Frequently Asked Questions

The PADI Digital Underwater Photographer course can help you improve your underwater photography skills, allowing you to capture and share your diving experiences in a more meaningful way. It can also help you develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the underwater environment and the creatures that inhabit it.

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.

The PADI Open Water Diver course is a certification course that teaches the basics of scuba diving through a combination of theory and practical training. The course covers skills such as equipment setup, underwater navigation, and buoyancy control. Successful completion of the course allows one to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet) and participate in dive activities with a certified dive companion or dive professional.

If your child is nervous or hesitant about scuba diving, it is crucial to be patient and understanding. You can talk to them about their concerns and answer any questions they may have. It may also be helpful to watch videos or read books about scuba diving together to help them feel more comfortable. Ultimately, it is up to your child whether they want to participate in the program, and you should respect their decision.

Some dive centers may offer equipment rental for underwater photography, but it is recommended that you have your camera and housing for the course.

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.

The PADI Open Water Diver course requires an individual to be at least 10 years old and have basic swimming skills. One must also fill out a medical questionnaire to ensure that they are in good health to participate in scuba diving activities. There are no other prerequisites.

PADI-certified instructors are trained to ensure the safety of participants during the Bubblemaker program. They provide a comprehensive briefing on safety procedures and protocols and closely supervise participants throughout the training and dive. Participants are also required to wear proper scuba gear and follow all safety guidelines.

Additional costs may include rental of scuba gear, transportation to and from dive sites, and accommodation if required.

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.