Frequently Asked Questions

Unfortunately, unlike many dive sites at Havelock Island, Johnny’s Gorge can be accessed only by experienced divers who have advanced-level scuba certification. So, both beginners and, especially, people who cannot swim, cannot dive at Johnny’s Gorge. This is because the dive is very deep making it possible for only advanced divers to explore it. Also, the water current can vacillate between light and strong.

A dive at Johnny’s Gorge can go as deep as 34 metres. However, you cannot explore anything at 30 metres as there’s visibility only until 16 metres, although, you can still see things vaguely up to 30 metres.

Johnny’s Gorge is one of the most beautiful scuba diving spots on Havelock Island. The gorge attracts experienced scuba divers from across the world, who come here to challenge themselves to a deep dive. But the best part of Johnny’s Gorge is the white-tip shark. While, if you are lucky, you may be able to explore sharks at a few other diving sites at Havelock, it is in Johnny’s Gorge that they flock to in groups. You’ll be able to spot many white-tip sharks at the bottom gliding through the water or relaxing on the sandbanks.

If you ever wanted to swim with sharks, there’s no better place in India than Johnny’s Gorge. The diving spot boasts many white-tip reef sharks which you’ll find to be gliding alongside you or right in front of you. If you have the patients, you’ll also spot different types of rays swimming through the strong current. Much higher above, closer to the surface are the local barracudas, angelfish, tunas, fusiliers, snappers, longfin batfish, and clown triggerfish. You’ll also spot groups of sweetlips that deceptively look like snappers. Around you would be sponges that are said to be more than 1000 years old and vibrantly hued gorgonians and soft corals.

Johnny’s Gorge is located 18 km away from Havelock Island, so you’ll have to take a boat to the diving spot. Your diving centres will provide you with a boat ride as part of your scuba diving package. To dive at Johnny’s Gorge, you’d have to first reach Havelock Island. The only way to reach the island is by ferry via Port Blair. Havelock Island does not have a commercial airport, so you’d first have to take a flight to Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport. Thereafter, you can take a ferry from the government-run jetty at INR 300-500. Ferries from Port Blair usually go to Havelock twice a day – once in the morning and, again, in the afternoon. It may take you anything between 2-3 hours to reach Havelock.

Johnny’s Gorge is primarily meant for experienced divers who usually have to pay per dive. Usually, the diving centres charge scuba divers INR 5000-7000 per dive. The cost includes a boat ride and a guide who will be able to show the diver the marine ecosystem. There are also videos and photos included in the dive in case a scuba diver is interested. You might have to pay more or less per dive depending on what you want to add or remove from your package.

Yes, certain medical conditions may deter you from scuba diving at Havelock Island. One of the most important ones is a respiratory illness of any kind. You need strong respiratory organs to support your dive, especially, since you have to control the flow of your breath underwater. You should speak to your doctor and get a clearance before you go for your dive. Heart patients should also try to avoid scuba diving unless their doctor says that they can go ahead with the dive. Pregnant women are not allowed to dive as it may be risky for them.

Late October onwards is the best time to go to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for scuba diving. The good period lasts until the end of March when the weather is still dry and pleasant. Since Havelock Island is located in the tropics, from May onwards, the weather becomes very hot and humid. There are also many erratic and heavy spells of rain on the island that makes scuba diving and any other kind of water activity impossible. If you are a budget traveller, you may want to travel during the off-season; however, make sure that you check the forecast for the time of your visit. Nevertheless, since the island experiences erratic rains, your diving instructor may cancel your dive if the weather gets bad.

Havelock Island is full of diving spots. Since the discovery of the first diving spot at the Wall in 2004, divers have discovered innumerable spots on all sides of the island. If you want to challenge yourself, try Dixon’s Pinnacles, Jackson’s Bar, Minerva’s Ledge, the Wall, and Inchkeith Wreck. If you are a beginner to scuba diving, try the slope, White House Rock, Lighthouse, Seduction Point, Turtle Bay, Pilot Reef, and Aquarium. Many diving sites are accessible by both experienced as well as new divers; although, at different depths.

Johnny’s Gorge is located near Havelock Island, which is one of the most-visited islands in Andaman and Nicobar Island. Havelock is the best place to be if you want the perfect beach vacation. You can enjoy the white sands at Radhanagar beach, which is one of Asia’s best beaches. If you want some privacy, go to the Govindnagar beach. If you want to have fun, however, you must go to Elephant beach, where you can enjoy many different kinds of water sports.

Jackson’s Bar is one of the must-see diving spots at Havelock Island. Most divers who come to Havelock, make sure that they dive at Jackson’s bar along with Johnny’s Bar and even Dixon’s Pinnacles and the Wall. However, given its depth and strong currents, it is not suitable for beginners and, especially, people who do not know how to swim. However, if you have advanced-level scuba certification, Jackson’s Bar is a challenge you’ll love to take.

Jackson’s Bar is one of the most sought-after diving spots on Havelock Island. The diving spot is very famous among diving enthusiasts from across the world and is considered a part of the holy trinity of diving sites that also include Johnny’s Gorge and Dixon’s Pinnacles. The dive at Jackson’s Bar is deep and the current is strong at times making for a more challenging dive. However, it is this challenge that attracts divers from across the world to Jackson’s Bar. But the result of undertaking the challenge is awesome. The reef underwater is flat and rocky and forms the shape of a shelf. But the fantastic part is that reef beautifully slides down to a sandy area that is 30 metres deep under the sea.

Jackson’s Bar is located in the northeastern part of Havelock just about 19 km away from the island. The diving centre you book will offer a boat ride to the diving spot in its dive package. But to get to Jackson’s Bar you’d first have to travel to Havelock Island. Havelock does not have an airport of its own, so most people take a flight to the Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair. From Port Blair, you can take a public ferry to Havelock Island from the Phoenix Jetty. It will cost you just around INR 300 - 500 to book a ferry ticket. Most ferries leave the jetty either early morning or in the afternoon. Havelock Island is around 70 km away from Port Blair, so it might take you 2-3 hours for you to reach your destination. The view promises to be spectacular, so do not worry about how you will spend time on the ferry.

The only deterrent to scuba diving is bad weather, which could either be heavy spells of rain, storm, or any kind of ocean activity that triggers high tide. You can scuba dive when the water is calm even if the current is strong. This means that you can go for a dive any time of the year; however, most people avoid the monsoon season as there are frequent and heavy rains around this time. The best time then to scuba dive at Jackson’s Bar in Havelock Island would be from November to March. Many people also visit the island in October and even until April. You can, of course, visit Andamans even after April; however, you’d have to be ready to have your scuba and even travel plans cancelled any moment because of rain.

Since only experienced divers go to Jackson’s Bar, you may be charged around INR 4500-7000 per dive. Your dive will include an instructor who’s familiar with the topography of Jackson’s Bar, a boat ride, and even videos and photos of your dive if you want them to be included in your dive package. If you are looking for special scuba certifications, you may have to pay more depending on the number of days of your training and the number of dives you’ll take. Usually, the cost in such cases would be between INR 6500-20,000.

Scuba diving requires you to have a strong respiratory system. If you have a weak respiratory system, you may not be able to regulate your breath properly under the water, especially, at a place like Jackson’s Bar. It would be best for you to consult a doctor before you go for the dive. You should also consult a doctor if you have any heart ailments.

Jackson’s Bar is known for its view of large aquatic animals, most prominently, sting rays and sharks. You will mostly find sting rays floating above you as your dive down. Below, you’ll find many types of Barracudas, Tuna, Sweetlips, and large potato gliding in groups. The strong current and the massive slope also attract many fusiliers, snappers, and many types of reef fish. The flat reef that slopes down is home to many incredibly coloured soft corals and even sponges.

Jackson’s Bar is one of the deep diving sites on Havelock Island that is frequented by advanced scuba divers. The dive starts at 20 metres and go as far as 30 metres underwater which provides truly spectacular views of the underwater life. Most divers go to Jackson’s Bar to challenge their scuba diving skills.

Many diving spots surround Havelock Island. As a beginner, you can not able to dive at Jackson’s Bar, but there are plenty of other diving sites that you can explore. Some of the most popular diving spots for beginners are Aquarium, Lighthouse, Slope, White House Rock, Nemo reef, and Turtle Bay. Experienced divers can try Johnny’s Gorge, Dixon’s Pinnacles, the Wall, and Mac Point among others.

Havelock is a land of many beautiful beaches. They are also accessible from any place you are in at Havelock. Radhanagar beach is well-known as one of the top beaches in Asia. So, do not miss a chance to visit the beach when you are on Havelock Island. The Elephant and Govindnagar beaches also promise a lot of fun. Besides them, many small beaches in Havelock are easily accessible on foot.

The Inchkeith Wreck diving spot is built around the wreck of a cargo vessel of the same name. The biggest issue with the dive is that the visibility is very low; this means divers usually carry torches with them when they go for a dive. Also, the dive is very deep, which is not conducive for beginners and, especially, people who do not swim. Most scuba divers who dive at Inchkeith Wreck either have intermediate or advanced-level skills.

The Inchkeith Wreck starts at around 6 metres but goes down to 22 metres or even deeper. Most of the wreck is found at 18 metres. You’d have to have some experience in scuba diving to be able to able to navigate your way through the wreck, especially, since it's mostly dark at that depth.

The best time to scuba dive at Inchkeith Wreck is in the period beginning from late October until early April. Havelock is located in the tropics, hence, during monsoons, the weather becomes very hot and humid. Also, more, importantly, there are frequent and sudden spells of heavy rain in the entire Andaman and Nicobar Islands around the time. However, from late October until April the weather is bright and pleasant. Since the chances of rain are less, you can enjoy a great dive. Some people also visit the Andamans during the off-season to save money on their trip. While this is a great idea, you’d still have to be cognizant of sudden rain spells. It is better to check the forecast for the days of your trip before you book your tickets. Also, since there are sudden chances of rain, despite the forecast saying otherwise, your scuba guide could cancel a dive if there is a possibility of rain on the day of your dive.

Inchkeith Wreck is primarily meant for intermediate and advanced-level scuba divers. Most diving sites may charge you between INR 5000-7000 per dive. This would include all your scuba diving gear including torches and a boat ride. If you want your scuba diving experience to be captured on camera, you can have videos and photos added to your package.

Inchkeith Wreck is a stunning site for scuba diving. It is the spot where the SS Inchkeith cargo ship sank in 1955, and since then a plethora of marine life has made the wreckage their home. A layer of rust adds colour to the myriad corals underwater. What will strike your eyes is the massive propeller that stands upright on the stern of the wrecked ship, with huge groups of vibrant fish circling throughout its 18 metres. The lack of visibility underwater and the old ship also creates a very eerie environment; this dive is not for the faint-hearted. Many experienced divers are attracted to Inchkeith Wreck just because of the challenging dive.

You’ll find many giant fishes underwater. Barracudas and rainbow wrasses are very common around this part. If you turn your torch on any side, you may suddenly find ornate ghost pipefishes floating calmly just above the sandbank. Elsewhere, will be groups of angelfish and fusiliers who have made the wreck their home. There are also many puffer fish, scorpion fish, trumpet fish, lion fish, clown fish, and box fish marking different parts of the cargo as their territory. You may also find some snappers and butterfly fish casually gliding in the water.

The wreckage site is around 20 km away from Havelock Island. So, it might take you anything between 30 minutes to an hour to reach the diving spot. Havelock Island itself can be accessed only by ferry. Flights are available to the Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair. From Port Blair, you can take a ferry to Havelock Island at the government-run Phoenix Jetty. Ferries usually twice a day – once in the morning and once in the afternoon and may cost you anything between INR 300-500. Havelock is around 70 km away from Port Blair, so it may take you around 2-3 hours to reach the island. Doin’t worry about the time; the incredible view will ensure that you have a fantastic time.

Since Inchkeith Wreck is close to Havelock Island, you can explore many places on the island. Havelock is home to many beautiful beaches. The pristine white sand and the incredibly blue sea make for the ultimate beach vacation. If you want to have a lot of fun, do not miss Elephant beach. Radhanagar and Govindnagar beaches are also very famous. Radhanagar is known as one of the best beaches in Asia. Havelock is also popular for its mangrove forests. You can take a quiet kayaking trip down the mangrove alleys.

Yes, there are many diving spots at Havelock apart from Inchkeith Wreck. If you are a beginner in scuba diving and miss not being able to dive at Inchkeith, you can hone your scuba skills at diving spots like Lighthouse, Aquarium, White House Rock, the Slope, Turtle Bay, and Mac Point. More experienced divers can enjoy Dixon’s Pinnacles, Johnny’s Gorge, Jackson’s Bar, the Wall, and Minerva’s Ledge.

You may want to avoid scuba diving if you have any kind of severe respiratory illness. At the very least, you need strong respiratory organs for scuba diving as you’d have to regulate your breath underwater. In case you have any respiratory problems, you should consult your doctor before booking your diving appointment, just to make sure the dive would not put you at risk. The same rule applies if you have any heart-related issues.

The short answer to this is No. You don’t exactly need how to swim to be able to scuba dive. But it does help to know swim. Since you are trained in swimming, you’d be able to better control the air pressure while diving as you’ll have good control over your breath. You’ll also be able to glide underwater effortlessly. Nonetheless, it doesn’t matter how expert a swimmer you are, if you are a beginner in scuba diving, you still need a guide to help you explore the underwater world. Scuba diving is different from swimming, and you’d need a guide to help you understand the techniques.

Unless you are an expert scuba diver, you always need training before you scuba dive. Anyone other than a professional diver needs a guide to dive underwater since you’d be going deep into the water. Most training sessions for scuba diving last up to 2 hours. You must choose a good diving centre to help with your training. You’ll mostly get tips and tricks to control your breath under the water. You’ll also receive instructions about the various things you should or should not do once inside. For example, you should not touch any fauna or coral reefs when you are scuba diving. You should also always be close to the instructor once inside the water.

Absolutely, yes. There are various scuba certifications you can get if you know how to swim. Training for scuba certifications takes at least 2-4 days depending on your level and the place. Many diving centres offer scuba diving certifications. The cost of training will be separate from the diving itself. With scuba diving certifications, you can explore many unexplored underwater territories in the world. Plus, wouldn’t it be great to show off your scuba diving skills to your friends?

While there are many places in India like Kerala and Goa where you can scuba dive, the Andaman Islands are the best place to dive mainly. Because the water is so clear, you can explore many massive coral reefs and a variety of fauna in the Andamans. Lighthouse and Aquarium are two very popular sites to dive in the Andaman Islands. Wouldn’t you love to swim side by side with rays and sea turtles? Around the world, many famous as well as hidden places are perfect for a dive. Bali, Belize, Sipadan Island, Galapagos, the Simiran and Surin Islands in Thailand, Australia, the Philippines, Maldives, and are some places in the world with the best diving spots.

Scuba diving is a very exciting water sport and attracts a lot of people worldwide. However, the cost of the activity is still not very high. It could cost you anything between INR 2500 to INR 6500 to scuba dive in India. Of course, that depends on the diving centre, the spot, and the gear you will be using. One of the most important factors may be the timing of your dive. The cost of many water sports activities is usually low during the off season as many diving centres offer discounts.

Each scuba diving session lasts for around 30 to 45 minutes. This timeframe applies to everyone irrespective of whether you are a trained or beginner diver. The air pressure under the water and a limit to how much oxygen you can carry in your tank restrict the time to 45 minutes for everyone.

While scuba diving is open for everyone, people with severe respiratory issues like Asthma or heart patients are usually advised not to scuba dive. If you have any of these issues, you can speak to your doctor and ask them if you are cleared for a dive. Pregnant women also cannot scuba dive. Scuba diving, however, has no age limit. Anyone from the age of 10 to their 70s can dive. Of course, this also depends on whether the diving centre you have chosen allows for it.

Do not give up on scuba diving just because you have poor eyesight. The problem with poor eyesight is that you cannot wear your regular prescription glasses underwater, and without your glasses how will you see the incredibly beautiful world of water? Don’t worry, there’s a solution for everything. You can either wear a contact lens or get a powered prescription scuba mask. You’d have to speak to the instructors of the diving centre beforehand for the prescription mask.

