Beaches & Coastal Destinations

Marine Biodiversity and Scuba Diving:

The coastal waters off Pondicherry, while not boasting natural coral reefs directly off the main beaches, have developed artificial reefs that support diverse marine life.

• Artificial Reefs (e.g., Temple Reef): Created by local diving operators, these artificial reefs have successfully attracted a variety of marine species, including lionfish, jellyfish, moray eels, silver moony fish, and various nudibranchs.
• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Pondicherry has emerged as a growing hub for scuba diving, offering opportunities to explore these artificial reefs and witness marine life. This supports responsible marine tourism, often with an emphasis on preserving the underwater ecosystem.
• Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, and Turtles: While less common, these larger marine animals are occasionally spotted in deeper waters, particularly whale sharks during their season (end of January to April).