Lakshadweep Diving Academy

Lakshadweep, India

The team at Lakshadweep Diving Academy feels like a well-kept secret, an off-the-beaten-path find that truly delivers. They’re PADI 5-star, running everything from intro dives to IDC, but what we really appreciate is their low-key, professional approach to diving some genuinely pristine reefs. This isn't a high-volume operation, which means the dive groups are small, personal, and tailored to the conditions and divers’ experience. We've often found ourselves on a boat with just a handful of divers, making for a much more relaxed experience than some of the busier hubs. What makes Lakshadweep Diving Academy special is their access to the Lakshadweep atolls. These are some of the least dived waters in India, meaning healthy corals and an abundance of reef fish that aren’t shy. We love the drift dives here, the feeling of soaring over vast coral plates with schools of fusiliers so thick they block the light, always keeping an eye out for patrolling reef sharks. Visibility is usually excellent, often pushing 30 metres, giving you that 'flying through space' sensation. If you’re looking for calm, uncrowded diving with a focus on good instruction and healthy reefs, then this is our pick. Just be prepared for the journey – getting to Lakshadweep is part of the adventure, and well worth the effort.