India, Oct. 19 -- I have been scuba diving twice: once in Havelock, Andaman Islands, and once in Pondicherry. Both dives were guided for beginners, and while I am far from an expert, the experiences were unforgettable. Imagine being over 40 feet under water, the world above muted, and all you hear is your own breath. At Havelock, I swam among vibrant anemones and clownfish, and then, out of nowhere, an octopus appeared. My instructor later told me this was a rare occurrence, as they rarely come so close to shore. In Pondicherry, the seabed felt raw and unexplored, a quiet mystery that made me appreciate the ocean's depth and diversity.

Curious about the best places to dive in India and how to make the most of a first dive, I reached out ...