Frequently Asked Questions

 The cost of the course varies depending on the dive center or instructor. Typically, the course fee ranges from INR 5,000 to INR 10,000.

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.

Answer: Every year, travellers get attracted to the pristine beauty and untouched sandy beaches of Andaman Island. 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- Neil Island (renamed to Shaheed Dweep in 2018). It is located at a distance of 30 kilometres from the main islands of Andaman and is known for some of the most unique sights. If Andaman Island is a crown, then Neil Island is its most precious gem!

If you are looking for dreamlike natural surprises, then your search ends at Neil Island. Its thriving biodiversity, unexploited coral reefs, white sandy beaches, adventurous experiences, a notable population of birds and animal life, etc. are a few reasons why you should pick this island to spend a few days of your life here.

In PADI Discover Scuba Diving Course, you will learn the basic principles of scuba diving, such as breathing underwater, equalizing pressure, and using scuba gear. You will also learn some basic scuba skills in the pool, such as clearing water from your mask and regulator. Finally, you will put your skills to the test with an open water dive, where you will explore the underwater world with a PADI instructor.

The course is offered at various dive centers and PADI-affiliated dive shops across India. You can check the PADI website or contact a local dive center to find out more information about the course.

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.

To reach Neil Island, first you have to reach Port Blair, the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is well-connected via flights. Direct flights are available from Chennai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. And if you are flying from any other city like Delhi or Mumbai, then you will have a layover in Hyderabad or somewhere else. Once you reach Port Blair, you can opt for any of the following ways 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. These have scheduled and private departures for Neil Island.

The course usually takes one day to complete. The theory session and pool training can be completed in a few hours, and the open-water dive usually takes around 30-45 minutes.

Yes, the course is a certification course. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a PADI Emergency Oxygen Provider certification card.

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.