Scuba diving lets you go places you have never been before. Explore the underwater world. Swim with massive shoals of colourful fish, and most importantly, witness the beauty of the incredible coral reefs. In some places, you can also swim with sharks and manta rays. Isn’t that just great?

While you can take flights before and after a flight, you should always keep a gap of 18-24 hours after scuba diving. This is because the air pressure inside an aircraft decreases as the altitude increases. The nitrogen bubbles formed after diving need to decompress slowly; however, flying can make the process faster. This may be painful for your body and in certain cases even be fatal. Not just flying, you should even do high-altitude trekking right after diving.

While the rules for scuba diving are relaxed, there are certain things you should keep in mind to ensure that you have a good diving experience. For instance, you should not have a heavy meal right before diving. You should avoid alcohol before diving. Another important rule is that you should not dive if you have a cold or fever. While you will not exactly be barred from diving if you have a cold, the air pressure under water may block your sinuses and you face difficulty in equalising air pressure. This may result in a lot of pain in your ear.

This is perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions by anyone who wants to scuba dive. The short answer is yes, you can scuba dive even if you don’t know how to swim. Here’s a secret: in scuba diving, you do not have to swim. You will be wearing dive fins that will keep you afloat on the surface of the water and help you glide effortlessly under the water. What you do need are proper diving gear like scuba snorkels, scuba mask, scuba buoyancy compensation device that helps you to maintain your buoyancy in the water, dive fins, etc. In addition to this, you’ll have a guide follow you everywhere under the water. The Andaman Islands in India, which is very popular among scuba diving enthusiasts, has many dive centres that train non-swimmers to dive. So, there’s all the lesser reason for you to worry.

Anyone upwards from the age of 10 can do scuba. However, the training techniques would differ for a child compared to an adult. Also, it is the scuba diving centre that determines if they would allow a child to dive or not. If you have a child who’d like to scuba, contact the scuba diving centre first to ask if they have the facilities for it. Another good news is that there is no upper age limit for scuba diving either. As long as you have a strong respiratory system, you can take that dive.

Yes, you need the training to be able to scuba dive, irrespective of whether or not you know how to swim. Your training for the scuba dive will last no more than 2 hours and you’d be taught a few breathing and gliding tips. You’ll also be informed about the dos and don’ts under the water. To further allay your fears of being underwater, you’ll be accompanied by a trained instructor who will guide you through your exciting journey under the deep blue sea. This training is different from scuba certification courses that last for 2 to 3 days and are only available to trained swimmers.

You might that something as exciting and adventurous as scuba diving will cost you a bomb, right? You are wrong. In India, the cost of scuba diving is anywhere between INR 4,500 to 7,000. This includes training, necessary gear, and a guide to follow you under the water. Moreover, there are a lot of diving centres in the Andamans Islands that will offer many packaged services, so with a little more money you can add a few more water sports activities to your scuba diving package. Many resorts and hotels have in-house water sports centres and offer water activities as part of their stay package. If you want to get a scuba certification, depending on the number of days you intend to stay and the number of dives you want to take, the cost can be anywhere between INR 6,500 to INR 20,000. However, you cannot pursue a certification course in scuba if you do not know how to swim.

This is perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions by anyone who wants to scuba dive. The short answer is yes, you can scuba dive even if you don’t know how to swim. Here’s a secret: in scuba diving, you do not have to swim. You will be wearing dive fins that will keep you afloat on the surface of the water and help you glide ef

Nothing can stop you from scuba diving, even poor eyesight. However, while you can scuba dive if you wear glasses, you cannot wear your regular prescription glasses underwater. This is because the glasses would interfere with your mask and hinder the view. There are two options for people who wear glasses and plan to scuba dive: you can wear a powered prescription scuba mask (most scuba centres have prescription masks, but it is better to consult with them beforehand) or wear a contact lens. If you do not wear contact lenses regularly you can get some disposable lenses for your dive.

On average, it takes around 30-60 minutes for a dive. Of course, you can request your diver to take you up early in case you feel like it. The cost of the dive can also move up and down depending on how much time you want to spend underwater. Most dives last for 45 minutes.

While scuba diving is open to most people, you may have difficulty diving and staying underwater if you have severe respiratory problems. Usually, people with asthma and heart patients are not recommended to go scuba diving. It is also risky for pregnant women to go scuba diving. If you have any ear-related issues, that may also hinder your scuba diving plans. The best thing to do here is to consult a doctor to see if your current condition allows you to scuba dive.

The underwater world is majestic. In places like the Andaman Islands which are very popular among scuba divers, you would be able to spot massive coral reefs and vibrant underwater fauna. Turtles, stingrays, octopuses, and coral fish are some underwater fauna that you’ll be able to see face to face.

While, both snorkelling and scuba diving are similar underwater activities, they are not the same. You do not have to dive deep into the water while snorkelling. You get to stay close to the surface of the water and can get a panoramic view of the underwater world. In scuba, you need to dive deep inside the water can immerse yourself in the beauty of the water world.

Many famous scuba diving spots across the world attract a lot of divers. In India, the Andaman Islands are very popular for scuba diving activities. Lighthouse, Barracuda city, Bala Reef, and Aquarium are some of the best spots for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands. Outside of India, Bali, Thailand, Belize, Maldives, and the great barrier reef in Australia, are some of the top spots in the world for scuba diving.

You need to train at a diving centre to be a recreational diver. You will start with an open-water scuba certification. Thereafter, you can get an advanced Open Water Scuba certification, Rescue certification, and then a Master Scuba Diver certification. To become a professional scuba diver, you need to start from the Master Scuba Diver level. You can become an assistant at a diving centre to learn the professional side of scuba. Thereafter, you need to take an open water scuba instructor course, that trains you to be an instructor as well as certify others. Going forward, you can become a Master Scuba Diver trainer

Like any other profession, in scuba diving, too, you need to clear certain levels to be able to get the highest certification from the professional body, PADI. A person with the highest certification in scuba diving is called a Master Scuba Diver (MSD). To become a PADI Master Scuba Diver, you must take around 50-60 open water dives and be more than 12 years of age. You also need to complete a PADI specialty diver course and hold certifications in open water diving, advanced open water diving, and rescue operation diving.

You need to train at a diving centre to be a recreational diver. You will start with an open-water scuba certification. Thereafter, you can get an advanced Open Water Scuba certification, Rescue certification, and then a Master Scuba Diver certification. To become a professional scuba diver, you need to start from the Master Scuba Diver level. You can become an assistant at a diving centre to learn the professional side of scuba. Thereafter, you need to take an open water scuba instructor course, that trains you to be an instructor as well as certify others. Going forward, you can become a Master Scuba Diver trainer.

Yes, Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman Island, is known to have many great scuba diving spots. The best part about scuba diving in Port Blair is that you do not need to pay any extra transportation costs for boats and vehicles because they are right by the city. The marine life in the diving spots in Port Blair is also very rich. You’ll be able to experience the beauty of coral reefs near some of the diving spots. If you are planning to scuba dive on Andaman Island but do not want to go too far away from the city then Port Blair is a good option.

Port Blair is one of the best places for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands. It boasts a rich and varied marine life including massive coral reefs. Carbyn’s Cove beach is the most popular site for scuba diving in Port Blair, but if you want to experience the majestic beauty of the corals, you should visit Snake Island. There are two diving spots at the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, one in Wandoor and one in Jolly Buoy. Both of them are known to be great diving spots. Corruption Rock and Rutland Island are other great places in Port Blair where you can go scuba diving.

The cost of scuba diving in Port Blair may vary depending on what exactly you want to do. The price also varies for beginners who want to dive for recreational activity and those who want a scuba certification. Diving packages can start anywhere between INR 4000 to INR 6500. The cost of diving also changes depending on the spot and how far deep into the sea you wish to go for your dive. Most diving centres include the cost of pictures, travel, and instructor in a package for your convenience. A typical underwater dive may be anything between 40 minutes to an hour. Only those who know swimming can take the scuba diving course that can take place for 3 to 7 days. The cost for such certification courses can be around INR 6500 to 20,000. You’ll also get a PADI certification once you’ve completed the course.

The diving season in Port Blair generally starts towards the start of October. Between October to March is the best time for scuba diving in Port Blair. Some diving centres are also open until May. The winter seasons are best because there are fewer chances of rain and storm, making the weather conducive for diving. The benefit of travelling for scuba diving during the off-season is that the crowd is less. Also, some diving centres may discount the price for diving around this time.

It is a common misconception that since scuba diving is an underwater activity, you must know how to swim to be able to dive. That’s not true. Anybody can swim, irrespective of their swimming ability. And don’t worry, you won’t drown; your scuba gliders and jacket will keep you conveniently afloat. You’ll get proper training and a guide who will follow you into the depths of the sea.

Port Blair being the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the city is the gateway to the Union Territory. Port Blair is home to the Veer Savarkar International Airport, which is accessible from most parts of India. You can take a direct to Port Blair from Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and Bangalore. If you want to travel to the other parts of Andaman, you can take a boat from any of the jetties in Port Blair.

Anyone above the age of 10 can scuba dive in Port Blair. There is no upper age limit either. As long you are healthy and have a passion for scuba diving, you can go for it.

While there is no age limit for scuba diving, there are certain medical conditions that may deter you from participating in the fun water activity. For instance, anyone with severe respiratory problems and heart issues should avoid scuba diving. If you have problems with your eardrum, it would, again, be good to avoid scuba diving. You can, of course, consult your doctor first if your condition is severe enough to avoid diving altogether. Pregnant women are also barred from scuba diving for their safety.

Port Blair is a great place to explore a variety of water sports. The place has many beaches and diving sites which have fun water activities for individuals as well as groups and families. While scuba diving is the most popular water sport in Port Blair, there are many other equally thrilling sports to enjoy on the island. You can try snorkelling and sea walking if you want to get under the water. If you looking for something that gives you more adrenaline rush, go for jet skiing, parasailing, speed boating, and parasailing. If you just want to have fun with your friends or family, try the banana boat ride. There’s nothing more exciting than a ride on one of those big inflatable banana boats!

No matter where you dive in the Andaman Islands, you’ll be able to explore an incredibly rich marine life. You’ll be amazed by the size of the massive coral reefs and the shoals of fish that surround you. If you are looking to experience the underwater life around Port Blair, go to snake island which boasts decent coral reefs. North Bay Island which is located just an hour away from Port Blair is known for its rich underwater life. You’ll spot many beautiful sea turtles and dolphins gliding effortlessly under the water with you.

Serene and beautiful, Neil Island is a scuba diver’s dreamland. Given its remote location, the water around is almost translucent blue waters, Neil Island has some of the perfect diving spots in the Andaman Islands. Junction, K-Rock, and Margherita’s Mischief are some of the most popular scuba diving sites on Neil Island. Jetty Channel Marker and Bus Stop are also famous diving sites on the island. The dive depth in Junction is the highest at 30 metres and the site is frequented by many advanced scuba divers. Of course, beginners can also try their luck at Junction. The Jetty Channel Marker with a low depth of 11 metres, is the best for beginners who want to train in scuba diving.

The cost of scuba diving in Neil Island varies based on a lot of factors. The primary factor is your intent behind the dive. If you want to dive just for recreation, you can take up one of the packages that come at around INR 4000-INR 6500. The packages usually include a diving instructor, boat transportation, videos and photos from the dive which last for 40 minutes to an hour. There are some night-diving scuba packages as well the cost for which would be a little more. This package is best if you don’t know how to swim. Swimmers can also take these packages, of course. However, if they want to go one step further and get a scuba diving certification, they can opt for a training course that can last anywhere between 1 day to 7 days. The cost of the course will also change depending on the number of days and the intensity of the training. On average, in Neil Island, the cost can be anywhere between INR 6000 to INR 15000 or upwards.

Scuba diving is open throughout the year except for the rainy season. Simply put, you can’t go for a dive if it's raining or there are chances of a storm since it's risky. Usually, scuba diving season starts around the beginning of October and ends by the end of April. However, many scuba diving sites are also open throughout May and some parts of June, on days when there’s no rain. Note that the diving centre may cancel your scuba dive in case there are sudden spells of rain.

Yes, absolutely. It might come as a surprise to you, but you don’t need to know how to swim to be able to scuba dive. Scuba diving is open to non-swimmers as well. However, you cannot get a PADI/SSI certification if you do not know how to swim as you are not eligible for the scuba certification training course. You can still opt for a recreational scuba package that will include a dive with an instructor.

Port Blair is the gateway to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Hence, you’d first have to take a flight to Port Blair to reach Neil Island. From Port Blair, you can take boats to Neil Island. Neil Island is around 37 km from Port Blair and it can take you anything between an hour and a half to 2 hours to reach the island. You can either opt for the government ferries at one of the jetties in Port Blair or a private boat. While the government ferry is cheap, it is a bit slow and usually experiences a lot of rush. Two private agencies provide boats to Neil Island from Port Blair – Ocean Green and Makruzz.

Fortunately, there is only a lower age limit for scuba diving. Anyone, upwards of the age of 10 is allowed to scuba dive. There is no upper age limit. If you are healthy and have strong respiratory abilities, you can scuba dive even if you are in your 70s.

Most people can scuba dive on Neil Island. But since scuba diving is an activity that specifically requires you to use your lungs, anyone with severe respiratory issues should avoid the activity. People with severe heart issues also should not scuba dive. It is best to consult with your doctor before booking a scuba diving appointment. Pregnant women are generally asked to avoid scuba diving as it is risky for them. You can scuba dive even if you have poor eyesight. You cannot, however, wear prescription glasses for your dive. You can either wear a contact lens or a prescription scuba mask that matches your required power. You can contact the diving centre in advance about the prescription scuba masks.

Neil Island is a popular place for people who need some quiet time away from the world. Since the island attracts less crowd than Havelock, you can enjoy the serenity of the beautiful island and the many water sports activities without much of a hassle. Neil Island is, of course, very popular for scuba diving activities. But scuba diving is just one of the activities you can enjoy on the island. Where there is scuba diving, there’s also got to be snorkelling and sea walking. What's more, you can satiate your need for speed by enjoying a ride on a jet ski.

Being an island, Neil Island is all about the best beaches in the country. There are so many beaches that you can enjoy in the small village. Most people flock to the Laxmanpur and Bharatpur beaches. Take a trip to the sea in a glass boat and gaze at the wonders of the underwater world. Sitapur beach, which is a rocky beach, is also popular among tourists and locals both. If you want some breathtaking views, visit the Natural Bridge, which is also called the Howrah Bridge.

Be prepared to be stared back at by brilliant sea turtles underwater on Neil Island. Since the water is clearer than Havelock Island (there are no mangroves on Neil Island), you have the opportunity to spot many water creatures at a relatively close depth. And water creatures there are many. You will be able to spot manta rays, sea snakes, much colourful tropical fish, and yes, the elusive dugongs if you go scuba diving on Neil Island.

Havelock Island is one of the most visited scuba diving sites in India thanks to the numerous dive sites across the island. The dive sites come with many layers of depth thus making them perfect for scuba divers of any level – beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Two of the most famous scuba diving spots in Havelock are Lighthouse and Aquarium. Both these sites are of less depth and are great for recreational divers and beginners. Jackson Bar, Johnny’s Gorge, Minerva’s Delight, Junction, and K-Rock are perfect for seasoned divers. Of course, the scuba diving sites are not just limited to those mentioned above. Havelock has the highest number of diving sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and you can explore any number of them.

The cost of scuba diving in Havelock depends on your intention behind the dive. All scuba divers need special gears that enable them to glide underwater and breathe as well. Given all these factors, you might think that scuba diving is very expensive. However, on the contrary, it is very reasonably priced. If you are a beginner, who may or may not know how to swim, a single dive can cost you anything between INR 3500 to 7000. This package would also include an instructor, videos, photos, and a boat ride. If you know how to swim and want to do a single-day training course for scuba certification, it can cost you anything between INR 10,000 to 15,000. You can opt for a slightly longer course if you want more advanced level training. These courses would cover more than one dive and cost you anything between INR 10,000 to INR 30,000. Those who are intermediate or advanced level divers can go for dives as less as INR 3000 to INR 30,000 or above depending on the number of days and dives they opt for.

