Netrani Island: A Scuba Diving Paradise in Karnataka

If you are looking for a scuba diving adventure in India, you might want to check out Netrani Island, a small and uninhabited island off the coast of Karnataka. Also known as Pigeon Island, Netrani Island is shaped like a heart and is surrounded by a rich and diverse coral reef. It is one of the best places in India to witness the underwater wonders, such as colorful fish, turtles, coral, sharks, rays, and more.

Netrani Island is located about 19 km from the coastal town of Murudeshwar, which is also a popular pilgrimage and beach destination. You can reach Netrani Island by taking a boat ride from Murudeshwar, which takes about an hour and a half. The boat ride itself is a scenic and enjoyable experience, as you can see the majestic Murudeshwar Temple and the towering Lord Shiva Statue on the shore, as well as the sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Sea.

Netrani Island is a must-visit destination for scuba diving lovers, as it offers a unique and thrilling opportunity to explore the marine life and the coral reef. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find a diving spot that suits your level and interest. You will also find professional and friendly diving operators and instructors who will guide you and ensure your safety and comfort.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Netrani Island and Murudeshwar, such as how to reach, when to visit, what to see and do, where to stay, and what to eat. We will also give you some tips and recommendations to make your trip memorable and enjoyable. So, read on and get ready to dive into the scuba diving paradise of Karnataka.

The Coral Reef Exploration at Netrani Island

One of the main attractions of Netrani Island is the coral reef exploration, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for any scuba diving enthusiast. The coral reef around Netrani Island is home to a variety and abundance of marine life, such as fish, turtles, coral, sharks, rays, and more. You will be amazed by the colors, shapes, and sizes of the underwater creatures, and you might even spot some rare and exotic species, such as whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales.

Netrani Island has several diving spots and sites, each with its own characteristics and features. Some of the best diving spots and sites at Netrani Island are:

Grand Central Station: This is the most popular and crowded diving spot at Netrani Island, as it offers a spectacular view of the coral reef and the marine life. You can see a variety of fish, such as butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, and more. You can also see some bigger fish, such as barracuda, tuna, and trevally. This diving spot is suitable for all levels of divers, as it has a depth of 6 to 18 meters.

The Nursery: This is a diving spot that is ideal for beginners and snorkelers, as it has a depth of 3 to 6 meters. It is also a great place to see the coral reef and the marine life, especially the smaller and cuter ones, such as clownfish, damselfish, seahorses, and nudibranchs. You can also see some turtles and rays here.

The Abyss: This is a diving spot that is suitable for advanced and experienced divers, as it has a depth of 18 to 40 meters. It is also a diving spot that is known for its adrenaline rush, as you can see some of the most thrilling and exciting marine life, such as sharks, rays, and dolphins. You can also see some of the most beautiful and rare coral, such as gorgonians, sea fans, and black coral.

The diving conditions and visibility at Netrani Island are generally good and clear, as the water is warm and calm. The best time to visit Netrani Island for scuba diving is from October to May, as the weather is pleasant and the visibility is high. However, you can also visit Netrani Island during the monsoon season, from June to September, as the water is cooler and the marine life is more active. However, you should be aware of the risks and challenges of diving during the monsoon, such as strong currents, low visibility, and limited boat services.

The safety measures and precautions to follow while scuba diving at Netrani Island are similar to any other diving destination. You should always follow the instructions and guidance of your diving operator and instructor, and never dive beyond your level and limit. You should also wear the appropriate diving equipment and gear, such as a wetsuit, a mask, a snorkel, a regulator, a buoyancy control device, and a dive computer. You should also check the weather and the diving conditions before you dive, and avoid diving in bad weather or rough seas.

The diving equipment and gear required for scuba diving at Netrani Island are usually provided by the diving operators and instructors, and are included in the diving package. However, if you have your own diving equipment and gear, you can also bring them and use them. You can also rent or buy diving equipment and gear from the diving shops and centers in Murudeshwar, which are located near the boat jetty.

