Scuba Diving in Andaman & Nicobar Islands

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are known as India’s scuba diving capital because of their crystal-clear turquoise waters, untouched coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity. Whether you're a first-time diver or a certified pro, every dive here promises an unforgettable experience.

You can swim alongside Nemo, explore live coral gardens, and even see shipwrecks — each dive is a step into a magical aquatic world.

📍 Top Scuba Diving Locations in Andaman

1. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

• The most popular diving destination
• Lighthouse – Night diving available
• Aquarium – Calm and great for beginners
• Seduction Point – Rich in coral
• Barracuda City – Great for spotting marine life
• The Wall – Suitable for advanced divers

2. Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

• Peaceful and scenic
• Top sites include Junction, Bus Stop, and Margherita’s Mischief

3. North Bay Island (near Port Blair)

• Ideal for budget diving and beginners
• Easily accessible from Port Blair city

4. Cinque Island

• Remote and less crowded
• Excellent visibility and perfect for underwater photography

5. Barren Island

• India’s only active volcano dive site
• Remote and only for experienced divers

📅 Best Time for Scuba Diving

• October to May – Best Season (Calm sea, great visibility)
• June to September – Avoid (Monsoon season, rough seas)

🤿 Types of Scuba Diving (For All Levels)

• Try Dive
• No prior experience needed
• Short training with a 20–30 minute dive
• Price: ₹3,500 – ₹6,000
• Discover Scuba Diving (PADI Intro Dive)
• 30–40 minutes underwater
• Price: ₹5,500 – ₹7,500
• PADI Open Water Course
• Full certification in 4–5 days
• Price: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000
• Fun Dive (For Certified Divers)
• 1–2 dives per day
• Price: ₹3,000 – ₹4,500
• Night Dive
• For advanced divers, available at Lighthouse
• Price: ₹5,000 – ₹6,500

Note: Prices vary depending on the dive school and season.

🐠 Marine Life You’ll Encounter

• Clownfish (Nemo)
• Sea turtles
• Parrotfish
• Moray eels
• Lionfish
• Stingrays
• Butterflyfish
• Coral gardens (soft & hard)
• Harmless reef sharks
• Barracudas

🎓 Certifications (Optional but Recommended)

• PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructors
• SSI – Scuba Schools International

Popular Courses:

• Open Water Diver
• Advanced Open Water Diver
• Rescue Diver
• Divemaster

These certifications are globally valid, so you can continue your scuba diving education anywhere in the world.

🏫 Top PADI Dive Centers

• Barefoot Scuba (Havelock): Eco-friendly diving, PADI certified
• ScubaLov (Havelock & Neil): Fun dives, underwater photography
• Dive India (Havelock): PADI courses, night diving
• Ocean Tribe (Neil): Small groups, personal attention
• Blue Corals Dive (Havelock): Budget-friendly

💡 Travel Tips for Divers

• Avoid flying within 18 hours after diving to prevent decompression sickness
• Eat light meals before diving
• Carry a waterproof camera or rent a GoPro
• Book early during peak season (November to February)
• No alcohol or smoking before diving
• Always listen to your dive instructor – safety comes first

🧳 How to Reach

By Air:

• Fly to Port Blair from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai

By Sea:

• Passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata & Visakhapatnam (3–4 days, not ideal for tourists)

To Havelock/Neil:

• Regular ferries (government and private) available from Port Blair

📸 Underwater Photography

• Most dive packages include 3–5 underwater photos
• Extra charges (₹500–₹1000) for videos
• Confirm in advance – not all dive centers include it by default

❓ FAQs

• Do I need to know swimming?
  → No. Not required for Try Dive. You'll be assisted throughout the experience.
• Is it safe?
  → 100% safe with trained PADI instructors and high-quality equipment.
• Is it suitable for kids?
  → Yes, for children aged 10 and above. Parental consent is required.
• How long is the dive?
  → Usually 20–40 minutes underwater for first-timers.
• Can I scuba dive if I wear glasses?
  → Yes. Some dive centers offer prescription masks — inform them in advance.