Johnny’s Gorge, Havelock Island

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.