Description

Scuba Diving in Andaman

Everything you need to know

‍

The best places to Scuba Dive in Andaman:

Although there are 10 beautiful islands with more than 40 places to dive in Andaman, the perfect diving experience depends greatly on several factors including:

• Water Depth
• Clarity of water
• Safety
• Population of Corals
• Fish Population
• Water Current
• Weather

Scuba Diving During Rain in Andaman

Choosing a place to dive by considering these factors can be difficult and therefore we have compiled a list of best places for Scuba Diving in Andaman.

Here are the top 4 islands for a perfect diving experience in Andaman:

1. Havelock Island
2. North Bay Island
3. Neil Island
4. Port Blair

‍1. Diving in Havelock Island:

Nemo Reef in Havelock marks every point on the list for a perfect diving experience and is the best place to dive in Andaman for both new and experienced divers.

The rich marine life and abundant coral population near the place offers an engaging experience, second to none. The divers are often enclosed with vibrant fishes and sea dwellers throughout the dive. The perfect blend of clear waters and low water currents makes sure your dive is stress-free and safe.

The beach can be reached by road and has an extensive number of experienced PADI certified scuba providers. The abundance of providers gives you a lot of choices so you can compare and get the best package for yourself.

‍

‍

The best thing is, every trip and package includes a visit to Havelock Island, so you don't have to worry about additional travel expenses and time.

Elephant Beach on the other hand is great for other water sports, except for Scuba. The beach can be easily reached by a boat.

Top Places to Dive in Havelock Island:

There are total 9 great locations where you can dive in Havelock based on the type of experience you are looking for.

1. Barracuda City:

Barracuda City is simply the best spot for diving in Andaman for newbies. Long strips of coral belts with the perfect blend of both hard and soft coral population separates it from other locations. The rich ecosystem provides tons of radiant fishes of all species and colors and most of the time, wandering sea turtles can be easily spotted near the corals. Overall the perfect place to dive for a completely unique and memorable experience.

2. Seduction Point:

This hilly underwater world is best known for a huge underwater rock surrounded by wide variety of marine life. The water is shallow and has a dense population of hard staghorn corals and large number of it's inhabitants including Napoleons, which makes this spot very unique and perfect for people looking to see something new.

3. Aquarium:

Aquarium is a little offshore at a distance of 3 Kms from the Elephant Beach and has a lot in store for inexperienced divers. The fringing reefs here are crowded with large groups of colorful fishes. The corals are hard and the water visibility is perfect for a clear view of the marine life.

4. Turtle Bay:

As the name suggests, Turtle Bay has an abundance of sea turtles, and a decent amount of coral population and Rays, which can be spotted in the sand below, which is perfect for people who'd like to see them in their natural habitat. The dive site is decent for inexperienced divers as the depth doesn't exceed 14 meters. Overall, it offers a decent diving experience.

5. Mac Point:

This place can be reached by boat and is abundant with hard corals and small groups of fish. The capital animal of Andaman- Dugong, also known as sea-cow can be easily sighted here.

6. Lighthouse:

Located near the shallow waters, the lighthouse boasts the perfect balance of beautiful fish and soft & hard corals. The water is shallow and grows deeper as you move away from the shore. The clarity of water is great which allows you to dive at night too.

7. The Wall:

The Wall is an enormous underwater rock that drops down to 56 meters and allows for a very unique view of the underwater world. Covered with soft corals and a highly abundant marine life, the wall is a great place to dive if you are looking for an extraordinary diving experience in Andaman.

8. Pilot Reef:

Pilot Reef is a long strip of underwater canyon, almost 24 meters deep, which is filled with a decent amount of hard corals inhabited by some unique fishes, including, Leopard and Whitenip Sharks among others. This place is only recommended for experienced divers.

9. Minvera Lidge:

Minvera Bridge can be easily defined as a big block of hard corals in clear waters, with an average amount of sea dwellers, including Sharks. While it is only recommended for experienced divers, the site does offer a pretty unique view of the underwater kingdom and the thrill that comes with it.

Other Scuba Diving Sites in Havelock Island:

• Jonnys Geroge
• Whitehouse Rock
• Dicksons  Pinnacle
• Jacksons Bar
• Broken Ledge
• S.S. Inchkett
• M4
• Red Pillar
• The Slope
• MV Mars
• Purple Haze

‍

2. Diving in North Bay Island:

North Bay is a tiny island located near Ross Island, and is the second best place to dive in Andaman. The island's shoreline offers crystal clear, blue waters throughout and has a rich population of corals that presents a beautiful diving experience.

The diving prices here are low compared to any other place in Andaman but the boat and transportation costs may pile up, so it's better to pre-book and plan forward.

The island is so small that there is no place for additional sightseeing and exploration, so it's best for people looking for a special diving tour and don't mind spending a complete day for the experience.

‍

3. Diving in Neil Island:

Neil Island is best known for exemplary hotels and resorts, however, it also offers one of the best places for an underwater dive.

Although the water here is not crystal clear, it does offer a fine underwater experience thanks to the preserved marine life and alive corals around the shoreline and; beyond. The water currents are medium and the depth is perfectly safe for an optimal underwater adventure.

One thing to note is- due to low competition and less number of tourists the prices for diving in Neil can be a little high compared to others. We do recommend diving in Neil if you are unable to visit the above two places.Dive Sites in Neil Island:

• Busy Burro
• Rocky's
• Margerita
• Junction
• Manta Point/Robin's Bay
• Nursery/ One Bottle
• Bus Stop
• Aquarium/ Neil Garden
• Lighthouse

4. Diving in Port Blair:

Port Blair, the capital city of Andamans also offers a fairly decent place to dive. The Carbyn's Cove Beach located at 12 km from the Airport, offers a great place for underwater fun and adventure.

The live corals near the snake island (no snakes here) are well preserved and abundant and the water is clear enough for a fine view of the underwater world.

The marine life is a bit low when compared to other spots on the list but you won't be able to tell difference once you experience it.

Although not the cheapest, the prices for a complete diving experience is fairly low and there are no additional transportation and boat costs, so it's best for families on a budget trip to the isles.

Other great places to dive in Port Blair:

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park.

• Corruption Rock

• Rutland Island

• Snake Island

Port Blair, the capital city of Andamans also offers a fairly decent place to dive. The Carbyn's Cove Beach located at 12 km from the Airport, offers a great place for underwater fun and adventure.

The live corals near the snake island (no snakes here) are well preserved and abundant and the water is clear enough for a fine view of the underwater world.

The marine life is a bit low when compared to other spots on the list but you won't be able to tell difference once you experience it.