The vast expanses of the shallow lagoons provide an ideal setting for water sports enthusiasts. All the islands included in the various tourist packages offer kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, sail boats, wind surfers, snorkels sets glass-bottomed boats and other facilities to tourists who wish to indulge in water sports in the unpolluted lagoons. Kadmat, Kavaratti and Bangaram have facilities for scuba diving. Deep-sea fishing buffs can pursue big game fishing. Barracuda, Sail Fish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Triveli and sharks are abundant in the seas around Lakshadweep. Local boats with experienced crew can be hired.
Lakshadweep has a largely uncharted surf-spot potential. It offers a knowledgeable surf explorer quite a handful of interesting options. The prime season for surfing in the Arabian Sea is between April and September as the other months usually offer cleaner conditions, that is lesser wind. Surfing in the pristine blue-water barrels in this exotic location is a must have on your to do list during your visit to these mesmerizing islands. The locals don’t surf in Lakshadweep yet so you will have a curious audience watching from the pier. As there are no surf shops in Lakshadweep, it is best to bring your surf equipment with you. Information on all the necessary equipment needed to surf can be found here. Lakshadweep is blessed with some of the world’s best reef breaks. Who wouldn’t want to surf in these clear blue waters!
Deep-sea fishing buffs can pursue big game fishing. Barracuda, Sail Fish, Yellow Fin Tuna, Triveli and sharks are abundant in the seas around Lakshadweep. So naturally, fishing in these waters will be a great and varied experience. Local boats with experienced crew can be hired. You would not want to miss a Tuna fish dinner by the beach side around a camp fire, would you?
The top 4 places in Lakshadweep for scuba diving are Bangaram, Kavaratti, Kadmat and Minicoy. These sites consist of sloping reefs, caves, coral gardens, overhangs and shipwrecks. Among the 4, Bangaram and Kavaratti tend to witness more visitors whereas Kadmat and Minicoy are quiet and remote. The best time to dive is during October to May, as the weather is favourable and the waters are calm. The beautiful calm lagoon of Kavaratti is ideal for scuba dive beginners. The dive centre is located very close to the entrance, therefore making the access to the dive spots easy and quick from the diving centres. The island has a 10 bedded resort catering to divers. Bangaram has the first dive centre of Lakshadweep. The emerald island, Kadmat’s clear waters have a variety of fishes like lion fish, tuna, lobster, sharks, shoaling jacks, etc, which makes it a memorable destination for scuba divers. Kadmat has the first Laccadives Dive Centre and School. This is the only dive centre in India offering CMAS certification courses from beginner to Instructor levels. Minicoy has some extremely interesting species in its waters which include the hump back parrot fish and giant sweet lips. Manta Ray can be spotted in almost all dive sites. Minicoy has a 20 bedded resort for accommodating divers and other tourists. Dive centres have PADI certified instructors who impart training to beginners as well as experienced. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) is a global community offering various diving courses for dive enthusiasts. All the instructors are certified dive professionals and rescuers so it is very safe.
Glass bottom boat ride in Lakshadweep is a tour given in transparent bottom boat in an open sea to watch the marine life which lies underneath. In the glass bottom boat ride, you stay above the water surface and enjoy the view below, while staying dry. This ride is one of the sought-out boating formats acknowledged by tourists in Lakshadweep. It is a great water sport for those who are afraid of diving in water. Tourists get to take a look at various corals, fishes, turtles and other marine creatures through the glass bottom boats. Lakshadweep island is full of exotic marine culture and while you are there, there is no way that you don’t take advantage of these tours. Agatti, Kavaratti, Kalpeni, Bangaram and Minicoy are some of the islands which host glass bottom boat rides in Lakshadweep. These boat rides are very safe but for additional safety, life jackets are also provided.
