Andaman And Nicobar Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is fast becoming common in several countries worldwide, and they are also the most visited spots for tourists around the world. What makes Andaman and Nicobar scuba diving unique is its relatively unexplored underwater world which hosts several harmless creatures that humans can view at close quarters. Andaman and Nicobar consist of 572 islands belonging to the Indian union, of which only 38 are inhabited. Amongst these, some islands are fast getting popularity due to their hitherto unseen natural beauties and stunningly beautiful beaches.
You might wonder about other great beaches worldwide full of tourists, but when it comes to unexplored and pristine clear water, the Andaman and Nicobar islands are among the best. The water, to the most extent, is crystal clear and you will never miss viewing myriads of colorful marine creatures during your Andaman and Nicobar scuba diving moments. In addition to this, you find perhaps one of the densest ecosystems consisting of coral reefs, new kinds of marine lives, and mesmerizing sloping reefs, sandy bottoms, steep walls, and gorgeous pinnacles when you dive here.
Discovering The Undiscovered Hidden Mysteries in Andaman And Nicobar Scuba Diving
You get to discover some of the unknown mysteries of the underwater world as only in recent times has tourism been encouraged in such a big way. If you are among the few to explore the underwater world, then you can find something or the other unique to tell your friends. The island’s tourism authorities have been encouraging Andaman Nicobar scuba diving to make it among the hot tourist spot of the world.
If you are above ten years, you can experience Andaman and Nicobar scuba diving by getting trained from PADI experts. There is a wide range of courses lasting from fifteen minutes to several days. Those with sufficient swimming experience can take a class, and the charges range between INR 6000 to INR 40000. The course charges depend upon the course duration and the type of certification you may need. Although you can scuba dive even if you are a non-swimmer yet experienced, it is better to be a good swimmer before scuba diving.
You may contact the training centres to get briefed about Andaman Nicobar Scuba Diving from trained PADI instructors and get permission. You may dive after travelling in a boat to deep waters or right near the shore as per your preferences. It is noteworthy that all kinds of diving occur as per the Andaman policies on the islands.
Best Time for Scuba Diving
As you may be aware, scuba diving is a heavily weather-dependent activity. Although there is clear weather in and around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the best time to visit them is between October and May. It is generally found that the weather during this time of the year and the tide are pretty predictable. However, the monsoon is not an appropriate time to visit the Andaman and Nicobar scuba diving islands. It can be risky because the islands’ authorities may ban such activities. Again, scuba diving may get cancelled if there is a sudden unforeseen change in weather conditions.
Instead of allowing the weather to be a spoilsport, you can follow the weather forecasts in and around the island from online newspapers and weather satellite reports. In addition, you can get picked from the hotel you are staying in as complimentary transport during reasonably good weather.
Another noteworthy point is that it is only in good weather conditions that you find the maximum number of marine creatures like-coloured fishes, octopuses, Lobsters, Lionfish, and Fusiliers. Therefore, when you see clear, undisturbed water during good weather, your whole family can enjoy Andaman Nicobar scuba diving experience and take numerous photographs.
Best Scuba Diving Spots in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Since only 28 islands are inhabited, larger parts of the Andaman and Nicobar islands are covered with thick forests and a wide range of flora and fauna. However, only a few spots have excellent Andaman and Nicobar scuba diving opportunities for tourists: Havelock Island, North Bay Island, Neil Island, and Port Blair. Barren Island is a good spot yet out of reach for tourists as it has an active volcano. There are around 9 great locations or tourist spots to visit in and around Havelock Island.
Havelock Island
Among the top spot for scuba diving enthusiasts is Havelock Island. It is home for both new and highly experienced divers for its water is passive and offers a unique underwater view. Throughout your drive, you can experience several marine creatures, coral reefs, and submerged vegetation at close quarters. Due to low water currents, you will also find your dive very smooth and stress-free. In addition, you will find that all package tours consist of a trip to Havelock Island so that you will never miss it.
