Best Scuba Diving In Andaman - Prices, Packages, Places, Best Time & More

by Avathi Outdoors | Scuba Diving

Best Scuba Diving In Andaman - Prices, Packages, Places, Best Time & More

Experience Scuba Diving In Andaman


 

Far removed from the rest of the sub-continent, India’s hidden gem, the Andaman and Nicobar islands are replete with pristine beaches, clear blue waters, awe-striking sunsets and fantastic scuba diving. These islands are the ideal escape for water sport enthusiasts, nature lovers and even adventure junkies. 

 

Attracting travellers from around the globe, this archipelago of 572 islands has several breathtaking views and umpteen unexplored environs that are excite the explorer in you. The exotic coral reefs and magical marine life make this destination extra special as people particularly flock the region to enjoy scuba diving in Andaman. Andaman scuba diving is definitely a cut above any other experience in the whole of India. The taste of the deeper sea world will leave you completely bedazzled. A paradise far from the hustle-bustle of noisy city lives, this forever intriguing water sport will give you a chance to enter the deep blue sea and be surrounded by unimaginable beauty and endless serenity. 


 

Having an extensive coastline, India offers a lot of opportunities for its scuba diving enthusiasts, and Andaman with its quality scuba diving options tops the list. In this comprehensive guide, we will give you an insight into all the nitty-gritty about the best places for scuba diving in the Andaman Nicobar islands. Here is a detailed list of must-visit places in Andaman for the ultimate scuba diving getaway. This fool-proof guide will also answer some important FAQs and give you essential planning tips that will make your upcoming trip to the Andamans unforgettable. 


 

 

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11 Places for Scuba Diving In Andaman 
 


 

Get ready to step off the boat and enter the fascinating underwater biosphere. These scuba diving places in the Andamans will tempt you to pack your bags and head out to the islands immediately. 

 

A. Havelock Islands 


 

A trip to Andaman is considered incomplete without scuba diving at Havelock Island. Havelock tops the list of all the Andaman scuba diving options. Located quite close to the capital city of Port Blair, Havelock has the most sought-after diving programs amongst all the islands making it a must-visit tourist spot. 


 

1. Barracuda City, Havelock Island 

With a rich underwater ecosystem, Barracuda city is one of the most enchanting yet unexplored regions in Andaman. From mesmerizing coral to colourful fishes, this scuba diving spot in Havelock is truly unique.


 

2. Lighthouse, Havelock Island 

Lighthouse allows a great level of adventure and thrill for divers as it is especially known for its night time sea diving. With crystal clear waters filled with hard and soft corals, scuba diving in this part of the island is truly a one of a kind experience. 


 

3. Aquarium, Havelock Island 

If you are new to the whole underwater driving experience, then Aquarium is the best spot for scuba diving in Andaman and Nicobar. Filled with hard corals, its shallow waters make it an ideal spot for beginners who want to do scuba diving in Andaman.


 

4. Mac Point, Havelock Island

Discover and swim along with the capital animal of Andaman, dugongs, while scuba diving at mac point. Otherwise referred to as sea cows, this place is one of the few spots in Andaman from where you can enjoy watching this rare mammal. 


 

5. Seduction Point, Havelock Island  


 

This point at Havelock island is located at the centre and has a huge underwater rock which is surrounded by a myriad of beautiful aquatic life. From beginner to intermediaries, Seduction Point is a great option for scuba diving in Andaman if you are still not a pro.


 

6. Minerva Ledge, Havelock Island 

Another extraordinary place for scuba diving, Minerva ledge in Havelock islands has a wide fish diversity in its rich flora and fauna. In addition to offering an impeccable view, this site is usually suggested for experienced scuba divers only. 


 

B. Neils Island 

 

Unlike the hustle-bustle of the much famous Havelock Island, Neils island is known for being magically serene and peaceful. Tiny in size but abundant in beauty, this fairly untouched island is one of Andaman’s scuba diving hotspots. 


 

1. Margherita’s Mischief, Neils Island 

Filled with soft sand, Margherita’s mischief unlike its name is one of the calmest places for an amazing diving experience. Scuba diving in this place brings to fore some of the most exotic marine creatures in Andaman and Nicobar islands. 


