Snorkeling is a unique water sport, that rendezvous the adventure enthusiast to the under water marine world. Jolly Buoy, Redskin and Cinque Islands are some sites in the Andaman / Nicobar Islands that offer good scope for snorkeling. So take a deep breath, hold it for some time, swim around a bit and explore the exotic wonders of the corals.
If you are not a swimmer and also reluctant to go into deep waters, then snorkeling is the idle choice for you. Tie on a floatation vest and just follow the simple instructions of your trainer/ guide into the untamed tranquil shallow waters. Soon you will be amidst the marine life floating in the water, weightlessly over a bustling marine zone, enjoying panoramic vistas across underwater valley penetrated by the golden rays of the sun and flinging hills of coral abounding with life and color.
Snorkeling Adventure in India
The vast expanse of the Indian coastline offers great snorkeling options that tourists can experience during their vacations in India. Stretching many thousand kilometers, the Indian coastline holds the mighty waters of the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Dotted with the finest beaches, cliff promontories, mangroves, backwater, jewel-like island groups and marine life, there are wide snorkeling possibilities.
You can snorkel off the beaches, but for world class snorkeling join a speedboat tour to any of the small islands nearby. The island of Lakshadweep and Andamans / Nicobar islands are a romantic snorkel paradise with more than one square kilometer of live coral and marvelous sea life set between two pristine tropical islands.
Snorkeling is the most popular ways to encounter the unique and exotic marine world of the Indian coastal region. India offers holidays at exceptional locations that are still unexplored and retain their elusive charm. Untouched by pollution, the blue, green and turquoise waters of its seas and oceans present the striking view of the Coral Sea beds.
All divers and snorkels should be aware that it is a legal offence in the Marine Park to damage or remove coral. You must not damage coral.
Snorkeling Regions in India
In order to indulge in the Snorkeling activity, Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands are the perfect destinations. In Andamans, one can enjoy the under-water marine life and view the rarest varieties of corals by snorkeling in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Carbyn's Cove Tourism Complex, Havelock and other islands on all days from dawn to dusk depending on the weather.
Lakshadweep is fast turning in to a water sports capital of India and particularly of the underwater sea sports. With its extensive coastline, coral islands, and magnificent diversity of marine life, Lakshadweep can be termed as the most engaging snorkeling destinations in the country.
Major Gear in Snorkeling
Major feature of a dry snorkel is dry top mechanism, which shuts off and keeps water out when submerged. Among the attire the first option is Chammyz, a unique chamois fabric that is thick, soft and quick in drying. Made from recyclable material, the durable, natural chamois fiber protects divers body from wind-chill and sun exposure. Lifeguards, divers, surfers, swimmers, skiers, boaters and beach lovers wear Chammyz.
General Tips Followed in Snorkeling
· You should be weighted correctly before snorkeling and develop controlled floating ability, so that to float away from coral and reef animals. If you are a beginner, practice snorkeling techniques away from coral and dive over sand until you have mastered floating control.
· If you get tired while snorkeling, try to use rest stations where provided. Avoid touching anything with your fins and try not to stir up sediment or disturb coral.
· Watch animals rather than touching them. Picking up animals can be dangerous too. Do not chase or attempt to ride or grab free-swimming animals. Also avoid obstructing their path. |