North Bay Island
Another great Andaman and Nicobar scuba diving spots are in North Bay Island. It is a tiny island and is regarded as the second-best place for diving in the whole of Andaman. However, there is not much scope for exploring and sightseeing as the island size is limited. It may also result in your Andaman scuba diving cost going up considerably.
Neil Island
The Neil Island is another best spot for Andaman diving experience. The water here is not as crystal clear, although you get to know numerous marine creatures. This spot is best for good swimmers and beginners who may avoid it for other tourist attractions to see. It includes the Lighthouse, Nursery, Aquarium or Neil’s Garden, Robin’s Bay, etc.
Port Blair
Port Blair is the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and you get good Andaman scuba diving spots here. It is also the city where you get connected with airways, so you have to reach here one way or another. However, there is fever marine life here. Yet, you get clear water, and Carbyn’s Cove, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Snake Island, etc., are pretty wonderful places for Andaman Nicobar islands scuba diving adventure.
Havelock Island
Among the top spot for scuba diving enthusiasts is Havelock Island. It is home for both new and highly experienced divers for its water is passive and offers a unique underwater view. Throughout your drive, you can experience several marine creatures, coral reefs, and submerged vegetation at close quarters. Due to low water currents, you will also find your dive very smooth and stress-free. In addition, you will find that all package tours consist of a trip to Havelock Island so that you will never miss it.
North Bay Island
Another great Andaman and Nicobar scuba diving spots are in North Bay Island. It is a tiny island and is regarded as the second-best place for diving in the whole of Andaman. However, there is not much scope for exploring and sightseeing as the island size is limited. It may also result in your Andaman scuba diving cost going up considerably.
Neil Island
The Neil Island is another best spot for Andaman diving experience. The water here is not as crystal clear, although you get to know numerous marine creatures. This spot is best for good swimmers and beginners who may avoid it for other tourist attractions to see. It includes the Lighthouse, Nursery, Aquarium or Neil’s Garden, Robin’s Bay, etc.
Port Blair
Port Blair is the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and you get good Andaman and Nicobar scuba diving spots here. It is also the city where you get connected with airways, so you have to reach here one way or another. However, there is fever marine life here. Yet, you get clear water, and Carbyn’s Cove, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Snake Island, etc., are pretty wonderful places for Andaman Nicobar islands scuba diving adventure.
Andaman scuba divein packages
Shore DSD (5500₹)
Traveling to the middle of the sea for half an hour journey to explore marine life.
- Diving classroom training
- Underwater Training
- Practicing 6 Different Skills
- Shore Dive for 45 Minutes
Premium Shore DSD (7000₹)
To the magnificent jeep site, magical marine animals.
- Diving classroom training
- Underwater Training
- Practicing 6 Different Skills
- Shore Dive for 1 Hour
- 10 Meter underwater jeep site
Boat DSD (8000₹)
Traveling to the middle of the sea for half an hour journey to explore marine life.
- Diving classroom training
- Underwater Training
- Practicing 6 Different Skills
- Shore Dive for 1 hour 30 Minutes
- 30 minutes Boat journey
- Travel Middle of the Sea
Premium Boat DSD (10000₹)
Traveling for one hour to the most beautiful and peaceful place between corals and fish.
- Diving classroom training
- Underwater Training
- Practicing 6 Different Skills
- Shore Dive for 2 Hour
- 60 minutes Boat journey
- 15 Meters underwater jeep site
- Travel Middle of the Sea
- Dive between corals & fish
Scuba Diving Rules and Regulations
All tourists interested in Andaman and Nicobar scuba diving must confirm such activities from the authorities in advance. You have to pay in advance the full cost of the confirmation voucher. Although cancellation fees are as per rules, there is a refund and cancellation policy for tourists in an emergency.
Contact Our Scuba Diving Expert
ARWIN NOEL MONTEIRO (Scuba Diving Expert)