Minicoy Island

The southernmost atoll of India's Lakshadweep archipelago, Minicoy stands apart from the other islands — geographically closer to the Maldives than to mainland India, and ethnically distinct, with its own Mahl language and seafaring culture. The lagoon is shallow and turquoise; outside the reef the walls drop into open ocean where yellowfin tuna and reef sharks feed. Turtle nesting is active on the beaches, and the same turtles circle the coral heads underwater. Access requires an Indian government permit, which keeps diver numbers extremely low.