When to Visit Lakshadweep for the Best Scuba Diving Experience

Last Updated on May 27, 2025 by Dev Blogger

Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, is an undiscovered jewel of the Arabian Sea. It encompasses 36 coral reefs, atolls, and islands. Lakshadweep is heaven on earth when it comes to scuba diving. What makes India’s diving destination most appealing are its clear waters, vividly coloured reefs, and abundant life beneath the waves.

Knowing when to go on a scuba trip to Lakshadweep can be most helpful. This allows you to effectively plan your best time to visit Lakshadweep and steer clear of any bad weather, while maximising visibility to guarantee a safe and memorable diving experience.

Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep for Scuba Diving

The best time to visit Lakshadweep for scuba diving is between October and May. This season is suitable for all levels of divers because of the warm weather, tranquil sea, and excellent underwater visibility.

Here is why October to May is the best time to visit Lakshadweep for scuba diving:

• Balanced Weather: Featuring an almost rainfall-free sunny period, with an average temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.
• High Water Temperature: Averaging at around 26 degrees Celsius.
• High Visibility: The region also boasts unparalleled underwater visibility with marines seen from as deep as 30 meters.
• Calm Sea Conditions: The odds of strong winds and raging currents are highly minimised, along with calmer seas, which lead to safer diving.
• Ideal Time for Marine Encounters: Witness the manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, tropical fish and enchanting coral reefs from October to early May.

Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep & Weather Advice

Let’s focus on the Lakshadweep weather update throughout the year:

1) October to May – The Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep for Scuba Diving

• Temperatures: 25°C to 32°C
• Marine Conditions: Steady smooth waters with calm currents
• Underwater Visibility: Excellent (20-30 meters)
• Marine Life: A variety is present at peak coral activity and fish migration season.
• Diving Opportunities: All levels of divers, whether novices or professionals, will have a great excellent experience.
• Most Preferred: From November to February, conditions are most favourable.

2) June till September – Monsoon Season (Not Recommended As Best Time to Visit Lakshadweep)

• Temperatures: 26°C to 30°C
• Rainfall: Heavy rains and thunderstorm activity.
• Marine Conditions: Rough seas with strong currents.
• Underwater Visibility: Poor (5-10 meters)
• Diving Conditions: Not possible due to hazardous weather.
• Other Notes: All dive centres close because of dangerous conditions.

Best Islands for Scuba Diving in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is home to numerous scuba diving islands, some of which are globally renowned and truly a paradise for divers. Here are some of the best islands for scuba diving in Lakshadweep:

1) Bangaram Island

Bangaram Island is one of the most popular scuba diving spots in Lakshadweep, known for its turquoise, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral gardens, and rich marine life.

Best Diving Spots in Bangaram:

• Manta Point: Known for Manta ray populations as well as barracuda and reef shark, it’s garnering attention as a manta ray sighting location.
• Bangaram Lagoon: This spot is best for neophytes. A little bit deeper than the lagoon, it’s good for house reef snorkelers.
• Princess Royal Wreck: A seasoned diver can appreciate the ease of exploring this wreck ship.

2) Agatti Island

Located in the southernmost part of Lakshadweep, Agatti Island is known as the Gateway to Scuba Diving. Agatti Island boasts some of the most diverse marine habitats of all the islands of Lakshadweep, and scuba divers are especially fond of it.

Best Diving Spots in Agatti:

• Agatti Reef: The habitat of cow-nosed stingrays, moray eels, and even clown fish.
• Blue Lagoon: The area is highly recommended for beginners.

3) Kadmat Island

Agatti Island, Kadmat Island, along Bangaram Island are the most sought-after diving islands in Lakshadweep. These spots are famous as a vacationer’s paradise due to the vast amount of marine life present.

Best Diving Spots in Kadmat:

• Kadmat Coral Gardens: fantastic to view coral in underwater photography.
• Shark Alley: Active swimming grouper fish, eagle rays, and reef sharks can be estimated.

4) Kavaratti Island – Lakshadweep Capital

Well-known for its pristine swimming lagoons, Kavaratti, capital of Lakshadweep, also boasts of scenic marine life. Because of the tranquil waters and good supervision offered for diving, it is an ideal place for beginners. Turtles and various sea creatures can truly be observed in reality at the aquarium and the marine museum situated on the island.

Best diving places in Kavaratti:

• Turtle Bay: A superb location to swim with turtles.
• Dolphin Reef: Enables viewing of reef fishes and dolphins.

