Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities/Places for Advanced Diving Certification
- Tourist Circuits for Divers in Andaman
- Activities and Specialties for Advanced Divers
- Festivals and Events
- Sample Itineraries for Advanced Certification
- Budget Tips and Estimated Costs
- Practical Travel Information
- Local Experiences Beyond Diving
- Tips for Different Traveler Types
- Nearby Attractions
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dreaming of leveling up your scuba skills in warm, clear tropical waters? Advanced diving certification in Andaman is one of the best ways to dive deeper, handle currents confidently, and explore iconic pinnacles teeming with pelagics. Whether you pursue PADI Advanced Open Water, SSI Advanced Adventurer, or equivalent, Andaman’s reefs around Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), and Port Blair offer the perfect classroom—calm bays for training and thrilling offshore sites for adventure.
Expect 2–3 days of training and five adventure dives, including deep and navigation, plus specialties like night, drift, buoyancy, or wreck. With 26–29°C water, 10–30 m visibility in season, and professional dive centers, this is a spectacular setting to step up your scuba game.
Top Cities/Places for Advanced Diving Certification
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Why it’s top: Most dive centers, diverse sites from beginner bays to advanced pinnacles.
- Signature AOW sites: Dixon’s Pinnacle, Johnny’s Gorge, Jackson’s Bar, The Wall.
- Vibe: Laid-back island with great beaches (Radhanagar), cafes, and varied stays.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Why it’s top: Less crowded, excellent reefs and drift sites suitable for advanced dives.
- Signature sites: Lighthouse (night), Bus Stop, Margherita’s Mischief, Junction.
- Vibe: Quiet, scenic, superb viz outside monsoon; ideal for focused training.
Port Blair
- Why it’s included: Convenient for tight schedules; training days possible before/after island hops.
- Sites: North Bay, Snake Island; generally easier, with occasional current.
- Vibe: Capital hub with better connectivity, museums, and markets.
Advanced/Expedition Options
- Barren Island region (highly weather/permitting dependent): For experienced advanced divers via select operators; conditions can be rough and plans change frequently.
- South Andaman offshore reefs: Boat-only day trips with currents; often chosen for deep or drift training.
Tourist Circuits for Divers in Andaman
Classic 1: Port Blair → Havelock → Neil → Port Blair (5–7 days)
- Do your Advanced course on Havelock, add fun dives on Neil.
- Non-diving days for Radhanagar Beach, Natural Bridge, Cellular Jail.
Classic 2: Havelock Base (3–4 days)
- Base entirely on Havelock for a focused AOW schedule with night or wreck dives.
Extended 3: South Andaman Reefs + Specialty (7–9 days)
- AOW on Havelock, then add a specialty (e.g., Enriched Air/Nitrox or Deep). Extra days for day-trip pinnacles when weather allows.
Activities and Specialties for Advanced Divers
Advanced certification typically includes five adventure dives. Requirements and naming vary by agency, but deep and navigation are core components.
Core Components
- Deep Dive: Up to 30 m (21 m for Junior Advanced). Gas management, narcosis awareness.
- Underwater Navigation: Natural navigation and compass skills.
Popular Electives in Andaman
- Drift Diving: Common at pinnacles; learn current entry/exit and SMB deployment.
- Peak Performance Buoyancy: Essential for reef protection and longer bottom times.
- Night Diving: Bioluminescence and nocturnal life at sheltered sites (e.g., Lighthouse).
- Wreck or Boat Diving: Operator-dependent; boat protocols and blue-water ascents.
- Fish ID/Naturalist: Andaman biodiversity makes this rewarding.
Good-to-Know
- Prerequisite: Open Water (or equivalent). Minimum age 12+ (Junior restrictions apply).
- Duration: 2–3 days; eLearning can shorten classroom time.
- Medical: Complete an RSTC medical form; physician sign-off if “Yes” to any conditions.
- Recommended add-on: Enriched Air (Nitrox) for repetitive diving days.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, usually Jan): Cultural shows, food, crafts—pairs well with peak dive season.
- Local regattas and beach clean-ups: Some dive shops host cleanup dives and marine talks; check with your operator.
Sample Itineraries for Advanced Certification
3-Day AOW Focus (Havelock)
- Day 1: Refresher (if needed) + Navigation Adventure Dive.
- Day 2: Deep Adventure Dive (30 m) + Peak Performance Buoyancy.
- Day 3: Drift Adventure Dive + optional Night Dive.
5-Day AOW + Nitrox (Havelock + Neil)
- Days 1–3: Complete AOW on Havelock; add Nitrox theory.
- Days 4–5: Two fun dives on Neil using Nitrox; explore drifts or reefs like Margherita’s Mischief.
7-Day Advanced Explorer
- AOW completion, rest day, then targeted advanced sites (weather/gear permitting) with a guide. Keep last day as a no-dive day for flights.
Budget Tips and Estimated Costs
- Advanced Course Fees: Approx INR 20,000–35,000 per person, including equipment, instructor, and certification fees. Boat surcharges for far sites may apply.
- Fun Dives (post-course): INR 3,500–6,500 per dive, depending on site and inclusions.
- Enriched Air/Nitrox Add-on: INR 8,000–15,000 (theory + certification; tank surcharges vary).
