diving
Kerala enjoys a tropical climate and pleasant weather all through the year and any time of the year is ideal to visit the gorgeous beaches. But if you are visiting Kerala to try scuba diving, it is advised to visit between the months of September and February. March is not ideal because of the tides and the currents and the summer heat can be a little taxing for the tourists.
Safety and Best Practices
When scuba diving in any of these sites:- Always dive with certified instructors or guides, especially if you’re a beginner.
- Respect marine life. Observe without touching or causing any disturbance.
- Ensure your equipment is in good condition and familiarize yourself with its use before diving.
- Always be aware of the diving signs and signals for effective underwater communication.
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