Marine Life You Can Encounter While Scuba Diving in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is renowned for its astonishing marine wildlife. Here are some of the fascinating animals you may encounter while diving:

• Coral Reefs: The Presence of hard and soft corals forms a beautifully coloured underwater garden.
• Reef Sharks: The less aggressive cousins of the deeper sharks that dwell amongst coral.
• Manta Rays: Notable at Manta Point, Bangaram Island.
• Turtles: Abundant around Kavaratti and Agatti.
• Barracudas & Groupers: Live in the shipwrecks and surrounding deeper waters.
• Clownfish & Angelfish: Found amidst the coral gardens.

Scuba Diving Lakshadweep Pricing and Certification

For anyone looking to get their scuba diving certificate, you’ll find competitive prices for lessons and packages in Lakshadweep.

Costs of scuba diving in Lakshadweep:

• Best Agatti, Bangaram, Kadmat, and Kavaratti all have PADI-accredited diving shops.

What is the Best Route to Lakshadweep?

Lakshadweep has restricted public access, allowing entry only in controlled numbers. As a result, visitors must obtain a special permit from the Lakshadweep Administration and analyse the best time to visit Lakshadweep before travelling. These permits are issued to ensure environmental conservation and to protect the fragile marine ecosystem. Indian citizens can apply online or through tour operators, while foreign nationals are only allowed to visit select islands like Bangaram and Agatti with prior approval.

By Air:

• Direct flights are available to Agatti Airport (AGX) via Cochin International Airport COK.
• There are also boats coming and going from Agatti, so the island is easily accessible.

By Ship:

• The government also operates ships that travel between numbered locations, including Kavaratti, Agatti, and Kadmat. The main point of departure is at Kochi.
• Time spent travelling is approximately 14-20 hours, depending on the island.

Tip: We recommend purchasing tickets well in advance due to limited flights to the islands.

Travel Tips for Scuba Diving in Lakshadweep

• Notes and Suggestions: Indian citizens planning a trip to Lakshadweep must obtain a Lakshadweep Entry Permit and analyse the best time to visit Lakshadweep before travel. This is a mandatory requirement due to the restricted access to protect the ecological balance of the islands. The permit can be arranged through authorised tour operators or directly from the Lakshadweep Administration. It is typically issued in Kochi (Cochin), Kerala, which serves as the primary gateway to the islands.
• Booking Under Budget: Accommodation options in Lakshadweep are limited due to the island’s small size and eco-sensitive nature. Similarly, scuba diving facilities also operate in limited slots, especially on popular islands like Agatti, Kadmat, and Bangaram. Because of this, travellers are strongly advised to book their stay and diving packages at least 2 to 3 months in advance. Early booking not only secures your spot but also helps in managing costs, as last-minute prices tend to be higher.
• Instructions: Since the islands have limited shopping or convenience stores, it is crucial to prep the right way. Protect your skin along with the environment by carrying herbal, reef-safe sunblock. Attire such as casual summer wear, hats and flip flops is perfect for the hot and humid tropical climate. If you wish to capture memories of your diving experience, an underwater camera or a waterproof phone case could prove to be extremely useful.
• Best Practices for Respectful Diving: Responsible diving is crucial for Lakshadweep’s delicate coral reefs and underwater biodiversity due to the fragile nature of the ecosystems. Instructors should always be followed closely; do not touch, stand or sit on, or remove any coral or marine life. These systems take ages to develop and can be destroyed in moments. Do not use fish feeders, harmful sunscreen, or lose proper buoyancy control, which could lead to unintended contact with marine creatures. Sustained responsible actions allow other divers and wildlife alike to enjoy the stunning depths of the island for years to come.
• Drink Plenty of Water: The tropical climate in Lakshadweep can be intensely humid and dehydrating, especially if you’re spending hours under the sun or underwater. Stick with a refillable bottle, sip regularly, and keep your body cool throughout. Even if you are not diving at the moment, keep sipping water regularly during pauses, especially after diving sessions. Keeping yourself well-hydrated not only helps prevent fatigue but also improves your overall diving experience.

Conclusion

Diving enthusiasts will truly enjoy what Lakshadweep has to offer. The ideal time to visit is from October to May, when the sea is calm, the water is crystal clear, visibility is excellent, and marine life is at its most vibrant.

If you’re passionate about the ocean and adventure, don’t miss the chance to experience scuba diving in Lakshadweep. Book your journey now according to the above-mentioned best time to visit Lakshadweep and dive into the untouched beauty of India’s most stunning underwater paradise!

• Suggested to Read: Ultimate Guide To Scuba Diving In Andaman