Tag Archives: Scuba Diving in Tarkarli

Scuba Diving in Tarkarli: Explore life beneath the Sea.

January 8, 2016 Aseem Bhatnagar Leave a comment

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.

A boat ferries scuba divers to a dive 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.

One of the diving sites near Sindhudurg Fort

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.

Please Click here for Bookings for Scuba Diving at Tarkarli

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.

Sindhudurg Fort in the middle of the Arabian Sea

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.

A diver gets ready for a Commercial Scuba Dive without a cylinder

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.

Oxygen tanks and other equipment on board during a Commercial Scuba Dive in Tarkarli

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.

A diver is taken around the water before his dive

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.

An instructor gives final tips to a diver before his dive

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.

The diver enjoys her Kodak moments underwater.

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.

Please Click here for Bookings for Scuba Diving and Home-stay at Chivla Beach

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.

A training session being conducted at the Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports

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.

Water Sports in Tarkarli

December 25, 2015 Aseem Bhatnagar Leave a comment

The quaint fishing village of Tarkarli has become one of the most sought after destination for water sports in Maharashtra and the Tsunami Island located off the banks of Devbaug is the center of all water sports activities in Tarkarli.

Today, Tarkarli offers innumerable opportunities for water sport activities across its far flung coastline. It gives visiting tourist an ideal holiday experience while offering some daring water sports activities like Scuba Diving and Snorkeling.

The breathtaking coastline of Tarkarli remains open throughout the year but the best season to enjoy water sports in Tarkarli is from October to May when the skies are sparkling bright and the Arabian Sea is calm and placid.So let’s have a look at the exciting water sports and joy rides tourist can enjoy during their visit to Tarkarli.

Scuba Diving

Tarkarli has a beautiful stretch of beaches and is home to a variety of colorful coral reefs, exotic fishes and sea plants waiting to be explored. Tarkarli gained popularity in the recent years as it is the only place in Maharashtra where you can scuba dive as the waters near the Sindhudurg fort are relatively clear and safe for both juvenile and experienced divers.

At the diving venue there are several instructors and diving guides who are very helpful and patient and even if one does not know swimming they can try out this activity and further even enroll for a special certified course in Scuba Diving.Currently there are two types of scuba diving available at Tarkarli i.e. Commercial Scuba Diving and Cylinder Type Scuba Diving. Each dive last for about 30 minutes and the best time for Scuba diving is between the months of October to May.

The surprise element here is the cost of experiencing scuba diving which is the most economical compared to anywhere in India.

Please click here for Bookings for Scuba Diving and other Water sport Activities.

For detailed information on Scuba Diving in Tarkarli please click here.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is an excellent way to explore the marine life in its natural setting without using any heavy equipment unlike scuba diving and above all it appeals to people of all ages as it requires little practice and effort.

Primarily, Snorkeling in Tarkarli is done near the Sindhudurg fort the other sites ideal for snorkeling are at nearby Devbagh Sangam and Vengurla Rocks. Once tourist reach the venue they will be given the required equipment’s and a guide will then give them information about the corals and fishes in the region. They will also be provided with fish food which is an exciting experience as they will get a chance to see fishes up close as they eat out of their hands.

The best time for this recreational activity is between 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as during this time the sun is bright and the water is clear. The surprise element here is that the cost of experiencing snorkeling in Tarkarli is pretty less as compared to anywhere else in India.

A diver attracts fishes by holding some fish food

Visitors who are keen on taking up snorkeling and scuba diving more seriously can enroll in Scuba diving and Snorkeling Training Center recently started by MTDC at Tarkarli.

Please click here for Bookings for Snorkeling and other Water sport Activities.

Parasailing

If you want to fly like a bird then Parasailing is the sport for you. In this activity the participant holds on to a parachute which is attached to a motorboat of high power.

For Parasailing the participants must be comfortable with heights and this sport will give them a bird’s eye view of the entire landscape, beaches and coasts of Tarkarli and waters of the Arabian Sea. High fliers amongst speed lovers must surely opt for this adventure activity to give them an adrenaline rush.

Parasailing activity is available in major beaches of Tarkarli and Parasailing operators here are well equipped with the necessary equipment’s for tourist to enjoy this exciting sport.

Recently Parasailing has also been introduced in the backwaters of Karli where tourist can fly over the backwaters and get a beautiful view of the confluence (Sangam) of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea.

The pristine beachside of Tarkarli is a haven for adventure sports like Para sailing but visiting tourist should choose a reputed operator before taking part in these adventure sports.

Safety tips:

Before taking off for the ride check the chord, harness and Parasailing gear all should be in good condition.
Avoid Parasailing when it is raining or when winds are too strong.

Banana Ride

The Banana Ride in Tarkarli is an all time favorite water sport activity enjoyed by adults, kids and families. The activity involves an inflatable boat which is similar in shape to a banana and is attached to a motorboat, around 4 to 6 people can be accommodated in one Banana boat at a time.

Once all the participants are seated on the Banana boat, the boat takes off to a designated area in the water and as it sprints into the water the Banana Boat will toss away all the participants into the water. After being flung into the water, the participants will have to pull themselves back into the Banana boat. The funniest part about this ride is that every time the participants get back on the Banana boat they will be flung back again into the water.

This water sport activity is absolutely safe and life jackets are provided to each participant for their comfort and safety. This activity does not require any initial training the only criteria being that every participant should have no fear for water and should be at ease while participating in the activity. Banana rides can be enjoyed at all major
beaches in and around Tarkarli.

Please click here for Bookings for Water Sports Activities

Bumper Ride

Bumper Rides also known as ‘Tubing’ is about riding on tiny rounded boats on water and can be enjoyed by children above the age of 10 and adults alike.