Havelock Island is a scuba diver's paradise. People from all across the world visit the island to dive from its many sites. Most tourists make it to Havelock from October through April. This is because there is less rain during this season thus making it easier to dive. Plus, it is not possible to scuba dive during a rain or storm. Many diving centres also allow people to dive until May barring the days on which it rains or the weather is bad. The island also gets a lot of crowds from October to February, as it is the holiday season. If you want to avoid the crowd, you can visit the Andaman Islands towards March or April.

It doesn’t matter whether you know how to swim or not; the diving centres at Havelock Island are always open for you. It is a common myth that non-swimmers cannot scuba dive. While being a swimmer does make it easier to dive, you can dive under the water even if you do not know how to swim. One thing to keep in mind is that while you can dive even if you are a non-swimmer, you cannot pursue a scuba certification course.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Havelock Island as the island does not have an airport. But, worry not, as there are flights that directly land at the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair. Havelock is 70 km away from Port Blair, and the only way to reach the airport is via boat. You can take the ferry from the Phoenix Jetty which is run by the government. This is also the cheapest way to travel to Havelock. The ferries start early morning and then late afternoon and it takes around 2-3 hours to reach Havelock. You might think it’s a long time, but imagine being out there in the vast expanse of the sea. By the end of it, you’ll surely wish the ride could go on a little longer.

Anyone above the age of 10 can try scuba diving, but it depends on the diving centre with which you enrol if they would allow children to dive. As long as you have a strong respiratory system and are healthy, you can scuba dive irrespective of your age and gender.

Unfortunately, certain medical conditions may be considered risky for diving. Since scuba diving requires strong respiratory abilities, anyone with a severe respiratory system may find it difficult to dive. The same goes for heart patients. You can still consult with your doctor to see if you can still make that dive. Also, pregnant women are generally dissuaded from scuba diving.

Havelock is nothing short of heaven for water sports lovers. Diving enthusiasts can, of course, have options like scuba diving, sea walking, and snorkelling. If you are a bit scared of scuba diving, you should try snorkelling, which again, does not require you to know swimming. Those of you who want more action can try jet skiing and paragliding. If you are travelling in a group, you can also try the banana boat ride which promises to be a lot of fun.

One of the top things you should do in Havelock Island is to visit the iconic Rdhanagar Beach. This beach was ranked 7th in Asia by Time magazine in 2004 and is the most beautiful and clean beach you’ll ever see. There are many other beaches in Havelock like Vijaynagar beach and the popular Elephant beach. You can take a ride in a glass bottom boat to explore the marine life of the Andamans. Since Havelock has a rich mangrove forest, you should also take a quick and quiet ride through the mangrove alleys.

Havelock is one of the most tourist destinations in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The island is known for its eco-tourism. As such, there are many small and big hotels and resorts where you can stay while you are on Havelock Island. The best part is that Havelock has resorts that fit into anyone’s budget – big or small. Whether you choose to live in a luxurious place or an affordable place, the view promises to be stunning everywhere.

Have you ever watched the movie, Finding Nemo, and wanted to see a Nemo in real life? Well, at Havelock Island, you have that chance. You can swim with Nemos and explore a massive coral reef. Also, you don’t have to be lucky to spot a variety of colourful fish like parrot fish and butterfly fish. However, if you are lucky, you will be able to swim with manta rays and even sea turtles.

Answer: Broken Ledge is one of the deep-diving scuba spots on Havelock Island. The depth starts at 16 metres and can be as deep as 25 metres or more. Given the depth, it is a great spot for advanced-level scuba divers to challenge themselves to a complex dive.

Answer: While you can scuba dive all year round, it is the weather that plays spoilsport during monsoons. Getting underwater is risky during rain. That’s why most diving centres cancel all scuba diving appointments if the weather is not good. The Andamans is a tropical region, and the chances of heavy and arbitrary rain are also high during the monsoons. The monsoon season in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands starts around July and lasts up to September. So, any time before or after that should be good for scuba diving. The best time to scuba dive in Broken Ledge Havelock Island is from late October to March. This is because the weather is great around this time and the chances of rain are less. You can also go scuba diving until June; however, the weather is very hot and humid around that time. Also, there are always chances of frequent rains.

Answer: Broken Ledge is only meant for experienced scuba divers who have advanced-level certifications. As such, rates that apply to beginners and people who do not know how to swim do apply here. Experienced divers who go to Broken Ledge for recreational diving have to pay anything between INR 4500-7000 per dive. The dive will include a guide who’s more familiar with the underwater terrain at the diving spot, a boat ride, and, if you want, even a package of videos and photos. Some scuba diving packages also include the stay, but the price will go up or down depending on the accommodation.

Answer: Broken Ledge is one of the most unique underwater terrains for scuba diving. There are lots of caves and crevices that you can explore underwater. One part of a ridge at Broken Ledge is broken and slightly separate from the rest of the ridge; hence, the spot got its name. Being a deep diving spot, it is a great spot to explore and challenge yourself if you are an advanced-level scuba level. To top it all, the spot boast of an incredibly rich marine ecosystem.

Answer: Broken Ledge is surrounded by vibrant and exceedingly beautiful marine life. You’ll find lots of large fish and shy turtles gliding in the water along with you. Wherever you look, you are bound to see a variety of rainbow wrasse, lionfish, snappers, giant groupers, and large groups of Moorish idols. Since the spot has many crevices and caves, it is an excellent place for many moray eels and other sea creatures to hide from their enemies as well as hunt for their food. But that’s not all: deeper into the water, you’ll find majestic white-tip sharks, yellow tooth tuna, and even dog-tooth tunas. Above you, there will be manta rays and even marble rays surveying the sea bed for food.

Answer: No, if you are a beginner to scuba diving, you may not be able to dive at Broken Ledge even if you know how to swim. Of course, if you do not know how to swim, you will not be able to tackle the deep dive. Only experienced divers with advanced-level certification, go to dive at Broken Ledge.

Answer: Broken Ledge being a deep dive is a little further away from Havelock Island. It is more than 20 km away and a boat ride may take you around 30-40 minutes. But to even do that, you have to first reach Havelock Island, which does not have any commercial airline base. The only place you can fly to is Port Blair, which is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. From Port Blair, you can take a ferry from the government-run jetty. Tickets are just around INR 300-500 per person. Havelock is 70 km away from Port Blair, so you’ll take around 2-3 hours to reach the island by ferry.

Answer: There are many places that you can explore near Broken Ledge. There are many islands in the Andamans, so you can get your guide to take you to one of them for a short trip. If you intend to relax, there’s no better place than Havelock Island, which has many beautiful beaches. When you are at Havelock, remember to visit Radhanagar beach, which is considered one of the best beaches in Asia.  A lot of people also like exploring the Govindnagar and Elephant beaches. Neil Island is also very close to Havelock Island. There are many beaches and diving spots at Neil Island also. If you want to get away from the crowd, you can visit Neil Island.

Answer: Scuba diving requires you to control your breathing under the water. As such, you mustn't have any severe respiratory issues. If you think you may have breathing issues and want to scuba dive, you should visit your doctor to ask if you can still dive under such conditions. You should do the same if you have any heart issues.

Answer: Generally, kids between 12 to 15 years of age are allowed to go snorkeling in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Answer: Do not be heartbroken if you cannot explore the Broken Ledge because of your lack of experience. There are tons of amazing scuba diving sites across Havelock Island and even the islands nearby where you can explore the underwater world. Aquarium and Lighthouse, for instance, are the most famous diving sites for beginners to scuba dive and even those who do not know how to swim. The slope, White House Rock, Pilot Reef, Turtle Bay, Nemo Reef, and Seduction Point are other great places to dive. Diving spots like Jackson’s Bar, Johnny’s Gorge, the Wall, Minerva’s ledge and even Inchkeith Wreck are meant for experienced divers.

Answer: The cost of snorkeling in the Andamans depend on the duration of the dive as well as the location. Usually, the price for guided snorkeling starts from Rs. 2500 per person. It goes up to Rs. 4000 per person if it is from a boat.

Answer: Starting at 25 metres and going as deep as 30 metres, Barracuda City is one of the deepest diving spots, and, hence, a magnet for scuba divers from across the world. Given the depth, the diving spot can only be explored by an experienced scuba diver who has advanced certifications in scuba diving.

Answer: Unfortunately, Barracuda City, while very beautiful, cannot be explored by divers who are new to scuba diving, especially, if they do not know how to swim. If you want to dive at Barracuda City, you’d have to first learn swimming if you do not how and then enrol on scuba diving training from the many diving centres at Andamans. You’d, of course, have to complete a specified number of dives before you can get an advanced-level scuba certification.

Answer: The best time to scuba dive at Barracuda City in Havelock Island is from November to March. The weather is pleasant around this time and there’s hardly any rain, which is the perfect weather for scuba diving. It is risky to scuba dive during the rainy season as the visibility underwater becomes very low and there are always chances of a storm. While you can scuba dive until June, the weather will become very hot and humid, the Andamans being a tropical region. There are always chances of sudden rain, even though the weather may start pleasant in the morning. As such, you’ll get many discounts around this time. Make sure you check the forecast and listen to the diving instructor when you go for a dive.

Answer: Barracuda City is one of the less explored diving spots on Havelock Island since it is very deep and only expert divers can access it. This makes the diving spot less crowded and secluded; hence, you can enjoy a dive without many human interventions. The spot is known for its soft and hard corals and other vibrant marine life. It is common to spot many different types of turtles in Barracuda City. You may also come across many sting rays. Given its depth, it is considered a challenge for many scuba divers, who flock to Barracuda City from across the world to test their scuba diving skills.

Answer: Experienced divers usually go to Barracuda City for recreational diving and to increase their dive, the latter of which impacts their diving level. Since the dive is deep and can be challenging, it also looks good on their portfolio. Most diving centres at Havelock Island charge around INR 4500-7000 per drive. The package includes scuba gear, a boat ride, and a guide who knows and understands the terrain at Barracuda City well. You can also add a video and photo package to the package in case you want your experience captured. Some diving centres also add the accommodation cost to the scuba package. In that case, the cost will be impacted by the type of accommodation.

Answer: Barracuda City can be reached from both Port Blair and Havelock Island. Most people prefer going to the diving spot from Havelock Island as the island has many other diving spots nearby that they can explore.  From Port Blair, Havelock Island is only accessible by ferry, as the island does not have a commercial airline base. You can fly down to Port Blair, and from there, take a ferry from a government-run jetty. The tickets don’t cost much: around INR 300-500 per person on one side. It will take you around 2-3 hours or more to reach Havelock Island as the distance to be covered is almost 70 km. The view is stunning, so you can count the journey as one of the dun things you can do in the Andamans.

Answer: Barracuda City is known for its rich marine ecosystem that is full of beautiful and colourful fishes like butterfly fish, Angelfish, Lionfish, snappers, fusiliers, and of course, the famous Barracuda that will suddenly pop out of the corals. No wonder it is called Barracuda City. There are many other giant fishes as well like the common rainbow wrasses, scorpionfish, Sweetlips, and surgeonfish. Hiding in the sandbank are octopuses who wait patiently for their prey. Above, and closer to the surface, you’ll stingrays effortlessly glide through the translucent water. Barracuda is also home to large thickets of both soft and hard corals.

Answer: If you have any respiratory issues or heart issues, you may want to be careful before diving at Barracuda City, especially, because it is a deep diving site. Scuba diving requires you to have strong respiratory organs as you’d have to regulate your breathing under the water quite frequently, especially, if the dive is deep and the air pressure is low. If you face any respiratory issues, you should consult your doctor before going for the dive. Don’t ignore any heart-related issues either. You should ideally get a clearance from your doctor so that you are not at any risk.

Answer: There are so many places that you can explore near Barracuda City. Port Blair is not so far, so you can explore the museum and the Cellular Jail. If you want to feel one with nature, then you should stick to Havelock Island. The island is a paradise of beautiful beaches and dense mangrove forests. There are many popular beaches in and around Havelock. Radhanagar and Elephant beach are two of the most popular beaches on Havelock Island. Neil Island is also close by, so if you want a bit more privacy, hop in there for a calmer environment.

Answer: There are many diving spots at Havelock Island. Some of the most popular diving spots include the Aquarium, Lighthouse, the Slope, the Wall, White House Rock, Nemo Reef, Inchkeith Wreck, Red Pillar, Dixon’s Pinnacles, Jackson’s Bar, and Johnny’s Gorge.

Answer: The best time to scuba dive at Dixon’s Pinnacle is from November to March. The weather around this time is pleasant and not hot or humid, as tropical islands tend to get. One of the most important reasons why this period is best for scuba diving is that the chances of rain are very less during this time. Scuba diving cannot happen when it rains, because not only does that impact visibility underwater, but there are also greater chances of getting stuck in a sudden storm. You can also scuba dive during monsoon season if the weather allows. But the chances of your dive getting cancelled are always high.

Answer: Dixon’s Pinnacle is without a doubt the best place to scuba dive on Havelock Island. The diving site along with Jackson’s Bar and Johnny’s Gorge form the holy trinity of scuba diving sites on Havelock Island. Every year, scuba divers from all around the world visit Havelock Island to test their diving skills at Dixon’s Pinnacles. The name comes Dixon comes from the person who first discovered the dive site. The diving site also has three pinnacles underwater that you can explore. The dive at Dixon’s Pinnacles is deep and the view is incredibly beautiful. It is one of the major cleaning stations for many marine animals.

Answer: Dixon’s Pinnacle is known to have one of the deepest depths among all the diving sites on Havelock Island. The diving depth starts at 16 which is more that the maximum depth at many diving sites. You can go as deep as 35 metres or even more at the dive site. The visibility is low at that depth but you can still easily see the various flora and fauna.

Answer: Dixon’s Pinnacle could be of the deepest and hardest dives at Havelock Island. That’s why the diving spot is only meant for experienced divers who have advanced-level scuba diving certifications. Since experienced divers usually dive for recreational purposes, they are usually charged per dive. Each diving package is around INR 4500-7000 depending on what is included. You’ll get a boat ride and a guide within the package. Even if you are an experienced diver, you’d need a guide who’s familiar with the dive site so that they can take you to the right spots. You can also have videos and photos taken of your dive; the cost of the package may be impacted by this. Some diving packages also include accommodation. In such cases, the cost of your dive will be impacted by the type of accommodation you are provided.

Answer: Dixon’s Pinnacles is one of the most popular marine cleaning stations near Havelock Island. You’ll find many turtles and rays heading to the diving site to get themselves serviced by angel fish and many other kinds of reef fish. Don’t be surprised to find giant trevallies and barracudas pop out suddenly from the many crevices. The three pinnacles are full of soft corals and are almost surrounded by different varieties of fish like batfish, Bannerfish, glass fish, and even tiny surgeon fish. Napolean wrasses are common around these parts as snappers like paddle tail and Bengal.

Answer: Dixon’s Pinnacles is a deep diving site. The minimum depth of the dive alone is 16 metres and it can go down to 35 metres. As such, it is not the best site for beginners to scuba dive here, especially, if you do not know how to swim. Most diving centres do not offer diving facilities for Dixon’s Pinnacles to beginners. The dive is meant for intermediate or advanced-level scuba divers. To be an advanced-level scuba diver, you’d have to have made a specific number of dives on different topographies and used a variety of diving skills.

Answer: Dixon’s Pinnacles is located close to Havelock Island and the island is nothing else than a paradise. At Havelock, you can enjoy diving at so many other diving sites other than Dixon’s Pinnacles. If you want to explore kinds of water sports like sea walking and snorkelling, you should visit Elephant beach. You may also be able to experience jet skiing and parasailing there. Radhanagar beach is well known throughout the world as one of the best beaches in Asia. If you want to explore the Nemo Reef, go to Govindnagar beach. Neil Island is also close by as are many other small islands where you can get away from the crowd.

Answer: The diving spot at Dixon’s Pinnacle is around 19 km away from Havelock Island. Your diving centre will offer a boat ride, but it may take you around 30-40 minutes to reach the spot. Before that, you’d have to reach Havelock Island. The island, unfortunately, does not have any airport, so you’d have to take a ferry from Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Public ferries are available from the government-run jetty at Port Blair. It will take you around 2-3 hours to reach Havelock Island.

