
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai
★★★★★
★ 8.3/10 (788 reviews)
less than 1 km away as the crow flies
Dive centre · Chennai · India
4.947 Google reviewsBuild a lasting diving passion through structured SSI training and organised expeditions to the Andamans and Pondicherry.
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Naik Scuba Academy was established in 2023 with a focus on moving beyond holiday diving to foster a genuine, long-term interest in the underwater world. Founded by Arunkumar Naik, the academy uses education as a foundation to help divers transition from curious beginners to skilled, confident explorers.
The centre operates primarily out of Chennai but organises expeditions to some of India's most significant diving regions. This includes the reefs of Pondicherry and the diverse marine environments of the Andaman Islands, such as Havelock, Neil Island, and Barren Island.
The academy is led by Arunkumar Naik, an instructor whose experience spans the Philippines, the Maldives, and India. This international background informs the academy's teaching style, which prioritises skill development and a strong sense of community among its divers.
As an SSI affiliated centre, the academy provides a structured pathway for progression. Instruction is delivered in English, ensuring clear communication for international divers and local students alike.
Naik Scuba Academy provides a complete range of SSI courses. Beginners can start with the Try Scuba pool sessions or the full Open Water Diver course. For those looking to progress, the academy offers the Advanced Adventurer programme and various specialties including Perfect Buoyancy, Deep Diving, and Enriched Air Nitrox.
More advanced divers can refine their skills through the Science of Diving, Night & Limited Visibility, and Search & Recovery courses. The academy also provides essential safety training such as Diver Stress & Rescue and the React Right programme.
The academy offers full equipment hire for those not travelling with their own kit. This includes essential items such as regulators, BCDs, wetsuits, fins, and masks.
For those looking to extend their time underwater or explore after dark, torches are available for hire. The centre is equipped to support divers throughout their training and fun dive expeditions.
Pondicherry offers exploration of the waters located about an hour from the shore, with depths reaching up to 18 metres, making it accessible for Open Water Diver level divers.
Johnny's Gorge is a site designated for advanced divers, offering a different environment for those looking to test their skills.
Dickson's Pinnacle and Minerva's Ledge are also recognised as advanced sites, providing more challenging underwater topography for experienced divers.
Campbell Shoal provides a technical environment suitable for advanced divers looking to explore the Andaman region.
And some of the dive sites the centre runs.
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