Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Dive
- Top Diving Spots in Neil Island
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Tips for Divers and Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Neil Island (officially Shaheed Dweep) in the Andaman archipelago is a tranquil reef paradise, loved by divers for its clear water, healthy coral gardens, and relaxed village vibe. While its neighbor Havelock grabs headlines, Neil quietly delivers world-class macro life, beginner-friendly lagoons, and seasonal pelagics at offshore pinnacles. This guide covers the best diving spots in Neil Island, when to visit, how to plan your trip, what it costs, and the nearby beaches and bridges you shouldn’t miss.
History & Importance
Long known to local fishers for rich reefs, Neil Island’s dive potential began to open to travelers in the early 2000s. Today, its fringing reefs and offshore rocks act as nurseries for reef fish, turtles, and cephalopods, while channels between Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil invite nutrient flows that attract larger schools and occasional rays. The island was renamed Shaheed Dweep in 2018, honoring national history; ecologically, it’s valued as a calmer, less-developed counterpoint to busier Andaman hubs, making it ideal for training dives, macro photography, and mellow reef exploration.
Note: Dive-site names can vary by operator; many refer to the same reefs by different nicknames.
Best Time to Dive
- Prime season: October to May (clearest seas typically November–April).
- Water temperature: ~27–30°C; 3 mm shorty or full suit is comfortable.
- Visibility: 10–30 m depending on site and tides; offshore rocks often clearer.
- Monsoon/windy period: Late May to September can bring rough seas and limited operations.
- Marine life highlights by season:
- Nov–Mar: Stable conditions, great for courses and macro.
- Feb–Apr: Often best vis; chance of larger schools and rays at channels/pinnacles.
Top Diving Spots in Neil Island
Below are well-known sites used by local operators. Conditions and access depend on weather, tides, and experience level.
Bharatpur Reef (Beginner-friendly lagoon)
- Depth: 5–12 m
- Who it’s for: Discover Scuba Diving, Open Water courses, relaxed fun dives
- Highlights: Calm conditions, hard coral gardens, anemonefish, juvenile reef fish, occasional turtles
- Notes: Often the first-choice site for try-dives thanks to easy entry and gentle currents.
Laxmanpur Reef (Drift-y coral gardens)
- Depth: 8–16 m
- Who it’s for: Certified divers
- Highlights: Mixed hard/soft corals, bommies with schooling fusiliers and snapper, sand patches for critter-spotting
- Notes: Light current possible; pleasant long reef dives with picturesque coral cover.
K-Rock (Volcanic outcrop between Neil & Havelock)
- Depth: 12–22 m
- Who it’s for: Advanced Open Water or experienced Open Water divers (depending on conditions)
- Highlights: Rugged rock faces with overhangs, abundant macro (nudibranchs, shrimps), scorpionfish, cuttlefish
- Notes: Boat-only; can have surge or current—check the day’s plan with your dive center.
Junction (Channel site; pelagic potential)
- Depth: 18–30 m+
- Who it’s for: Advanced divers with drift experience
- Highlights: Schooling trevally and barracuda, occasional rays; energetic fish action around current lines
- Notes: Currents can be strong; negative entries and SMBs are standard practice here.
Bus Stop (Reef life with macro treats)
- Depth: 10–18 m
- Who it’s for: Certified divers
- Highlights: Anemone cities, lionfish, morays, leaf scorpionfish; sandy patches with garden eels
- Notes: Locally popular for easy profiles and great critter hunting.
Neil Garden / Rocky’s (nomenclature varies)
- Depth: 8–16 m
- Who it’s for: All certified levels
- Highlights: Colorful coral “gardens,” reef octopus, butterflyfish, sweetlips
- Notes: Often used for leisurely second dives; ask your operator about the day’s visibility.
The Nursery (a.k.a. Kinder Garden)
- Depth: 5–10 m
- Who it’s for: Training dives, photographers who love shallow light
- Highlights: Juvenile fish clouds, sand gobies, seagrass fringe with turtles grazing
- Notes: Ideal for long, air-efficient profiles and skills refreshers.
Important: Site access is weather-dependent. Marine life sightings are never guaranteed. Trust your dive operator’s daily site choice for safety and best conditions.
Top Things to Do
Diving experiences
- Try-dives and courses at Bharatpur Reef.
- Fun dives at K-Rock or Bus Stop for macro and rocky contours.
- Advanced drift at Junction for schooling fish action.
Beyond diving
- Snorkel the lagoon off Bharatpur Beach (go with a vetted guide; use a life jacket if needed).
- Sunset at Laxmanpur Beach and sunrise at Sitapur Beach.
- Walk to the Natural Bridge at low tide to see tidal pools and the iconic arch.
- Cycle the island’s quiet lanes and village farms.
- Glass-bottom boat rides for non-swimmers (from Bharatpur jetty area).
Nearby Attractions
- Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge): A photogenic rock arch reached at low tide; watch your footing on tidal flats.
