Which is the best place for scuba diving in Andaman?
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands comprise approximately 572 small and big Islands. The Archaeology of these Islands has formed numerous spacious structures in the form of corals beneath the sea surface where diverse marine life exists. The eco-biodiversity and remoteness of the region provided favourable breeding grounds to numerous sea animals. The Andaman & Nicobar Islands shelter more than 400 species of echinoderms, 1000 species of molluscs, 1200 species of fish, and many lower formations of sea life. The Islands are home to some endangered marine life species such as dugongs, saltwater crocodiles, vertebrates, sea snakes, dolphins, and sea turtles.
A limited region of the Andaman Islands is open for fishing and other water activities such as scuba diving in Andaman to protect and preserve endangered species of marine ecology. Andaman is a tropical rainforest famous for its long-stretched white sandy beaches, coconut plantations, dense mangrove formations, beautiful landscapes, and marine flora and fauna.
Top diving destinations in the Andaman Islands
The Watersports activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, glass bottom riding, parasailing, etc are mainly conducted on Havelock Island, Northbay Island (Port Blair), and Neil Island.
Port Blair: Port Blair is the capital city of the union territory of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. You can get down to Northbay Island by a short speed boat ride from the harbour point of Port Blair. Daily numerous private boat operators pile between Port Blair and Northbay Island. The Island is known for shallow (shore) diving up to 6–8 meters of dive depth. The dive site of Northbay is ideal for beginner scuba divers and an introduction to colourful marine life. Apart from scuba diving, you can also try snorkelling, glass bottom rides, parasailing, and other watersports.
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): The Island is located approximately 70 kilometres away towards the northeast of the capital city Port Blair. Havelock Island is a major tourist attraction for scuba dive lovers. The place is ideal for beginner and experienced scuba divers. It has the highest number of dive sites from 8 to 40 meters in depth across the Island and is suitable for learning underwater diving. The crystal clear water, abundant marine life, magnificent coral formation, and pleasant dive conditions make it a promising dive spot. Scuba diving in Havelock is recommended whether you are a beginner, advanced or experienced diver, learner, or fun diver.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): The Island was formerly known as Neil Island and belongs to the south Andaman administrative district, located in Ritchie’s archipelago. The Island is located approximately 36 kilometres northeast of Port Blair. Neil is the second most popular Island for scuba diving activities. It has fewer popular dive sites as compared to Havelock such as Junction Depth (22–30m), K-Rock Depth (12–19m), and Margherita’s Mischief Depth (7–16m). The clear underwater visibility, live coral reefs, and adequate sea life make it an ideal place for diving.
Can non-swimmers do scuba diving in Andaman?
A physically and mentally fit person can do scuba diving even if he or she is a non-swimmer. Swimming is not a prerequisite for trying a scuba diving program or having a one-time scuba diving experience. You have to undergo a proper training session at the beach at chest-level water to learn and practice all the necessary skills for diving. A divemaster personally assists you from the beginning to the end of the scuba diving activity. The divemaster swims for you and takes you underwater to let you experience the rich marine life. You just have to breathe slowly or steady and follow the instructions taught during the training session. Scuba diving for non-swimmers in Andaman is especially designed after 2004 so that everyone gets an opportunity to explore the underwater world.
What is the best time for scuba diving in Andaman?
Scuba diving activity is conducted throughout the year in Andaman. A person can do scuba diving even if it is raining, however extended rainfall affects underwater visibility at shallow depths. The Andaman Islands consist of most of the dive sites offshore, so once you get down to the dive depths. It doesn’t much affect underwater visibility. Sea tides play a bigger role in affecting underwater visibility and it keeps changing week to week. The range of underwater visibility remains more or less throughout the year even if it is rainy or sunny. Strong winds play a vital role in diving conditions. The sea surface becomes rough when it’s too windy and we can’t go out to the open sea. June, July, and August are considered wet months in Andaman. The Andaman Islands experience frequent rain, cyclones, strong winds, and partially or fully cloudy days during these months.
September — November: It is the time when the south-western winds start to depart but still, there are frequent or regular showers when the winds do pick up. It is the best time to have a fantastic dive experience. During this time, a lot of fish spawn are spotted which ultimately makes a lot of biomass on the reefs. However, there is a slightly higher risk of strong winds and water currents that may limit us to nearer shore sites.
December — May: It is the time when the seas are calmest and offer the best surface conditions for diving. It is no doubt considered the best time to visit Andaman for scuba diving. The weather is sunny and the Island is busier during this time. We have multiple dive sites that are accessible all year long, even in storms and the conditions of these sites do not vary much even if it is on or off-season.
How much does scuba diving cost in Andaman?
The price of scuba diving and other watersports varies on multiple factors. Primarily dive sites, dive time, dive type, and on or off-season decide the cost of scuba diving in Andaman. From November to April when the Islands are busier, prices may go slightly up. During the off-season, you can grab a better price deal on each diving. A person looking for multiple dives gets up to 10% off on each diving and group concessions are also there. Scuba diving in Andaman price varies from 3500 (shallow dive, up to 8 meters) to 5500 (boat dive, up to 12 meters) per dive provided a prominent and experienced dive school is chosen.