The diving courses and certifications available at Netrani Island are offered by the diving operators and instructors, who are affiliated with the international diving organizations, such as PADI, SSI, and CMAS. You can choose from a range of diving courses and certifications, depending on your level and interest, such as open water diver, advanced open water diver, rescue diver, and dive master. The cost and duration of the diving courses and certifications vary depending on the diving operator and instructor, but they are generally affordable and reasonable.

Some of the reputed diving operators and instructors

The diving operators and instructors at Netrani Island are professional and friendly, and they will ensure your safety and comfort while scuba diving. They will also provide you with the necessary information and training before you dive, and they will accompany you and assist you during your dive. You can book your diving package and instructor online or offline, depending on your preference and convenience. Some of the best and reputed diving operators and instructors at Netrani Island are:

Dreamz Diving:

This is one of the oldest and most experienced diving operators at Netrani Island, and they offer a variety of diving packages and courses for all levels of divers. They also have a team of certified and qualified diving instructors, who are friendly and helpful. You can contact them at +91 98860 57001 or visit their website at https://www.dreamzdiving.com/.

West Coast Adventures:

This is another diving operator that offers scuba diving at Netrani Island, and they also have a branch in Goa. They offer diving packages and courses for beginners and advanced divers, and they also have a team of certified and qualified diving instructors, who are passionate and enthusiastic. You can contact them at +91 96864 42020 or visit their website at https://www.westcoastadventures.in/.

Netrani Adventures:

This is a diving operator that specializes in scuba diving at Netrani Island, and they also offer snorkeling and fishing trips. They offer diving packages and courses for all levels of divers, and they also have a team of certified and qualified diving instructors, who are knowledgeable and courteous. You can contact them at +91 94811 11111 or visit their website at https://www.netraniadventures.com/.

The Other Attractions and Activities Near Netrani Island

Netrani Island is not the only attraction in and around Murudeshwar, as there are many other attractions and activities that you can enjoy and explore. Murudeshwar is a town that has a rich and diverse culture, history, and nature, and it offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in religion, architecture, beach, adventure, or food, you will find something that suits your taste and interest. Here are some of the other attractions and activities near Netrani Island that you should not miss:

Murudeshwar Temple:

This is one of the main attractions in Murudeshwar, as it is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is one of the most sacred and ancient temples in India. The temple is located on a small hill, and it has a stunning view of the Arabian Sea. The temple is also known for its architecture and sculptures, especially the Raja Gopura, which is the tallest temple tower in the world, with a height of 249 feet. The temple is open from 6 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 8 pm, and the entry is free.

Lord Shiva Statue:

This is another attraction that is located near the Murudeshwar Temple, and it is a statue of Lord Shiva that is the second largest in the world, with a height of 123 feet. The statue is made of concrete and steel, and it depicts Lord Shiva in a meditative pose, facing the sea. The statue is also surrounded by a garden and a pond, and it has a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. The statue is open from 6 am to 8 pm, and the entry is free.

Murudeshwar Beach:

This is one of the most scenic and clean beaches in Karnataka, and it is located right next to the Murudeshwar Temple and the Lord Shiva Statue. The beach is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, and it also offers a variety of water sports and activities, such as jet skiing, banana boat ride, parasailing, and kayaking. The beach is also a great place to witness the sunrise and sunset, and to take some amazing photos and videos. The beach is open 24 hours, and the entry is free.

Kollur Mookambika Temple:

This is one of the most sacred and ancient temples in India, and it is located about 60 km from Murudeshwar. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, who is a manifestation of Shakti, the supreme power. The temple is also known for its architecture and history, as it was built by the legendary sage Adi Shankara, and it has a gold-plated idol of the goddess, which is believed to have miraculous powers. The temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm, and the entry is free.

Idagunji Ganapati Temple:

This is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and it is located about 20 km from Murudeshwar. The temple is one of the six sacred places of Ganesha worship in India, and it attracts millions of devotees every year. The temple is also known for its history and legends, as it is said that Lord Ganesha appeared here to bless a sage and his wife, and he stayed here ever since. The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm, and the entry is free.