The typical Bumper boat in Tarkarli is an inflatable boat available in various shapes and sizes. The Bumper boat is attached to a speed boat and as it speeds into the water the Bumper boat jumps up and down along with the waves and the riders get a feeling of the bumps and flights in the water.

The Bumper boat can carry about 2 – 4 participants at a time depending on its size and safety jackets are provided to every participant. This activity does not require any initial training the only criteria being that every participant should have no fear for water and should be at ease while participating in the activity. Bumper rides can be enjoyed at all major beaches in and around Tarkarli.

Jet Ski

Jet Skiing is the ultimate water sport for all speed lovers. It is one of the most thrilling water sports activities amongst all the other water sports at Tarkarli. Jet Skiing is done by sitting on a water borne vehicle, which can be run by using an accelerator. The engine that is used in the Jet Ski is very powerful and can be run on much higher speeds. The Jet Skis available in Tarkarli are powered at 100 – 135 horse power and though being a powerful machine it has very simple features and is easy to use.

However, in order to maintain safety in the waters the operators of Jet Ski in Tarkarli operate in a designated area in order to avoid any sort of accidents. Jet Skis are not given directly to the tourists but a guide is provided with each Jet Ski and these guides keep a complete check on the ride while insuring the participant enjoys every moment of this action packed activity and at the same time ensure safety and avoid any sort of accidents happening. Jet Ski rides can be enjoyed at all major beaches in and around Tarkarli.

So if you are seeking adventure then don’t look any further and book yourself for a Jet Ski ride and realize your dream come true at Tarkarli.

Please click here for Bookings for Jet Ski and other Water sport Activities.

Speed Boat

If Jet Ski is not enough to quench your thirst for speed then move over to speed boating on the pristine blue waters of the Arabian Sea at Tarkarli. Fast and furiously racing in the waters of the sea, speed boats will give a sense of excitement that lasts for long.

Speed boating activities here at Tarkarli are managed by professional operators and the boats are well equipped for a safe ride and can carry about 4, 6 to 8 people at a time.

In Tarkarli there are a few beaches that will give you an opportunity to experience a speed boat ride and it is an ideal way to explore the entire coastline of Tarkarli, Devbagh and the surrounding areas therefore do not miss your chance of that nerve chilling experience.

Boating

If you are a traveler who loves to explore places at your own pace and are not really interested in speed and adventure sports, then hire a boat or a fishing jetty and explore the beauty of the entire coastline of Tarkarli along the Arabian Sea, just relax and chill out and treasure some magical moments of your life.

Ideally leave early in the morning and hire a boat from Tarkarli beach or Devbaug beach; this is the best time to spot dolphins and other aquatic life. Apart from dolphin spotting, tourist can opt for boating packages and visit nearby islands, beaches and other attractions like Vengurla Rock, Light house and the Confluence of Karli and Arabian Sea.

Young couples can take a romantic boat ride along the Tarkarli backwaters and enjoy the beauty of the Karli River in solitude and take back home wonderful memories of Tarkarli.

Please click here for Bookings for Water Sports Activities

Kayaking

Would you like to go for a relaxed paddle ride along the coastline or backwaters of Tarkarli???. Then try Kayaking which is one of the best ways to explore the beautiful coastline, backwaters and areas in and around Tarkarli.

Kayaking is a very popular activity with youngsters and there are a few operators in Tarkarli who will guide you to the ideal spots for Kayaking in Tarkarli like fresh water canals and the backwaters of Tarkarli along with experienced guides.

Game Fishing

Tarkarli is fishing village with a long coastline and is also home to a few beautiful lakes and rivers which provide an ideal hunting ground for fishing enthusiast.

A couple enjoys fishing at the backwaters of Tarkarli.

No matter what your fishing skills, visiting tourist can add more excitement to their trip by going on a fishing expedition and catch a variety of fishes like Snappers, Goldfish, Catfish, Barramundi, Sea salmons etc.

For first timers, fishing can be a very relaxing and stimulating experience and a perfect chance to visit unknown territories and get a glimpse of the countless treasures of the sea.

Surfing

Do you like the feeling of being on top of the waves while gliding across the sea surface? Well if it feels awesome then you must visit the beaches of Tarkarli and try out Surfing.

Overall surfing is new to India, but this water sport activity is picking up slowly in the beaches of Tarkarli with locals and visiting tourist trying their hand on this water sport on the numerous beaches of Tarkarli.

The beaches of Tarkarli are an ideal location for surfing as the morning breeze is generally light and steady which is just right for beginners, while the stronger winds set in during the afternoons which offer a perfect challenge for the more experienced.

Surfing is one sport which all visiting tourist must try as it sure sets your pulses racing, but make sure you engage a professional operator or guide who will maintain all safety standards as required.

Swimming

Swimming in the waters of Tarkarli is one of the most relaxing activities for a visiting tourist as it relaxes both mind and body. This water activity can be enjoyed by all be it young, old, rich or a budget traveler.

Tarkarli has the warmest oceans in the world and is ideal for fun and frolic, and almost all beaches here are suitable for swimming. This activity does not require any equipment apart from a swimming costume of your own and a desire to roll and jump in the waves spilling from the Arabian Sea.

Please click here for bookings for Water sport activities and Home stays.

Sea world in Tondavali

Very soon the quaint village of Tondavali which is 20 km from Tarkarli will be home to India’s first oceanarium and will be known as the Sea World.

Please note: This image of Sea World is a representational one.

This is a major initiative taken by the state government to promote tourism in and around Malvan and was an obvious choice for the Sea World project because of the long coastline comprising of many virgin beaches.

The Sea World at Tondavali will be home to a water park, dolphin stadium, 3d theater, amphitheater, underwater studio, several themed restaurants, amusement arcades and a replica model of life in Antarctica.