Answer: If you have any respiratory issues, you’d have to first consult your doctor to be clear about your ability to dive. Scuba diving requires you to have the capacity to control your breathing, which becomes difficult if you have respiratory issues, especially, if the dive is as deep as Dixon’s Pinnacles. You should also consult a doctor if you have heart issues before you go for a dive.

Answer: There are many diving spots near Havelock Island. Beginners can try diving from the Lighthouse, Aquarium, Slope, Red Pillar, White House Rock, Nemo Reef etc. If you are an experienced diver, you can explore Johnny’s Gorge, Jackson’s Bar, Inchkeith Wreck, Minerva’s Ledge, and the Wall.

Minerva's Ledge is a great scuba diving spot at Havelock Island that attracts divers from across the world. The current at the spot is light with some ripples; hence, it offers an amazing opportunity to drift dive, a kind of diving where you move along with the ocean tide. Most people go to Minerva to just drift dive. The depth of the diving spot goes from shallow to deep so it is an excellent diving spot for both beginners and expert divers. You can also explore a variety of local flora and fauna underwater, the most popular one being the nudibranch.

The marine life at Minerva Ledge is rich and diverse. The spot is massive and the visibility is great, so you’d be able to explore a lot of flora and fauna. Nudibranchs are very common at this reef and you’ll be able to spot a variety of nudibranch types hiding in the crevices and cave or sifting through the sand. Huge groups of angelfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, surgeon fish, and unicorn fish make the underwater immensely colourful and vibrant. Some big fishes like Trevellay and Barracudas are very common on Havelock Island. You’d also be able to spot some turtle and eagle rays casually gliding past you in the water.

The dive at Minerva's Ledge starts at around 14 metres and go as deep as 18 metres. The visibility is great even at maximum depth. Lots of beginners and non-swimmers go to dive at the Minerva Ledge, although, the spot is famous among experienced divers as well.

Yes, the Minerva Ledge is a great scuba diving spot for both beginners and non-swimmers. However, if you are a beginner, you may not be taken to the maximum depth of 18 metres, especially, if you do not know how to swim. Beginners are usually taken for dives as deep as 14 metres. Instructors also sometimes decide not to take beginners to the dive site if the current is strong.

You can visit Havelock Island to dive at the Minerva's Ledge as early as mid-October up until the end of March. This is because, during this period, Havelock Island does not experience much rain. It is not possible to dive during the rainy season as it may pose a risk to the diver; also, visibility under the water is lost. Many tourists also visit Havelock in April and until late June to avoid the crowd. However, while there might be fewer people and the cost of diving less, you may have to carefully schedule your dive on days when it does not rain. Ultimately, the decision would lie on the instructor. Also, post-February, the weather in Havelock becomes very hot and humid. Even if you can dive on a good sunny day, you’ll trip will be a bit uncomfortable because of the unpleasant weather.

If you are a beginner at scuba diving and want a scuba certification, you may have to shell out anything between INR 6500 to INR 20,000. This would vary depending on the various types of training you want and the number of dives you want to take. Scuba diving training can be for just one day and extend up to 10 days. Non-swimmers, who can’t have a scuba certification, have to pay around INR 4500-INR 7000 for the dive. Your diving package may include an instructor who’ll be with you throughout your dive and a boat ride. It would also include a video and photo package, but sometimes you have the option to opt out of the video package.

Minerva’s Ledge is around 18 km away from Havelock Island, so it takes around 15-20 minutes to reach the dive site by boat. The light current will, of course, make the journey faster. To reach Havelock Island, you’ll have to take a ferry from Port Blair. Havelock does not have an airport, so you’ll land at the international airport at Port Blair. Most ferries from Port Blair leave once in the morning and once in the afternoon. It will take you 2-3 hours to reach your destination as Havelock is around 70 km away from Port Blair.

While most people can scuba dive, certain conditions might discourage us from diving. Those with respiratory diseases need to be cautious and consult with their doctor first. Diving requires you to have strong respiratory organs as you have to regulate your breath quite frequently underwater. It would be good to consult your doctor even if you have any heart problems.

Havelock is full of diving spots. Ever since the Wall was discovered in 2004, divers from across the world have visited the island to explore numerous diving spots. Beginners can try the Lighthouse, Aquarium, slope, White House Rock, Nemo reef and Turtle Bay. They can also try Jackson’s Bar, Johnny’s Gorge, and Seduction Point among others.

You can scuba dive even if you have poor eyesight. The only problem with poor eyesight is that you will not be able to explore the underwater territory very clearly. If your power is very low, however, you may face a risky situation. To avoid that you should wear contact lenses as prescription glasses cannot be worn with a scuba mask. Some diving centres also have prescription scuba masks, but it might be difficult for you to find one that matches the power you need.

Mac Point is a gorgeous scuba diving site that attracts a lot of tourists to Havelock Island every year. The ecosystem at Mac Point is dense and boasts a rich variety of hard corals like staghorn and elkhorn. You’ll be mesmerized by the site of the huge thickets of corals underwater. It is also a popular place for dugongs, which are also called sea cows. What is special about Mac Point is that it is one of the rare places where you can spot the sirenian tusked dugongs, which are otherwise only seen in Australia and eastern Africa.

Yes, both beginners and non-swimmers can dive at Mac Point. The dive is not very deep and allows a lot of visibility to the divers. Mac Point is an exceptionally great spot for beginners as the water current is not strong and there’s a lot of space to glide underwater.

The depth of a dive at Mac Point is around 10 to 14 metres. This makes it a perfect diving spot for beginners and non-swimmers. Some expert scuba divers may also dive deeper than 14 metres. However, beginners can also equally get access to great views of the incredible flora and fauna at Mac Point,

The best time to scuba dive at Mac Point is between November to March. This is because the weather around this time is dry and there are fewer chances of rain or thunderstorm. While scuba diving is open at most times throughout the year, diving instructors cancel dives whenever there is a possibility of rain. Since rain and storm are very common during monsoons, the chances of your dive getting cancelled will be greater. However, since post-April is considered off-season, the prices of hotel rooms and scuba diving may also come at discounts. If you want to make a budget trip, the off-season would be best for you. Just make sure that you check the weather forecast for the period of your travel so that your scuba diving plans are not dampened by the rains.

While Mac Point has a very dense marine ecosystem and boasts a rich coral reef, the star attraction at this diving point is the dugongs. Also called sea cows, dugongs are primarily found in Australia and eastern Africa. So, if you can’t make a plan to visit either location soon, you can still see these majestic sea creatures relaxing on the sandbanks at Mac point. If you are lucky, you may also be able to swim close to some of them. While underwater, you’ll also witness many large groups of snappers, angelfish, butterfly fish, fusiliers, and nudibranchs hiding in the crevices of the hard corals.

If you just want to try scuba diving and are a non-swimmer, you may have to pay around INR 4500 to INR 6500 for your dive. Most diving centres at Mac Point, Havelock Island offer packages to diving enthusiasts. A typical diving package will include scuba diving gear, a boat ride to the diving spot, and an instructor who will guide you through your dive underwater. You can also get a video made and get some pictures clicked of your diving experience. Videos and photos are usually added to the package, so, whether or not you keep them will impact the cost of your package. If you want a scuba certification, the cost will vary depending on how many days the training course is and the number of dives you plan to take. The packages for scuba certification start at around INR 6500 and can go up to INR 20,000.

Mac Point can be primarily accessed from Havelock Island, while some people also travel from Neil Island. The only way to reach Havelock Island is by ferry from Port Blair. You can take a flight to Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport and then take a public ferry from the government-run jetty. Taking a public ferry will save you a lot of money as the price of the tickets is around INR 300-500 per person on one side. Havelock Island is around 70 km from Port Blair, so it would take you 2-3 hours for you to reach your destination. Any diving centre you book your scuba diving appointment with will give you a boat ride to Mac Point, the cost of which will be covered in your scuba diving package.

There are many places that you can explore near Mac Point. The scuba diving point is close to both Havelock and Neil Island, although it is easier to reach there from Havelock. Both Havelock and Neil Islands are known for their rich biodiversity. You can visit the Radhanagar and Govindnagar beaches. Govindnagar beach is also close to the famous Nemo Reef. Elephant beach offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy fun beach activities like snorkelling, sea walking, jet skiing, and parasailing.

Yes, there are many diving spots at Havelock Island. Aquarium and Lighthouse are two of the most famous diving spots that are open to all divers - new and experienced. But there are many other diving spots like the Slope, the Wall, Pilot Reef, Minerva’s Ledge, White House Rock, Seduction Point, Johnny’s Gorge, Jackson’s Bar, etc.

If you have respiratory issues, it would be better for you to speak to your doctor before booking a scuba diving appointment. Scuba diving requires you to have control over your breath; having severe respiratory issues might put you at risk underwater. You should consult a doctor even if you have any heart-related problems.

The best time to scuba dive at Pilot Reef in Havelock Island is around November to March. You can also visit the diving site around the onset of winter in October as well. The weather around November is perfect because there are fewer chances of rain and thunderstorm. Scuba diving is not possible when it rains; hence, you should avoid the peak monsoon season. Even if you visit Havelock during rainy season, you would be able to only dive on days when the weather is good. However, the decision for the dive lies with your instructor. Also, sometimes the northern part of the Pilot Reef is not conducive for a dive when the winds flow into Havelock from the east.

Pilot Reef is a massive flat reef that has a shallow depth. As such, the reef is perfect for beginners who want to start their scuba diving journey and non-swimmers who want to try out scuba diving. The reef also experienced light currents which makes it easier for newcomers to glide under the water. Because of its blossoming marine life, many advanced-level scuba divers also flock to Pilot Reef to dive.

The depth of Pilot Reef is around 8 to 22 metres. Experienced scuba divers can go even deeper than 22 metres; however, if you are a beginner and even a non-swimmer, you may be able to explore up to 15 metres. Since Pilot Reef is a flat-bottomed diving site, it is easier to explore for everyone.

Yes, Pilot Reef is a very popular scuba diving site. It is an absolutely amazing place to dive, especially, if you are new to diving. The spot is primarily famous for leopard sharks that glide around the reef in groups. Due to its shallow depth, the visibility at Pilot Reef is also great, which means that you can explore the flora and fauna of the area with more clarity. Not just that, the reef is full of tiny caves where you can explore much interesting marine life.

One thing that you can assure yourself of witnessing at the Pilot Reef is the leopard shark. And not one, you’ll find plenty of them either gliding in the water or relaxing by the sandbanks. You’ll also find many marble rays casually enjoying their time alongside the sharks. If you are lucky, you’ll be able to witness an octopus in its full glory or even a white-tip reef shark. If you are luckier, you’ll also see some manta rays. Hidden in the caves are many moray eels, lobsters, and soldier fish. While diving, you’ll find the underwater become suddenly alive with large and colourful groups of trumpet fish, butterfly fish, and unicorn fish.

The cost of diving at Pilot Reef varies depending on what you need from the dive. Generally, for beginners and non-swimmers, the cost per dive is around INR 4500 - INR 7000. The price is usually part of a package that includes a short training (mostly including the rules you’d have to follow under the water), a boat ride to the diving spot, and an instructor who will be with you throughout your dive. You can also have videos and photos taken of you during the dive, the cost of which will determine the price of your package. While the boat ride and the instructor are mandatory, you can opt out of the videos and photos if you want. If you know how to swim and want to get a beginner scuba certification, you’ll have to pay anything between INR 6500 to INR 20,000 depending on how much time you want to give to the training and what kind of dives you want to include. The cost will also be impacted by the number of dives you take. Experienced divers can pay INR 4000 to 6500 per dive, although the cost may be more or less depending on the season and the diving centre.

Pilot Reef is just 5 km away from Havelock Island, so you can reach your diving spot in around 10-15 minutes. To reach Havelock Island, you’d first have to reach Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. You can take a flight to the Veer Savarkar International Airport at Port Blair and thereafter take a ferry from the capital’s government jetty to Havelock Island. You can enjoy a splendid view of the deep blue sea at just INR 300-INR 500 which is the fare of the ferry ride. Since Havelock is around 70 km away from Port Blair, it may take you 2-3 hours to reach your destination.

Scuba diving requires you to have strong respiratory abilities as you need to control your breathing under the water. You’d, of course, be wearing an oxygen mask, but you’d need to regulate the oxygen flow from the mask frequently. As such if you have a weak respiratory system, it may be difficult for you to scuba dive. It would be best to first consult your doctor to understand if you can, in fact, dive. You should also consult a doctor if you have any heart-related problems.

There are many diving sites around Havelock Island. Some of the most famous are Lighthouse, Aquarium, the Wall, the Slope, Jackson’s Bar, White House Rock, Turtle Bay, etc. Nemo reef near Govindnagar beach is also very popular among scuba divers.

Answer: The following courses and water activities are available for non-swimmers in the Andaman Islands:

• PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Boat) in Havelock Island
• Pool DSD Confined Practice in Havelock Island
• PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Shore) in Havelock Island
• Guided Snorkelling in Port Blair

Get ready for a breathtaking experience of your life!

Answer: The following courses are available for non-swimmers in Havelock Island (officially known as Swaraj Dweep now):

• PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Boat) in Havelock Island
• Pool DSD Confined Practice in Havelock Island
• PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Shore) in Havelock Island

Answer: Guided snorkelling is the most sought-after water sport in Port Blair, the capital town of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Answer: PADI Discover Suba Diving (DSD) is a quick and basic introduction to the exploration of the underwater world. It is not a scuba certification course, but still, you will be taught all the steps required to become a PADI-certified diver. 

Have you ever wondered what it is like to breathe under the water? If yes, then in one word, we can tell you that it is -Amazing!’. If you want to try your hand at scuba diving, but are not sure about getting into a certification program, then Discover Scuba Diving is your best bet. Moreover, it is perfect for non-swimmers. 

Answer: This program is offered by PADI dive shops either in a swimming pool, off a beach, or from a dive boat. You can go for it if you have a dive shop near your home or while vacationing at a dive destination. In India, the Andaman Islands is the best destination for that. You should be at least ten years old to be able to sign up for a PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience. No prior experience with scuba diving is required. However, you should be in good physical health. 

Answer: In Discover Scuba Diving, you will be taught the basic safety guidelines and skills that are required for diving. You will be under the direct supervision of a PADI professional. You will practice a couple of more skills in shallow water to prepare yourself for an incredible adventure in case you make an open water dive. You will:

• Get familiar with the scuba equipment you are going to use and see for yourself how easy it is to move around under the water with the gear.
• Breathe underwater.
• Learn important skills needed for scuba diving.
• Have fun exploring the jaw-dropping marine world.
• Know about becoming a certified diver by doing the PADI Open Water Diver course.

Answer: For scuba diving, you will be needing all the basic scuba gear including a mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, buoyancy control device, dive gauges, and a tank. Your PADI professional will provide you with everything.

Answer: When in the capital town, you will have access to great places for snorkelling. So you can easily witness the best of the world of sea-dwellers. The place is home to vibrant hard and soft corals and the highly-populated ecosystem of shoreline. It houses a myriad of lovely fishes that is sure to leave you awestruck. Witnessing the preserved coastal belts surrounded by long stretches of the diverse ecosystem is a unique experience. If you are vacationing in the Andaman Islands, then guided snorkelling in Port Blair is a must-try. 

Answer: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to go there for snorkelling is from November to May. The temperature during these months varies between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. This time duration is perfect for sightseeing and indulging in exciting water sports. This is the best time to travel to this Indian union territory. 

Answer: Things to keep in mind while snorkelling in the capital city are as follows:

• Make sure you book your snorkelling slot in advance with a reliable tour agent for avoiding any last-minute confusion. You can book your snorkelling slot in advance with Dive Andaman—a reliable name across the island. 
• Checking the snorkelling equipment before heading out is very important. If it is not comfortable even a little bit, change your equipment right away. You don’t want to panic under the sea.
• You should learn all the methods and gestures properly that are taught during your training session. Learn all the basics regarding the usage of your equipment as well. 
• For avoiding underwater sickness, make sure that you have not eaten anything for the last four hours.  
• There are numerous snorkelling packages available that vary in location and cost. Pick one that matches your budget and convenience.  
   