- Bharatpur Beach: Activity hub for snorkeling, glass-bottom rides, and beach cafes.
- Laxmanpur Beach I & II: Wide sands and classic sunset views; shallow reefs offshore.
- Sitapur Beach: East-facing cove with dramatic sunrise and fewer crowds.
How to Reach
By air + ferry
- Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport – IXZ) from major Indian cities.
- From Port Blair, take a government or private high-speed ferry to Neil Island (approx. 1–2 hours).
From Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Inter-island catamarans connect Havelock and Neil (typically 45–75 minutes).
Local transport on Neil
- Auto-rickshaws, rental scooters, and bicycles are common. Roads are quiet; carry cash for rentals.
Accommodation Options
- Budget guesthouses: Simple rooms near Bharatpur or in village lanes; walk or cycle to dive centers.
- Mid-range beach cottages: Around Laxmanpur and Sitapur for quieter stays and sunset proximity.
- Boutique eco-resorts: Limited but growing; book ahead in peak season.
- Dive resorts/partner stays: Many dive shops can bundle rooms with courses or fun-dive packages.
Estimated Costs
- Ferry (one-way): INR 1,200–1,800 (route and class dependent).
- Scooter rental: INR 400–700 per day; fuel extra.
- Accommodation (per night, double):
- Budget: INR 1,200–2,500
- Mid-range: INR 3,500–7,000
- Boutique: INR 8,000–15,000+
- Meals: INR 250–600 per person at beach shacks/cafes.
- Discover Scuba Diving (intro): INR 3,500–6,500 (shore vs. boat, duration, inclusions).
- Certified fun dives: INR 3,500–5,500 per dive (usually incl. tanks, weights, guide; gear rental policies vary).
- PADI/SSI Open Water course: Approx. INR 28,000–35,000; Advanced: INR 22,000–27,000.
Prices are indicative and vary by season, operator, and inclusions (boat fees, marine conservation fees, photos/videos).
Local Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis, grilled fish, and prawn curries at beach shacks.
- Casual cafes near Bharatpur for smoothies, pancakes, and island bakes.
- Vegetarian-friendly South Indian and North Indian staples available.
Shopping
- Keep it local and sustainable: handmade crafts, spices, island-grown fruits.
- Avoid buying coral, shells, or turtle products—illegal and harmful to reefs.
Culture
- Rural, slow-paced island life with farming communities and small fisheries.
- Evenings are quiet; stargazing on clear nights is excellent.
Tips for Divers and Travelers
Dive planning & safety
- Choose operators with small groups, proper briefings, oxygen on board, and safety gear (SMBs, radios).
- Respect depth and no-deco limits; carry dive insurance if you plan multiple days of diving.
- 24-hour no-fly buffer after your last dive (18 hours minimum for single-dive days).
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and secure gear to avoid coral contact.
Packing
- Light wetsuit/rash guard, dive computer if you own one, reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent.
- Dry bag, hat, reusable water bottle, and a small first-aid kit with seasickness tablets.
Money & connectivity
- Carry sufficient cash; ATMs and card acceptance can be limited.
- Mobile data can be patchy; download offline maps and e-tickets.
Traveler-specific tips
- Families: Opt for calm, shallow sessions at Bharatpur; confirm minimum age for try-dives (often 10+).
- Honeymooners: Time a late-morning dive for clear light, then sunset at Laxmanpur; choose a quieter cottage near the beach.
- Friends/groups: Ask about chartering a boat for two-dive days to K-Rock/Junction when conditions permit.
FAQs
Q: Is Neil Island good for beginners learning to dive?
A: Yes. The lagoon at Bharatpur Reef offers gentle conditions ideal for Discover Scuba and Open Water courses, with easy depths and plenty of fish life.
Q: Which Neil Island dive site has the best chance of big fish?
A: Channel and offshore sites like Junction can deliver schooling trevally, barracuda, and occasional rays in season. These dives are current-dependent and suited to advanced divers.
Q: Can I snorkel instead of dive on Neil Island?
A: Absolutely. Bharatpur Beach is the go-to for guided snorkeling and glass-bottom boats. Choose calm conditions and avoid standing on coral.
Q: What’s the ideal number of days to dive on Neil?
A: Plan 2–3 dive days (4–6 dives) to experience a mix of sheltered reefs and at least one offshore site, weather permitting. Add an extra buffer day in case of rough seas.
Q: Do I need any special permits to visit Neil Island?
A: Visitors typically only need standard government ID. Some protected areas have restrictions; always follow local regulations and your dive operator’s guidance.
Conclusion
Neil Island rewards divers with relaxed reefs, charismatic macro life, and occasional big-fish thrills at nearby channels—without the crowds. Time your trip between October and May, pick operators who prioritize safety and small groups, and balance your dive days with sunset beaches and quiet village walks. For beginners and experienced divers alike, Neil’s blend of calm lagoons and characterful rock sites makes it one of the Andamans’ most satisfying places to get underwater.
