Scuba Diving

The Andaman Islands are a haven for scuba diving enthusiasts, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an incredible diversity of marine life. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, the Andaman Sea provides some of the most stunning underwater experiences in the world. Discover the beauty beneath the surface and get up close with exotic fish, colorful corals, and even larger marine creatures like sea turtles and rays.

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:

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.

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

Now, this diving experience has gone 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, its a real value for money.

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 / SSI.  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.

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

Why Choose Scuba Diving in the Andaman Islands?

• Rich Marine Life: The Andaman Islands are home to a rich diversity of marine life, including over 1,000 species of fish, vibrant coral reefs, and unique underwater landscapes.
• Clear Waters & Ideal Conditions: The warm, clear waters of the Andaman Sea offer excellent visibility, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned divers. The calm currents and tropical climate ensure an enjoyable diving experience year-round.
• PADI-certified Instructors: Whether you're a first-time diver or looking to earn a certification, we offer professional PADI-certified instructors who will guide you safely through your diving adventure.
• Pristine Dive Sites: The Andaman Islands boast some of the best dive sites in the world, including Havelock, Neil, and North Andaman, known for their rich coral reefs, crystal-clear visibility, and unique underwater ecosystems.

FAQs on Scuba Diving in the Andaman Islands

Q: Do I need prior scuba diving experience to dive in the Andaman Islands?

A: No, prior experience is not required. We offer introductory dives for beginners, where you’ll receive a safety briefing and be guided by a professional instructor. For certified divers, we offer a variety of advanced dive sites to explore.

Q: What is included in a scuba diving package?

A: Our scuba diving packages typically include equipment rental (mask, fins, regulator, tank, etc.), a certified diving instructor, boat transportation to the dive site, safety briefings, and sometimes refreshments or snacks. Some packages also include PADI certification courses.

Q: Is scuba diving safe?

A: Yes, scuba diving is safe when conducted with proper training and under the supervision of certified instructors. We ensure all safety measures are followed, and we provide high-quality equipment for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Q: Can I get PADI certification during my visit?

A: Yes, we offer PADI Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certification courses. These courses are ideal for beginners looking to dive deeper into the sport or experienced divers looking to upgrade their skills.

Q: What should I bring for scuba diving?

A: You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. We provide all diving equipment, but you may also bring your own mask or other personal gear if you prefer.

Q: What is the best time to go scuba diving in the Andaman Islands?

A: The best time for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands is from October to May, when the weather is more stable and the visibility is at its best. However, diving is available year-round.

Q: How deep can I dive?

A: Depth limits depend on your experience and certification level. Introductory divers typically dive to a maximum of 12 meters, while advanced divers may go deeper, reaching depths of 30 meters or more.

Q: Is there an age limit for scuba diving?

A: Generally, the minimum age for scuba diving is 10 years old for introductory dives. For certification courses, the minimum age is usually 12 years. There is no maximum age limit, but participants must be in good health.

Q: What happens if I don't feel comfortable during the dive?

A: Your safety and comfort are our priority. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or need assistance, our experienced instructors will be there to support you. You can always stop the dive and return to the boat if needed.

Q: Do I need to book my scuba diving in the Andaman Islands in advance?

A: No, booking in advance is not necessary for the undersea walk as this activity is dependent on weather conditions. You can book this activity on the spot, and our team will be there to assist you with the booking process. Enjoy this unique and exciting experience with flexibility, perfect for families, couples, and adventurers of all ages!