Answer: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the most gorgeous destination in India. whether you are a nature lover or an adrenaline junkie, this union territory has something for everyone. Speaking of scuba diving, the islands are known for the best marine life across the country. Havelock Island, now known as Swaraj Dweep officially, is the best location for scuba diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It offers the most amazing underwater experience on the island. Diving here is a must-do when you are in the Andaman Islands.   

Answer: When it comes to water sports, scuba diving is considered the best and the most popular across the globe. Havelock Island is the hub of the most magnificent dive sites across the Andaman Islands. Based on the type of diving adventure you are looking for, one can choose to dive at any of these locations in Swaraj Dweep. 

1. Nemo Reef
2. Barracuda City
3. Seduction Point
4. Aquarium
5. Turtle Bay
6. Mac Point
7. Lighthouse
8. The Wall
9. Pilot Reef
10. Minerva Ledge
11. Johnny’s Gorge
12. White House Rock
13. Dixon’s Pinnacle
14. Jackson’s Bar
15. Broken Ledge
16. Inchkeith Wreck
17. Red Pillar
18. The Slope

Answer: There are various factors that affect the perfect scuba diving experience on the island such as:

1. Safety
2. Water depth
3. Water clarity
4. Coral population
5. Fish population
6. Water current
7. Weather

Answer: The best diving spot for newbies, Barracuda City in Havelock Island is home to coral belts with the ideal combination of both soft and hard coral populations. It has a rich ecosystem that houses abundant vibrant colourful fishes of different species. If you are lucky, then you can also spot wandering sea turtles near the corals. At Seduction Point, you can witness a dense population of hard staghorn corals along with its inhabitants including Napoleons in the shallow waters. As evident from the name, an abundance of sea turtles can be seen at Turtle Bay. This dive site in Havelock Island also has a decent amount of coral population and Rays.

Answer: Can you do scuba diving if you don’t know swimming? The answer is quite simple– Yes! We, at Dive Andaman, make it possible for non-swimmers so they can also feel the magical experience of being a part of the rich marine life of Havelock Island, even if it is for some time only. 

Answer: Whether you are a beginner or a total newbie, there is one location in Havelock Island that makes up for an amazing scuba diving experience. It’s Nemo Reef! Its rich aquatic life and abundant coral population offer an incredible experience that will leave you wanting more. Usually, the diver is enclosed with colourful fishes and corals. Your dive here is safe and stress-free as the water is clear and water currents low.  

Answer: Below is the tables of scuba diving prices in Havelock Island:

Scuba Diving for Non-Swimmers

S.no.	Dive Type	Cost (in Rs.)
1.	Pool DSD Confined practice	2,000
2.	PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Boat)	6,500
3.	PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Shore)	4,500

 

Scuba Diving for Beginner Swimmers

S.no.	Dive Type	Cost (in Rs.)
1.	PADI Scuba Diver Course	20,000
2.	PADI Open Water Course	28,000
3.	PADI Open Water Course (Referral Diver)	16,000
4.	PADI Advanced Open Water Course	25,000
5.	PADI Emergency First Aid Responder Course	10,000
6.	PADI Rescue Course	22,000
7.	PADI Dive Master Course	70,000

 

Speciality Dive Courses for Divers & Professionals

S.no.	Dive Type	Cost (in Rs.)
1.	Wreck Dive Speciality	16,000
2.	Drift Dive Speciality	16,000
3.	Underwater Naturalist Speciality	14,000
4.	Underwater Navigation Speciality	14,000
5.	Underwater Photograph Speciality	19,000
6.	Peak Performance Buoyancy Speciality	14,000
7.	Night Dive Speciality	15,000
8.	Project AWARE Speciality (classroom session)	6,000
9.	Deep Dive Speciality	12,000
10.	Boat Dive Speciality	10,000
11.	O2 Provider Speciality (classroom session)	10,000

Answer: We, at Dive Andaman, make sure that you have an unforgettable scuba diving experience in Havelock Island. Our PADI-certified experts will be there with you throughout the dive so that you can relax and have a wonderful time under the surface. There are a number of scuba diving packages available to choose from when you book your dive with us. We will also provide you pick-up and drop-off facility absolutely free of charge (except for guests staying at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa and Barefoot). So you don’t have to worry about additional travel expenses and time.   

Answer: If you have decided to pursue scuba diving seriously and are willing to explore the marine world like a pro someday, then the PADI Open Water course is highly recommended for you. During this course, you will be taught how to manage your buoyancy, assemble and use scuba gear, and be a confident and skilled diver. 

Answer: In India, the most sought-after destination for exploring the underwater world is the gorgeous union territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The group of islands is famous for its pristine and peaceful beaches. Scuba diving is something that attracts a good chunk of tourists to the isles. Home to a dense ecosystem of coral reefs and formations, the underwater coastal belts surrounding Havelock Island are perfect for scuba diving. Long stretches of reefs enclose most of the island. 

Answer: There are some wonderful sites in Neil Island that are perfect for beginners as well as experts. Here, you can witness even little critters in crystal-clear, shallow waters. Even deep divers enjoy diving in these sites. These reefs start from 10 feet and go down beyond 60 feet. Therefore, these are ideal for Open Water Divers and Advanced Open Water Divers both. 

The best diving sites in Neil Island are as follows:

• Bus Stop
• Jetty Channel Marker
• Junction
• K-Rock
• Margherita’s Mischief

Answer: Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) in the Andaman Islands promises an extraordinary diving experience for certified divers as well as beginners. Thanks to the preserved marine life and alive corals around the shore and beyond. The shoreline of the island offers crystal clear, blue waters. Its rich population of corals is sure to take away your breath! The medium water currents and safe depth offer an optimal underwater adventure. To tick a memorable underwater experience off your bucket list, choose Neil Island as your next travel destination. 

Answer: A minimum level of health and fitness is required for scuba diving in Neil Island. In case you are suffering from any chronic health condition, or taking certain medications and/or had surgery recently, you will have to get written approval from a physician before diving. In order to avoid any confusion, you can simply download and review the Diver Medical Form to make sure that you will not require approval from a physician to dive. You should not ask your instructor, dive master, or dive shop staff for medical advice as they are not physicians. Only medical professionals can give medical clearance to dive if you do not have a minimum level of health and fitness. 

Answer: Located in the Andaman Islands, Diveandaman is a 5-star PADI facility. It is a trustworthy dive shop that offers fun dives as well as diving courses. Book your dive with its instructor to have the best diving experience ever. We at Dive Andaman believe this completely! Scuba diving is something that can offer you life-changing rewards. The first dive is the most special and unforgettable; no one can stop you after that. Diving is like meditation and once you have realized that, the oceans become a lot more in your life. The underwater world is like a paradise that promises to leave you spellbound with its hidden treasures. 

Answer: The capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Port Blair, is well-connected via flights. Direct flights are available from Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. You can opt any of the following options to reach Neil Island:

• Ferry to Neil Island- There are government ferries plying from Port Blair to Neil Island. Every day, two ferries leave in the morning. 
• Ferry from Rangat- Daily ferry service is available from Rangat.
• Private Boat- There are two private boat service providers, Makruzz and Ocean Green, that have scheduled and private departures for Neil Island. 

Answer: In India, the Andaman Islands are the best place that provides great diving experiences. Of all the places, Neil Island has quite advanced scuba diving facilities. The crystal-clear water of its beaches makes underwater sighting even easier. The experience of snorkelling in Neil Island is a memorable one. The underwater marine life surrounds you so closely that you can literally touch it (but you are not supposed to!). If you are lucky, then you can spot a Dugong (sea cow), the state animal of the Andaman Islands. 

Answer: October to April is the best time to go snorkelling in Neil Island. During this time, the weather is quite pleasant. When travelling to the Andaman Islands, avoid summer and monsoon seasons. The corals are well-preserved and in abundance here. 

Answer: Below is the tables of scuba diving prices in Havelock Island:

Scuba Diving for Non-Swimmers

S.no.	Dive Type	Cost (in Rs.)
1.	Pool DSD Confined practice	2,000
2.	PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Boat)	6,500
3.	PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Shore)	4,500

 

Scuba Diving for Beginner Swimmers

S.no.	Dive Type	Cost (in Rs.)
1.	PADI Scuba Diver Course	20,000
2.	PADI Open Water Course	28,000
3.	PADI Open Water Course (Referral Diver)	16,000
4.	PADI Advanced Open Water Course	25,000
5.	PADI Emergency First Aid Responder Course	10,000
6.	PADI Rescue Course	22,000
7.	PADI Dive Master Course	70,000

 

Speciality Dive Courses for Divers & Professionals

S.no.	Dive Type	Cost (in Rs.)
1.	Wreck Dive Speciality	16,000
2.	Drift Dive Speciality	16,000
3.	Underwater Naturalist Speciality	14,000
4.	Underwater Navigation Speciality	14,000
5.	Underwater Photograph Speciality	19,000
6.	Peak Performance Buoyancy Speciality	14,000
7.	Night Dive Speciality	15,000
8.	Project AWARE Speciality (classroom session)	6,000
9.	Deep Dive Speciality	12,000

Answer: Home to thriving biodiversity, unexploited coral reefs, white sandy beaches, adventurous experiences, and a notable population of birds and animal life, Neil Island has emerged as a sought-after destination in the Andamans. The island is popular for its gorgeous beaches that feature white sands and uninterrupted views of the clear blue skies.

Answer: The Andaman Islands is the topmost destination in India to witness the rich marine life. It also offers scuba diving experience and certification programs. Neil Island has the required infrastructure for scuba diving. Underwater sighting becomes even easier here owing to its crystal-clear waters. The experience of scuba diving at Neil Island is memorable. 

Answer: Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is known for its rich history and natural beauty. Along with that, it is also the hub of a number of exciting water activities. Among them, scuba diving is the most popular. It is the most sought-after water sport among youngsters and adults. There are a number of diving spots in and around Port Blair that are popular for their mesmerising marine life. The underwater world here is extremely wonderful. 

Answer: This vibrant and tropical paradise is a hub of aqua sports, and thus if you are a sea lover or love water sports, then you have a lot to do in the capital city of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. A vacation in the serene Port Blair will let you explore the ocean mysteries at their finest. 

The best scuba diving sites in and around Port Blair are as follows:

• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor
• Corruption Rock
• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy
• Snake Island
• Rutland Island 

Answer: A minimum level of health and fitness is required for scuba diving. In case you are suffering from any chronic health condition, or taking certain medications and/or had surgery recently, you will have to get written approval from a physician before diving. In order to avoid any confusion, you can simply download and review the Diver Medical Form to make sure that you will not require approval from a physician to dive. You should not ask your instructor, dive master, or dive shop staff for medical advice as they are not physicians. Only medical professionals can give medical clearance to dive if you do not have a minimum health and fitness level. 

Answer: You should be at least 10 years old to be able to go scuba diving in Port Blair.

Answer: Aquatic life in Port Blair includes the following:

1. Giant napoleons 
2. Eagle rays
3. Huge snappers
4. Schooling fusiliers
5. Banner 
6. Unicorn fish
7. Dolphins
8. Tuna
9. Reef sharks 
10. Hard corals
11. Soft corals
12. Small fishes 
13. Fungia
14. Pocillopora
15. Acropora
16. Leptoseris
17. Clownfish
18. Surgeonfish
19. Whitetip Shark
20. Parrot Shark
21. Butterflyfish
22. Angelfish
23. Sea turtles
24. Pipefishes
25. Eagle rays
26. Seaweed beds
27. Pisces
28. Cnidarians
29. Molluscs
30. Arthropods 
31. Triggerfish
32. Grunts
33. Goatfish 
34. Rays

Answer: Diveandaman is a 5-star PADI facility located in Havelock Island (Andaman and Nicobar Islands). We will make all the arrangements for your scuba diving experience in Port Blair. Our professional and experienced scuba divers will make sure that whether you are taking a fun dive or enrolling yourself in a course, you get to learn and enjoy your experience. Different programmes are offered here for different levels, the most popular being the Open Water Course. There are other programs for those divers as well who want to continue their scuba education. For the courses meant for beginners, you don’t need to be an expert in swimming. All you need to have is the willingness to learn! Apart from all this, you can always go for fun dives in Port Blair. 

Answer: The cost of scuba diving in Port Blair is as follows:

Scuba Diving for Non-Swimmers

S.no.	Dive Type	Cost (in Rs.)
1.	Pool DSD Confined practice	2,000
2.	PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Boat)	6,500
3.	PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Shore)	4,500

Scuba Diving for Beginner Swimmers

S.no.	Dive Type	Cost (in Rs.)
1.	PADI Scuba Diver Course	20,000
2.	PADI Open Water Course	28,000
3.	PADI Open Water Course (Referral Diver)	16,000
4.	PADI Advanced Open Water Course	25,000
5.	PADI Emergency First Aid Responder Course	10,000
6.	PADI Rescue Course	22,000

 

Speciality Dive Courses for Divers & Professionals

S.no.	Dive Type	Cost (in Rs.)
1.	Wreck Dive Speciality	16,000
2.	Drift Dive Speciality	16,000
3.	Underwater Naturalist Speciality	14,000
4.	Underwater Navigation Speciality	14,000
5.	Underwater Photograph Speciality	19,000
6.	Peak Performance Buoyancy Speciality	14,000
7.	Night Dive Speciality	15,000
8.	Project AWARE Speciality (classroom session)	6,000
9.	Deep Dive Speciality	12,000
10.	Boat Dive Speciality	10,000
11.	O2 Provider Speciality (classroom session)	10,000

Answer: Absolutely, yes! Anyone above 10 years of age with a good fitness level can scuba dive in Port Blair. Beginners too can have an amazing time under the water. 

Answer: There are various factors that affect the perfect scuba diving experience in the capital town such as:

• Safety
• Water depth
• Water clarity
• Coral population
• Fish population
• Water current
• Weather

The best thing is that you don’t need to be an expert in swimming. All you need is the enthusiasm and willingness to dive into the sea. If you want to have an action-packed experience, then the best time to travel to Port Blair is post-monsoon, that is, from November to May. During this time, the sky is cloudless and the water, peaceful and safe. 

Answer: Whether you are a beginner or a total newbie, there are a number of dive sites in and around Port Blair that are suitable for everyone. All of them make up for an amazing scuba diving experience. These have rich aquatic life and an abundant coral population that offer an incredible experience leaving you wanting more. You will be enclosed with colourful fishes and corals. Your dive here is safe and stress-free as the water is clear and water currents are low.  

If you are a professional scuba diver, then you have a number of choices to pursue your diving education and experience. The following speciality dive courses are offered in the Andamans:

• Wreck Dive Specialty for 1 Dive in Havelock Island
• Drift Dive Specialty for 1 Dive in Havelock Island
• Underwater Naturalist Specialty for 1 Dive in Havelock Island
• Underwater Navigation Specialty for 1 Dive in Havelock Island
• PADI Underwater Photography Specialty Course in Port Blair
• PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Course in Port Blair
• PADI Night Diver Specialty Course in Port Blair
• Project Aware Specialty in Port Blair
• Deep Dive Specialty in Neil Island
• Boat Dive Specialty in Neil Island
• O2 Provider Specialty in Neil Island

Answer: The following speciality dive courses are available for divers and professionals in Havelock Island:

• Wreck Dive Specialty for 1 Dive in Havelock Island
• Drift Dive Specialty for 1 Dive in Havelock Island
• Underwater Naturalist Specialty for 1 Dive in Havelock Island
• Underwater Navigation Specialty for 1 Dive in Havelock Island

Answer: The following speciality dive courses are available for divers and professionals in Neil Island:

• Deep Dive Specialty in Neil Island
• Boat Dive Specialty in Neil Island
• O2 Provider Specialty in Neil Island

Answer: Yes, there are speciality dive courses for professionals in the capital town as well. One can pick from the following options: 

• PADI Underwater Photography Specialty Course in Port Blair
• PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Course in Port Blair
• PADI Night Diver Specialty Course in Port Blair
• Project Aware Specialty in Port Blair

Answer: Wrecks are fascinating windows to the past. Whether lost due to an accident or purpose-sunk as an artificial reef for scuba divers, wrecks have a unique appeal for sure. It is fascinating to explore ships, aeroplanes, and cars. They usually teem with aquatic life. A chance of discovery, potentially unlocking a mystery or spying on something other divers have missed is offered by each wreck. If you also want to explore a wreck under the water, then first take this PADI Wreck Diver Speciality course as it will give you rewarding diving adventures while you are observing responsible wreck diving practices.  

