Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best Scuba Diving Schools in Andaman
- Top Cities/Places for Diving
- Tourist Circuits for Divers
- Activities and Courses
- Festivals and Events
- Suggested Itineraries
- Budget and Estimated Costs
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Different Travelers
- Safety, Packing, and Responsible Diving
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Andaman Islands are India’s diving capital—warm turquoise waters, manta-cleaned reefs, volcanic walls, and a laid-back island rhythm. Whether you’re ticking off your first bubbles or chasing deep certifications, choosing the right dive school is the difference between a good trip and a great one. This guide narrows down reputable scuba diving schools in Andaman, explains where to base yourself, what courses to take, how much to budget, and how to plan a smooth, safe dive holiday.
Best Scuba Diving Schools in Andaman
Most professional, accredited dive centers in Andaman are clustered around Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep). Look for PADI or SSI affiliation, experienced instructors, safety-first boat protocols, and small student–instructor ratios.
On Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Dive India (PADI/SSI): One of the longest-running schools with strong instruction standards, good gear maintenance, and varied training from beginner to pro. Great for Open Water and Advanced courses, with regular fun dives to sites like Johnny’s Gorge (conditions permitting) and Lighthouse.
- Barefoot Scuba (PADI): Well-regarded for safety, structured teaching, and high service levels. Good choice for couples and learners seeking a resort-style setup and comfortable boats.
- Andaman Bubbles (PADI): Friendly team and calm-water training, popular with first-timers and families. Often dives Nemo Reef and nearby sheltered sites.
- Ocean Tribe (PADI): Small-group focus and patient instructors, suitable for nervous beginners and underwater photographers wanting extra attention.
On Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- India Scuba Explorers (ISE) (SSI): Veteran operators with a reputation for small groups and exploratory spirit. Great for fun dives and honing buoyancy on healthy hard-coral gardens.
- Dive India (Neil) (PADI/SSI): Sister outpost offering consistent training quality; handy for splitting courses between Havelock and Neil.
In and around Port Blair
Port Blair has a handful of seasonal, accredited operators offering Discover Scuba Diving and introductory training, mainly around North Bay and Chidiya Tapu. Quality and availability can vary by season—verify agency affiliation (PADI/SSI), insurance, and boat safety before booking.
How to choose your dive school
- Ask for training agency number (PADI/SSI), instructor credentials, and recent gear servicing records.
- Confirm maximum student–instructor ratios (4:1 or better) and in-water safety (oxygen kit, radio, first-aid on boat).
- Match the school’s schedule and transport with your ferry timings to avoid missed dives.
- Check if pool/confined-water training is included for first-timers.
Top Cities/Places for Diving
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Best all-round base. Sites like Lighthouse, The Wall, Jackson’s, Johnny’s Gorge (advanced) offer turtles, schooling fish, and occasional pelagics.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Gentler currents, excellent visibility on hard-coral reefs. Ideal for beginners and relaxed fun dives.
- Port Blair & Chidiya Tapu: Convenient for tight itineraries and DSD experiences; reef quality is more variable than Havelock/Neil.
- North Andaman (Rangat, Long Island, Diglipur): Fewer operators, wilder sites. Suits experienced divers or special expeditions when available.
- Barren Island (expeditions): Advanced-only, weather-dependent, typically via special charters. Dramatic volcanic topography; limited, seasonal access.
Tourist Circuits for Divers
- Classic Dive Circuit (5–6 nights): Port Blair → Havelock (3–4 nights) → Neil (1–2 nights) → Port Blair.
- Extended Reef Circuit (7–9 nights): Port Blair → Havelock (4 nights) → Neil (2 nights) → optional North Andaman (1–3 nights) → Port Blair.
- Training Circuit: Complete Open Water on Havelock, add Advanced on Neil, finish with a specialty (Nitrox or Peak Performance Buoyancy).
Activities and Courses
Diving activities
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) for first-timers in sheltered bays.
- Fun dives for certified divers across fringing reefs, walls, and pinnacles.
- Night dives (conditions permitting) for macro life and nocturnal reef behavior.
- Special expeditions (seasonal): deeper pinnacles, manta cleaning stations, rare pelagics.
Courses (typical offerings)
- Open Water Diver: Entry-level certification (3–4 days).
- Advanced Open Water: Build depth, navigation, and specialty skills (2–3 days).
- Rescue Diver + EFR: Safety, response, and scenario training.
- Specialties: Nitrox, Deep, Drift, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Photography.
- Professional track: Divemaster (seasonal availability).
Best time to dive
- Peak: November to April—calmest seas, best visibility.
- Shoulder: May–June and October—some wind/swell; still diveable most days.
- Monsoon: July–September—rough seas; many centers reduce operations.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (January): Cultural shows, local food, and crafts in Port Blair; occasional spillover to islands.
- Subhash Mela (January): Commemorative events and fairs on select islands including Havelock.
Suggested Itineraries
5 days: First-time diver
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair; ferry to Havelock.
- Day 2–3: Open Water course sessions (confined + open water dives).
- Day 4: Course completion + optional fun dive.
- Day 5: Ferry to Port Blair; buffer day before flight (no diving).
7 days: Certified diver
- Day 1: Port Blair to Havelock.
