Advanced Diving Sites in Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): A Complete Guide

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History & Marine Importance
• Best Time to Dive
• Top Things to Do
• Nearby Attractions
• How to Reach Neil Island
• Accommodation Options
• Estimated Costs
• Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, and Culture
• Pro Tips for Advanced Divers
• Travel Tips for Different Travelers
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

Neil Island (officially Shaheed Dweep) in India’s Andaman Islands is a small, laid-back paradise with big underwater energy. For experienced divers, its channels and sea mounts create nutrient-rich currents that attract schooling pelagics, reef sharks, and, in season, manta rays. From exhilarating drifts at Junction to current-swept ledges at Bus Stop, the advanced diving sites in Neil Island blend adrenaline with epic marine life and clear tropical waters.

History & Marine Importance

Part of the Ritchie’s Archipelago, Neil Island sits where tidal flows from the Bay of Bengal funnel through narrow channels. These currents power healthy coral gardens and large gorgonians, supporting everything from macro critters to apex hunters. Recreational diving here took off in the 2000s, and in 2018 the island was officially renamed Shaheed Dweep. Today, Neil remains quieter than Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), yet advanced divers prize it for dynamic drifts, pelagic sightings, and less crowded boats.

• Marine topography: saddles, sea mounts, and reef edges with drop-offs
• Signature fauna: barracuda, giant trevally, dogtooth tuna, white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, seasonal mantas
• Conservation: no-take rules for coral, protected turtle nesting beaches, and growing reef stewardship by local operators

Best Time to Dive

• Peak season: November to May
• Best visibility: January to April (often 20–30 m)
• Manta sightings: typically December to April around channels like Junction
• Monsoon and winds: late May/June to September can affect ferries and boat departures
• Water temperature: around 27–29°C most of the year

Top Things to Do

Signature Advanced Dive Sites

• Junction (Advanced Drift)
  Depth: 18–30+ m. A saddle between sea mounts in the channel toward Havelock. Expect strong, shifting currents and occasional downcurrents. Highlights include schooling barracuda and batfish, giant trevally, Spanish mackerel, white-tip reef sharks, and seasonal manta or mobula rays. Negative entry, solid buoyancy, and SMB use are essential.
• Bus Stop (Advanced Current Site)
  Depth: 18–28 m. A reef edge with ledges, gullies, and impressive gorgonian fans. Currents can “wash” around corners, forming eddies. Look for dogtooth tuna, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, nudibranchs on the leeward side, and cruising reef sharks. Best dived near slack, but still lively.
• K-Rock (Intermediate–Advanced in current)
  Depth: 12–22 m. Rock outcrops and canyons with moderate to strong drift on spring tides. Sweetlips, snappers, lionfish, and macro such as flatworms and cleaner shrimps. Great as a warm-up check dive for advanced divers.
• Lighthouse Night Dive (Advanced due to night/navigation)
  Depth: 6–12 m. While shallow, navigation, surge and occasional current make it best for experienced divers after a day’s warm-up. See hunting lionfish, cephalopods, nocturnal crabs, and bioluminescence on dark, calm nights.
• Rocky’s (Intermediate–Advanced with flow)
  Depth: 10–22 m. Sloping reef that channels fusilier schools, drawing in trevally and mackerel. Current can build; timing with tide makes the difference between mellow and exhilarating.

Expedition day trips for experts: In stable weather, some Neil-based operators run longer speedboat days to advanced sites off Havelock such as Johnny’s Gorge, Dickson’s Pinnacle, or Deep Rock (typically 24–35 m, strong current, pelagics and sharks). Availability varies by season, boat, and sea state.

Other Activities Between Dives

• Shore snorkelling at Bharatpur’s lagoon when calm
• Sunset walks along Laxmanpur Beach
• Low-tide exploration at the Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge)
• Sunrise at Sitapur Beach
• Photography and easy cycling around the island’s villages

Nearby Attractions

• Bharatpur Beach: Lagoon with water sports and beginner snorkelling.
• Laxmanpur Beach 1 & 2: Panoramic sunsets; tidal pools near the Natural Bridge.
• Natural Bridge: Best at low tide for marine life in the pools.
• Sitapur Beach: Dramatic sunrises and fewer people.
• Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Day trips for additional advanced dive sites when seas allow.

How to Reach Neil Island

• By air: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ, Veer Savarkar International Airport).
• By ferry: From Port Blair or Havelock to Neil (Shaheed Dweep) via government ferries or private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean). Typical durations:
  • Port Blair → Neil: 1.5–2 hours
  • Havelock → Neil: 1–1.5 hours
• Permits: No special permit for Indian nationals. Foreigners currently do not require Restricted Area Permits for the main islands; rules can change, so recheck before travel.
• On-island transport: Auto-rickshaws, rental scooters, and bicycles. Roads are simple; carry cash for fuel and rentals.