Answer: If you want to feel like flying underwater, then dive in a current in Havelock Island! In the PADI Drift Diver course, our experienced instructor will teach you drift diving tips. You will be practising buoyancy control, navigation, use of surface signalling equipment, and buddy communication. Drift diving is all about gliding with currents, feeling the rush of flying underwater, and watching fish moving up the current effortlessly. There will be one dive in this course and the duration of the entire experience will be around three hours. You will be exposing yourself to the techniques and procedures for drift diving. 

Answer: At some point, a scuba diver needs to have a better understanding of the local ecosystem along with the differences between aquatic and terrestrial worlds. With this, you will be able to see new things even in the most common and familiar dive sites. By taking the PADI Underwater Naturalist Speciality course, you will spot new things even in the most usual scuba diving sites. You will be able to notice behaviours and spot creatures that you may have missed earlier as by taking this diving course, you will know more about symbioses, underwater ecology, as well as aquatic plant and animal habitats. The PADI course will let you learn about the local ecosystem and take a closer look into the incredible underwater world.  

Answer: Do you know what defines a skilled scuba diver? The answer is ‘Excellent Buoyancy Control’. You must have seen them underwater vis documentaries or something. How effortlessly they glide, use less air and ascend/descend, and hover so smoothly! They are able to observe marine life more easily and also without disturbing the surroundings. You can achieve this too by taking the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty course in Port Blair. It will improve your buoyancy skills and elevate them to the next level as well. PADI (Junior) Open Water Divers or higher, who are at least ten years old, are eligible to take the Peak Performance Buoyancy course.

Answer: Going below the surface at night seems mysterious as well as alluring! You may have scuba dived many times before, but diving at night means exploring a whole new world. Watching the marine world come to life under the glow of your dive light is definitely an extraordinary experience. The entire scene changes as day creatures retire and nocturnal organisms emerge. How interesting is that! If you want to see what happens under the waves after the sun goes down, then take the PADI Night Diver speciality course in the capital of the Andaman Islands.

Answer: The Project AWARE Specialist is basically uniting divers and water enthusiasts to make a difference. This certification will help you learn how you can make a difference in ocean protection whenever you scuba dive or travel. Aimed at ocean protection, the PADI Project AWARE Speciality course is an introduction to the global AWARE movement.

Answer: Some of the best spots for scuba diving in Andaman Islands, India are as follows:

• Kalipur
• Neil Island
• South Button
• Elephant Beach
• Tamarind Cam

Answer: Scuba Diving in the Andamans is absolutely safe for everyone, including beginners. Whether you are a kid or an adult, anybody can enjoy snorkeling by exploring the underwater world of the island. There will be trained professionals to take care of you at every step.

Answer: Yes, snorkeling is safe for you even if you don’t know swimming. An instructor will be there with you with whom you will be learning the basics. Anyone can go for this enthralling activity when in the Andamans.

Answer: Mask, snorkel, and fins are the essentials for this exciting water activity. You can bring your own gear for a proper and comfortable fit. However, you can take these on rent as well. If you want to capture the serendipitous moments of your underwater adventure, then don’t forget to bring an underwater camera. Also, if you decide to stay in the water for a longer period of time, then you will need to wear a wet suit.

Answer: This typically depends on the area. There are some places that have a reef right off the beach. So you don’t have to travel far to reach the snorkel site. A land-based trip will suffice in case you only want to get to a specific snorkeling location. However, there are many areas that are so spread out and vast that you will be requiring a boat to reach there.

Answer: The Andaman Islands is a year-round destination. However, the winter season, i.e., from November to May, is considered the best time to go scuba diving. It is the ideal time for sightseeing and indulging in exciting water sports as the temperature during these months ranges between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.

Answer: Havelock Island is home to rich marine life that includes wonderful creatures and colourful corals. Among all the places, the best place to experience scuba diving on the island is Elephant Beach. Some of the other places for trying your hand at scuba diving in Andamans are mentioned below:

• Red Skin Island
• North Bay Island
• South Button
• Kalipur
• Neil Island
• Henry Lawrence Island
• Tamarind Camp
• Jolly Buoy Island

Answer: Some of the tips for snorkelling are explained below:

• Ensure that you book your slot for snorkelling well in advance with a trustworthy diving centre in order to avoid any last-minute hassle. Located in Havelock Island, Dive Andaman is a reliable name across the island and it will make all your bookings. 
• Before going into the water, check your snorkelling equipment property. Change it immediately if it is not comfortable even a little bit. Otherwise, it may cause you trouble and you may panic under the water. 
• Learn all the methods and gestures properly in your training session. Make sure that you learn about the usage of the equipment. 
• Make sure that you have not eaten anything for the last four hours in order to avoid underwater sickness.
• A number of snorkelling packages are available as per your budget and requirements. Select the one suiting your convenience.

Answer: Snorkeling is an adventurous water activity that lets you explore the lovely underwater world. The best thing is that it can be performed by non-swimmers as well. Whether you want to do it alone or with friends and family members, it is an amazing way to spend some quality time in the Andaman Islands with your near and dear ones. You need to get into the water and go inside to observe the fascinating marine life and corals of the island. Just wear fins, a mask, and a snorkel. Wear a protective suit in case you want to swim closer to the ocean floor.

Snorkeling in the Andaman Islands is going to be a mesmerizing experience for you if you have the right equipment. As soon as you get into the water, you can start snorkelling. An additional benefit is that this water activity lets you burn your calories as well. It is a great experience for your island vacation and you are going to cherish it for the rest of your life.

Answer: This totally depends on you and the dive center, but generally it takes 3-4 days. Learning to dive is based on your skills. So the course duration is determined by your progress in the development of your skill level, confidence, and comfort. The amount of time needed at the dive center will be reduced in case you opt for PADI eLearning prior to your program. You can take the theory and pool sessions at home and make the open water dives while vacationing If you don’t want to study on holiday. You will be given a referral document by your instructor to take with you. there are some dive centers that offer programs over a duration of 2 weekends so that you don’t have to take time off work. There are a number of ways but if you have decided to take the program while holidaying somewhere, then you need at least 18 hours after scuba diving before flying anywhere.

Answer: In India, the Andaman Islands are the best destination for scuba diving owing to their rich marine life. Its turquoise, clear waters let you explore the best of the underwater world. Scuba diving on Havelock Island is among the best experiences as the island is home to colorful corals and incredible fish. You can get close to the marvels of marine life here. Although scuba diving is available at so many places in the Andaman Islands, the best location is Havelock Island owing to its rich diversity.

Answer: If you enjoy sound health and do not have any medical complications, then you can go scuba diving. You will have to attend a training session with licensed divers before you dive into the ocean. The best quality scuba equipment will be given to you. Moreover, an expert trainer will accompany you throughout your dive.

Answer: The duration between November and February is the best time to go for scuba diving on the island. During this time, the water temperature is the most pleasant. We would highly recommend booking your slot in advance if you want to avoid any last-minute chaos.

Answer: While going for this incredible water sport, you need to carry a few things with you. Just put these in a bag and leave it outside the water. Once your diving session is done and you are out of the water, you may need these. 

• Towel
• Bottle of water
• Extra set of clothes
• Personal medicine kit

Answer: Yes, it is absolutely safe to do scuba diving in the Andamans. Here, you can also go deep-sea diving wearing excellent quality equipment, accompanied by a trained diving instructor.

Answer: You don’t need to know swimming if you are going for introductory scuba diving. It is completely safe for non-swimmers to go for fun dives on the island.

Answer: The prices for scuba diving in the Andamans range between INR 3,500 and 6,500. It varies depending on the season and the program chosen by you.

Answer: There are more than 40 places to dive into this Indian union territory. Various factors that influence the perfect diving experience are mentioned below:

• Safety
• Weather
• Water depth
• Water current
• Fish population
• Clarity of water
• Population of corals

Havelock Island is the best island for exploring the rich marine life of the Andaman Islands via scuba diving. Apart from that, there are so many other water sports also that one can try here. Havelock Island is the hub of adventure activities on the island. 

Your vacation in the Andaman Islands is incomplete if you don’t go scuba diving here. Havelock Island, which was renamed Swaraj Dweep in 2018, is known for the best diving spots in Andamans. This is popular for having white sandy beaches, hypnotising turquoise lagoons, colourful corals, tempting cobalt waters, and enthralling marine life. Imagine going into the depths of such a magical place! It would be an experience of a lifetime. People from all over the world come to the Andaman Islands to experience this amazing water adventure activity, and their preference is Havelock Island because that’s the one-stop destination for enjoying a number of water sports.

Answer: Of course. You will have an experienced dive instructor at all times under the water.

Answer: The maximum time at each stop is one hour. However, one should surface with at least 50 bar of air remaining. It depends on how quickly you breathe your air. Beginners use their air faster than experienced scuba divers as they are a little bit nervous before the first dive. Other factors affecting air consumption include body makeup, depth, fitness, sea conditions, how effectively one uses their fins, and water temperature. The first dive is at least 20 minutes long and on average, ranges from 25 to 40 minutes. However, some first-timers manage a full hour. You will get an idea after trying. Also, your air consumption will keep on improving with more and more dives.

Answer: The certification depth limit of your dive group will decide the depth of your dive (Scuba Diver 12 meters, Open Water 18 meters, Deep Adventure Diver, and Advanced Open Water 30 meters). The depth also depends on the site (some are not deeper than 16 meters). Efforts are made to keep divers with similar depth limits together. 

The first two dives of the PADI Open Water Diver Program are a maximum of 12 meters and the next two are 18 meters (12 meters for 10-11 years olds). The dives will be more than 5 meters and you do not have to go 18 meters in the beginning. In case you are anxious, then talk to your instructor.

Answer: Factors like the dive site, diver experience, and conditions determine the ratio of divers to guide.

Answer: After your last dive, you must wait for 18 hours before flying.

Answer: Yes, you can bring your own scuba diving equipment. However, you must ensure that it is working properly before you come so that you don’t miss a dive. Dive shops often give discounts if you bring your own BCD, Regulator, or Wetsuit.

Answer: The staff at the PADI dive shop will look you up on the database if you hold a PADI certification. In case you hold a certification with another body like SSI, NAUI, TDI, CMAS, BSAC, etc., then you will have to show your logbook and complete a liability disclaimer form.

Answer: Yes, you can still dive with Dive Andaman. Just bring your certification card or a photo of the back and front of your card on your phone. You can also show us your e-card. Kindly bring your logbook for verification where the agency does not issue a card.

Answer: Yes, the charges will include equipment rental – BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, mask, tank, weight belt, and weights.

Answer: Yes, one can hire an underwater photographer. The charges will be additional. Ask for more information.

Answer: Yes, you can bring your own camera. However, you will be expected to practice good buoyancy control as well as act responsibly around marine life. You will be required to put the camera away if you hold onto coral, kick up sand, lose control of your buoyancy, chase or disturb aquatic life. There may be significant penalties for habitat destruction and harassing marine life.

Answer: Yes, they can come along. However, there will be extra charges for that.

Answer: Possibly. Contact the staff at Dive Andaman for details.

Answer: It is highly unlikely that this will ever happen. When you will take the PADI Open Water Diver course, you will learn to monitor your air supply frequently. You will also get to know that we never dive until the tank is empty as we have to end the dive before air supply becomes a matter of stress. You will be taught different ways to deal with an “out of air situation” safely so that you will have the skills required to manage the situation in the unlikely event of running out of air.

Answer: Of course. One way is to dive by wearing daily disposable contact lenses as these are best in case you lose any one or both of them under the water. And if you are not a contact lens wearer, then a prescription mask is your best bet. You will find such masks at some dive shops but it is not sure that you will find one that matches your eyesight requirements exactly. So it is recommended that you invest in one of your own. If you are long-sighted, which means you have difficulty in reading but are okay with distances, then you can buy prescription stickers that you can apply to the lower section of a regular mask. It is like wearing reading glasses.

Answer: Yes, absolutely. The PADI courses are designed in such a way that no matter what your preferred learning style is, you can still understand everything easily. The course doesn’t include only reading; it also includes learning theory via video presentations, and practical demonstrations, along with practice and instructor presentations. With PADI eLearning, you can study from home at your own pace before going to the dive center. Try PADI Open Water Diver Touch Version if you have a smartphone or a tablet. It will offer you a more interactive way of learning.

Answer: This completely depends on your diving spot and what you understand by ‘dangerous’. Some areas have corals and plants that may sting if you brush up against them. Most aquatic animals do not attack and have stingers only for defending themselves. Interacting with marine life is a skill and your instructor will explain it to you. You will have great encounters with various amazing species while scuba diving, but the golden rule is not to touch anything under the water. You are entering their environment and poking them is definitely inappropriate.

Answer: Yeah, sure. That won't be a problem. You will have a one-on-one program with the diving instructor and he/she will be your buddy. Also, you may be a part of a group and you will meet new buddies there. Devers is welcoming and sociable!

Answer: To learn scuba diving, you don’t need to be Michael Phelps! However, there are some minimum requirements for safety reasons. You will have to complete a 200-meter swim (any stroke and it is not timed), float for 10 minutes (laying on your back, swimming, or treading), and complete some snorkeling skills. Basically, you should comfortable in the water. In case you are not ready, then take a couple of swim classes so that you can boost your confidence and overall enjoyment.

You can reach this island by sea as well as by air. However, the best and the easiest way to travel would be by sea. Private and Government ferries operate from Port Blair and Neil Island, which are neighbouring islands. Booking from private ferries is stress-free and you don’t need to wait in long queues. These are the lifeline of the Andaman Islands as they connect so many islands with each other.

Answer: No, the dive shop will provide you with all the required scuba gear.

As an adventure activity, ziplining is fine. However, altitude is a concern. Before booking, confirm the altitude of your ziplining destination. Usually, this activity is performed on a mountain or elevated area. Thus, it should be avoided for 24 hours after scuba diving due to the altitude. This will help you in steering clear of Decompression Sickness (DCS) and you can enjoy ziplining without any worry

In case you are a scuba diver as well as a freediver, then you can apply the flying after scuba diving guidelines:

• Wait 12 hours before freediving after a single no-stop dive
• Wait 18 hours after multiple no-stop dives, or dives over several days
• Wait 24 hours after a dive requiring a decompression stop.
• Wait longer if directed by the manufacturer of your dive computer.

Usually, it is recommended that you should wait for 24 hours before freediving after any type of diving. It includes all types of dives and also adds extra time as a safeguard for complete peace of mind. 

We understand that it is a long list of things that you cant do. However, there are a number of things that you can do after scuba diving. Explore the low-altitude region, hang out with your travel companions, meet new people, explore the culture of the place, and simply kick back and relax.  

Are you ready to book your next diving vacation in India? The Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the best destination across the country. Havelock Island (now known as Swaraj Dweep officially) is the most sought-after diving destination here. It is home to rich marine life that is rare to be found anywhere else. The island has a number of great diving spots. Its aquatic life is something that is rare to be found anywhere else. The best scuba diving spots in Havelock Island are as follows:

• Barracuda City
• Turtle Bay
• Seduction Point
• Mac Point
• Aquarium
• The Wall
• Minerva Ledge
• Pilot Reef
• Lighthouse
• M4
• Jackson’s Bar
• Jonny George
• Broken Ledge
• Dicksons Pinnacle
• Whitehouse Rock
• MV Mars
• Red Pillar
• The Slope
• Purple Haze
• S.S. Inchkett

In India, Andaman Island is the best place that provides scuba diving experience and certification courses. Of all the places, Havelock Island has the most advanced scuba diving facilities. The crystal-clear water of its beaches makes underwater sighting even easier. The experience of scuba diving on this island is a memorable one. The underwater marine life surrounds you so closely that you can literally touch it (but you are not supposed to!). The resorts on this island offer scuba training and gear lending as per your requirements.

