Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands

Scuba diving is the greatest action on the Andaman & Nicobar Isles other than relaxing around and tasting the delicacy of seafood. The best year for Scuba diving in Andaman is from Nov to April. However, one can indulge in a diving experience all throughout the year. Scuba Diving in Andaman is open throughout the year so travellers coming to visit Andaman for Scuba Diving can visit Andaman round the year. This is one activity in Andaman, that is operational throughout the year. One can see the amazing sea life among the world of awesome water bodies, vibrant fish and awesome corals.
 

Price of Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands

Watch Video about Scuba Diving at Havelock Island

Age Restrictions: 12 Years To 50 Years
Medical restrictions are for people who have asthma, heart disease, BP, Pregnancy, and other conditions. Please consult your doctor before going Scuba Diving.

There are many experienced and certified instructors who can help the divers explore various dive sites in the Andaman archipelago. Most of the diving happens in North Bay Island, Port Blair and Havelock Island. Neil island has started picking up slowly. In addition, you have the opportunity to go scuba diving close to Barren Island, which is the only active volcano in India. It is necessary to have open-water certification in order to participate in advanced diving. The following is a list of the numerous types of diving experiences that visitors to Andaman Island can have.

Types of Scuba Diving in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

We will discuss the many sorts of scuba diving that are accessible in the Andaman Islands below. The following list describes all types of diving experiences, from novice to advanced.

Watch Video about Types of Scuba Diving at Havelock Island

1) Shore Diving For Beginners - Recommended For Non-Swimmers
 

This diving experience starts from the shore and is done both on North Bay Island and Havelock Island. The charges for this diving experience are comparatively lower than for other types of diving experiences.  This diving excursion primarily takes place at designated sites on Havelock Island and Port Blair, catering to novices who are participating in diving for the first time in the Andaman Islands.

Watch Video about Instructions of Scuba Diving at Andaman Island

Shore diving experience at Havelock Island.
 

A certified diver always accompanies you underwater for all diving experiences.

Book Shore Diving in Port Blair - North Bay Island
Book Shore Diving at Nemo Reef - Havelock Island
 

2) Boat Scuba Diving in Andaman - Can be done by Non-Swimmers
 

Now, this diving experience has become pretty famous in both Havelock and Neil Island. Boat Diving is only done at Havelock and Neil Island by only a handful of Diving institutes that are good and have the experience. This diving experience can again be done by both beginners who have little swimming experience and non-swimmers as well. In this diving experience, you are first given a brief training to get a know-how of the equipment. Post this you are taken on a boat to the diving site from where you backflip. Though this diving is a little costly, however, it is a real value for money.
 

Watch the Video about Boat Scuba Diving at Andaman Island

Boat Diving is the new trend and people just love the experience.
 

Below is a solo traveler going for her boat diving experience at Havelock Island
 

 
Book Boat Diving at Havelock Island
Book Boat Diving at Neil Island

3) Scuba Diving Courses in Andaman - Swimming Skills Mandatory

Those who have already done basic diving might want to look forward to opportunities where they can explore more diving sites across the globe. In such cases, you need to have a diving certificate from institutions that are recognized by PADI.  Andaman islands are pretty famous for diving courses and even advanced diving courses. These courses are a combination of both theoretical and practical classes. People who are looking to build a career around diving should take these courses in Andaman.

Book PADI Diving Open Water Course in Andaman - 4 Days
 

4) Open Water Diving Or Advanced Courses  - For Deep Diving
 

Once you have successfully completed the Open Water Course and have attained the certificate then you will be eligible to explore dive sites that are only open to certified divers. With this option, you can go deep-sea diving. When you get your certificate you are eligible to deep-sea dive at any part of India. You may also take up advanced courses from dive institutes to build a career around Scuba Diving. Andaman Islands is a great place to learn and explore diving. Many have been certified in the Andaman Islands and are diving across the globe.

Those who are looking for more advanced experience can indulge in the Advanced Open water course in the Andamans which gives you a certificate to dive freely up to a depth of 30 Metres. You can continue this course further indulge in Emergency First Responder and Later doing a Padi Rescue Diver course before you become a Dive Master.  A Dive Master is certified to assist any new diver when they dive into open water or when they are doing shore diving.
 

Scuba diving is not something that we encourage for people who have conditions such as high or low hypertension, pregnant women, heart patients, or anybody else who is following the advice of their regular doctor. Before going scuba diving, you might want to consult with your primary care physician.

Scuba Dive Sites in the Andaman Islands
 

For beginners & non-swimmers

Scuba diving in Andaman for beginners happens only at designated areas in Port Blair, Havelock and Neil Island. Diving in the Andaman Islands happens at different reefs. For beginners, Scuba diving happens at designated areas in Andaman. At North Bay Island you are allowed to dive only at the site which is very close to the beach.

At Havelock Island - The dive site is Nemo reef - This is the place where all diving is conducted. You are not allowed to go to other dive sites as beginners don't have the necessary experience to dive at advanced diving sites. There is a popular misconception that diving happens at Elephant beach in Havelock Island, however, please note that beginners are not allowed to any dive sites near Elephant beach. Elephant beach is famous for other water activities such as Sea Walking, Snorkeling, Parasailing, Glassbottom Boat Ride and Jet Ski Ride. However, Scuba Diving does not takes place here. You will be taken around Nemo reef only for the diving experience.

At Neil Island - The dive site is near Bharatpur beach - This is the only place you can do diving at Neil Island in a boat.
 

For Certified Divers

Now the below dive sites may change based upon season and the marine life. There is no hard and fast rule that you will be diving at the same place. Among the various dive sites in Andaman the most popular ones are around Havelock Island.

Some of the major sites for certified divers are

New Barracuda City / Depth 25-30m 
Junction / Depth 25-35m / Advanced
Jackson Bar / Depth 25-30m / Advanced
Johnny's Gorge / Depth 25-30m / Advanced - Most Recommended
Minerva’s Delight / Depth 12-17m / Intermediate/Advanced
Staghorn Park / Steven's Ledge / Depth: 12-15m 
South Button / Depth: 6-30m / Intermediate/Advanced

Major Dive Sites are Neil Island are 

Junction / Depth 25-30m
K Rock / Depth 12-19m
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q) How many days are required to Do Scuba Diving in Andaman?

A) Now, if you are a beginner and want to experience diving for fun then half a day is enough to complete your diving. Make sure your slot is booked in advance. The above diving programs for Non-Swimmers or Beginners will be completed in half a day. However, if you are looking into going for advanced courses then a minimum of 4 days to 30 days may be required just to complete the course.

Q) What is Included in Our Diving Program?

A) All of your scuba diving equipment, instruction, a guide, photographs, and movies are typically included in your package.

Q) What quality standards are maintained?

A) Andaman Island follows all professional standards of PADI schools. Strict protocols are in place for diving experience and safety is of prime importance.

Q) Who accompanies us underwater?

A) A Dive Master accompanies you underwater.

Q) What if I am coming with Kids, how do I dive?

A) If you are joined by children, it will be necessary to alternate turns during the diving activity. If there is available room, the child may join the boat during boat diving.

Q) What is the minimum age group for Scuba Diving in Andaman?

A) The minimum age group is 10 years, while the maximum age is 50 years.

Q) What time should I report to the Dive Centre?

A) The usual reporting time is from 8 AM - 10 AM

Q) What is the reporting time for advanced diving courses at Havelock Island?

A) For advanced diving courses you can come in the morning and report to the dive centre. The centre will then give you the complete program about how the 4 days course will work out.