Scuba Diving FAQs

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

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: 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: 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