Atauro Island vs Lakshadweep — Dive Destination Comparison
Atauro Island (Timor-Leste) scores 67.8/100 vs Lakshadweep's 67.0/100 in OkToDive's 12-category rating. Choose Atauro Island for reef diving with 15–35m visibility. Choose Lakshadweep for reef diving at ~$70/dive.
Last updated: 2026-07-22
Side-by-side comparison
| Metric | Atauro Island | Lakshadweep |
|---|---|---|
| OkToDive Score | 67.8/100 | 67.0/100 |
| Country | Timor-Leste | India |
| Visibility | 15--35m | 15--35m |
| Water temp | 26--30 C | 26--30 C |
| Max depth | 40m | 35m |
| Current | moderate | moderate |
| Cost per 2-tank dive | $80 | $70 |
| Budget tier | mid range | budget |
| Best months | April, May, June | October, November, December |
| Dive types | reef, wall, drift | reef, wall, drift, atoll |
| Min certification | Open Water | Open Water |
| Key species | whale shark, dugong, manta ray | manta ray, reef shark, turtle |
| Google rating | 4.7 (55 reviews) | 4.5 (85 reviews) |
Which should you choose?
Choose Atauro Island when...
- + Marine life enthusiasts seeking whale shark encounters
- + Experienced drift divers comfortable in current
- + Groups seeking 15+ named dive sites in one area
Skip if
- - You don't have Advanced certification
- - You need shore access — this is boat-only
Choose Lakshadweep when...
- + Budget-conscious divers — avg $70/dive
- + Experienced drift divers comfortable in current
- + Groups seeking 18+ named dive sites in one area
Skip if
- - You don't have Advanced certification
- - You need shore access — this is boat-only
Bottom line
Atauro Island wins on overall score (67.8 vs 67.0), but the right choice depends on your priorities. Lakshadweep is more affordable ($70 vs $80/dive). Lakshadweep has better peak visibility (35m vs 35m).