Table of Contents
- History and Importance of Little Andaman’s Advanced Dive Sites
- Best Time to Visit and Dive
- Top Things to Do for Advanced Divers
- How to Reach Little Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Nearby Attractions and Surface Intervals
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Diving Little Andaman (Advanced)
- Traveler-Specific Advice
- FAQs: Advanced Diving in Little Andaman
- Conclusion
Remote, rugged, and wrapped in dense jungle, Little Andaman hides some of the Andaman Sea’s least-dived reefs. This is a destination for seasoned divers seeking powerful drifts, offshore pinnacles, and a real sense of exploration—often from liveaboards or the rare seasonal operator. Here’s an expert guide to planning an advanced diving trip that balances challenging conditions with the island’s serene beaches and waterfalls.
History and Importance of Little Andaman’s Advanced Dive Sites
Little Andaman sits at the southern end of the Andaman archipelago, exposed to oceanic currents that shape nutrient-rich waters. Because the island is remote and has minimal tourism infrastructure, its reefs see limited pressure, offering healthy hard coral gardens, schooling pelagics, and good chances of shark encounters for experienced divers.
Parts of Little Andaman are close to tribal reserves and protected forests. Access and photography rules on land can be strict, and certain zones are off-limits. At sea, the lack of heavy traffic and the openness to blue water give advanced divers a frontier feel that’s increasingly rare in the region.
Best Time to Visit and Dive
- Overall season: November to April
- Peak underwater conditions: January to March (typically calmer seas, better visibility)
- Monsoon: May to September (rough seas, frequent rain; diving is often suspended)
- Water temperature: ~27–29°C
- Visibility: ~10–30 m, variable with wind and currents
Top Things to Do for Advanced Divers
Advanced Dive Profiles You Can Expect
- Offshore pinnacles: Blue-water entries, thermoclines, and schooling barracuda, jacks, trevallies; reef sharks are possible.
- Reef passes and channels: Fast drifts with surge; look for grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish.
- Steep reef slopes and walls: Sponges, sea fans, and macro along ledges; turtles frequent the shallows.
- Surge-exposed headlands: Action-packed when currents run; experience required for negative entries and quick descents.
Note: Specific site names and GPS coordinates are rarely publicized due to remoteness and variable access. Many dives are selected by skippers based on conditions on the day.
Recommended Experience and Gear
- Certification: Advanced Open Water (AOW) minimum; 30–50 logged dives recommended, with recent drift experience.
- Preferable: Deep Diver Specialty, Nitrox, and comfort with DSMB deployment in current.
- Gear: 5 mm wetsuit if you chill easily; spool + DSMB (mandatory), reef hook (guided use only), dive torch; bring DIN-to-yoke adaptor.
Non-Diving Highlights for Rest Days
- Surfing at Butler Bay (seasonal swells; strong currents—experienced surfers only).
- Waterfalls and jungle walks (see “Nearby Attractions”).
- Beachcombing and sunsets along quiet stretches near Hut Bay and Netaji Nagar.
How to Reach Little Andaman
- Gateway: Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) with flights from major Indian cities.
- Ferry to Hut Bay (Little Andaman): Government ferries operate subject to weather; approximate sailing 6–10 hours. Schedules can change at short notice.
- Helicopter services: Limited seats, weather-dependent; priority may be given to residents and essential travel. Not reliable for bulky dive gear.
- Liveaboard: Many advanced divers visit Little Andaman as part of a southern Andaman liveaboard itinerary (availability seasonal).
Permits and rules can change; some land areas remain restricted. Always confirm current access requirements with authorities or your operator before travel.
Accommodation Options
- Hut Bay town: Basic guesthouses and simple hotels; intermittent power and limited amenities.
- Beach cottages near Butler Bay: Rustic stays, seasonal availability.
- Liveaboards: The most reliable platform for advanced sites; cabins range from budget to premium depending on vessel.