Bhatkal Beach:

This is a serene and secluded beach near Netrani Island, and it is located about 16 km from Murudeshwar. The beach is a hidden gem for nature lovers, as it offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, and it also has a beautiful view of the Netrani Island. The beach is also a good place to see some local fishing activities, and to enjoy some fresh seafood. The beach is open 24 hours, and the entry is free.

Fort Bhatkal:

This is a historical fort built by the Vijayanagara Empire, and it is located near the Bhatkal Beach. The fort is a witness to the glorious past of the region, and it has some interesting features and stories, such as the secret tunnels, the watchtowers, the cannons, and the battles. The fort is also a good place to see some ancient inscriptions and sculptures, and to learn more about the culture and heritage of the region. The fort is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and the entry is free.

Jog Falls:

This is the second highest plunge waterfall in India, and it is located about 100 km from Murudeshwar. The waterfall is a sight to behold, as it has four cascades, namely Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket, that fall from a height of 253 meters. The waterfall is also a place for adventure, as you can trek to the bottom of the falls, and enjoy the spray and the sound of the water. The waterfall is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry is free.

Unchalli Falls:

This is a spectacular waterfall near Netrani Island, and it is located about 35 km from Murudeshwar. The waterfall is also known as Lushington Falls, as it was discovered by a British officer named J.D. Lushington in 1845. The waterfall is formed by the Aghanashini River, and it falls from a height of 116 meters. The waterfall is also a place for nature, as you can see some lush greenery and wildlife around it. The waterfall is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry is free.

The local delicacies and cuisine of Murudeshwar and Netrani Island

One of the best ways to experience the culture and taste of a place is to try its local delicacies and cuisine, and Murudeshwar and Netrani Island are no exception. The local delicacies and cuisine of Murudeshwar and Netrani Island are mainly influenced by the coastal and Konkani style, and they are rich in seafood, coconut, rice, and spices. Some of the dishes that you should not miss are:

Kane Rava Fry: This is a dish that consists of ladyfish, which is coated with semolina and deep-fried. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and it is served with coconut chutney and lemon wedges.

Bangude Pulimunchi: This is a dish that consists of mackerel, which is cooked in a tangy and spicy gravy made of tamarind, red chillies, garlic, and curry leaves. It is a flavorful and aromatic dish, and it is served with rice or neer dosa.

Kori Rotti: This is a dish that consists of chicken, which is cooked in a rich and creamy coconut-based curry. It is a popular and traditional dish, and it is served with rotti, which is a thin and crisp rice wafer.

Gadbad Ice Cream: This is a dessert that consists of layers of ice cream, fruits, nuts, jelly, and whipped cream. It is a colorful and delicious dessert, and it is served in a tall glass.

Netrani Island is a scuba diving paradise in Karnataka, and it is a hidden gem for scuba diving lovers in India. It offers a unique and thrilling opportunity to explore the coral reef and the marine life, and to witness the underwater wonders, such as colorful fish, turtles, coral, sharks, rays, and more. Netrani Island is also a perfect destination for a weekend getaway, as it is located near Murudeshwar, which is a popular pilgrimage and beach destination.

You can also enjoy and explore the other attractions and activities in and around Murudeshwar, such as Murudeshwar Temple, Lord Shiva Statue, Murudeshwar Beach, Kollur Mookambika Temple, Idagunji Ganapati Temple, Bhatkal Beach, Fort Bhatkal, Jog Falls, Unchalli Falls, and the local delicacies and cuisine. You can also find comfortable and luxurious accommodation near Netrani Island, with various features and amenities, such as rooms, pools, spas, restaurants, and more.

We hope that this article has given you all the information and inspiration you need to plan your trip to Netrani Island and Murudeshwar. We also hope that you have a memorable and enjoyable time at the scuba diving paradise of Karnataka. If you are interested in booking a tour package or a hotel near Netrani Island, you can use the links and contact details provided in this article, or you can visit our website at https://www.tripoto.com/. We would love to hear from you and help you with your travel needs and queries.

Thank you for reading this article, and we hope that you found it useful and informative. If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family, and leave us a feedback or a comment.