Accommodation Options

• Budget guesthouses: Simple rooms around Neil Kendra and Bharatpur (approx. INR 1,500–3,000 per night).
• Mid-range eco-resorts: Cottage-style stays near Laxmanpur or Sitapur (approx. INR 3,500–8,000 per night).
• Upper mid-range/boutique: Limited inventory; book early in Jan–Mar (approx. INR 9,000–18,000+ per night).
• Location tips: Stay near your chosen dive center for easy morning departures. Expect patchy Wi‑Fi and occasional power cuts.

Estimated Costs

• Fun dives (certified, gear included): INR 4,500–6,500 per dive; multi-dive packages reduce per-dive cost.
• Speedboat/remote site surcharge (e.g., Junction trips): INR 1,000–2,500 per diver per day.
• Advanced/Drift specialties: Typically INR 18,000–30,000 depending on agency and inclusions.
• Ferries: Government INR 400–800; private catamaran INR 1,200–2,500 per sector.
• Meals: INR 250–600 at local joints; INR 400–900 at cafés; fresh seafood priced by weight.
• Scooter rental: Around INR 500–800 per day, fuel extra.

Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, and Culture

• Food: Grilled fish, prawn curry, coconut-based dishes, Bengali thalis, and South Indian staples. Try beach shacks at Bharatpur and homestyle eateries in Neil Kendra.
• Shopping: Small markets sell island spices, coconut products, and handicrafts. Avoid buying shells, coral, or turtle products—illegal and harmful to reefs.
• Culture: A relaxed mix of Bengali-speaking communities and islanders with a strong conservation ethos. Turtle nesting closures may affect certain beach areas in season.
• Connectivity and cash: ATMs and card acceptance are limited; UPI works intermittently. Carry adequate cash.

Pro Tips for Advanced Divers

• Certification and recency: Advanced Open Water (or equivalent) with recent dives in current is recommended for Junction and Bus Stop.
• Gear: 3 mm full suit or shorty, reef-safe sunscreen, SMB and spool, whistle, and dive computer. Consider a reef hook for strong-current holds where guides allow.
• Entries and profiles: Expect negative entries and fast descents to the target depth. Stay streamlined and follow the guide’s line.
• Tides matter: Plan around slack or favorable tidal phases for visibility and manageable flow.
• Safety and medical: Respect 18–24 hour no-fly guidelines. The nearest chamber is in Port Blair; dive conservative profiles and ensure insurance (e.g., DAN) covers the Andaman Islands.
• Environmental etiquette: No touching or chasing rays and sharks; maintain good trim to protect gorgonians and bommies.
• Choose reputable operators: Small groups, oxygen kit on boat, radio, and local tide knowledge are non-negotiable.

Travel Tips for Different Travelers

Families

• Advanced dives are best for experienced parents; consider alternating dive days.
• Pick calm snorkeling spots for kids (Bharatpur lagoon on gentle days).
• Carry snacks, water, hats, and reef-safe sunscreen; shade can be limited on boats.

Honeymooners

• Time dives to catch sunset walks at Laxmanpur and sunrise at Sitapur.
• Opt for boutique stays near quiet beaches; pre-book candlelight seafood dinners.
• Ask for a private guide for more relaxed, photo-friendly advanced dives.

Friends and Dive Buddies

• Book full-boat charters to hit Junction/Bus Stop back-to-back with flexible timing.
• Bring action cams with red filters; secure mounts to avoid losses in current.
• Agree on hand signals and protocols for lost-buddy and downcurrent scenarios.

Packing and Safety Essentials

• Dry bag, light rain jacket, power bank, and seasickness medication.
• Thin booties for rocky entries, spare mask strap, and basic save-a-dive kit.
• Offline maps, photocopies of IDs, and enough cash for 2–3 days.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be Advanced Open Water certified to dive Junction and Bus Stop?

A: Yes, these sites involve depth, strong currents, and negative entries. Advanced certification (or equivalent experience) and recent dives in current are strongly recommended.

Q: When is the best time to see manta rays around Neil Island?

A: Typically December to April, with sightings peaking when currents are clean and plankton blooms are moderate around channels like Junction.

Q: What is the water visibility like?

A: It ranges from 10–15 m in shoulder months to 20–30 m in January–April. Currents and tides can change visibility within a day.

Q: Are there hyperbaric facilities nearby?

A: The nearest chamber is in Port Blair. Dive conservatively, carry proper insurance, and choose operators with oxygen and emergency protocols.

Q: Can I rent all dive gear on Neil Island?

A: Yes, most centers provide full rental setups. Bring your own computer, SMB, and well-fitting mask if possible, especially for current dives.

Conclusion

Advanced diving in Neil Island rewards experienced divers with swift drifts, thriving reefs, and memorable pelagic encounters. Time your trip for the dry season, pick operators who know the tides, and go prepared for currents. Between dives, the island’s beaches, tide pools, and unhurried rhythm round out an excellent Andaman dive holiday focused on challenge and discovery.