Scuba Diving
Scuba diving in the Andaman Islands is a popular activity due to the region's clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning coral reefs. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your scuba diving adventure.
Best Time to Visit
- November to April: These months offer the best diving conditions with calm seas and excellent visibility.
- May to October: Monsoon season can bring rough seas and reduced visibility, but diving is still possible.
Top Dive Sites
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Havelock Island:
- Elephant Beach: Known for its shallow depths and clear waters, ideal for beginners.
- South Button: Famous for its rich coral gardens and diverse marine life, suitable for all levels.
- Dixon's Pinnacle: Advanced site featuring underwater pinnacles and large pelagic species like barracudas and trevallies.
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Neil Island:
- Junction: Notable for its varied coral formations and abundance of fish species.
- Bus Stop: A site with gradual slopes and sandy patches, ideal for spotting stingrays and macro life.
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North Bay Island:
- Coral Gardens: Known for its beautiful coral reefs and colorful fish, great for beginners and snorkelers.
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Barren Island:
- Barren Volcano: For the more adventurous, this site near an active volcano offers unique underwater landscapes and a chance to see manta rays and reef sharks.
Dive Operators
- Barefoot Scuba (Havelock Island): Renowned for its professional services and experienced instructors.
- Dive India (Havelock Island and Neil Island): Offers a range of courses from beginner to advanced.
- Andaman Bubbles (Havelock Island): Popular for its friendly staff and well-organized dive trips.
Marine Life
Expect to see a variety of marine life including:
- Coral Reefs: Hard and soft corals, sea fans, and sponges.
- Fish Species: Clownfish, parrotfish, lionfish, and groupers.
- Larger Species: Reef sharks, manta rays, barracudas, and trevallies.
- Macro Life: Nudibranchs, shrimps, and various small critters.
Dive Certification
- If you are not certified, you can take a PADI Open Water Diver course, which typically takes 3-4 days.
- Certified divers can opt for advanced courses or specialty dives such as night diving, deep diving, and wreck diving.
Tips for Divers
- Safety: Always dive within your limits and follow the guidance of your dive instructor.
- Equipment: Ensure your dive gear is in good condition. Most dive centers provide rental equipment.
- Conservation: Practice responsible diving. Avoid touching or disturbing marine life and corals.
Getting There
- Flights: The main gateway to the Andaman Islands is Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair.
- Ferries: Regular ferry services connect Port Blair with Havelock Island and Neil Island.
Accommodation
- Luxury: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Havelock Island), SeaShell (Havelock and Neil Island)
- Mid-Range: Symphony Palms Beach Resort (Havelock Island), Summer Sands Beach Resort (Neil Island)
- Budget: Emerald Gecko (Havelock Island), Coconhuts Beach Resort (Neil Island)
Scuba diving in the Andaman Islands offers an unforgettable experience with its pristine underwater world and rich biodiversity. Whether you are a novice or an experienced diver, the islands provide a variety of sites and services to cater to all levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands?
November to April: The best period for scuba diving, with calm seas, clear waters, and excellent visibility.
Which are the top scuba diving spots in the Andaman Islands?
- Havelock Island: Sites like Elephant Beach, Radhanagar Beach, and the Wall.
- Neil Island: Known for sites like Margherita’s Mischief, K Rock, and Bus Stop.
- North Bay Island: Offers accessible dive sites close to Port Blair.
- Barren Island: Famous for its volcanic underwater terrain.
- Cinque Island: Renowned for its clear waters and diverse marine life.
What are the requirements for a beginner wanting to try scuba diving?
- Minimum Age: Typically 10 years old.
- Health: Generally good health, with no serious medical conditions like heart problems or respiratory issues.
- Swimming Skills: Not necessary for introductory dives, but you should be comfortable in the water.
How do I get certified as a scuba diver in the Andaman Islands?
- Open Water Diver Course: Offered by many dive centers, typically a 3-4 day course.
- Advanced Open Water Diver Course: For those looking to advance their skills, usually a 2-3 day course.
What marine life can I expect to see while diving in the Andaman Islands?
- Marine Life: Includes coral reefs, reef fish (clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish), turtles, manta rays, and occasionally sharks and dolphins.
Which dive operators are recommended in the Andaman Islands?
- Barefoot Scuba: Located on Havelock Island, known for its professional staff and comprehensive diving courses.
- Dive India: Offers a range of courses and dive trips around Havelock and Neil Islands.
- Scuba Lov: Based in Havelock Island, they offer various dive packages and training programs.
- Andaman Bubbles: Another popular choice on Havelock Island, known for their friendly and experienced instructors.
What should I bring for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands?
- Essential Items: Swimsuit, sunscreen (reef-safe), towel, water bottle, and personal toiletries.
- Optional Items: Underwater camera, dive logbook, and any personal dive gear if you have it.
How much does scuba diving cost in the Andaman Islands?
- Introductory Dives: ₹3,500 - ₹6,000 per dive.
- Certified Dives: ₹2,500 - ₹4,000 per dive, depending on the number of dives and the operator.
- Certification Courses: Open Water Diver course costs around ₹25,000 - ₹35,000; Advanced Open Water course costs around ₹20,000 - ₹30,000.
Are there any safety concerns or regulations to be aware of?
- Safety Briefing: Always listen carefully to the pre-dive briefing provided by the instructors.
- Buddy System: Never dive alone; always dive with a buddy or instructor.
- Medical Clearance: Inform your dive operator of any medical conditions. A medical questionnaire or doctor’s clearance may be required.
- Regulations: Follow all local diving regulations and guidelines set by the dive center.
Can I combine scuba diving with other activities in the Andaman Islands?
- Yes: Many dive operators offer packages that include other activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and island tours.
What are the accommodation options near popular diving spots?
- Luxury: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Havelock Island), SeaShell (Havelock and Neil Island).
- Mid-Range: Symphony Palms Beach Resort (Havelock Island), Summer Sands Beach Resort (Neil Island).
- Budget: Emerald Gecko (Havelock Island), Coconhuts Beach Resort (Neil Island).