We would appreciate your feedback and suggestions, as they help us improve our content and services. We hope to see you soon at Netrani Island and Murudeshwar, and we wish you a happy and safe journey.

Netrani Island Reviews

Vamshi Krishna

59 Followers

View Trip

As we keep on seeing the surroundings, the divers quickly had their diving suits and moved in to the water, all the divers were off from the boat in no time. We were waiting for them to appear, as it was the first experience for us underwater, so we were a little bit feared about it. Soon one of the diver came up, climbed the boat and started to settle all the equipment, these divers went to examine the location for the safety, as they also warned us that if the conditions are not familiar to dive then the schedule wraps up to the next day. Soon we were relaxed that we can dive today, and the trip can be held as planned. Firstly they took some other people for the diving and he intimated us that we will be the next batch. Soon we started sit back and gathered all the mobile in one bag, we were like tossing within ourselves, not go first. As the person called called us, we all were like dumb and getting backward, soon he said that everyone will get the chance but all of can't dive at the same time. Because each diver will accompany only one person and they can't even meet under water. He gave us some confidence and we were still in fear to go in. So we asked him to pick a random person among us. So he checked with the suit size and picked me. I was stunned for a couple of seconds with his call. "Why . . Me ?" I asked myself. He called me again, I moved forward to him, I was fully tensed about the ride and the guy started to prepare me for the dive. I was sitting away from them and they were seeing all the stuff he is doing to me. He equipped me, tied body weights around my stomach area and I wearer the suit which was connected to the cylinders. then he gave me the mask and soon I was ready for the ride. I then moved closer to the edge and he gave the finns, I weared them and I was ready to jump. My heart was really beating at its highest possible speed, and some amount of fear along with some astonishment, I was taking deep breathe from the BCD, to get to back normal. I was literally feeling inside me "Is it necessary", and I was waiting for the call, while holding the BCD to my mouth as it may come out of the mouth during the flip. As the diver called, he flipped me over the boat and I was on my way into the waters. As I touched the water, I can feel the coldness, the cylinder weight on my back is trying to drown me deeper into the sea. I can feel the water around me and soon I moved into the water with my mouth closed tight and one of my Finn was let loosened while I was flipping down the boat, as it tucked to the roof. I wasn't aware of that and I felt like I was drowning into waters, the fear came over, soon my mouth piece was too loosened from my mouth and the salt water came into me and I panicked and called to sign for help emergency ????️. Soon the diver rushed to me and dragged me over the water, saying me to calm down. I was breathing heavily and told him about the Finn and he replaced them with another pair. He asked me to lie on the water for some time, taking deep breathes. Now I was floating on the water, the cold breeze made me to shiver on the waterbed, he also suggested me not to leave the mouthpiece loose, as it panicked me, I was holding it tight and taking some long breathes, As I saw the boat, all the people were keenly watching me as it caused them the fear, I felt a little bit of nervous and I closed my eyes. I was now ready, as he asked me I replied ok. Soon he decreased the pressure from my jacket and we moved a little downward, now I was again started to feel the water in my mouth, soon he asked me to press the button an the BCD and keep the mouth tight, as I did the water flushed out of my mouth with the air, I felt normal now, I can only hear the sound of my breathe, coming of the cylinder and moving out as bubbles. I was inside the ocean moving like a fish in it. I can see the light and the boat upwards, we are just a feet down in the water, The diver asked me to closed my mouth, nose and breathe out the air, as I did my found my ears poped out, this is the way to settle the ears with the underwater pressure. As we moved down, I did it regularly to avoid the pain in ears. I was looking around the water in search of fish but I found none. Now I can't see any light from the top, and it started to become blue-er as we moved down, I noticed some fish down there, it was blue coloured, oval shaped with yellow wings, shining all the way, it belongs to demiselfish family. I was feeling much better now, there was no point of scare in me, as it was only about happiness watching the underwater treasure right down there. Yeah it will the most precious treasure for me, has it was a once in lifetime experience.