Kavaratti Island Kavaratti is the headquarters of the administration. One of the most beautiful mosques out of the 52 spread over the islands is the Ujra mosque. Water from a well near it is believed to have curative powers. The beautiful and calm lagoons are ideal for water sports, swimming and snorkeling. If you do not wish to get wet, then sunbathing or just lazing around on the beach can also be a heady experience. The marine aquarium has an excellent collection of aquatic specimens. The multicoloured underwanter life in the lagoons can be witnessed through glass-bottomed boats, kayaks, wind surfers and sailing boats, which are available on hire. The dolphin dive centre is available for those who love scuba dive. The “Coral reef” and “Taratashi” tourist packages can be availed to visit this coral paradise. Click here for reviews
Agatti Island Agatti has one of the most beautiful lagoons in Lakshadweep and is considered another Jewel from the group of islands. Every corner of the island is rich with natural vegetation and beautiful geographical formations. The island may be small compared to many other islands but it is nothing but a sheer paradise for beach lovers and offbeat travellers. The locals mostly speak English and Malayalam, and Islam is the main religion of the inhabitants. The primary occupation of the people is fishing. The airport is built on this island. From the aircraft, as one approaches for a landing, one gets a breath-taking view of the airstrip on the island. Agatti is the virtual gateway to the islands. A 20-bed tourist complex with all modern amenities has been set up here. Indian Airlines and Kingfisher airlines operate flights to Agatti making it one of the most accessible islands in Lakshadweep. Click here for reviews
Minicoy Island Minicoy lies about 200 kms south of the northern group and has one of the largest lagoons with a small uninhabited islet viringili on its southern side. Minicoy is distinct from the northern group of islands in terms of its cultures, language, dressing style, etc. Traditionally, all powers to manage village affairs are vested in an elected village elder called Bodukaka. This island is renowned for its tradition dance, the lava performed on festive occasions & colourful race boats called “Jahadhoni” are a feast to the eyes. Mahl is widely spoken here and the island is an important centre for tuna fishing. A majestic landmark here is the lighthouse built by the British. The beaches have bathing huts with facilities for water sports. 3 tourist cottages and one 20-bedded tourist home have been constructed for staying tourists. Visit to Minicoy is part of Coral Reef and Swaying Palm packages. Click here for reviews
Kalpeni Island Kalpeni along with two small islets of Tilakkam and Pitti and the uninhabited island of Cheriyam in the north form a single atoll. It is believed that a violent storm in the mid 1800s threw up huge coral boulders along the shores resulting in the huge storm bank of coral debris along its eastern and southeastern shorelines. It is a socially progressive island and it was here that girls first went to school when women's education was considered taboo. One can swim, snorkel or reef-walk in the vast lagoon and indulge in water sports on kayaks, sailboats and pedal boats. Two bathing huts with change rooms are available at Koomel Beach. Visit to Kalpeni is part of Coral Reef package. Click here for reviews
Bangaram Island Bangaram is a tiny teardrop shaped island, which lies very close to Agatti and Kavaratti. Two small islands namely Thinnakara and Parali also lie close to Bangaram enclosed by the same lagoon. The tourist resort on this island provides an amazing opportunity for guests to unwind from the pressures and tensions of modern life. Guests to this resort can avail either a boat transfer or helicopter form agatti. Being the only uninhabited island resort in lakshadweep, it has its very own charm. During the night, phosphorescent plankton washed ashore on the coral sands impart a bluish glow to the beach, which is totally enchanting. An ideal destination for discerning exclusive tourists, Bangaram has carved its presence in the international tourist map. Click here for reviews
Kadmat Island Kadmat has a beautiful shallow lagoon on the west (which is ideal for water sports) and has a narrow lagoon on the east. It has long sandy beaches and sand banks on the southern tip. Tourist huts built amidst palm groves facing the lagoon allow to soak in the pristine beauty of the ecosystem. Kayaks, sailing boats, pedal boats, skiing boats and glass-bottomed boats are available on hire. A water sports institute functions on the island. Marine Wealth Awareness Package allows to spend 2-4 days on the island enjoying the rich bounty of nature. Variety of fishes like rays, sharks, and clear water with 20-50 meter visibility makes it an unparalleled dive destination for scuba divers. Non-Indians are also permitted to visit this island. Click here for reviews