Scuba diving at Gokarna Murudeshwar is one of the most awesome underwater adventures to witness marine life. Today’s topic is how you can enjoy it and also know more about cost, how to reach, and nearby attractions. So why the delay? Get started with the Itinerary Plan.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts of Scuba Diving In Gokarna
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- Start Location: Naveen Beach Road, Murudeshwar
- Start Time: 08:30 AM
- End Time: 03:00 to 05:00 PM
- Diving Time: 30-40 Minutes
- Activity Date: Everyday
- Min. Age Limit for Scuba Diving: 10 Years & Above
- Min. Age Limit for Island Trip: 5 Years & Above
Map
About Scuba Diving In Gokarna
Our planet’s vast oceans hold countless mysteries, with over 70% of the Earth covered in water. Scuba diving allows us to explore this underwater world, a dream for many marine life enthusiasts. Unfortunately, much of India’s coastline has limited visibility due to murky waters. Even though there aren’t many dive sites in the nation, there are still a few great places where you can put on an oxygen tank, flippers, and diving goggles and head down to the coral reefs and schools of fish below the surface.
Places
The best place for scuba diving in Gokarna Murudeshwar is Netrani Island, also known as Pigeon Island. This small island is located about 19 kilometers off the coast of Murudeshwar and is home to some of the best coral reefs in India. The visibility underwater is often excellent, making it a great place to see a wide variety of marine life.
Other dive sites in the area include:
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- Achra Point: This dive site is located near Murudeshwar and is a great place for beginners. The reef is shallow and there is a lot of marine life to see.
- Sagardeep Reef: This dive site is located a little further offshore from Murudeshwar and is a good option for experienced divers. The reef is deeper and there is a wider variety of marine life to see.
- Shaileshwar Pinnacle: This dive site is located off the coast of Goa and is a great place to see sharks and other large marine life.
Here are some factors that can affect the price of scuba diving in Gokarna Murudeshwar:
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- Company: Different diving companies may charge different prices for their services. It is always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before booking a dive trip.
- Duration of the dive trip: Longer dive trips will typically be more expensive than shorter trips.
- Level of experience required: Some dive sites require more experience than others. Dives that require a higher level of experience may be more expensive.
Scuba diving in Gokarna price
The pricing for scuba diving in Gokarna Murudeshwar can vary depending on the company you choose, the duration of the dive trip, and the level of experience required. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from ₹2,500 to ₹5,000 for a basic scuba diving experience. This typically includes transportation to the dive site, all necessary equipment, and instruction from a qualified diving instructor.
Inclusions:
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- A 60- to 120-second film and five to fifteen pictures taken underwater
- Netrani Island is reached by a 1.5-hour longtail boat voyage (one way).
- Scuba Diving for Up to 40 Minutes
- PADI and SSI Instructor with Complete Scuba Gear
- Equipment for Snorkelling
- Light refreshments while aboard the boat
Best time to go
Gokarna’s underwater world beckons scuba enthusiasts year-round, but some seasons offer distinct advantages:
Summer (March to May):
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- Pros: Warmest water temperatures (27-30°C) for comfortable dives. Clear visibility due to minimal rainfall. Calm seas are ideal for beginners.
- Cons: Peak tourist season with potentially higher prices and crowded dive sites.
Monsoon (June to September):
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- Pros: Less crowded dive sites and potentially lower costs.
- Cons: Rough seas can disrupt diving schedules and reduce visibility. Strong currents might pose challenges for beginners.
Winter (October to February):
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- Pros: Ideal season for diving with pleasant water temperatures and excellent visibility. Less crowded compared to summer.
- Cons: Water temperatures can be cooler (though still manageable with proper gear).
Spring (March to May): Similar to summer, spring offers warm water, clear visibility, and calm seas. It can be a good shoulder season option with potentially fewer crowds than peak summer months.
Overall Recommendation:
For the best combination of pleasant water temperatures, clear visibility, and calm seas, October to March (winter and spring) is the ideal time for scuba diving in Gokarna.
Scuba Diving In Gokarna Murudeshwar Highlight
Scuba diving in Gokarna Murudeshwar offers a unique and unforgettable underwater experience. Here are some of the highlights:
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- Explore a Thrilling Underwater World: Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Arabian Sea and discover a vibrant marine ecosystem teeming with colorful fish, stunning coral reefs, and other fascinating creatures. You might even spot some playful dolphins or majestic turtles!
- Rich Marine Biodiversity: The underwater world off the coast of Murudeshwar is a treasure trove of marine life. Divers can expect to see a wide variety of fish, including butterflyfish, angelfish, clownfish, and moray eels. The area is also home to a healthy population of coral reefs, which provide a habitat for many different species of fish and invertebrates.
- Netrani Island (Pigeon Island): The best diving spot in the area is Netrani Island, also known as Pigeon Island, which is located about 19 kilometers off the coast of Murudeshwar. This small island is home to some of the best coral reefs in India, and the visibility underwater is often excellent.
