Scuba Diving Sites in Neil Island

Best Places for Scuba Diving in Neil Island

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.

Neil Island, now known as Shaheed Dweep officially, is known for its rich marine life across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Compared to the popular Havelock Island, it is less crowded and thus, you can explore the underwater world in a relaxed manner. Here, we have compiled a list of scuba diving sites in Neil Island from which you can pick the best one for yourself as per your level. These are the best places for scuba diving in Neil Island.

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.

Please note that off-shore sites have more big-fish action and clearer waters. The seas are usually choppy in the months of June, July, and December. Boat scuba diving in Neil Island is very popular and you should definitely give it a try.

Best time to visit Neil Island

The best time to visit Neil Island is from October to April when the weather is pleasurable. Most of the people preferring to come here plan their Andaman trip during this time. The summer season is likely to be avoided.       

Reaching Neil Island

To reach Neil Island, first you have to reach Port Blair, the capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Port Blair is well-connected via flights. 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.

Some of the prettiest beaches in Andamans are located in Shaheed Dweep. The scenic beaches boast of white sands and uninterrupted views of the clear blue skies. During monsoon, the sight changes entirely as the sky becomes way too dramatic. The most popular beaches of Neil Island are Sitapur Beach, Bharatpur Beach, Lakshmanpur Beach, and Sir Hugh Rose Island. You can book your stay nearby Lakshmanpur or Sitapur beach at a fancy resort.

Explore the captivating videos showcasing water activities in the Andaman Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. 1 : Which are the best scuba diving sites in Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)?

    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:

  • Q. 2 : How is the overall experience of scuba diving in Neil Island?

    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. 

  • Q. 3 : What are the medical requirements for scuba diving in Neil Island?

    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. 

  • Q. 4 : Are there reliable dive shops in Neil Island?

    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. 

  • Q. 5 : How can I reach Neil Island?

    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. 
  • Q. 6 : Can I also go snorkelling in 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. 

  • Q. 7 : What is the best time for scuba diving in Neil Island?

    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. 

  • Q. 8 : How much does scuba diving in Neil Island cost?

    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

  • Q. 9 : Why is Neil Island so popular?

    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.

  • Q. 10 : Is scuba diving in Neil Island a good experience?

    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. 



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