Overview
Lakshadweep Archipelago, is a group of thirty-nine small Atoll, islands and islets situated 480 kilometers (260 nautical miles) away in west, from Mainland India is surrounded by Arabian sea. Blessed with undisturbed crystal clear water with shades of blue-green, multi-colored breathing coral reefs, hundred different shoals of fishes, seasonal visitors like turtles, white golden velvety sand beaches domed with profuse greenery of coconut-palm trees, local tribes following centuries old customs, traditional attire, food, festivals, dance, crafts and many such unique things; Lakshadweep is the ultimate option for tourists who craves for the tranquility away from the commotion of the city.
To relish remarkable time with their beloved and to experience the magnificent virgin beauty which is the actual paradise on the earth, you can not miss the Lakshadweep by any chance.
Lakshadweep being a permanent residency for so many marine species including corals have fishing as the main business for locals. And due to small size of the islands, big industries can not be supported , to increase the revenue generation Government is actively supporting and developing tourism in Islands like Bangaram, Agatti, Kalpeni, Kadmat, Kavaratti by offering various sightseeing options, and water sports activities.
What is Snorkeling?
Snorkeling is a recreational water sport activity done to experience underwater life. Commonly made mistakes by people to think that scuba diving and snorkeling are the same thing, but except for only one purpose that is observing underwater life Scuba diving and snorkeling are totally different activities. While Scuba diving needs you to go in depth of the waters, snorkeling is done staying on the surface of the water or in a shallow waterbody.
Scuba diving requires prior training along with lots of scuba gears like breathing apparatus, diving mask, gas cylinder, regulator, scuba gloves,fins, dry suit or wet suit, Depth gauge, Buoyancy Compensator, Level Probe or Submersible pressure gauge, Compass, Dive computer. Snorkeling does not require prior training and certainly does not require so many apparatus, except for snorkel, diving mask and swim fins which are optional. Moreover, for scuba diving you need an instructor compulsory if you are non-swimmer. But in Snorkeling if you can not swim then just a life jacket is required without any requirement for an instructor.
Best place for snorkeling in Lakshadweep
Although there are a total of thirty nine islands in lakshadweep, only few are accessible for tourists from India and the world which are Kavaratti, Kadmat, Minicoy, Bangaram, Kalpeni, Agatti islands. All these islands hosts snorkeling activity along with other water sports activities in Lakshadweep.
But the best place for snorkeling in Lakshadweep is Bangaram and Kadmat Island due to the variety in species of fishes here is more and the visibility required is much better due to less accessibility for humans.
Other than Lakshadweep, snorkeling in India is done in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Netrani Island in Karnataka, Goa, and Tarkarli in Maharashtra.
Best season for snorkeling Activities in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is Tropical Island in Arabian sea which means it has wet and dry weather conditions with seasons like monsoons, summer and winter. For snorkeling you need underwater visibility to experience the exotic marine life and.
From October to mid-may which is Winter and summer in Lakshadweep gives the best underwater visibility due to plenty of sunlight with particularly calm waters making it the best season for Snorkeling activities in Lakshadweep.
During Monsoons, due to heavy rains and stormy winds waters get opaque making it an atrocious season for other water sports and snorkeling in Lakshadweep India.
The Snorkeling rates in Lakshadweep
Snorkeling charges in Lakshadweep starts from Rs. 1000 per person for around 30 minutes. Usually Snorkeling cost in Lakshadweep vary depending on season, number of people, duration and location.
You can take Snorkeling Packages in Lakshadweep, in which you can either take a few other water sports activities or you can take a package for a group where you can get discounts.
Age criteria for snorkeling in Lakshadweep
For snorkeling in Lakshadweep the minimum age required is 10 years old, and upto 14 years of age children are required to be accompanied by their parents, guardians or professional instructors. There is no maximum age limit as long as divers do not have any serious health issues which can be affected by snorkeling.
How to reach Lakshadweep Island for snorkeling
Lakshadweep island is connected to mainland India only by air and water route, there is no railway or road connecting it to the mainland.
Agatti Airport is the only airport Lakshadweep Island has which is connected to Kochi and Bengaluru airport.
MV Kavaratti, MV Minicoy, MV Arabian Sea, MV Aminidivi, MV Bharath Seema and MV Lakshadweep Sea are six ships which connect Lakshadweep Archipelago to Kochi, Calicut ( Beypore).
