Not everyone wants to scuba dive — and you don't have to, to visit Netrani Island. A boat-only trip from Murudeshwar gets you island views, surface snorkeling, and open-water time without needing a diving package.

Quick Facts What's Included in a Boat-Only Trip Boat Ride vs Scuba Diving Frequently Asked Questions
Coastal viewpoint near Murudeshwar looking out to an island offshore in the Arabian Sea
Netrani sits roughly 19–20 km off the Murudeshwar coast.

Quick Facts

  • Distance from Murudeshwar: ~19-20 km offshore
  • Boat ride time: 45-60 minutes each way
  • Good for: Non-swimmers, families, travelers who want to skip full scuba training
  • Season: October to May; closed during the monsoon (June-September)

What's Included in a Boat-Only Trip

View from the bow of a wooden boat heading across open water toward an island
45–60 minutes each way, with life jackets and surface time included.

A typical Netrani boat trip covers the return boat journey, life jackets, and time near the island for surface snorkeling or simply enjoying the open water and rock formations. It's priced separately from full scuba diving packages, which add equipment, a certified instructor, and an underwater dive.

Boat Ride vs Scuba Diving — Which One to Pick

Scuba diver beside a shoal of reef fish on a coral wall at Netrani Island
The reef you'd see on a dive — snorkelling covers the surface version of the same water.
Option Best for Swimming required
Boat ride + snorkeling Non-swimmers, families, short visits No
Beginner scuba (Discover Dive) First-time divers wanting to go underwater No — instructor-guided
Certified diver dive PADI/SSI certified divers Yes, certification required

If you decide you want to add scuba diving once you're there, see our full Murudeshwar scuba diving guide for prices and operator details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — boat-only trips are available for travelers who want snorkeling and island views without a full scuba diving package.

About 19-20 km off the coast, roughly a 45-60 minute boat ride each way depending on sea conditions.

Yes, the boat ride and surface snorkeling are suitable for non-swimmers with a life jacket. Only the scuba diving add-on needs a short instructor briefing.

Boat trips are typically suspended during the monsoon, roughly June to September, due to rough sea conditions.