KOCHI: Being a popular and noted tourist destination, Kovalam is now a haven for all kinds of tourists coming to God’s Own Country. A must in the itinerary for hordes of tourists with its sunny beaches and luxury resorts, the beach town will now be known for providing visitors with a first-of-its-kind underwater experience in India, thanks to a joint venture of the Tourism Department and Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society.
Say hello to Bond safari, a company dealing with aquatic adventure sports, which has come up with a unique experience for those looking for an underwater ‘ride’. For an adventure junkie, getting to explore the depths of the sea, navigating mostly on their own through underwater caves and sea anemones, can be nothing short of a thrilling encounter.
The ‘underwater safari’ witnesses the usual elaborate scuba diving gear being replaced by an underwater eco-friendly ‘scooter’. Making use of technology imported directly from Majorca in Spain, BOND, which stands for Breathing Observatory Nautical Device’, is a self-propelled aquatic vehicle lets the rider be in control, allowing him to navigate his way around, tethered to a buoy. “You can either call it an underwater ‘scooter’ or just a mini submarine. The person will be riding the submarine, wearing a protective head gear which allows him/her to breathe freely, with a dive master and a guide to assist him nearby”, says Jackson Peter, the managing partner of the company. After a training session, during which the ‘rider’ is instructed on the rules and regulations, a boat carrying a set of divers including the ‘rider’ heads towards the main diving site from the Vizhinjam harbour. At the destination, the vehicle, with the person seated within, is lowered slowly into the water with the help of a crane. “Once underwater, the safari can extend from anytime between 15-20 minutes, depending upon the comfort level of the person,” adds Jackson.
The underwater ride give tourists an opportunity to chase schools of fish, exploring colourful corals and sea anemones.
According to Jackson, the venture aims to create awareness among public on the beauty of the underwater world. He adds,”When people think about the sea, the only thing which pops into their mind is fish. But it is not so. The ocean is another world in itself, which includes mountains, caves, plants and different types of animals.”
Winding up, Jackson feels that underwater adventure sports is practically nil in the state. He adds, “When diving lessons are given, it is usually as part of professional training. Bond Safari is undoubtedly the first venture here which gives a commercial diving experience. Even those who haven’t learnt swimming can be a part in this.”
So next time you visit the beach town, be sure to try out this unique aquatic experience. With its promises of offering an adventurous ride underwater, the encounter won’t be a disappointment for those looking for that adrenaline rush. For more details, contact 996550073.
By The New Indian Express