Fahmida Hassan

25 Followers

View Trip

This trip is all about my first dive experience. Like most of us even I had few dreams listed down in my bucket list. Even if not all of them, I always try to accomplish little by little. So let's get back to the story. It was just 6 months since I moved to Bangalore for work and I wasn't able to travel much. I wanted to do something really interesting and started reading blogs about the places in Karnataka where I can for a day or a weekend trip. That is when I got to know about scuba diving in Netrani Island, Murudweshwar. This really excited me so I read more about it and to my surprise most of the reviews were quite impressive. It is when I decided, Scuba it is. So I contacted one of the Scuba organizers there called Netrani Adventures for more details. They said it was Rs 5000/head for a 30 mins dive. Pretty reasonable. Still I had double thoughts, should I go or not go. But after few days I made up my mind and paid the advance. 'Yaaay, Fahmida you're gonna SCUBA DIVE' My mind kept shouting. I couldn't repress my happiness! I had booked my dive for 9th of December domy next task was to book the to and fro buses. KSRTC is always my first preference especially Airavat (to sleep like a baby). I booked my tickets and I was all set. 7 days to goo. And the day has arrived. I packed my luggage with an extra pair of clothes, Gopro and all other essentials. It was a Saturday night and I knew it would be difficult to get cabs. My bus was at 9.30 from Majestic bus station. I stayed at Madiwala so I started booking cabs at 7.30 itself. After an hour and multiple cancellations I decided to take bus. And guess what, bus was dawdling. There was no one to blame except the Bangalore traffic. I started panicking as I was almost sure that I am gonna miss the bus. Just in a while driver called asking "Yellidhira madam? Bega banni" I had no other option left in front of me than to be patient and wait. And when I was 10 mins away, he called again saying that they left. I was literally in tears, all my dive dreams started fading away. I finally reached the terminal after so much of hustle and to my luck there was an NWRKTC ordinary bus to Bhatkal. Bhatkal is just 30 mins away from Murudeshwar with good connectivity so I decided to take that bus. Even though the journey wasn't so good, I managed to reach Murudeshwar well ahead of my reporting time. Yes, I am proud of myself ❤️ After having breakfast from a near by hotel I went to their office to report and complete the application. There were many others too who had come from different parts of South India. We were asked to change and get ready. We had to use the paid common washrooms there and it is a mess with a looot of devotees who came for the Shiva temple visit. We dropped off our luggage in their office and headed towards the beach. Netrani island is 1 hour boat ride away from Murudeshwar. We boarded and started moving. Even though they told you need not know how to swim I was a little scared. They gave a briefing on the basics, how to use each part, how to breath, how to clear water from the masks, and also they made us do it in the boat. The water started getting clearer as we went closer. After more than an hour, we reached Netrani. We are not supposed to enter the island but can sit in the boat or snorkel around. We were around 20 people in 2 boats. They started taking people on by one. Each one had an instructor to guide. I tried to build confidence and waited for my turn.

Fahmida Hassan

25 Followers

View Trip

After an hour or so, they asked me to come. I wore the oxygen tank, and other equipments. We were made to roll off backwards after sitting on the deck and I was super scared. That's how it should be it seems, it helps to keep our masks and regulators intact. I was finally ready. I sat there anxiously and there I go 3..2..1 BLUM! in to the water. I still remember the 360' flip. It was crazy! But then from there on, it was fun and I started enjoying every bit of it. I got a trainer and he asked me to simply move around and practice by dipping my face in the water and breath. He also taught me some underwater signals. When I became very comfortable in the water, he said we'll start the dive. So he slowly started deflating my lifejacket and we started sinking down. It was already so beautiful. All I could see was blue water with fishes around. As we went little more deeper, I started getting terrible ear ache because of the pressure difference. Tried equalizing and it didn't help so I asked him to take me up, so he inflated and booom, up we are. I felt better. Then again we went down. We went deeper and deeper and oh my god! What a world it is there underneath. Clear water with n number of coloured fishes, the quietude that prevailed within and how light we felt there. I wished if my life was this peaceful. I never felt thistranquilbefore. I can't just stop talking about how it was. Miraculous would be an understatement. After some exceptional time there and clicking pictures we came up. I snorkelled for sometime and went back to the boat. And when even everyone came back, we started our return journey back to Murudeshwar. We were all tired and there was nobody who didn't fall asleep. After reaching back, got changed and spent some time around near the beach and temple. Had dinner and by 7.30 I left for Bangalore with a feeling of accomplishment. Even though this may not be the perfect place to dive, but trust me it was worth it and I have always felt contented when I strike of the little dreams of mine. I will do this again, maybe somewhere else just to see how different the worlds underneath are.

