New Scuba Diving Camp to Open in Karnataka, India

The state government of Karnataka in India has unveiled plans for a new scuba diving camp on Netrani Island, Apsarakonda, near Honnavar.

The project is being developed in collaboration with the Government of India to encourage tourists to take scuba diving holidays in Karnataka and explore its stunning underwater world.

The diving camp will be operated by Jungle Lodges and Resorts, which is run by the state government. It will be set on the beautiful Netrani Island, located about 10 nautical miles away from the mainland near Karnataka.

Until now, the coral island's only inhabitants have been pigeons and wild goats but the new camp is set to attract many scuba divers from all over the world.

R K Singh, the Executive Director of project and business development for Jungle Lodges and Resorts, stated: "We have identified land in Apsarakonda to set up the camp. This project will cater to the increasing demands of eco-tourists. It will help them gain more knowledge about marine life."

During scuba diving holidays in India at the new island retreat, divers will be able to swim alongside several fascinating marine species including colourful butterfly fish, trigger fish, parrot fish, eels, and shrimps, as well as catch sightings of magnificent orca whales and whale sharks.

The project's participants will be given scuba diving training prior to their trips, and with the aim of enhancing they will receive information about the native waters and the identity of the fish and sea creatures to be seen and spotted there during scuba diving excursions.

Jungle Lodges and Resorts will offer diver training with the help of Drewlanders Association of Diving Individuals (DADI) and the camp will have to follow strict guidelines and safety procedures that have been set by DADI.

The tourism company is also planning to develop tourism in the area by bringing tourists to Netrani Island in motor boats from Aspoarakonda, a small village on the western coast of Karnataka.

India has an array of spectacular scuba diving destinations including Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshwadeep Islands, Maharashtra in Sindhudurg, and Goa.

The number of tourists' scuba diving in Goa has increased over the years and more diving operators are offering training and boat excursions to keep up with demand. Visibility in the surrounding waters varies between 2-15 meters and there are plenty of sunken wrecks to explore.