9 Best Snorkelling Spots in India to Swim With Colourful Fish

9 Best Snorkelling Spots in India to Swim With Colourful Fish (Image: Canva)

India’s long coastline and island territories make it a paradise for underwater explorers. From coral reefs to lagoons, the country offers some of the most rewarding snorkelling sites in South Asia. Whether you’re a beginner or an adventure seeker, these nine destinations promise vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.

1. Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar
Havelock, now renamed Swaraj Dweep, is a snorkelling hub with Elephant Beach and Radhanagar Beach. Its shallow reefs host clownfish, parrotfish, and sea cucumbers, making it ideal for first-timers and families.

2. Neil Island, Andaman and Nicobar
Smaller and quieter than Havelock, Neil Island offers stunning coral gardens at Bharatpur Beach. Calm waters and diverse fish species make it a great alternative for travellers seeking peaceful snorkelling experiences.

3. North Bay Island, Andaman and Nicobar
Close to Port Blair, North Bay is perfect for day trips. The reef here is teeming with butterflyfish, angelfish, and hard corals, along with options for glass-bottom boat rides.

4. Netrani Island, Karnataka
Known as “Pigeon Island,” Netrani sits off Murudeshwar’s coast. Its clear visibility and coral walls attract snorkellers and divers alike, with sightings of barracuda, triggerfish, and sometimes even reef sharks.

5. Grande Island, Goa
Accessible by boat from Vasco da Gama, Grande Island offers affordable snorkelling trips. Its shallow reefs are beginner-friendly, and one can often spot groupers, lobsters, and playful schools of sergeant majors.

6. Tarkarli, Maharashtra
This Malvan beach town is Maharashtra’s snorkelling capital. Tarkarli’s Sindhudurg Fort area has calm waters and colourful marine life, making it a popular choice for both snorkelling and scuba enthusiasts.

7. Lakshadweep Islands
Agatti, Bangaram, and Kadmat in Lakshadweep boast lagoons filled with corals, butterflyfish, and rays. The islands’ remote location ensures pristine conditions, although permits are required for Indian and foreign tourists.

8. Kovalam, Kerala
Kovalam’s rocky shores near Lighthouse Beach offer seasonal snorkelling opportunities. Its shallow waters reveal reef fish, moray eels, and vibrant corals, best explored between October and March.

9. Pondicherry (Puducherry)
The French-inspired coastal town is also gaining popularity for snorkelling. Arikamedu and Paradise Beach provide glimpses of reef fish and soft corals, making Pondicherry a surprising addition to India’s snorkelling map.

From the remote Andaman Islands to mainland shores, India’s snorkelling spots promise close encounters with the underwater world. Each destination offers a unique mix of marine biodiversity, making it worth slipping on your fins.