Snorkeling in Murudeshwara
Just off the Western Coast of Karnataka, snorkeling in Murudeshwar can be a great experience if you visit the right destinations that contribute to making this activity experience of a lifetime! Known as Lord Shiva’s abode, the seaside town of Murudeshwara overlooks the infinite Arabian Sea.
Among the majestic Lord Shiva statue atop a hill, the coastal fort, the revered temple, the serene beach, and waterfalls, there’s no dearth of activities at this spiritual town. But a tourist favourite activity continues to be snorkeling in Murudeshwara especially at sites like the Netrani Island and Bhatkal Wreck.
Netrani Island with a panoramic view of the sea is a surreal location you’d want to plunge into, simply looking at the glistening waters. You swim deep down amidst exotic creatures and sea anemones. Bhatkal Wreck too is a simpler dive destination, but definitely worth a visit.
Apart from snorkeling, you can explore scuba diving, open sea diving and much more. The Murudeshwara Beach too is home to simple adventure sports like banana boat rides, speedboats and others that’ll let you ride the wave, if you aren’t a fan of spending time underwater. But if you’re a thalassophile, up for a real challenge, there’s nothing more satisfying than snorkeling in beautiful Murudeshwara.
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Which are the best places for Snorkeling in Murudeshwara?
Netrani Island:
Called the Pigeon Island, Netrani Island’s waters offer an unparalleled experience! Netrani lies a short distance from the Murudeshwara Beach and can be travelled to by boat. The abundant marine life, crystal clear waters, and vibrant aquatic plants make for an exemplary snorkeling and scuba diving session.
The depths range from 6 to 40 meters while the visibility extends from 15 to 30 metres, owing to the pure turquoise waters. On reaching the island you’re away from all the bustle of city life, and once you plunge into the waters it’s a whole new once-in-a-lifetime experience of hanging out with beautiful sea creatures.
To add a touch of beauty to a rather adventurous afternoon, Netrani Island doesn’t just boast of fish that inhabit its waters, but diverse aquatic life including Ridley Turtles, Great Barracuda, Cobia, Stingray, Stonefish, and other exemplary sea life, worth witnessing. snorkeling at Netrani Island can be explored with a short day trip that lasts two-three hours.
If you’re looking for an intense experience, you can opt for the PADI Course which includes scuba, deep-sea diving, snorkeling and more. Netrani is the best destination for snorkeling in Murudeshwara, no wonder the island is shaped like a heart because you’re sure to fall in love with it!
Bhatkal:
20 Minutes from Murudeshwar is Bhatkal, a small town in Karnataka which is home to a shipwreck, often referred to as the Bhatkal Wreck. The depth of Bhatkal’s waters is approximately 20 metres and even though there isn’t a lot of aquatic life inhabiting it, the untainted water here is absolutely mesmerising, making it an ideal location for snorkeling.
There are a host of courses offered at Bhatkal too, ranging from open water diving, scuba, snorkeling, and other advanced courses, which you can partake in if you’re visiting Murudeshwara for a good amount of time.
