Joining the likes of scuba-diving and snorkelling, underwater sea walking lets you go on a stroll alongside stunning aquatic creatures. Relatively new to the world of water sports, we’ve rounded up a list of places that offer this unique experience. By Eshita Srinivas
The new way to explore the sea doesn’t need any bulky equipment, certifications, or swimming skills. Sea walking allows you to saunter on the seafloor while breathing as you normally do. All you need is a uniquely-designed helmet, a life jacket, and a penchant for adventure.
Often conducted from morning until noon, in low tide, sea walking takes place about 10 feet underwater. Participants head to a particular spot in the ocean and are taught basic signs of communication along the way. Professionals demonstrate how you can best equalise the pressure in your ears as well. Since there’s a helmet, those who wear glasses can keep them on. Supervisors wait at the bottom to guide adventurers through the tour, which usually lasts for an hour. Be sure to sign up for tours with professionals and avoid touching marine life or corals to protect them from damage. If you’d like to give it a go, head to these destinations around the world.
Head to these sea walking destinations for an adventurous summer
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
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Rich in marine biodiversity, the emerald waters of Andaman and Nicobar are popular amidst divers around the world. A host of other watersports, including snorkelling and sea walking, have grown in popularity in the region. It’s also the first to offer the experience in India.
In particular, Elephant beach and North Bay Island have sea walking opportunities, with zeba fish, clownfish, phantom bannerfish and more keeping you company. Walking amidst the corals and getting acquainted with life underwater is one of the most talked-about features of this experience. Ferries ply from Port Blair to North Bay Island every day and several tour operators offer this experience.
Best time to visit: October-May
Grand Baie, Mauritius
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Mauritius has long been a go-to for those who like vacationing by the ocean. With great all-year weather, historical UNESCO heritage sites, stunning volcanoes, and a host of water sports, there’s no dearth of things to explore in the country. Its coastline, sheltered by coral reefs, oversees the most pristine, sparkling blue waters, giving it the title of the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Naturally, sea walking here makes for a breathtaking experience.
Most sea walking tours occur from Grand Baie. Other popular destinations include Belle Mare beach, Trou aux Biches Beach and Ile aux Cerfs island. Keep your eyes peeled for the whitetail dascyllus or Poisson Demoiselle fish that often pop by to watch sea walkers go about their day.
Best time to visit: May-December
Pattaya, Thailand
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The land of smiles plays host to delicious foods, stunning temples, an array of cultural and historical sites, and some of the most tranquil beaches in the world. Over 4,000 species of fish and 700 species of corals call its water their home. Visitors can get acquainted with a few by signing up for sea walking.
The most popular destination for this activity in Thailand is Coral Islands, Pattaya. Known for its sandy beaches and seafood restaurants, the destination has several water sports on offer. Tour operators who regularly take visitors to and from Pattaya and Coral Islands, add sea walking to their itineraries. Besides seeing fish up close, visitors rave about the thrill of being up close to corals. There are several tour operators you can sign up for this activity with, while in Pattaya.
Best time to visit: November-April
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
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From thriving modern cities to quaint coastal towns, the diversity of Malaysia draws many to its borders every year. It is also a part of the Coral Triangle, which accounts for 75 percent of the world’s reefs and over 3,600 kilometres of it are found in the country, important ones being in the southeast, central, and northeast Sabah.
Sea walking is a part of the island-hopping itineraries in Malaysia, with many guided tours taking adventurers to Sabah Island in Kota Kinabalu. While underwater, you’re likely to spot popular clownfish, of the Finding Nemo fame, amidst sea anemones. Other places with the activity include Manukan Island.
Best time to visit: December-April
Bali, Indonesia
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Indonesia is known to have the most diverse set of islands, rich in culture and natural beauty. The tropical paradise, Bali, in particular, draws visitors with its verdant landscapes, stunning waterfalls, picturesque rice fields and secret canyons. Its marine biodiversity is also just as large and diverse, being home to frogfish, large sea horses, mantis shrimp and more.
Sanur Bali and Tanjung Benoa (Nusa Dua) are the most popular destinations in the region for sea walking, with the latter being easier on the pocket. You might even come face-to-face with surgeonfishes, starfishes, butterflyfishes, and other tropical marine life while here.
Best time to visit: April-October
Okinawa, Japan
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The land of the rising sun is believed to be one of the safest countries in the world. Its nightlife and bustling city culture meet centuries-old customs and historical landmarks, offering visitors an experience of a lifetime. An important pitstop for most, especially those who enjoy being in the water, is Okinawa. With a subtropical climate, unique island culture, mangrove forests, and white sands, the place is home to over 200 species of corals.
Diving and snorkelling are common tourist activities here. Of late, many have been opting for sea walking instead. Most tours occur at the Blue Cave, a semi-submerged cave affected by sunlight. Popular fish here are the bigscale soldierfish and Ryukyu sweepers.
Best time to visit: March-May, September-December
Boracay, Philippines
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Home to some of the world’s most diverse natural wonders such as underground rivers and rice terraces, the Philippines features prominently in most travel bucket lists. The country also has the second-largest coral reef in Southeast Asia. Diving and snorkelling are common here, as is sea walking.
Most sea walking activities occur at Boracay Island and the sport is popularly called helmet diving here. If you’re lucky, you might spot sea turtles, barracuda, and reef sharks while here. You could sign up for this independently, or add it to your list of activities when you go island hopping.
Best time to visit: November-April
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