 

2. K rock, Neils Island 

An enormous volcanic rock spreading out of a sandy sea bed, K rock in Niel’s island is a good place for all kinds of divers. Unlike the water creatures in Havelock, you will see a very different variety of fishes while scuba diving in K rock. 


 

C. Port Blair 


 

Being the capital city of Andaman, it is the easiest and most convenient places for scuba diving in Andaman. Though not as exotic as the other islands, scuba diving in Port Blair will bring you close to all the alluring marine life of the islands.  


 

1. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Port Blair 

Covering a wide area, the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park was specifically constructed to protect the precious marine life on the island. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, this park makes for an amazing underwater diving experience if you do not wish to travel too far away from the city. 


 

Other Scuba Diving Places In Andaman 


 

1. North Point, Cinque Island

Cinque island is a hugely captivating and vibrant part of Andaman and Nicobar islands consisting of enthralling corals and beautiful fish species. As it is known for its crystal clear waters, this is an apt spot for anyone who wishes to admire nature through Andaman’s scuba diving adventures.  


 

2. Barren Island 

As the name suggests, this island is totally barren and untouched, which leads to its uniqueness. Reputed to be one of the top scuba diving spots in the world, Barren island is home to a lot of exquisite aquatic creatures which makes it a prime site for scuba diving in Andaman and Nicobar islands.


 

Best Places for Scuba Diving  in Andaman 


 

With schools of fish swimming across glorious corals, Andaman and Nicobar islands have a wide variety of scuba diving spots to choose from. This carefully curated list will tell you which island is the best for scuba diving in Andaman specifically for you along with how much scuba diving costs in Andaman in all these different regions.


 

1. Barracuda City, Havelock Island

An unexplored gem, Barracuda City is one of the most prominent scuba diving places in Andamans. Located in the northeast of Havelock Island,  scuba diving in this place will almost seem like you are part of a magical dream as you get to swim along with sea turtles. One of the biggest attractions of the place, you will not only be captivated by the sea turtles but can also spot several schools of barracudas, tropical fishes, stingrays, coral fish, and surgeonfish. If you are lucky, you will also catch a glimpse of Hawksbill in Barracuda city during your dive. 

 

Depth -25-30 metres

Suitable for -Intermediate and experienced divers

Price-  4,500-7,000

 

1. Lighthouse, Havelock Island

Have an experience like no other with an exhilarating night time diving session at the  Lighthouse. Not meant for the faint-hearted, scuba diving in Havelock’s Lighthouse region is a favourite amongst PADI AND SSI certified divers, though it is considered suitable for all with special expert guidance. A swim through the pristine waters will give you a glimpse into the hidden beauties of the marine world which brighten up during the night. Moving from shallow to extremely deep waters, this reef located in the northern region of Havelock is a great place to encounter nocturnal aquatic creatures like octopus and lobsters apart from lionfish, fusiliers, and the humpback parrotfish. 

 

Depth - 6- 20 metres 

Suitable for- All

Price- 4500- 7000

 

2. Aquarium, Havelock Island 

Situated 3 kms away from Elephant beach in Havelock Island, amateurs are generally recommended to try scuba diving in this diving spot. A fringing reef; Aquarium is home to both soft and hard corals filled with a lot of vibrantly coloured tropical fish like small Anthias and the Damselfish. If you are on a family trip with your children, Aquarium is a safe place even for your kids to try scuba diving with some special guidance as it is exposed to only mild currents.

 

Depth- 10-12 metres   

Suitable for- All

Price- 4500- 7000 (https://blog.railyatri.in/bucket-list-of-best-scuba-diving-sites-in-andamans/)

 

3. Mac Point, Havelock Island 

A special feature of scuba diving in Mac point is, it is one of the rare places in the world where one comes across the sea cow (Dugongs). These calm and gentle sea mammals are extremely unique creatures, otherwise found only in Africa and Australia. Divers can easily have surface interactions with the animal unlike with fishes that need to come to the surface for breathing. For wildlife junkies, Mac point is one of the highlights of their Andaman trip as they crave to swim along with these mammals. 