- Accommodation (per night): Budget hostels INR 800–1,800; mid-range resorts INR 3,000–7,000; upscale INR 8,000+.
- Meals: INR 400–900 per person/day (budget) to INR 1,500+ (mid-range).
- Transport: Port Blair–Havelock ferry INR 1,200–2,800 one-way (class-dependent); local autos INR 150–600 per ride.
- Extras: Marine park/site fees (if any), GST, camera fees with some operators, tips for crew (optional).
Money-saving tips: Book eLearning in advance, travel shoulder season (Oct/May), choose package deals (course + stay), and carry your own mask to ensure fit and reduce rental dependence.
Practical Travel Information
How to Reach
- By Air: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Delhi.
- By Sea: Occasional long-haul passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (multi-day; limited schedules).
- Inter-Island: Government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Port Blair ↔ Havelock ↔ Neil). Book early in peak season.
Accommodation Options
- Havelock: Dive resorts near Beach No. 3/5; backpacker stays at Beach No. 2; upscale near Beach No. 7 (Radhanagar).
- Neil: Boutique resorts around Laxmanpur and Bharatpur beaches.
- Port Blair: City hotels near Aberdeen Bazaar; convenient for late arrivals/early departures.
Best Time to Visit and Sea Conditions
- Peak Season: Nov–Apr for calm seas and best visibility (often 15–30 m).
- Shoulder: Oct and May can be excellent but watch wind and rain forecasts.
- Monsoon: Jun–Sep brings rough seas, variable viz, and weather-related cancellations.
- Water Temperature: ~26–29°C; a 3 mm wetsuit or shorty suits most divers.
Permits, Rules, and Safety
- Entry Formalities: Carry valid photo ID; foreign nationals should check current Restricted/Protected Area rules. Some islands remain off-limits; operators will advise.
- No-Fly Time: Minimum 18–24 hours after your last dive before flying.
- Insurance: Dive accident coverage recommended (e.g., DAN); verify evacuation benefits to mainland India if needed.
- Environmental: Use reef-safe sunscreen, don’t touch/collect marine life, and avoid single-use plastics.
- Connectivity: Mobile data can be patchy on islands; download eLearning/materials beforehand.
- Payments: ATMs are limited; carry sufficient cash along with UPI-enabled options.
Local Experiences Beyond Diving
Food and Cuisine
- Seafood specials: Grilled fish, prawns, and lobster with island spices.
- Curries: Coconut-based Andamanese and Bengali-style fish curry with steamed rice.
- Cafes: Smoothie bowls, fresh bakes, and beachside breakfasts popular with divers.
Shopping
- Port Blair’s Aberdeen Bazaar: Spices, honey, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Ethical note: Avoid buying shells/corals—many are protected.
Culture and Etiquette
- Respect local customs; dress modestly in towns and villages.
- Tribal areas are protected; do not attempt visits or photography.
Tips for Different Traveler Types
Families
- Consider private instructors or small groups for teens (12+ for Junior Advanced).
- Choose sheltered training sites and spread dives over more days for comfort.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Pick a dive resort with beachfront rooms and sunset access.
- Opt for a night dive and a relaxed no-dive beach day afterwards.
Friends/Groups
- Book in advance to keep your group together with one instructor team.
- Add a specialty such as Drift or Nitrox to level up together.
Packing Checklist
- Essentials: Certification card(s), logbook/app, RSTC medical, travel insurance.
- Dive gear (optional): Mask and computer; reputable shops supply full kits.
- Extras: Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, dry bag, motion sickness tablets, spare SD cards.
Nearby Attractions
- Radhanagar Beach (Havelock): Iconic sunset beach, ideal for rest after dive days.
- Kalapathar Beach (Havelock): Quiet sunrise spot.
- Natural Bridge and Laxmanpur Beach (Neil): Tidepools and sunsets.
- Cellular Jail and Light & Sound Show (Port Blair): Moving history of India’s freedom struggle.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) and North Bay: Day trip ruins and snorkeling.
FAQs
Q: What certification agencies offer Advanced diving in Andaman?
A: Most centers teach PADI Advanced Open Water or SSI Advanced Adventurer; some also offer RAID/NAUI equivalents. All are widely recognized.
Q: How many days do I need for Advanced Open Water in Andaman?
A: Typically 2–3 days, depending on weather, boat schedules, and whether you complete eLearning beforehand.
Q: Is Nitrox available in Andaman?
A: Yes, at select dive shops. You’ll need Nitrox certification to use enriched air; expect a small tank surcharge.
Q: Can beginners attempt sites like Dixon’s Pinnacle?
A: These are recommended for certified Advanced divers with good buoyancy and comfort in current. Site access is at the operator’s discretion based on conditions and experience.
Q: What are the no-fly rules after diving?
A: Maintain an 18–24 hour surface interval after your last dive before flying. Plan your ferry/flight schedule accordingly.
Conclusion
Andaman offers a compelling mix of professional dive training, warm water, vivid reefs, and advanced-friendly sites. Complete your Advanced diving certification amid pinnacles and drifts, then slow down on powdery beaches and explore island culture. With thoughtful planning around season, safety, and logistics, this is an unforgettable place to dive deeper—literally and figuratively.
