Scuba Diving in Andaman
Spending most of your life and time on land, you are likely to forget that we live on an oceanic planet. Most of the planet is not on land but actually under the vast waters that occupy a two-thirds of this world. Scuba diving is one of the rare adventure sports that lets you experience the fascinating and mesmerising world that lies underneath.
The best scuba diving in India arguably happens in the Andaman Islands. This is largely due to the following factors:
- Ideal ocean conditions with warm and clean, visible waters.
- Mind-boggling variety of vibrant marine life that is unique to the island.
- One of the diverse ecosystems of coral and reef formations.
- Volcanic lava hills that dot the island adding to its beauty and allure.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. – HELEN KELLER
Best time to go for Scuba diving in Andaman
To understand why the best scuba diving in India happens in the Andaman you should go during the non-monsoon season which typically lasts from October to May. During these months the weather is pleasant and the water offers high visibility particularly during the winter months.
Bear in mind though, that off-season rains or unusual cyclonic weather renders all diving plans obsolete. It is always advised to check the weather before you make diving plans either on your own or through scuba diving course in Andaman. Weekends tend to be the busiest for dive schools. Choose weekdays if you want to avoid the crowds or weekends if you want to mingle with like-minded people.
15 Spots for Scuba Diving in Andaman
- Lighthouse – Experience Night Diving
- Aquarium – A Beginner’s Paradise
- Mac Point – Swim with The Dugongs
- Barracuda City – Meet the Sea Turtles
- Seduction Point – The Rock with Staghorn Corals
- Margherita’s Mischief – Myriad Shades of Life Underwater
- K Rock – Diving Near a Volcanic Rock
- Bus Stop – A Sloping Seabed with Small Reefs
- Junction – Adventure for Experts
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor – An Exclusive National Park
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy
- North Point, Cinque Island – Among the Clearest Waters in The World
- Bala Reef – The Stunning Spot in Little Andaman Island
- Fish Rock, Passage Island – Fishes Galore!
- Corruption Rock – Home to Unicornfishes & Shipwrecks
Things to remember for Scuba Diving in Andaman
- Avoid sunscreen when going underwater. Use non-perfumed coconut oil, rash guards, etc.
- As the dive schools you dive with will also tell you, do not touch reef, rocks, fish and other animals underwater.
- When it comes to rare experiences like Scuba Diving safety should not be compromised.
- Before you dive you will be required to fill a Medical Questionnaire by the dive centre.
- If you can walk for 10-15 mins without fatigue and have no serious illness as such, you’d be fine.
- The minimum age to dive in Andaman is 10 years.
- Leave only bubbles, take only pictures. Let the shells remain by the shores.
When and how to book?
From the time you land in Port Blair, almost everywhere you look there will be a board or a person selling you an ‘incredible dive experience’. Take a moment and let prudence surface. The ones that are known for their diving don’t need to over-sell it. Scuba diving is a fun sport but needs genuine considerations for safety. It’s one of the things that make the dive schools that stand out, stand out. Follow good diving practices, and don’t shy away from some research. Scuba Diving in Andaman is a great idea as long as you do your research well!
Scuba Diving in Andaman price
Average scuba diving cost in Andaman and Nicobar Islands range between INR 2000-3500 for 30-45 minutes, and accordingly more for higher durations. Beginners and first-time divers usually take up these sessions to enjoy the activity and get a feel of the ocean, without having to shell out too much.
However, for specialists and skilled divers, there are sessions available for longer duration, to try out their abilities and experience the real deal. You can choose from a range of PADI and SSI approved courses of scuba diving in Andaman, priced anywhere from INR 6000 to INR 40,000 depending on the certification and its duration.
Scuba Diving in Andaman for non-swimmers
Many have a thought that swimming is mandatory to do Scuba Diving, however, the fact is no swimming skills are required to do Scuba Diving that we conduct in Andaman for beginners. This is the perfect way to experience scuba diving, under expert supervision and safe manner. This is not a training course but meant to give you a taste of diving in the azure waters of the Andaman Islands. So, get over the fear of swimming and indulge yourself in this non-swimming diving experience.
Non-Swimmer Scuba Trip Details
- You report to Dive Centre from where they begin their diving experience. You get instructions on what to do and what’s in store during the day; then you spend some time doing shallow water skills and becoming familiar with the stuff. From that, they can go for a dive. A professional diver is in the water with you consistently and will look after your safety. The maximum depth of the program is 8m – how deep they go will depend upon your comfort level in the water and the instructor’s discretion.
- The dive duration depends on you, your air consumption and comfort level. This program lasts for approximately 40 minutes and the total Scuba diving experience including basic training and know-how is about 1.5 hours. Once you get the drill and get familiar with the initial level which requires no swimming abilities then you can go for other diving options as well in Andaman Islands.
- Your trip begins at a given allotted time (Depends upon the booking slot you get) from the dive shop where you gear up with all necessary scuba jackets, oxygen masks and other equipment required for Scuba Diving. You are taught different signs and essentials about how to utilize the equipment underwater. All necessary safety procedures are taught before the dive begins.
Note: If you have any health related concerns then we suggest you to consult doctor before taking the dive. Asthma patients, pregnant women, People with extreme back problems, Heart patients, physically challenged should avoid this activity.
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