After exploring the beautiful beaches, historic forts, ancient temples and backwaters of Tarkarli, it is now time to explore life beneath the Arabian Sea. It is a dream of every true traveler to explore the life beneath the waves of the beautiful Arabian Sea and get a glimpse of colorful corals and fishes of different variety and many other marine
creatures which he or she must have seen only on NatGeo or Discovery Channels.
In present times Tarkarli is slowly becoming a popular destination for recreational activities like Scuba Diving which is much cheaper to experience than in Goa its richer cousin 100 km away.
The actual scuba diving in Tarkarli takes place near the Southern region of the Sindhudurg Fort which is located in the middle of the Arabian Sea. A 15 minute boat ride from Malvan Jetty or Chivala Beach will take you directly to the diving spot.
So when in Tarkarli visiting tourist must try out this adventure activity as Scuba diving is not only about just viewing colorful fishes, beautiful corals or walking on the sea bed, but it’s a feeling of being underwater in another world which will certainly excite you.
Scuba diving i.e. Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. The diving sites are located around the Sindhudurg fort which is built in the middle of the Arabian Sea and the diving sites have been named King World 1, King World 2 and King World 3. Each Scuba diving operator in Tarkarli has been given a specific area within these three diving sites to operate.
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How it all started
In India there are very few venues where authentic Scuba diving takes place and one of them is Tarkarli in Maharashtra.
A few years ago M.T.D.C identified this region near Sindhudurg fort as a primary site for Scuba diving as it was home to abundant coral reefs and marine life. But the major credit goes to Marine Biologist Mr Sarang Kulkarni who played an important role in introducing SCUBA diving in Tarkarli.
In Tarkarli there are 2 types of Scuba Diving
- Commercial Scuba Diving
- Cylinder Scuba Diving
Let’s have a look what each is about.
Commercial Scuba Diving
This type of dive is termed commercial as it involves diving into the water with an oxygen pipe attached at one end to the diver and the other end of the pipe is attached to an oxygen tank placed in a boat near the diving site.
This is one of the safest and most economical ways for getting a quick peek underwater. The instructors will first teach you how to breathe using the pipe and then show you hand signals to communicate underwater, with simple gestures like “UP” and “OK” signals. You will be given swimming goggles to see underwater and these goggles are designed in such a way that they even plug your nose so you are automatically forced to breathe through the pipe attached to your mouth.
After that the instructor will ask you to put your head underwater and get used to breathing through your mouth using the oxygen pipe. After a few attempts you will be taken in the middle of the water to float with an inflatable tube till you feel comfortable.
After this the real action starts, there are 2 instructors per person. One instructor hovers on the surface of the water looking out for you and the other instructor takes you underwater .So when you are ready take a deep breath and just take that plunge.
The instructor then holds your hand and takes you go down and down and suddenly a whole new world underwater emerges before you .A world full of beautiful corals, fishes, sea weeds and rocks.
In a commercial dive you will be able to go about 15 to 20 feet underwater and this will give you an opportunity to glide past fishes, corals and sea weeds. After exploring for about 30 minutes towards the end the instructors will take you near a beautiful coral and make you pose for pictures and they will also make a one minute video film.
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Cylinder Scuba Diving (Professional)
The second option of Scuba Diving in Tarkarli is the cylinder dive and it is evident from its name that the diver carries an oxygen cylinder along with him.
The cylinder dive offers much more freedom to the diver and also helps them achieve greater depths i.e. about minimum 25 to 40 feet and explore more points than commercial dives. The cylinder capacity is about 15 kg and these dives can last up to 30 to 45 minutes, in order to ensure complete safety of the divers, a trained PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified instructors accompanies each diver. However instructors allow diving and exploration only to a certain depth as beyond that handling water pressure can become difficult for amateurs.
For cylinder dive each diver is provided with a mask which covers their eyes and nose, a 15 Kg oxygen cylinder and a regulator that aids in breathing underwater, additionally you can also opt for a wet suit and fins to make your dive more comfortable.
After exploring for about 30 to 45 minutes towards the end the PADI instructors will take you near some beautiful spots and make you pose for a few pictures and they will also make a one minute video film.
Please Click here for Bookings for Scuba Diving at Tarkarli
Diving Spots in Tarkarli
Sindhudurg Fort: This is the primary diving spot in Tarkarli where all Scuba Diving operators operate from their designated positions.
Vengurla Rock: This diving spot is generally reserved for professional trainers but tourist can inquire with their diving operators in case they would be interested in exploring this area.
Important information
- The best months for scuba diving in Tarkarli are between October to April.
- Scuba diving in Tarkarli starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends by 4:00 p.m. Please note that during a high tide or bad weather operators usually do not conduct diving.
- Non-Swimmers can also participate in scuba diving of both types (Commercial and Professional).
- For your own safety ensure you are physically fit and mentally prepared for diving.
- Preferably wear a T-shirt and shorts for the dive or hire a wet suit.
- Make use of the washrooms and changing rooms that are available near the diving sites.
- Be calm at all times and follow the instructions of the instructor who will accompany you throughout the dive session.
- First timers and Non Swimmers may feel a little pain in the ears while ascending back to the surface which is completely normal.
- While being underwater if you feel any kind of discomfort simply show a “Thumbs Up” sign to your instructor and you shall
be pulled on the surface immediately.
What is PADI Certification
PADI stands for ‘Professional Association of Diving Instructors’ it is a well known course and most recognized diving certification for divers. The courses conducted by PADI comprises of complete training on safety measures and carrying out successful dives.So while you are Scuba diving in Tarkarli you will be accompanied with a PADI certified diver who will ensure your maximum safety.
Please Click here for Bookings for Scuba Diving and Homestay at Chivla Beach
Professional Scuba Diving Training in Tarkarli
Once experienced, Scuba Diving can be a life changing experience and furthermore if you are planning a trip to the international waters in the months to come and would like to take up Scuba diving more seriously, then here is your chance to hone your skills at your own backyard (Tarkarli) in Maharashtra and become a certified diver.
MTDC is now promoting Tarkarli as a Scuba diving and snorkeling destination and has set up a state-of-art Scuba diving center IISDA i.e. (Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports). It has the best training facilities in India and offers Scuba diving courses of all levels of expertise along with lodging and boarding.
Everyone visiting Tarkarli has a different reason for scuba diving for some it is to explore the beauty of the coral reefs and marine life while for others it’s a great opportunity to discover a ship wreck or caves within the Arabian Sea. But for most it is the thrill of being underwater and discovering another world, Scuba diving in Tarkarli has it all.