Which is The Most Popular Island For Scuba Diving in Andaman?

The Andaman Islands are a group of 572 small or big islands, of which 4 Islands are open for scuba diving activities. Port Blair, Northbay Island, Havelock Island, and Neil Island provide recreational scuba diving and other watersports activities.

Andaman’s geographical location and bountiful marine biodiversity make it a perfect destination to experience underwater diving. Multiple dive sites, crystal clear blue water, pleasant sea surface and dive conditions attract thousands of tourists yearly to try scuba diving in Andaman.

The underwater coral formation across the Andaman Islands is the home of multiple species of colourful fish, lobsters, turtles, stingrays, and other sea animals. The untouched and live corals have some of the world’s most vibrant fishlife and sea dwellers, which pop out from the blue sea and present a beautiful scene on the surface.

The following are the top 4 Islands for scuba diving in Andaman

• Havelock Island
• Neil Island
• Northbay Island
• Port Blair

Scuba diving on Havelock Island

It is the most popular Island among tourists for its pristine white sandy beaches, rich marine biodiversity, and pleasant dive conditions. The diverse marine life and abundant coral population near the Island offer an excellent diving experience ever.

It is altogether a different experience to dive among multiple species of colourful fishes and other sea dwellers. Havelock’s calm and clear water ensures your diving experience is safe and stress-free.

Popular dive sites in Havelock for beginners or experienced scuba divers

Nemo Reef, Tribe Gate, Juvis, Havelock Lighthouse, and Turtle Beach are recommended dive sites for scuba diving in Havelock Island. These dive sites are scattered between Beach no 3 to 6 and easily accessible via walk and speed boat.

Nemo Reef

The dive site is located approx 50 meters away from Nemo Beach and is known for shallow dives. It is equally popular among beginners, nonswimmers, and experienced divers.

The reef of the dive site starts from 2 meters and goes up to 8 meters deep, it is the home of numerous species of fishlife, vibrant coral life, and other sea animals. There is also a Jeep wreck on the other side of the dive site.

Tribe Gate

The dive site is located between the channels of Havelock and John Lawerence Island and approximately 1.5 km away from Govind Nagar Beach no 3. It has a maximum depth of 12 meters and is famous for boat dives. The dive site is popular for multiple species of fishlife individuals as well as in groups.

Tribe Gate is an oval-shaped reef that starts from 3 meters and goes up to 12 meters deep. The water’s visibility is crystal clear, making it possible to see the bottom of the sea from the sea surface.

Havelock Lighthouse

The dive site is located approximately 500 meters away from the Havelock Jetty and lies in front of Lighthouse Point. It is popular for multiple species of soft and hard corals along with species of marine life. The underwater visibility remains clear every time and the maximum depth of the dive site varies from 12 to 14 meters.

Turtle Beach

It is the most popular dive site for beginner scuba divers in Havelock. The dive site is located near Elephant Beach and is based in a remote location on the Island. Turtle Beach is popular for different species of live coral reefs that are scattered alongside the shoreline of Turtle Beach.

You will also find numerous species of colourful fishlife and other marine animals underwater. The dive site starts from 3 meters and goes 14 meters deep straight away. You will get the best visibility anytime from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Scuba diving on Neil Island

The Island is known for its Ideal hotels and resorts and offers the perfect surface conditions for underwater diving. The Island provides preserved marine life and live corals around the shoreline and beyond, although the visibility of the water could be clearer here.

The depth of the water is decent and water currents are medium to have a safe underwater experience. The prices of scuba diving are a little higher than in other places in Andaman because of low competition and fewer tourists on the Island.

Popular dive sites in Neil are:

• Junction
• Margarita
• Busy burro
• Manta point
• Aquarium
• Lighthouse

Scuba diving in North Bay

It is a tiny Island and the second-best place for scuba diving in Andaman. The Island is located near Ross Island and there are no options for the stay or additional sightseeing or exploration except watersports.

The place is known for shore (shallow) dives and the cost of underwater diving is low compared to other parts of the Andaman. One can reach Northbay Island via a speed boat from the nearest Port Blair Jetty, numerous boat operators daily pile between Port Blair to Northbay via Ross Island.

Scuba diving in Port Blair

Port Blair is the capital city of Andaman and offers some of the best places for scuba diving. Carbyn's Cove Beach is one of the best places to experience a wonderful underwater diving experience. It is located approx 12 kilometres away from the airport.

The existence of preserved and abundant live corals near Snake Island is also a great place to experience underwater diving in crystal clear water. The marine life population is comparatively low compared to other parts of the Andaman. The price of scuba diving is decent as there are no additional transportation and boat costs and best for people on a budget trip.

Other Popular dive sites in Port Blair

• Corruption rock
• Rutland Island
• Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
• Snake Island