 

Depth- 10-15 metres 

Suitable for- All

Price- 4,500- 7000

 

4. Seduction Point, Havelock Island 

A huge underwater rock surrounded by fascinating marine creatures, Seduction point is one amongst the many jewels of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Shallow waters filled with staghorn corals make this location a special spot for underwater diving in Andaman. The presence of these corals amidst a variety of sea organisms, specifically Napoleons make this location an eccentric diving spot for the tourists. 

 

Depth - 6-19 metres 

Suitable for -Intermediate and experienced divers  

Price- 4,500- 7000

 

5. Minerva Ledge, Havelock Island 

One of the most expansive points near Havelock Island, Minerva’s ledge is a large plateau of colourful coral that encompasses almost all the aquatic species that are native to the islands. Magnificently beautiful, this place with amazing water clarity is home to several schools of snapper, surgeonfish, unicornfish, barracudas, tuna and trevally which will make your diving experience truly breathtaking. Due to its mild to ripping currents, scuba diving in Minerva is mainly recommended to experienced divers, but newbies are also allowed under proper expert guides who teach all the know-how about scuba diving.

 

Depth - 10-18 metres 

Suitable for- All, but experienced divers recommended.

Price - 4,500-7000

 

6. Margherita’s Mischief, Neil’s Island 

Margherita’s mischief is one of the most popular and quietest diving spots in Andamans with stunningly soft currents. This site is known for its untouched waters and a specific variety of seagrass which is loved by dugongs. This reef site is ruled by massive and branching kinds of corals where lobsters, shrimps, moray eels, blue-spotted stingrays, angelfish and others alike enjoy their siestas. Hence scuba diving in this spot of Andaman is like entering into a colourful and vibrant maze that you will happily not want to get out of.  

 

Depth- 7-16 metres 

Suitable for- All 

Price- 3,500-7,000

 

7. K Rock, Neil’s Island 

If you feel you’re a wanderlust freak who enjoys offbeat adventures, then scuba diving at K rock in Neil’s Island has to be on your travel list. A huge volcanic rock that is surrounded by astounding beaches and azure waters, K rock’s maximum depth is fairly shallow. This makes the spot perfect for all kinds of divers. Diving experts also prefer to visit the place to hone their navigation skills as K rock has a brilliant topography where many cracks and crevices are visible. Apart from being famous for its geographical importance, this spot also garners attention as it is home to a number of tropical fish like butterfly fish, snapper, groupers, sweetlips and a few sea reptiles too.

 

Depth - 12-19 metres

Suitable for -All

Price- 3,500-7,000 

 

8. Mahatma Gandhi National Park, Port Blair 

Mahatma Gandhi National Park is specifically known for its fun water sports and scuba diving is definitely one of them. The park includes a group of 12 islands and is situated near the Wandoor beach on Andaman islands among which Jolly Bayou island is the most visited site. This place doesn't disappoint as divers can observe flowers and over 50 varieties of gorgeous corals that exhibit their glorious forms. Some lucky divers also get a glimpse of resting sea turtles among the many other exotic marine species. On the whole, underwater diving in this wildlife sanctuary brings the divers close to nature’s true beauty which lies inside the waters.  

 

Depth - Maximum 20 metres

Suitable for -All

 

9. Cinque Island 

Divided into two, North and South cinque, this island is connected by a narrow sandbar requiring tourists to charter a boat from Wandoor if they wish to dive here. One of the most sought after places for scuba diving in Andaman and Nicobar island, this two-part island has a remote beach and emerald green waters. It's clear visibility makes it easier for divers to admire coral reefs, black reefs, sponges apart from exquisite aquatic life like starfish, sea urchins and sometimes even sharks. Due to its relative deepness, this northside island is more suited for people who have good knowledge about scuba diving, however, inexperienced divers are allowed on the southeast reef. 

