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, and scuba diving in Andaman does not disappoint.

India is blessed with a long coastline and boasts of a number of dive spots. The best scuba diving in India arguably happens in the Andaman Islands. This is largely due to two primary factors:

Ideal ocean conditions with warm and clean waters that offer unmatched visibility
Mind-boggling variety of vibrant marine life that is unique to the island
One of the diverse ecosystems of coral and reef formations stretching for hundreds of meters
Minimal human activity and protection of the Andaman administration ensures undisturbed, brimming and pristine ecosystems
Volcanic lava hills that dot the island adding to its beauty and allure

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

On your Andaman vacation, prepare to explore and unravel the mysterious ocean world and its vivid inhabitants. Here are the top 15 sites for scuba diving in Andaman you can map. Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate, or an expert, there is enough option for all.

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. The chemicals cause serious damage to the reefs and marine life.
As the dive schools you dive with will also tell you, do not touch reef, rocks, fish and other animals underwater. A single touch can be cancerous to their life and poses a serious threat to the organism.
When it comes to rare experiences like Scuba Diving safety should not be compromised. You might get cheap options to go scuba diving in Andaman but bear in mind they might not be the safest so be mindful of this while booking.
Before you dive you will be required to fill a Medical Questionnaire by the dive centre, in some cases based on your answers you might not be allowed to dive (if you are a person who 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. They contribute a lot for the ecosystem around the shorelines to survive, and not so much hanging around homes or as jewellery.

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 (we want you to have fun, but safety obviously comes first!).
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.

FAQ

How much does it cost to do scuba diving in Andaman?

Scuba diving is the greatest action on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands other than exploring beaches. Scuba diving in Andaman price ranges between INR 3500 and 6500 as per the season. Scuba diving rates in Andaman fluctuate according to the level of course chosen by the individual. For instance, scuba diving in Andaman cost on an average for non-certified amateur divers starts from around INR 3500 (for a 30-minute dive) and go up as the duration of the dive increases. Andaman Bubbles for scuba diving is one of the top dive centres on the island group.

Is Andaman good for scuba diving?

Andaman is indeed a scuba diver’s paradise, drawing tourists from across the world. If you are wondering what makes Andaman perfect for diving enthusiasts, the answer lies in its spectacular islands. Bestowed with silver shores, exciting ocean waves, colourful corals, and beautiful marine animals, Andaman offers incredible scuba diving opportunities.

What is the best time for scuba diving in Andaman?

The diving season generally begins in October or November and extends till May. Water temperature at the Andaman Islands is tropical, going from 80-84˚F (27-29˚C). Some sites experience currents including down currents and some sites are mostly calm with predictable drifts.

Can non swimmers do scuba diving in Andaman?

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 in Andaman for beginners. This is the perfect program if you want to experience scuba diving in a controlled, safe environment.

Which beach is best for scuba diving in Andaman?

Though there are various places for scuba diving in Andaman, but the best place to Scuba would be on Havelock Island.

Is RTPCR required for Andaman?

According to the most recent turns of events, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has refreshed COVID-19 testing norms for tourists and travelers. Presently, all asymptomatic and fully vaccinated tourists entering Port Blair won’t be needing a negative RT-PCR test report with immediate effect, regardless of the nation or type of vaccine.

What do you wear when you go scuba diving?

Most scuba divers will have to wear wetsuits to maintain the body temperature and help with safeguarding the body against the sun and other hazards in the vast ocean. Even when the air temperature and surface temperature of the water are warm, it can get quite cold the deeper you dive. So, wetsuits are standard attire.

Is scuba diving safe in Andaman?

Absolutely! Scuba diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is safe and anywhere else in the world, as long as you’re doing it under expert supervision.

What is the minimum age for scuba diving in Andaman?

The minimum age is 10 years in Andaman.

Does scuba diving have a weight limit?

Scuba diving does not have a maximum weight limit. However, it is a sport and it is suggested to have a certain level of fitness to participate. Every active diver should undergo a medical examination once a year to know their physical status. Being a bit chubby won’t be an issue here.

Why do I feel tired after scuba diving?

Apart from being great fun sport, scuba diving is a great form of physical exercise, so it is obvious to feel a little tired afterward. Even if you dive in warm seas, the temperature of the water is never equal to that of your body. This loss of heat contributes to this feeling of fatigue after the dive, as the body must rest to recover.

Do you have to be physically fit to scuba dive?

You do not need to be a fitness freak in order to scuba dive, although the fitter you are the better you get at diving. Fitness improves cardiovascular fitness and helps account for the increased pressure with diving. Health is conditional upon pre-existing conditions and may need a doctor’s clearance. Physical strength isn’t particularly needed but respiratory and cardiac health are primary requirements.