Netrani Island (also called Pigeon Island) is the best diving and snorkelling destination on the Karnataka coast, about 19 km offshore from Murudeshwar. The coral reefs around the island have good visibility — typically 15 to 20 metres — and the marine life includes reef fish, eels, rays, and occasional whale sharks and orca. The island itself is uninhabited and steep-cliffed; visits are by boat and the diving is done from the water.
Dive operators in Murudeshwar offer day trips to Netrani, typically leaving in the morning and returning in the afternoon. The best conditions are from October to May; the monsoon from June to September makes the crossing rough and closes most operators. Snorkellers can join the same trips for shallower reef exploration. Booking through a reputable operator is important — certification requirements and equipment quality vary considerably.