 

Depth: Up to 18 metres (south-east reef) visibility up to 25 metres 

Suitable for: All (South-east), experts (North point) 

Price: 8,000-15,000

 

10. Barren island 

The most exotic of all the islands, scuba diving in Barren island is apt for people who are willing to shell out money and aren’t on a budget trip. A five-hour journey to reach Barren island from Havelock to witness the only active volcano in Southeast Asia is totally worth it. What makes this island stand out among the rest is its remoteness and the long list of marine animals which can be found swimming through its waters. From the black tip, oceanic sharks, dolphins and garden eels to the topography of past lava flow, there is a whole colourful world waiting to be admired. Diving in Barren island is undoubtedly an exciting experience due to its untouched waters but it always requires assistance from experts. 

 

Depth: 7-30 metres 

Suitable for: Intermediate and experts 

Price:15000- 25000

 

After reading about all these amazing spots, you are sure to head out to Andamans for the ultimate scuba diving adventure. So, here's a list of all the essentials you need to carry 

A waterproof camera is a must because you don’t want to miss out on capturing the most beautiful experiences and creatures you will encounter in the waters.

A mini first aid kit 

Towel, swimsuit and loose, comfortable of clothing

A pack of wet wipes which can be surprisingly useful during the trip in case of emergencies.

Coolers and sunscreen in case you are travelling during the summers 

Spare batteries, flashlight and power bank for charging your electronic devices

A mini backpack which you can carry when you head out for scuba diving 

A flexible water bottle and some food because if you are travelling to a remote island where you might not have much access to essentials.

 

 

 

Tips to Make the Best of Your Trip

 

No matter when you decide to travel to Andaman, it is important to travel safely and with these pro tips, you can travel worry-free and enjoy a picture-perfect vacation.

 

Never undervalue the importance of having a local guide. Having a local guide plan your tour is the best way to experience the island as you have an insider taking you in and around the place. This will make your trip worthwhile as they know the place the best.

 

Before planning your trip to Andaman, check the weather report and be aware of nature's warning signs before so that you will be prepared on your trip with the appropriate gear. The ideal time to travel to Andaman is from December to March. 

 

A large part of your Andaman trip will involve going to different beaches and taking a dip in the ocean. Hence it's better you do not carry any valuables as you may or may not find safe places to keep your belongings. 

 

Always dive and swim close to where lifeguards are appointed as the oceans have dangers beneath them which you might not be aware of.

 

Be extremely cautious while entering into deep waters.

 

In case you do not know swimming and are venturing into any kind of water sport do not forget to put on your life jacket even if you are close to the shore.

 

Only choose certified instructors and professionals from good organisations for learning scuba diving or snorkelling as they have optimum knowledge about the sport and are the best guides. 

 

If you wish to visit remote islands in the archipelago make sure you have taken all the necessary permits before travelling to those places. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving in Andamans


 

What is the cost of scuba diving in Andaman? 

The cost of scuba diving in Andaman varies depending on the location and island where you decide to do scuba diving. Cost for scuba diving ranges from a basic Rs 3,500 and can go up to around Rs 25,000 based on where you want to do underwater diving. 


 

Is scuba diving safe in Andaman?

Whether you can swim or not, scuba diving is totally safe in Andamans. You should wear high-quality safety gear and experience it in a controlled and safe environment under the guidance of certified professionals. 


 

Which island is best for scuba diving in Andaman? 

With a wide variety of scuba diving sites,  Havelock island situated four hours away from the capital city of Port Blair is said to be the best island for scuba diving. Its clear waters loaded with an array of marine species make a delightfully pleasing sight for divers. 


 

Is Sea Walk banned in Andaman?

No, sea walk is not banned in Andaman but people with certain medical conditions and kids below the age of seven are not permitted to do sea walking in Andaman. Hence, it is best to fill out the customary form with utmost honesty for your own safety. Also, be responsible and see if it is good for the environment – you do not want to destroy precious corals.


 

Which is better: scuba diving or sea walk?

There is nothing compared to diving into the sea and going up close in person with the sea creatures and discovering the underwater world. However, sometimes non-swimmers prefer sea walking which is still interesting but not comparable to an exciting diving experience.


 

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