- Day 2–3: 4 fun dives (try Lighthouse, The Wall, Johnny’s if conditions allow).
- Day 4: Transfer to Neil; afternoon beach time.
- Day 5–6: 4 fun dives on Neil’s reefs; sunset at Laxmanpur.
- Day 7: Return to Port Blair; no-dive day before flight.
9 days: Skills + exploration
- Days 1–4: Havelock Advanced Open Water + Nitrox specialty.
- Days 5–6: Neil fun dives and buoyancy clinic.
- Days 7–8: Optional North Andaman add-on (if operators available).
- Day 9: Return and rest.
Budget and Estimated Costs
Indicative ranges (INR, per person) to help plan. Prices vary by season, agency, inclusions, and boat fees; confirm with your chosen school.
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): 3,500–7,000 for shore; 5,000–9,000 for boat-based experiences.
- Open Water Course: 22,000–32,000 (3–4 days, excludes ferry/hotel).
- Advanced Open Water: 20,000–28,000.
- Fun dives: 3,500–5,500 per dive; multi-dive packages reduce per-dive cost.
- Specialties (Nitrox/Deep): 8,000–18,000 depending on dives/materials.
- Gear rental: Usually included in courses; 800–1,500 per dive if separate.
- Ferries: 700–1,800 per sector (govt/private; dynamic).
- Accommodation: Budget 1,200–2,500; Mid 3,000–7,000; Upscale 8,000–20,000+ per night.
How to Reach
- By air: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ, Veer Savarkar Airport) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, and other Indian hubs.
- Inter-island ferries: Govt and private ferries connect Port Blair with Havelock and Neil. Book early in peak months; carry ID for tickets.
- Local transport: Autos and taxis are common; many resorts arrange jetty transfers. Scooters available on Havelock/Neil for short hops.
Accommodation Options
- Dive resorts: On-site schools, rinsing stations, easy boat access—ideal for multi-day courses.
- Mid-range beach stays: Comfortable cottages close to popular beaches (Vijaynagar/Beach No. 5 on Havelock).
- Budget hostels/guesthouses: Best for solo travelers and friends; confirm 24/7 power backup for charging camera gear.
- Family-friendly properties: Larger rooms, lawns, and in-house dining; check for shallow-water access and quiet beaches.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood grills (fish, prawns, squid), simple island curries, and coastal thalis.
- Vegetarian-friendly cafes with smoothie bowls, dosas, and bakery items around Beach No. 3 & 5 (Havelock).
- Try coconut water, seasonal fruits, and locally roasted coffee between dive days.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) for spices, local art, cotton wear, and basic dive accessories.
- Island boutiques for handicrafts—avoid buying shells/coral to protect marine ecosystems.
Culture & etiquette
- The Andamans host diverse settler communities and protected indigenous tribes. Respect no-visit zones and photography restrictions.
- Dress modestly in villages; beachwear is fine on beaches and boats.
Tips for Different Travelers
- Families: Pick schools with pools or calm-house reefs, morning batches, and short boat rides. Bring kids’ sun protection and snacks.
- Honeymooners: Consider private guiding, afternoon dives with sunset dinners, and photography add-ons. Choose quieter beaches.
- Friends/Groups: Ask for multi-dive packages and group ratios; book scooters for easy café hopping post-dives.
- Photographers: Request slower-paced dives; carry spare o-rings, desiccants, and microfiber cloths. Consider Nitrox for longer NDLs (certification required).
Safety, Packing, and Responsible Diving
- No-fly time: Leave 18–24 hours between your last dive and flight.
- Weather: Cyclonic systems can disrupt ferries; keep buffer days.
- Health: Equalize gently; avoid diving with colds/sinus issues. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol.
- Reef care: Neutral buoyancy, no touching/standing on coral, no feeding wildlife. Use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Packing: Certification card/logbook, mask if you prefer personal fit, quick-dry towel, rash guard, motion-sickness meds, dry bags, spare SD cards, and universal chargers.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to know swimming for scuba in Andaman?
A: For Discover Scuba Diving (intro experience), non-swimmers can participate under close supervision in calm water. For certification courses like Open Water, basic swimming ability and water comfort are required.
Q: Which island is better for beginners—Havelock or Neil?
A: Both are excellent. Havelock has more schools and varied sites; Neil offers gentler reefs and fewer crowds. Choose based on your schedule and preferred vibe.
Q: What’s the best time to book a dive course?
A: November to April is peak. Reserve 2–4 weeks in advance for prime slots, especially around Christmas–New Year and March.
Q: How many days do I need for the Open Water certification?
A: Typically 3–4 days, including theory, confined-water practice, and four open-water dives, plus a buffer no-dive day before flying.
Q: Are there medical restrictions for diving?
A: You’ll complete a medical questionnaire; conditions like recent surgeries, asthma, ear issues, or pregnancy may require a doctor’s clearance or postponement. When in doubt, consult a dive physician before travel.
Conclusion
Andaman’s clear waters, healthy reefs, and professional dive community make it a standout destination for both first-timers and seasoned divers. Base yourself on Havelock and Neil for the best choice of accredited schools, plan for stable weather between November and April, and budget for courses, ferries, and a post-dive buffer day. Prioritize safety and reef care, and the islands will reward you with memorable, responsibly made bubbles.
