Lak Scuba

Lakshadweep, India

The team at Lak Scuba are exactly who you want when diving in Lakshadweep. They’ve been here for years, and it shows in their calm confidence, knowing these reefs like the back of their hand. We love that they keep their groups small, making for a much more personal dive experience. Their primary operation is out of Kavaratti, but they run liveaboard trips too, which we think is the absolute best way to see the atoll’s outer reefs. Think about waking up to the smell of salt and coffee, then rolling into the water just as the sun hits the reef. On the Kavaratti house reef, you’re looking at a gentle slope, perfect for shaking off the dust, where we’ve often spent a whole dive just watching octopus hunt in the shallows. Further out, the pinnacle dives are our favourite, with barracuda schools that swirl so thick they momentarily block out the light. We've seen reef sharks cruise by, curious but keeping their distance. The currents can pick up, especially around the new moon, so be prepared for some drift diving – it’s exhilarating. Visibility often stretches to 30 metres, especially if you get in before the afternoon winds stir things up. It’s not the easiest place to get to, but Lak Scuba makes the journey worth every minute.