To travel within the group of Islands Pawan Hans helicopter and boat facilities are the only options in Lakshadweep.
Staying options in Lakshadweep
To stay in Lakshadweep there are not plenty of options other than few resorts approved by governments on non restricted islands of Agatti, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Minicoy, Bangaram, and Kadmat due to restrictions on visitors under the LM&A (Restriction of entry & residence) Rule 1967 to stop overpopulating island.
Other adventure sports in Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is nothing but a place for sheer fun and some peaceful moments away from the city, where Scuba diving, deep sea fishing, night fishing, canoeing, kayaking, water surfing, glass-bottomed boat ride, water skiing, Bumper ride, windsurfing, jet surfing, banana ride, beach hopping in boat, are some more adventure sports in Lakshadweep you can do other than Snorkeling.
FAQ
Q.1 What is a better activity to do, Scuba diving or Snorkeling in Lakshadweep?
Ans. Scuba diving and Snorkeling in Lakshadweep both have their own charms. While scuba diving is a bit more tedious than snorkeling, Both are best activities to enjoy the magical submerged life of coral, fishes, and other sea creatures. Scuba diving requires more equipment, with training beforehand compared to snorkeling and snorkeling is done by staying on the surface and in shallow waters while you need to go to depths for scuba diving.
Q.2 Who can do snorkeling in Lakshadweep?
Ans. Snorkeling in Lakshadweep can be done by anyone who is above 10 years old and without any major health issues. Although children from 10 years to 14 years are only allowed with their parents or guardians consent.
Q.3 Which equipment is used for snorkeling in Lakshadweep?
Ans. Snorkel, diving mask, fins (optional), and life jacket (optional) are the equipment used for snorkeling in Lakshadweep. All the equipment are standards of internationally approved which is for safety and comfortability of tourists.
Q.4 What is the Snorkeling Price in Lakshadweep?
Ans. Snorkeling in Lakshadweep prices starts from Rs. 1000 per person for a duration of 30 minutes at least. Snorkeling in Lakshadweep Charges keep varying totally depending upon duration, number of packs, location and guide requirements.
Q.5 Which season is best for Snorkeling in Lakshadweep?
Ans. October to May is the best season for Snorkeling in lakshadweep as due to pleasant weather and no rain underwater visibility is superb allowing tourists to see the spectacular marine life without much trouble.
Q.6 How to reach Lakshadweep for snorkeling?
Ans.To reach Lakshadweep you have to take a flight from Kochi or Bengaluru to Agatti airport which is the only one airport in Lakshadweep Island. Other than that you can take a Boat ride from Cochin or Calicut to reach Lakshadweep which takes 14 to 18 hours.
Q.7 Do we need a permit to visit Lakshadweep islands for snorkeling?
Ans. Yes, due to the small size of the islands and to protect the environment and marine life from being destroyed by overcrowding a permit prescribed under the LM&A (Restriction of entry & residence) Rule 1967 is required. And that can be obtained from the official website of Lakshadweep SPORTs, without it you can not enter in flight or boat from mainland either. To obtain a permit you need a confirm stay option on the island too.
Q.8 What is the duration of snorkeling in Lakshadweep?
Ans. Usually it takes approximately 30 minutes to 45 minutes for snorkeling in Lakshadweep. To do it more than that you have to pay extra.
Q.9 What other activities can be done besides snorkeling in Lakshadweep?
Ans. Scuba diving, waterskiing, boating, island hopping by boat, jet skiing, fishing, sportfishing, night fishing, kayaking, canoeing, are some other activities that can be done besides snorkelling in Lakshadweep.
Q10 What type of food is served on Lakshadweep island?
Ans. Lakshadweep island’s main food is fish, especially Tuna fish. But they do serve all options in Non-veg, veg and Jain food at some places as well for tourists. Indian, Continental, chinese, south-Indian, and local delicacies are some varieties offered on Lakshadweep Islands.
Q.11 Where should we contact for snorkeling in Lakshadweep?
Ans. For snorkeling in lakshadweep contacts are available on official websites of Lakshadweep tourism, or else you can contact the hotels you have booked for stay. They usually arrange the water sports activities including snorkeling.