- Expert Guidance: Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there are professional diving companies in Gokarna that can provide you with the training and guidance you need to have a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
- Suitable for All Levels: Scuba diving in Murudeshwar is suitable for divers of all levels of experience. There are a variety of dive sites to choose from, ranging from shallow reefs that are perfect for beginners to deeper walls that are more challenging for experienced divers.
- Combination of Spiritual and Adventure: For those seeking a unique blend of spiritual and adventurous experiences, Gokarna offers both. You can visit the famous Shiva temple in Murudeshwar before or after your dive trip.
2 Day Scuba Diving Trip Itinerary in Gokarna Murudeshwar
This itinerary is designed for a 2-day scuba diving trip in Gokarna Murudeshwar. It includes diving at Netrani Island, one of the best dive sites in India, as well as exploring some of the nearby attractions.
Day – 1
Morning:
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- Take an early morning (around 7:00 AM) rickshaw or taxi from Gokarna to Murudeshwar (around 1.5 hours).
- Enjoy a delicious breakfast of Masala Dosa or Poha at a local restaurant near Murudeshwar Beach.
Mid-morning:
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- Check in to your pre-booked stay near Murudeshwar beach. For varying budgets, consider the following options:
- Budget-friendly: Namaste Guest House or Shree Ganesh Nivas.
- Mid-range: The Last Resort or Gokarna International Hotel
- Luxury: The Gateway Hotel Netrani or Taj Mahal Resort
- Check in to your pre-booked stay near Murudeshwar beach. For varying budgets, consider the following options:
Afternoon:
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- Head out to the dive center where you will be taking your scuba diving trip. Most dive centers offer a pick-up service from your hotel.
- Depending on your experience level, you may need to complete a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) course or a refresher course before heading out to the dive site.
- After a briefing by the dive instructor, board the boat for the journey to Netrani Island (approximately 1-1.5 hours).
- Enjoy a packed lunch provided by the dive center on board the boat.
Late afternoon:
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- Arrive at Netrani Island and participate in your first scuba diving experience.
- Explore the vibrant coral reefs and the rich marine life of Netrani Island.
Evening:
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- Return to Murudeshwar beach.
- Freshen up at your hotel and head out to explore the nearby attractions.
- Visit the magnificent Murudeshwar Shiva temple, the second-highest Shiva statue in the world. You can take an elevator inside the statue for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
- Enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant in Murudeshwar.
Day – 2
Morning:
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- Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel.
Mid-morning:
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- Depending on the package you choose, you may have another scuba diving trip scheduled for Netrani Island or other dive sites around Murudeshwar.
- If you are not diving, you can visit the nearby Yana Caves, a natural limestone formation with a mythological significance.
Afternoon:
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- Check out of your hotel and head back to Gokarna (approximately 1.5 hours by rickshaw or taxi).
- Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant in Gokarna. You can try some delicious Goan curries like Fish Curry or Chicken Xacuti.
Late afternoon:
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- ZSpend the rest of the afternoon exploring the beaches of Gokarna, such as Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach.
- In the evening, enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Kudle Beach or relax on the beach and watch the sunset.
How to reach Gokarna Murudeshwar
By Air
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- To reach Murudeshwar by air, you’ll need to fly into Mangalore Airport (IXE).
- After arriving at Mangalore Airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Murudeshwar. This journey takes approximately 3-4 hours.
By Road
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- Murudeshwar is situated about 160 kilometers away from Mangalore. You can travel south on NH66 (formerly NH17), which passes through Kundapura and Udupi.
- If you’re coming from Bengaluru, Murudeshwar is approximately 500 kilometers away. To get to Murudeshwar, take the NH48 (previously the NH4) towards Tumkur. From there, go on the NH69 via Shimoga, Sagara, and Honnavar.
By Train
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- Several trains operate between Mangalore and Murudeshwar, with a travel time of around 2-3 hours.
- Trains from Bengaluru to Murudeshwar typically have a longer travel time, ranging between 12 to 14 hours.
Here are FAQs-
What are the top spots for scuba diving in Gokarna Murudeshwar?
-Netrani Island (Pigeon Island)
Is scuba diving in Gokarna safe?
-Generally safe with qualified instructors. Always check operator certifications.
How much does scuba diving in Gokarna cost?
-₹2,500 – ₹5,000 for a basic experience.
What is the best time for scuba diving in Gokarna?
-November to April (dry season, calm seas).
What are the most popular watersports in Gokarna?
-Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Banana Boat Rides, Kayaking.
What are some places to visit near Gokarna?
-Mahabaleshwar Temple, Yana Caves, Mirjan Fort.
Which are the best beaches in Gokarna?
-Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach.
What are some beach resorts in Gokarna?
-The Gateway Hotel Netrani, Taj Mahal Resort, and The Last Resort (options for different budgets).
Do I need the experience to go scuba diving in Gokarna Murudeshwar?
-Yes, for diving beyond a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) course.