Scuba Diving in Andamans: Best Time, Dive Sites, Cost- Ngtraveller

The crystal clear waters of Andaman Island are home to incredible marine life and state-of-the-art equipment and experiences. Over the years, diving in the Andaman Islands has seen an influx of tourists from different parts of the world, and this tradition never fails to offer nothing less than an incredible experience. Indonesia, Micronesia and the Cayman Islands are some of the internationally acclaimed dive sites, however it is a bit heavy on the pocket as diving in the Andaman is a more preferred option. Here are more ideas on the same.

According to Barefoot Scuba Divemaster program manager Steve Barreto, there are 25 dive sites within Havelock. He note that non-certified divers can only climb up to 12 meters in Andaman and must be accompanied by a certified diver.

Scuba Diving in Havelock Islands

Havelock Island is the most perfect place in South Andaman where you can dive. You can get there from Port Blair on the catamaran ferry that takes 90 minutes, or also on the government ferries that take 2.5 hours.

Dive Fee: Diving starts from 1500 for a beach dive and a one-day PADI course costs around INR 4500 (you can dive once on the course and do the remaining course of 3 other dives anywhere in 1 year to complete the certificate)
Boat Fee: If they take you on a dive boat, it will cost around INR 5500|

Night Diving at Lighthouse

Night diving at Lighthouse is known as one of the most exciting experiences in Andaman. Although they are known for diving by PADI / SSI certified divers, they are ideal for everyone. Among the various underwater creatures that you can find, the most popular are the humpback parrotfish, lobsters, lionfish, octopus, feeder, and others.

Easy Peasy at Aquarium

The aquarium is a shallow, low-current place that is mostly found scattered around hard corals. Often frequented by beginners, the place is equally popular.

Spot the Dugongs at Mac Point

Dugong is an underwater animal found mainly in Australia and East America. But you can see this rare creature here in Andaman at Mac Point.

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Swim with the Sea Turtles at Barracuda City

Barracuda is one of the most unexplored dive sites in Andaman. Here you can observe sea turtles and swim among colorful coral reefs and vibrant fish. Some common creatures include blue rays, coral fish, surgeonfish, and more.

Dive up to the Staghorn Corals at Seduction Point

Seduction Point is one of the most famous dive spots in Andaman. It is basically a huge rock that has many sea creatures and corals attached to it. Many people come here to see this rock.

Scuba Diving in Neil Island

Neil Island is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in Andaman. The small island can be fully explored on a two-hour walk along the coast. In addition to the abundant natural beauty of the land, it also boasts a thriving underwater marine life. Neil's Island is famous for the discovery of the dugong. You can get there by boat first thing in the morning from Port Blair. Among the top organizers in India are Scuba Explorers.

Enjoy the underwater vibrance at Margherita’s Mischief

Ironically, Margherita's Mischief is one of the quietest places to dive on Neil Island with a gentle, gentle current. With crystal clear water, the most common creatures here are batfish, puffer fish, blue rays, yellow snappers, angelfish, soldier fish, and more.

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Explore the Volcanic Rock at K Rock

Contrary to its name, K Rock is also one of the current and safe places to snorkel. Volcanic rocks are found at the bottom of the sea and the most common fish to be found here are butterfly fish, snapper, soldier fish, sweet lips, and others.

Sloping Seabed at Bus Stop

Located at the western end of the Neal Islands, Bus Stop has some of the best and most diverse underwater animals. Its bottom is sandy and dotted with small coral reefs.

Get Adventurous at Junction

The Junction is located at the crossroads between Neil Island and Havelock Island and is known for being an adventurous dive spot. It is especially visited by experts, the common fish that can be observed here include marlin, lionfish, reef sharks, horse mackerel and barracudas, etc.

Scuba Diving in Port Blair

Port Blair is the most convenient and popular dive spot in Andaman as most tourists tend to stay here and the airport is also located here. Famous organizers include Dive Manta, Sinclairs Bayview Hotel, etc.

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a unique national park where you can try scuba diving. Here you can find beautiful bright corals and flowers that are not ordinary fish. Another little one is Jolly Buoy, which is also located within the park's facilities. In case you don't feel like diving, you can also enjoy a glass bottom boat ride here.

Other Spots

There are also other spots scattered here and there where you can try scuba diving. Have a look:

North Island, Cinque Island

Cinque Island is the most desirable place in Andaman, which can only be visited by charter boats. Besides corals and fish, you can also find various sponges here. So what? You can also find sharks and black corals here.

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Bala Reef, Little Andaman

A spectacle of color and vibrant marine life, Bala Reef is a popular dive spot located in Little Andaman. Here you can discover various corals and other fascinating creatures. You can get here by ferries from Phoenix Bay and Haddo Wharf in Port Blair.

Corruption Rock

Corruption Point has a large number of canyons, canyons, channels, ridges, fish and reefs, Corruption Point is located on the island of Rutland and Chidiya Tapu. Here you can also see dolphins, tuna and shipwrecks.

Cost of Scuba Diving in Andaman

Havelock Island - Dive starts at 1500 for shore diving and the one-day PADI course costs around INR 4500 (you can dive once on the course and do the remaining 3 more dives course anywhere in 1 year for complete the certificate)
If they take you on a dive boat it will cost around INR 5500
Neil Island: Known for its opportunities to discover (Dugong)
North Bay: Diving in North Bay costs around INR 4000
(Diving does not occur on Ross Island)

Diving at Andamans for non-certified amateurs starts at INR 1500 per dive. Snorkeling at Havelock Beach around Nemo Reef is the most popular. You can also choose the Discover Scuba dive, which earns you certification and counts as your first dive if you plan to earn a PADI certification next year.

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It takes 4-5 successful open dives to get certified and the estimated costs range from INR 18,000 - INR 28,000. For those who want to have their own diving equipment, they will get over 70,000 INR which includes BCD, dive computer and dive regulator; The quality of the organizer guarantees a safe and unforgettable memory. Other accessories include wetsuits, watches, dive bags, mask, snorkel, and fins.

Best Dive Schools in Andamans

Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), National Association of Diving Instructors (NAUI), British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC), Scuba Schools International (SSI) are some of the internationally renowned diving institutions. Their certifications vary according to the level of difficulty: Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Scuba Master Diver, Def Master, Adaptive Support Diver, Adventure Diver. SSI and PADI are recognized dive schools in Andaman. Most of them are on Havelock Island. Smaller dive schools teach shallow dives that are ideal for beginning divers.