Prasanna Reddy

View Trip

Netrani is a small island of India located in the Arabian Sea. It is off the coast of Karnataka situated approximately 10 nautical miles (19 km) from the temple town of Murudeshwara in Bhatkal Taluka. The island can be seen from the mainland over 15 km (9.3 miles) away and top view looks in heart shape 🔸Netrani is a coral island whose reefs teem with many varieties of butterfly fish, trigger fish, parrot fish, eel and shrimp. Divers have also reported seeing orcas and whale sharks around the island though when we were there no whales were spoted 🔸It has scuba diving facilities and is easily accessible from Bhatkal, Mangalore, Goa, Mumbai or Bangalore. There are dive shops at Murudeshwar and Goa which regularly organize trips to the island 🔸Diving is popular between october and may and is done from a boat anchored close to the island. 🔸It takes pretty good time to reach the Island(1 hour 45 minutes) so start early morning as by the time you finish dive and come back to murudeshwar it will be evening. 🔸Cost varies depends on the provider so do check before you start and the process, as I have done with @aqua_ride_murudeshwar 🔸You don't need to know swimming to do scuba if it's been taken care by the Dive master's. 🔸There is no time limit for snorkeling and spending in water or diving if you want to spend enough time. My Experience: Being a aquaphobic it was not easy to take that plunge into sea, it took time for me to gather that courage and i always wanted to over come the fear associated with water. And this time after gathering all that courage finally when I was able to see the life under water the words felt apart to explain and my soul remained calm and felt more alive after overcoming that greatest fear and seeing the world under water..🤿🏊🐠🐋🐟 This place is shown in the recent movie Gandhada Gudi and also one of the most suitable place for scuba, snorkeling and for the deep diving as well. One must visit this place in India 🇮🇳 #netraniisland #murdeshwara #scubadiving #gandhadagudi #arabiansea#karnataka#incrediblekarnataka #incredible#scubadivingindia#diving#scuba #lifeunderwater#divingphotography #karnatakatourism #karnata

Swetha Sharma

198 Followers

View Trip

We started our boat ride to Netrani organized by Dive Goa by signing disclaimers and participating in a group activity of keeping all diving equipment into the boat(very heavy equipment) with the help of organizers. Once we started the ride, we were instructed the Do's and Do not's, basic communication signs under water and usage of equipment.The instructors are environment-friendly folks and are strict about the garbage collection inside the boat and informed us not to throw anything into the sea even if it is biodegradable.The ride is of 21 km distance and reached island almost after an hour. I started off to dive in the first batch of 4 people each accompanied by one instructor. We have one instructor on board who helped us in wearing the heavy equipment and to dive into the sea backward. The adrenaline passed through my veins the moment I am being thrown into water backward, but it took an exact fraction of a second to hit back to the surface where the instructor is ready to hold. He took me a little far from the boat and asked me to look under the sea.The first glimpse made my nerves go mad that there is nothing under my feet and the water is so clean and bluish which made more scared. But the instructor is a guy with huge patience he allowed me to calm down my nerves and repeated the instructions on breathing and signals used for communication. I kept the oxygen pipe in my mouth held it tight with teeth and did my first dive. The feeling is incredible which cannot be put in words, the idea of me swimming alongside fish and the fish started to swim away when I stretched my hands, it's just amazing that one has to feel on their own. No monetary Hikes, no job promotions - nothing will give us the happiness or say bliss other than when we are in nature and with nature. I saw many kinds of fish, algae, oyster, and most of all the best experience. My entire dive completed in 50 mins with going until almost 7 to 8 meters.