Do you an explorer want to go into the ocean’s depths? If so, then Andaman should be on the top of your scuba diving destination list. The Andaman Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, provide a captivating underwater environment full of lively coral reefs, a variety of marine life, and breathtaking views. It provides a fantastic scuba diving experience that draws divers from all over the world. The crystal-clear waters, abundant coral reefs, and diverse marine species make Andaman a dream destination for underwater explorers.
When it comes to scuba diving, the Andaman Islands provide a heaven for the divers. Even though November to April are the finest months for diving, you may enjoy this thrilling sport at any time to fully appreciate the beauty of the undersea world. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a beginner, Andaman has something to offer for everyone.
Shore Diving for Beginners: If you are new to diving or a non-swimmer, shore diving is the perfect choice to start your underwater exploration. This diving experience, recommended for beginners, takes place at North Bay Island and Havelock Island. Accompanied by certified divers, you can dive from the shore and discover the wonders of Andaman’s marine world.
Boat Scuba Diving: Boat diving has gained popularity among diving enthusiasts, and Havelock and Neil Islands offer incredible opportunities to embark on this adventure. Specially trained instructors and dive institutes on these islands provide a brief training session to familiarize you with the equipment before taking you to the diving site. Prepare yourself for a thrilling backflip into the waters and an unforgettable underwater journey.
Scuba Diving Courses: For those seeking to enhance their diving skills and explore the vast underwater realm, Andaman Islands offers a range of scuba diving courses. Institutions recognized by PADI/SSI provide theoretical and practical classes for beginners and advanced divers alike. These courses not only teach you the necessary abilities, but they also open the road for a prospective career in scuba diving.
Open Water Diving and Advanced Courses: As a qualified diver, you can dive into the depths of the sea after completing the Open Water Course and obtaining the required certification. With the freedom to explore dive sites exclusive to certified divers, you can indulge in deep-sea diving and expand your horizons. Advanced courses, such as the Advanced Open Water Course, Emergency First Responder, and PADI Rescue Diver, offer further avenues for skill development and specialization.
Havelock Island, renowned for its Nemo Reef, surpasses all expectations, making it the ultimate destination for both novice and experienced divers. The richness of marine life and abundance of corals create an engaging experience like no other. As you explore the waters, you’ll find yourself surrounded by vibrant fish and sea dwellers, ensuring an unforgettable encounter. The crystal-clear waters and gentle currents add to the stress-free and safe nature of your dive.
Getting to Havelock Island is convenient, with a well-connected road network and a plethora of experienced PADI-certified scuba providers. This wide selection of vendors allows you to compare and choose the best package tailored to your preferences. The added advantage is that every trip and package includes a visit to Havelock Island, eliminating additional travel expenses and saving you valuable time. If you’re looking for other water sports, Elephant Beach is a perfect choice, except for scuba diving, and it can be easily reached by boat.
Barracuda City: Ideal for newbies, this spot features long stretches of coral belts teeming with a variety of radiant fish species and wandering sea turtles.
Seduction Point: Explore an underwater world characterized by a large rock formation surrounded by diverse marine life, including Napoleon fish.
Aquarium: Just 3 km offshore from Elephant Beach, this dive site offers fringing reefs crowded with colorful fish and excellent water visibility.
Turtle Bay: Home to an abundance of sea turtles, this site offers glimpses of corals, rays, and other marine inhabitants in their natural habitat.
Mac Point: Accessible by boat, this spot features hard corals and small fish groups. Keep an eye out for the majestic Dugong, a symbol of Andaman.
Neil Island is another fantastic destination for scuba diving in Andaman. With its pristine coral reefs and diverse marine ecosystem, Neil Island offers an immersive underwater experience. The dive site near Bharatpur Beach is particularly recommended for its stunning coral formations and abundant marine life. Our professional dive instructors will ensure you have a safe and unforgettable diving experience at Neil Island. The water currents are moderate, and the depth is perfectly safe for an optimal underwater adventure. Please note that diving prices in Neil Island may be slightly higher due to lower competition and fewer tourists.
North Bay Island, located near Ross Island, is the second-best place to dive in Andaman. The diving prices here are relatively low compared to other places in Andaman. However, keep in mind that boat and transportation costs may add up, so it’s advisable to pre-book and plan ahead. Since the island is small, there is no additional sightseeing or exploration, making it ideal for those solely interested in a special diving tour. The water currents are moderate, and the depth is safe for an optimal underwater adventure.
Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman, also offers decent diving opportunities. Some great places to dive in Port Blair include:
Barren Island, the only active volcano in Asia, offers one of the most unique diving experiences in India. The surrounding waters are untouched and harbor a wide variety of fishes and sea dwellers. Diving near Barren Island provides the opportunity to see silver garden eels, dolphins, white-tip reef sharks, turtles, and, if you’re lucky, large manta rays spanning up to 6 meters. Schools of barracuda, travelly, dogtooth tuna, and other similar fishes can also be observed swimming among the vibrant reefs. Trips to Barren Island typically last 12 hours, starting at 3 AM, and include three dives at a cost of Rs. 22,000. It’s a great option for scuba enthusiasts seeking adventure during their trip.
The cost of scuba diving in Andaman varies depending on the location and the vendor you choose. Prices can be higher for locations that require boat transportation. Here are some indicative prices:
Scuba Diving Prices and Trips:
| Havelock Island | Seashore Dive at Nemo Reef, Beach No. 3 | ₹3,490/- |
| North Bay Island | Seashore Dive at North Bay Beach | ₹3,400/- |
| Port Blair | Boat Dive at Carbyn’s Cove Beach | ₹4,000/- |
| Havelock Island | Boat Dive | ₹6,400/- |
| Neil Island | Boat Dive | ₹3,490/- |
| Barren Island | Boat Dive near the Island | ₹22,700/- |
For those interested in becoming certified or professional divers, Andaman offers a wide variety of certifications and licenses from certified schools such as PADI and SSI. Beginners can take a Basic Open Water Course to obtain a diving card, allowing them to dive at basic dive sites worldwide. Advanced open water courses are available for those who want to further their skills and become emergency responders, rescue divers, and dive masters.
Please note that the age limit for scuba diving in Andaman is typically 10 to 60 years. Certain individuals, such as pregnant women, senior citizens above 60 years, those with heart conditions, breathing difficulties, or psychological conditions that may cause panic underwater, are not allowed to dive in the islands.
Determining the best diving or scuba vendor in Andaman depends on factors such as the experience of trainers and dive masters, diving charges, and proper permits to conduct scuba diving throughout the islands. It’s advisable to research and read reviews to find a reputable and reliable vendor for your scuba diving experience.
The best months for scuba diving in the Andaman Sea are from November to April, when the weather is ideal and visibility is at its highest. The temperature of the water is between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius at this time, making it suitable for divers. It is crucial to review the local weather forecast and adjust your travel plans.
Prem Nagar, Near Kali Mandir, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Andaman Island.
