Tarkarli
Tarkarli's shallow, gin-clear waters around the local sandbar (nicknamed 'Tsunami Island' because it temporarily disappeared during the 2004 tsunami) and the submerged rock gardens are perfect for snorkelling. The water visibility regularly exceeds 10 metres during winter, and you can snorkel directly from the beach without a boat. The variety of marine life visible in just 1–3 metres of water — from zebra fish and sea urchins to octopus and small reef sharks — is genuinely astonishing.
Wear water shoes — the rocky seabed is easy to slip on and the coral is delicate; fins help enormously with steering. Always snorkel with a local guide for safety.