Looking for surreal natural surprises? Your search ends at Havelock Island! Let us tell you why- thriving biodiversity, unexploited coral reefs, white sandy beaches, and adventurous experiences are a few reasons among numerous of them. It has some of the most scenic spots for travel and nature lovers. This archipelago is visited by people from all over the world to uncover and explore its jewels. The entire island is amazingly gorgeous but there is one place that nature lovers and beach bums never miss- Havelock Island. It is known for some of the most unique sights. If Andaman Island is a crown, then Havelock Island is its most precious gem!

Andaman Island has a number of scuba diving centres from where you can get your PADI certification (basic and advanced levels). But to go for your first fun dive, you don’t need any kind of certification. If you don’t know swimming, even then it is absolutely fine. So what are you waiting for? The miraculous natural marine life under the enchanting waters of the island is waiting for you. Scuba diving is the best water activity in the world, and doing it for the first time in Havelock Island would be an experience of a lifetime for you.

After scuba diving, your body will need some time to revert the nitrogen that was absorbed into your blood. So you should avoid anything that can interfere with the process of elimination of nitrogen from your body. Indulging in drinking means that your body will start to dehydrate faster and you may suffer from decompression sickness. In addition to that, if you have had many drinks and are impaired, then it becomes difficult to diagnose the symptoms of decompression sickness. DCS can be fatal if the symptoms are not identified quickly. You should wait a few hours and hydrate prior if you are willing to drink after scuba diving.

There is an increased chance of bubble formation as the body warms up and circulation improves. According to DAN, “Since the solubility of gas is inversely related to temperature, tissues will hold less in solution as they warm. Warming tissue with significant loads can promote bubble formation. Since the warming of the superficial tissues precedes the increase in blood flow, such bubbles can become problematic before the circulation can remove them harmlessly”.

After scuba diving, one should stay away from hot tubbing for at least 12 hours.

According to Divers Alert Network (DAN), “massage has not been confidently associated with…cases of DCS…” Deep tissue massage should be avoided, but a gentle relaxation massage is fine. The concerns with deep tissue massage are as follows:

• Increased blood flow might lead to bubble formation.
• Muscle soreness may lead to misdiagnosis (or delayed diagnosis) of DCS

After scuba diving, one should stay away from deep tissue massages for at least 12 hours.

Driving or hiking to the top of a 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) mountain puts you at the same risk for Decompression Sickness (DCS) as taking a flight. In an average commercial jet, cabin pressure is equivalent to being at 1800–2400 metres/6000–8000 feet above sea level. Just like stimulated altitude puts you at risk for DCS. Being at altitude is also dangerous. However, scuba diving is done at altitudes also for which there are special dive tables to follow. This type of diving is known as altitude diving.

In the first 24 hours after a dive, you should avoid mountain climbing. In case you have included both scuba diving and mountain climbing in your travel plans, then go mountain climbing first in order to avoid any potential DCS risk. Climbing before a dive is perfectly safe and it is an easy solution to stay safe.

One of the most widely known risks to scuba divers is flying after scuba diving. This is a common issue since people want to make the most of their vacations and also want to take full advantage of diving while they can. The pressure inside the aeroplane’s cabin is the main reason for this. When you reach altitude, the air pressure inside the cabin lessens. When you catch a flight right after diving, the rise in altitude results in a pressure drop. This is similar to a fast ascension while diving.

The longer and deeper you dive, the more nitrogen is absorbed into your blood. When you return to the surface, the pressure reduces and the nitrogen returns to gas bubbles. This can be pretty risky when inside the body. The nitrogen should pass back out through the lungs. So decompression needs to be done slowly. The nitrogen can form bubbles in your blood if you ascend too quickly. This can be painful and possibly fatal. In simple language, think about opening a bottle of soda after it’s been shaken.

The nitrogen in your blood will be reduced if you wait the correct amount of time before flying. Generally, one should wait for 24 hours before flying after scuba diving. It includes all types of dives and also adds extra time as a safeguard for complete peace of mind.

The best scuba diving courses for beginner swimmers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are as follows:

• PADI Scuba Diver Course in Havelock Island
• PADI Open Water Course in Havelock Island
• PADI Open Water Course (Referral Diver) in Havelock Island
• PADI Advanced Open Water Course in Port Blair
• PADI Emergency First Aid Responder Course in Port Blair
• PADI Rescue Course in Neil Island
• PADI Dive Master Course in Neil Island

If you are in the Andaman Islands and are willing to enrol in the Emergency First Response course, then trust none other than the best–Dive Andaman. Located in Havelock Island (officially known as Swaraj Dweep now), this 5-star PADI center is a renowned dive shop that offers all kinds of diving programs designed for beginners as well as experienced, along with recreational dives as well. 

Answer: Following are the best scuba diving courses for beginner swimmers in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep):

• PADI Scuba Diver Course 
• PADI Open Water Course 
• PADI Open Water Course (Referral Diver) 

Your vacation in the Andaman Islands is incomplete if you don’t go scuba diving there. The islands are known for having the best diving spots in India. The Andamans are home to white sandy beaches, hypnotising turquoise lagoons, colourful corals, tempting cobalt waters, and enthralling marine life. Imagine going into the depths of such a magical place! It would be an experience of a lifetime. People from all over the world come to India to experience this amazing water adventure activity, and their preference is Andaman Island because it is the one-stop destination for enjoying so many water sports. 

Answer: Following are the best scuba diving courses for beginner swimmers in the capital town:

• PADI Advanced Open Water Course 
• PADI Emergency First Aid Responder Course 

If you want to become a licensed or professional diver, then you will be happy to know that the Andaman Islands offer different certifications and licenses from certified schools. You can dive at basic dive sites around the world once you get the diving card.

Answer: Following are the best scuba diving courses for beginner swimmers in Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep):

• PADI Rescue Course 
• PADI Dive Master Course 

Answer: The following are the charges for scuba diving courses for beginner swimmers in Havelock Island:

• PADI Scuba Diver Course: Rs. 20,000 
• PADI Open Water Course: Rs. 28,000 
• PADI Open Water Course (Referral Diver): Rs. 16,000

Once you reach the dive site, you will be required to wear the proper equipment for scuba diving and listen to all the instructions carefully before embarking on your underwater experience. The universal underwater signs for communication will be taught to you. 

Answer: The following are the charges for scuba diving courses for beginner swimmers in Neil Island:

• PADI Rescue Course: Rs. 22,000 
• PADI Dive Master Course: Rs. 70,000 

Answer: The following are the charges for scuba diving courses for beginner swimmers in Port Blair:

• PADI Advanced Open Water Course: Rs. 25,000 
• PADI Emergency First Aid Responder Course: Rs. 10,000 

Answer: A subset of the PADI Open Water Diver course, the Scuba Diver program is the best for you if you are short on time but really want to become a diver. This beginner-level diving course is your best bet especially if you want to go diving with a dive guide. Scuba Diver is an intermediate step for earning an Open Water Diver certification.   

PADI Scuba Divers are qualified to:

• Scuba dive under the direct supervision of a PADI professional to a maximum depth of 12 metres (40 feet).
• Obtain air fills, rent, or purchase scuba equipment
• Participate in dive activities as long as properly supervised
• Continue dive training by completing the Open Water Diver certification
• Take certain speciality diver courses

Answer: Meant for beginners, PADI Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification level. You will be taught to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment by a highly-trained PADI instructor. After the completion of the course, you will have the knowledge and skills for diving across the world and exploring the underwater world.   

In this course, you will learn how to do the following:

• Manage your buoyancy
• Assemble and use scuba gear
• Be a confident and skilled diver
• Respectfully approach marine life
• Handle common scuba diving problems

After this course, you will be capable of doing the following:

• Supporting ocean protection
• Seeing things you have never seen before
• Exploring the other 70 per cent of our planet
• Diving with scuba diving experts across the world 
• Carrying the world’s most recognized scuba certification

 

Answer: A PADI beginner program, Emergency First Response primary and secondary care course trains you for critical moments. It teaches you what you have to do between when a life-threatening emergency occurs and when emergency medical services arrive. You will learn how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), provide first aid for easing pain, assess various injuries and illnesses, and practise bandaging and splinting. After this course, you can also be trained regarding how to provide CPR and first aid for children and infants. Your EFR instructor can also teach you how to use Automated External Defibrillators (AED).

Answer: Havelock Island Beach Resort (HIBR) is a sought-after beachfront property in the Andaman Islands. It is suitable for all kinds of travellers whether you are travelling on your own, with friends, with family, or partner. It is well-equipped with all the ultra-modern facilities that make your stay comfortable and fun.

Answer: At night, the most beautiful way to wind up your day would be to enjoy a candlelight dinner with your significant other by the seashore. Imagine expressing your love for each other amid the crashing sound of waves and moonlight reflecting on the ocean! The whole set-up would be straight out of a fairytale. Havelock Island Beach Resort will leave no stone unturned to give you what you wish for. 

Answer: For all the foodies out there, get ready to satisfy your taste buds. Nemo Café & Bar at Havelock Island Beach Resort offers an exclusive menu that comprises a wide variety of cuisines. Whether you are a vegetarian or non-vegetarian, you will be served all kinds of mouth-watering snacks and dishes here. The main course for dinner is also served as per the requests of the guests. If you love seafood, then this is the best place for you on the entire Havelock Island. You are definitely going to love its special aroma and flavours. Speaking of drinks, the café has all kinds of hot and cold beverages such as coffee, fresh juices, smoothies, and cocktails, along with a number of hard drinks like beer, wine, scotch, etc.

Treat yourself to authentic international and Indian cuisines while you are here. All the arrangements will be made by the resort as per your requirements and preferences.

Answer: If you are a nature enthusiast and an ocean lover, then you have to go under the sea to witness the richness of the marine life of the Andaman Islands. Havelock Island is the hub of water activities and thus, when you are here, you should go scuba diving, snorkelling, sea walking, etc. If you are interested, then just tell the resort’s staff. They will arrange everything for you as per your requirements.  

Answer: A lavish beachfront property, it is known for its majestic architecture, warm hospitality, and best-in-class amenities. It is a preferred choice of tourists as it is situated away from the noise of the city. It is suitable for both kinds of guests- leisure and business. Its multi-purpose halls and banquet are fitted with all the essential audio-visual aids. Counted among the top budget beach resorts & hotels in Havelock Island, it will also organise outdoor activities like scuba diving and snorkelling on request for its esteemed guests.

Answer: Havelock Island Beach Resort offers an array of amenities to its prestigious guests by providing an ideal mix of value, comfort, and convenience. It offers the best of the Andaman tropical vibes and a refreshing ambience. The guests are offered an experience like no other with all the advanced amenities and services that are required for a relaxing stay in the Andamans.

Answer: The resort offers rooms under four categories- Deluxe Cottage, Suite Cottage (Sea Facing Beach Front), Family Suite Cottage, and Luxury Suite (Sea Facing Beach Front Cottage). Well-furnished and beautifully decorated, the rooms offer total comfort to all guests. A LED television with satellite channels is also there for entertainment. In addition to that, the rooms also have a mini-fridge and tea maker. The interior decorations are appealing and soothing to travellers. 

Answer: Havelock Island Beach Resort has an on-site restaurant, Sea Dragon, that serves multi-cuisine food like Indian, Chinese, etc. The dishes are rated extremely delicious by the guests staying here. You should try seafood while you are here. A view of the sea, friendly staff and lip-smacking food- there is no other place that brings all these together like the resort’s bar- Nemo Café and Bar. This delightful café has grown to be one of the most incredible places for enjoying a quiet dinner by the seashore. Its cosy setting includes comfortable sitting, lovely ambient lighting, and soothing music.

Answer: Some of the offered facilities by the resort are as follows:

Free Parking
Room Service
Power Backup
Air Conditioning (Centralized)
Laundry Service
Intercom
Housekeeping
Newspaper

Answer: After a long but fun day of adventure and sightseeing, the most awesome way to unwind is to just sit by a beachside bar and enjoy some great music, drinks and delicious food. If you are craving for a high on energy café or bar, then the best place is Nemo Café & Bar. Also known as the Havelock Island Beach Club, this glitzy bar is located in the Havelock Island Beach Resort that is built on the shore of Govind Nagar Beach in Havelock Island (now known as Swaraj Dweep). The Govind Nagar Beach is also known as Nemo Beach as rare Nemo reefs are found under the sea here. That is how Nemo Café and Bar got its name! Listening to the melodious music blending with the soothing sound of waves is an extraordinary experience while holidaying in the Andaman Islands. Be it your family, friends or partner, the café is ideal for everyone.   

Answer: Most aquatic animals are passive or timid. Only a few bite or sting. You should avoid them by not touching them at all. For sharks, divers are not natural prey and thus shark attacks are rare. Experienced scuba divers actually seek out shark encounters.  

Answer: Scuba diving in the Andamans is not dangerous. However, there are potential hazards. That’s why proper training and certification are required.    

Answer: If you have a medical condition due to which your respiratory or cardiovascular systems are affected, or that renders you suddenly and unexpectedly unable to respond quickly or at all, then you cannot scuba dive. Asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, and heart disease are some of the common contraindications. You should consult a doctor first in case you have any of these or other illnesses, which might cause similar problems. People with the following conditions should not scuba dive:

• People with breathing problems
• People with ear problems or people who have had ear surgery in the last 1 year
• People having cold, flu, or congestion. Those with a cold should take decongestion medication in order to dive. Otherwise, they may face problems while ascending to the surface.

Other reasons you may be asked to see a doctor include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Shortness of breath
• A history of heart or lung disease
• A recent history of nausea or vomiting
• An unexplained loss of consciousness or “blackout”
• Repeated trouble clearing air spaces (equalisation)
• The use of prescription or non-prescription medications

Answer: The ears hurt because of the water pressure on your eardrum. While taking a scuba diving course, you will be learning east techniques to equalise your ears to the surrounding pressure, somehow similar to when you land after a flight.  

Answer: While scuba diving, wearing soft contact lenses shouldn’t be a problem. But if you wear hard contacts, then you will be required to dive with gas-permeable lenses. Talk to your eye doctor for more details. Putting prescription lenses into your mask is another option.    

Answer: Always keep in mind the following things before scuba diving in the Andaman Islands:

• Never drink before diving- A diver can be put in a compromised position if he/she is intoxicated. You may face the inability to use common sense and make rational judgments. Never compromise your safety.  
• Don’t eat a heavy meal before diving- Wait at least 2 hours after eating before you make your dive. It is risky to dive on a full belly. It may create the possibility of acquiring cramps. You may also face upchucking in your mouthpiece which would make it difficult for you to breathe. 
• Never hide any serious or chronic medical conditions from your instructor.

Answer: There is less nitrogen than regular air in enriched air, also known as nitrox or EANx. Breathing less nitrogen means you can enjoy longer dives and shorter surface intervals. Enriched Air Diver is one of the most popular PADI specialities. Taking this course will teach you why nitrox allows you to make longer dives along with how you can dive nitrox safely with the help of online independent study. You will also meet your PADI instructor for hands-on practical exercises and two (optional) dives.

Enrol in Enriched Air (Nitrox) Diver if you want to do the following:

• Get nitrox air fills
• Stay at depth longer
• Enjoy shorter surface intervals

You will learn how to do the following:

• Dive with nitrox
• Set your dive computer
• Use an oxygen air analyzer

Answer: A minimum level of health and fitness is required for scuba diving. In case you are suffering from any chronic health condition, or taking certain medications and/or had surgery recently, you will have to get written approval from a physician before diving. In order to avoid any confusion, you can simply download and review the Diver Medical Form to make sure that you will not require approval from a physician to dive. You should not ask your instructor, dive master, or dive shop staff for medical advice as they are not physicians. 

Answer: The PADI Night Diver course comprises knowledge development as well as in-water training for certification. Only the knowledge development part is covered in the cost when you purchase PADI eLearning online. There is an additional cost involved in the certification with the PADI instructor. The cost varies on the basis of the class size, environment, and whether or not you need to rent equipment. You can contact Dive Andaman, a 5-star PADI center in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), for more information and pricing. Along with the scuba gear, you will also need the following:

• A primary and backup dive light (torch)
• Additional exposure protection like a thicker wetsuit, hood or gloves, for staying comfortable while night diving

Answer: If you are aged 10 and older and have a reasonable level of physical fitness, are comfortable in the water, and are an adrenaline junkie, then you can go scuba diving in the Andaman Islands.

