The Andaman Islands, tucked away in the Bay of Bengal, are one of India's best-kept secrets for scuba diving. With over 500 species of coral, visibility reaching 30 meters on a good day, and a thriving marine ecosystem untouched by mass tourism, this archipelago offers an underwater experience that rivals top destinations like the Maldives and the Great Barrier Reef.
Why the Andaman Islands?
Unlike many popular dive destinations around the world, the Andaman Islands remain relatively undiscovered. This means healthier reefs, fewer crowds underwater, and an authentic experience that feels like you've stumbled upon a hidden world. The warm tropical waters (26-30°C year-round) make it comfortable to dive without a thick wetsuit, and the biodiversity here is simply extraordinary.
- Over 500 species of vibrant coral formations
- Visibility ranging from 15 to 30+ meters
- Water temperatures of 26-30°C year-round
- Home to manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and whale sharks
- 15+ unique dive sites around Havelock Island alone
- Suitable for complete beginners to advanced divers
Best Time to Dive
The Andaman diving season runs from October to May, with the best conditions typically between December and April. During these months, the seas are calm, visibility is at its peak, and you're most likely to encounter pelagic species like manta rays and whale sharks. The monsoon season (June to September) brings rougher seas and reduced visibility, making diving difficult or impossible.
Top Dive Sites in Havelock
Havelock Island (now officially Swaraj Dweep) is the diving capital of the Andamans. From the famous Nemo Reef—teeming with anemones and clownfish—to the dramatic vertical drop-off at The Wall, there's a dive site for every skill level. Dixson's Pinnacle offers deep-water encounters with large pelagics, while Aquarium is perfect for beginners with its shallow, colorful coral gardens.
Diving in the Andamans feels like entering a world that time forgot. The reefs are pristine, the marine life is abundant, and every dive brings something unexpected.
What to Expect on Your First Dive
If you're a complete beginner, don't worry — the Andamans are one of the best places in the world to learn. PADI Discover Scuba Diving programs let you experience scuba without any prior certification. You'll start with a safety briefing, practice basic skills in shallow water, and then descend with a certified instructor who stays with you throughout the entire dive.
For certified divers, the Andamans offer everything from leisurely reef dives to challenging drift dives and deep wreck explorations. Multi-day dive packages let you cover multiple sites and make the most of your time underwater. Night dives reveal an entirely different ecosystem, with bioluminescent plankton, hunting octopuses, and sleeping sea turtles.
Getting Here
The Andaman Islands are accessible by flight from major Indian cities (Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore) to Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport. From Port Blair, Havelock Island is reached by a 90-minute ferry ride or a short seaplane hop. We recommend spending at least 3-4 days to fully enjoy the diving experience.
