Scuba Diving at Netrani Island, Murudeshwara

It was surprising to know that Scuba diving do exists in Netrani Island, a very small island free from human habitation present adjacent to Murudeshwara beach in Arabian Sea. Murudeshwara is at a distance of 30 kilometers from Honnavar. Netrani is also called as Pigeon Island and Netrani or Netra Gudda in local language. It is being mainly used by Indian armed forces for arm testing purposes. One can reach this island hiring a motor boat from Honnavar. Also, there is a temple on Island where many people offer goats and hens praying Goddess to fulfill their wish.

view of Netrani Island from boat

After the terrorist attacks in Mumbai, coastal guards and local police have made it mandatory to get consent from them before going for the dive. Also, the same rule applies for the people planning to visit temple on Island, but be careful about climbing on to island as it has sharp structures similar to glass, it can cut your skin.

Island with sharp glass like structures at base

Diving is organized by Dive Goa at Murudeshwara Island and they do have expert divers instructing tourists to go for fun dive. Prior to dive, basics of diving will be given at RNS Yatri Nivas hotel swimming pool.

scuba diving gear - ready to sail

It takes one and half hours or two hours (if winds are strong in the sea) to reach Netrani from Murudeshwara beach. Diving is done in group mostly, so always make sure that you are free and don’t plan for any nearby places on the day before or on the day of dive.

cave like entry at base of Netrani Island

Also, have a brief idea of species found at Netrani Island like Parrot fish, Butter fish, Sea Urchin etc. It will be helpful for you to identify species under water when you encounter. It will not be possible to speak underwater each other, communication will be through signaling.

place of Scuba diving

Dive lasts for around 30 minutes, it will be real fun provided one takes the precautions suggested by instructors. The cylinders for breathing under water used for dive at Netrani will have compressed air which we breathe outside. Keep blowing out water holding your nose often, even if you feel slight pain in ears. Ears will pain a lot if care has not has not been taken underwater due to change in water pressure. Don’t take heavy food as one may vomit because of sea sickness or one can take tablet to avoid that.

Top of Netrani

underwater

underwater

Dive Goa even organizes PADI certification course for interested divers provided they fulfill the necessary conditions. Mr. Ajey Patil organizes dives and he can be contacted on 09325030109 or 09325030110 for any information related to dive. Best time to contact him will be in evenings as he will be busy with dives in morning and no mobile signals near Netrani Island.

beautiful sunrise visible from Honnavar bridge

Don’t be panic at any time under water. Follow the instructions correctly you will have fun. It’s not mandatory to know swimming to go for fun diving unless you look for certification or deep sea diving. Photographs underwater will be taken at an additional cost of Rs 500. I feel the qualities of photograph are not so good if you want to keep memory of your underwater experience you can take. It costs Rs 4500 for one dive and Rs 6500 for two dives on the same day.