Answer: One can learn scuba diving at any age as there is no as such upper age limit for that. However, there are certain conditions that may preclude those of any age, temporarily or permanently. That includes conditions associated with lung functions. It’s never too late to learn scuba diving as long as you have relatively good physical and mental conditioning. There are many divers who continue into their 60s and 70s.

Answer: If you are already comfortable in the water, then scuba diving is probably easier than you think. PADI’s entry-level courses consist of pool diving, knowledge development and open-water dives. These are performance-based which means that you progress as you learn and demonstrate skills and knowledge. 

Answer: Scuba diving courses are based on performance. It means that you have to demonstrate that you have mastered the required skills and knowledge in order to earn your certification. The duration of the course varies as everyone has different learning abilities. One can complete the PADI Open Water Diver course even in 3 days.  

 

Answer: In order to get a Junior Open Water Diver Certification, you should be at least 10 years old. 10 and 11-year-old Junior Open Water Divers have to dive with a certified parent, guardian, or PADI professional to a maximum depth of 40 feet. 12 to 14-year-olds can dive with a certified adult only. The junior certification upgrades to a regular Open Water Diver certification at the age of 15 years. 

Answer: There is nothing as such. You just need good average health and should be at least 10 years old for participating. However, you will be required to complete a medical questionnaire. You will have to check with a physician to make sure you can dive in case anything on the questionnaire indicates a reason to be cautious.

Answer: You don’t need to be an expert swimmer. Just being a reasonably proficient swimmer and comfortable in the water is enough. Without a time or specific stroke requirement, you should be able to swim a distance of 200 meters. During a swim test before or during the course, a 10-minute tread/float should also be performed by you.   

Answer: Yes, it is possible. The PADI Discover Scuba experience lets you try scuba in a swimming pool. It also allows you to make a shallow scuba dive supervised by a PADI professional. This takes only a few hours. 

Answer: Dive Andaman will give you the best quality scuba gear that fits perfectly. It will be highly durable.

Answer: Internship programs are offered that allow scuba divers of different levels to work towards undertaking the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). With these internship programs, you will have the opportunity to work alongside a highly experienced IDC team while you take the course. 

Answer: All student divers, certified assistants, and instructors must have the following during all training dives:

fins, mask and snorkel
compressed gas cylinder and valve
buoyancy control device (BCD) and low-pressure inflator
regulator and alternate air source
submersible pressure gauge
depth gauge
weight system and weights
adequate exposure protection appropriate for local diving conditions
at least one audible emergency surface signalling device (whistle, air horn, etc.)
During all open water training dives, trainees must also have a timing device, compass, knife/diver’s tool and two surface signalling devices – one audible (i.e., whistle, air horn, etc.) and one visual(inflatable surface tube, flare, signal mirror, etc.)
These can be rented or bought at our equipment store.

Answer: The best PADI professional courses for scuba professionals in the Andaman Islands are as follows:

• PADI Assistant Instructor Course
• PADI Divemaster Course
• PADI Specialty Instructor Course
• PADI Master Instructor Course
• PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor Course

Answer: Become a PADI Assistant Instructor if you have a strong passion for diving, are friendly, and want an adventurous life. You already have a deep love for aquatic life, right? Why not share this love with others by teaching scuba diving? The best part is that you yourself will get to be around and underwater while doing that. PADI Assistant Instructors are the most sought-after scuba dive professionals across the globe and they set the standard for training dive professionals. Earning a PADI instructor rating requires a lot of sincere effort, commitment, and hard work. And you can reward yourself by getting a job that lets you share your amazing underwater adventures with others. By doing so, you will transform their lives for the better as well as add value to yours

Answer: Following are the prerequisites to take the PADI Divemaster course:

• At least 18 years old
• Medical clearance to dive
• PADI Rescue Diver certified
• 40 logged dives before starting the course
• 60 logged dives when finishing the course
• PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certified
• EFR Primary and Secondary Care completed within the past 2 years (or a refresh)

Answer: If you are a passionate scuba diver and want to teach a speciality course that interests you, then take the PADI Speciality Instructor course. You can choose from a number of specialities such as deep diver, night diver, public safety diver, wreck diver, etc. there are more than 25 standard PADI Specialty Diver courses to choose from.

Teaching speciality diver courses is all about more scuba diving and more adventure. Enrol for a speciality instructor course from a PADI centre if you want to make your speciality diver courses really special. Teaching tips and hands-on experience are provided in the PADI Speciality Instructor courses. You can implement these right away while diving. There are 25 standard PADI Specialty Diver courses and a number of distinctive specialities. Therefore, you have a lot to choose from! 

Answer: Becoming a PADI Master Instructor will make you feel like a true master in the diving industry. Achieving this rating requires a lot of committed efforts. And that’s why, only the most elite and the best instructors are able to secure it. They become exemplary role models to other dive professionals as well. If you are a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, have been an instructor for a minimum of 2 years, and issued 150 dive course certifications and 10 Emergency First Response certifications, then you can apply for an MI rating.    

Answer: A 2-part course, this includes the Assistant Instructor (AI) course and the Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI) program. With this, you will get good at demonstrating diving skills as well as become a better public speaker. If you are friendly by nature, are passionate about scuba diving, and seek an extraordinary life, then becoming a PADI Instructor is something that you should do. Teaching is the best way to share your love for the marine world with others and while doing it, you are going to enjoy a lot as you will be being in, around, and under the water.   

PADI Assistant Instructors and PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors are counted among the most sought-after scuba diving professionals in the world. They complete the program that sets such high standards for training dive professionals to reach this elite level. To earn a PADI Instructor rating, one needs to put in a lot of hard work and sincere efforts. Ultimately, you get a job that lets you share your amazing underwater adventures with others. Thus, you are able to transform others’ lives positively as well as enrich yours.   

Answer: They learn to do the following during the classes:

• Conduct dive briefings
• Teach the PADI Skin Diver course
• Call themselves a scuba diving professional
• Complete scuba reviews, such as PADI ReActivate
• Obtain professional scuba diving liability insurance
• Supervise training and non-training-related diving activities
• Lead Discover Snorkeling and Discover Local Diving programs
• Assist in Discover Scuba Diving programs and lead additional dives

Answer: A PADI Divemaster can teach the following after completing their course:

• Discover Snorkeling
• PADI Advanced Snorkeling program (including the PADI Seal Team Skin Diver Specialist AquaMission)
• PADI ReActivate

With additional training, they can become qualified to teach the following:

• PADI Mermaid courses
• PADI Freediver courses
• Emergency First Response first aid and CPR courses

Answer: The top diving sites in Havelock Island are as follows:

• Mac Point
• Aquarium
• The Wall
• Minerva Ledge
• Pilot Reef
• Lighthouse
• Seduction Point
• Barracuda City
• Turtle Bay
• M4
• Jackson’s Bar
• Jonny George
• Broken Ledge
• Dicksons Pinnacle
• Whitehouse Rock
• MV Mars
• Red Pillar
• The Slope
• Purple Haze
• S.S. Inchkett

Answer: The most gorgeous place in India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is world-famous for its splendid marine life. Its rich underwater world includes some of the most amazing aquatic creatures that are rare to be found anywhere else. The island has incredible dive sites that are perfect for professionals willing to undergo training.  

Answer: Yes, all kinds of fun dives are available in the Andaman Islands. Ranging from one fun dive to 12, with Dive Andaman, you are sure to get the best underwater experience ever. Each dive will be for 50 minutes or until you have at least 50 bars left in the tank, whatever happens first. Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), and Port Blair are the best destinations for fun dives. Our 5-star PADI facility will take care of all your requirements to ensure that you have a wonderful dive. 

Answer: Below mentioned are the best dive sites if you want to for a fun dive in the Andaman Islands:

• Whitehouse Rock– a hill-like formation emerging from a sandy bottom at a depth of over 30 meters
• MV Mars–the wreck of a small wooden local cargo ship
• S.S. Inchkett–a wreck covered in scorpionfish, cleaner shrimp, and patches of soft corals.
• Jackson Bar–one can spot manta rays, eagle rays, and white-tip reef sharks here
• Red Pillar— the best spot for diving for beginners 
• Turtle Bay—has plenty of sea turtles
• Tribe Gate—popular for hard corals and small groups of fish
• Nemo Reef—houses fringing reefs crowded with large groups of colourful fishes
• Dicksons Pinnacle—covered with soft corals and a highly rich marine life
• Minerva Ledge—an enormous block of hard corals in clear waters, with sea dwellers including sharks
• Jonny’s George—abundant hard corals along with unique fishes

Answer: Keep the following things in mind when diving in the Andaman Islands:

• One should be above ten years to perform these activities. The charges are the same for everyone.
• Children aged 10-14 years must be accompanied by an adult. They will not be allowed to go for any dive or course on their own.
• You must report at the venue at least 30 minutes before your booked slot.

Answer: If you have decided to do single dive, then we will make sure that you have a memorable time under the water. We will be taking you to Johnny’s, Jackson’s, or Dixon’s depending on the water currents. Each dive will be of five hours overall. This will include commuting time and resting time as well. You will be under the water for around 50 minutes or if left with 50 bar in your tank, whatever occurs first. The dive will cost Rs. 8,000. 

Answer: If you want to dive twice in the Andamans, then the price would be around Rs. 6,000 per head. The cost will vary depending on the location.  

In the Andaman Islands, you can indulge yourself in the fascinating activity of scuba diving and make your trip unforgettable. Under this package, you will be doing two dives at any of these sites–Red Pillar, Lighthouse, Johnny’s, Jackson’s, Dixon’s, Tribe Gate, Nemo Reef, etc. Each dive will be for 50 minutes or until you have at least 50 bar left in the tank, whatever happens first. Complete assistance will be provided by our PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)-certified scuba instructors. 

Answer: This dive site is located near shallow waters and boasts splendid marine creatures as well as hard and soft corals. The water grows deeper and deeper as you move away from the seashore. It is a great site for night diving as well owing to its good clarity. It is one of the top diving sites in Havelock Island (now known as Swaraj Dweep). 

Answer: Discovered in 2010, this dive site has relatively low depths and sheltered conditions. As a result, it is sought-after among scuba divers having different experience levels. It is made up of low-lying rocky outcrops resembling a broken ledge. It emerges from the bottom at nearly 24 meters. The ledge is surrounded by sand. The site is inhabited by a diverse variety of reef fish such as Moorish idols, lionfish, Napoleon wrasse, and shoals of snappers. 

Answer: In case you are suffering from any chronic health condition, or taking certain medications and/or had surgery recently, you will have to get written approval from a physician before diving. In order to avoid any confusion, you can simply download and review the Diver Medical Form to make sure that you will not require approval from a physician to dive. You should not ask your instructor, dive master, or dive shop staff for medical advice as they are not physicians. 

Answer: Residents of the Andamans include turtles, schooling longfin bannerfish, and marbled groupers. One can also spot bigger fish like white-tip reef sharks, marbled rays, manta rays, dogtooth, and yellowfin tunas here. Divers can smoothly swim through the canyons. They can spot residents that are usually hidden behind rocks and overhangs. The corals are very beautiful and attract so many tropical fishes.  

Answer: Going under the depths of its waters is exactly the type of experience that you are looking for. If you want to witness the perfect balance of vibrant fish and soft & hard corals, then this is your one-stop destination. You can dive here at night also since the water clarity is great here. 

Answer: Swaraj Dweep, popularly known as Havelock Island, is the hub of water activities in the Andaman Islands. You can undergo the following sought-after scuba diving programs in Havelock Island: 

• PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Boat) 
• Pool DSD Confined Practice 
• PADI Discover Scuba Diving Program (Shore) 
• PADI Scuba Diver Course 
• PADI Open Water Course 
• PADI Open Water Course (Referral Diver) 
• 2 Dives Scuba Diving Packages 
• Wreck Dive Specialty for 1 Dive 
• Drift Dive Specialty for 1 Dive 
• Underwater Naturalist Specialty for 1 Dive 
• Underwater Navigation Specialty for 1 Dive 

Answer: Along with having a rich history, Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is known for offering enthralling water sports. The marine life here is excellent and its dive sites are perfect for your first scuba diving experience. The most recommended packages in Port Blair are mentioned below:  

• Guided Snorkelling 
• PADI Advanced Open Water Course 
• PADI Emergency First Aid Responder Course 
• PADI Underwater Photography Specialty Course 
• PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Course 
• PADI Night Diver Specialty Course 
• Project Aware Specialty 
• 4 Dives Scuba Diving Package 
• 6 Dives Scuba Diving Package

Answer: Neil Island is known as the hidden gem of the Andaman Islands as not many people know about this gorgeous destination. Tourists mostly visit Port Blair and Neil Island and thus, Neil Island remains uncrowded for most of the year. The best water sports packages in Neil Island are as follows:  

• Guided Snorkelling from Boat 
• PADI Rescue Course 
• PADI Dive Master Course 
• 12 Dives Scuba Diving Packages 
• Deep Dive Specialty 
• Boat Dive Specialty 
• O2 Provider Specialty 

Answer: The charges for diving in the Andaman Islands starts from Rs. 1900 and go up to Rs. 70,000 per person.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the perfect Indian paradise. It forms an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. Once a mysterious place, the island is now a popular holiday destination for all age groups. It is located 1370 kilometres east of the Indian mainland and comprises 572 islands. The island is majorly divided into Great Andaman, Little Andaman, Ritchie’s Archipelago, East Volcano Islands, and Sentinel Islands. 

Answer: If you are an adrenaline junkie and want to go for various water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, etc., then the best time to go to the Andaman Islands is from October to April. During these months, the weather is pleasant and suitable for water sports. These months are ideal for sightseeing as well. 

There are a lot of fun activities that you can do in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ranging from underwater walking, bird watching, and scuba diving, to glass boat rides, trekking, star gazing, and cruise rides.

Answer: Located in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy Island is home to colourful corals and rich underwater life. Whether you want to go snorkelling or get a sun-kissed tan, its beaches are perfect for both. Please note that night stays or camping is not allowed on this island. The island promises you a long stretch of pristine white sandy beaches with hues of turquoise waters fringed with a drool-worthy coastline. It is located near Wandoor, a short drive of 30 kilometres from Port Blair. Rich in exotic corals and marine life, the island is adorned with surrealism and tranquillity where one can find nature in its purest form. 

Answer: Your vacation in the Andaman Islands is incomplete if you don’t go scuba diving here. Havelock Island, which was renamed to Swaraj Dweep in 2018, is known for being the best diving spot in Andamans. This is popular for having white sandy beaches, hypnotising turquoise lagoons, colourful corals, tempting cobalt waters, and enthralling marine life. Imagine going into the depths of such a magical place! It would be an experience of a lifetime. People from all over the world come to the Andaman Islands to experience this amazing water adventure activity, and their preference is Havelock Island because that’s the one-stop destination for enjoying so many water sports. 

Answer: In Discover Scuba Diving (DSD), you will be taught the basic safety guidelines and skills that are required for diving. You will be under the direct supervision of a PADI professional. You will practice a couple of more skills in shallow water to prepare yourself for an incredible adventure in case you make an open water dive. You will:

• Get familiar with the scuba equipment you are going to use and see for yourself how easy it is to move around under the water with the gear.
• Breathe underwater.
• Learn important skills needed for scuba diving.
• Have fun exploring the jaw-dropping marine world.
• Know about becoming a certified diver by doing the PADI Open Water Diver course.

Answer: One of the most popular beaches in the Andaman Islands, Elephant Beach in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is known for snorkelling. This pristine beach is perfect for exploring the underwater world via this enthralling activity. The sand here is white that merges with the azure waters of the Andaman Sea. Such a sight to behold! Take a dip in the water and observe the reefs and aquatic life by being a part of the underwater world for some time. 

Answer: The best time to scuba dive at Pilot Reef in Havelock Island is around November to March. You can also visit the diving site around the onset of winter in October as well. The weather around November is perfect because there are fewer chances of rain and thunderstorm. Scuba diving is not possible when it rains; hence, you should avoid the peak monsoon season. Even if you visit Havelock during rainy season, you would be able to only dive on days when the weather is good. However, the decision for the dive lies with your instructor. Also, sometimes the northern part of the Pilot Reef is not conducive for a dive when the winds flow into Havelock from the east.