Booking note: On-island dive infrastructure is minimal and sporadic. If you’re not on a liveaboard, confirm both accommodation and dive logistics well in advance.
Estimated Costs
- Liveaboard (7N/8D): ~USD 1,800–2,800 per person, including dives, meals, tanks/weights; extras: nitrox, gear rental, taxes.
- Day diving (if available): ~INR 5,000–7,500 per dive including tank/weights/boat (costs vary widely in such remote operations).
- Accommodation on island: ~INR 1,200–3,500 per night for simple rooms; limited mid-range options.
- Meals: ~INR 200–500 per simple meal; seafood may cost more.
- Transfers (Port Blair–Hut Bay ferry): Government tariffs apply; budget for standard passenger fare plus any gear surcharges.
These are indicative ranges; actual prices vary by season, fuel costs, and availability.
Nearby Attractions and Surface Intervals
- Butler Bay Beach: Curved bay with surf, sunsets, and a quiet shoreline.
- White Surf Waterfall: Short forest walk; best after rains but access depends on trail condition.
- Whisper Wave Waterfall: Deeper jungle setting; check local guidance and permissions.
- Little Andaman Lighthouse (southern tip): Views may be possible when accessible; access can be restricted.
Respect all signage and local instructions. Tribal and protected areas are strictly off-limits.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Simple island fare: Rice, fish curries, dal, vegetables, coconut-based dishes.
- Seafood: Fresh catches prepared in homely eateries; availability varies day to day.
Shopping
- Hut Bay market: Basic provisions, snacks, and household goods.
- Avoid: Buying shells, coral, or any wildlife products (illegal and harmful to reefs).
Culture
- Diverse settler communities from mainland India contribute to food and language mix.
- Tribal reserves exist on the island; photography and entry are prohibited in those areas.
Tips for Diving Little Andaman (Advanced)
- Insurance: Carry dive-specific insurance with evacuation coverage; the nearest recompression chamber is in Port Blair.
- Currents: Expect strong and variable currents—negative entries and blue-water safety stops are common.
- Safety kit: DSMB + spool, audible/visual signaling devices, and backup light are essential.
- Seasickness: Bring medication; ocean crossings can be choppy.
- Cash & connectivity: ATMs are limited and may be unreliable; mobile data is patchy.
- Environmental care: Use reef-safe sunscreen; maintain excellent buoyancy; do not touch or chase marine life.
- Operator choice: Prioritize operators with local experience, oxygen on board, and radios/EPIRBs for offshore runs.
Traveler-Specific Advice
Families
- Little Andaman is not ideal for beginner divers or young children due to currents and logistics.
- Consider focusing on beaches and waterfalls; ensure ample downtime and reliable transport plans.
Honeymooners
- Quiet beaches and starry nights offer privacy; choose stays with generators and backup water.
- Plan buffer days around ferries; weather can delay departures.
Friends and Dive Buddies
- Build in extra time for weather windows; carry spare dive spares (O-rings, mouthpieces, straps).
- Agree on gas planning and drift protocols before each dive; carry compatible computers for deep/nitrox profiles.
FAQs: Advanced Diving in Little Andaman
Q: Are there permanent dive shops on Little Andaman?
A: Operations are limited and often seasonal. Many advanced dives are done via liveaboards; confirm availability before traveling if you plan land-based diving.
Q: What marine life can advanced divers expect?
A: Schooling trevally and barracuda, reef sharks, turtles, bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, and abundant hard corals. Macro life includes nudibranchs and shrimps along ledges and fans.
Q: Do I need special permits to dive?
A: Diving itself typically doesn’t require special permits, but island access rules and certain land areas are restricted. Always verify current regulations with your operator and local authorities.
Q: What is the typical depth and current?
A: Many advanced profiles range from 18–35 m with moderate to strong currents. Conditions change quickly; dives are planned on the day based on safety and experience levels.
Q: Is nitrox available?
A: Often on liveaboards; availability on the island is limited. Check in advance and bring your own analyzer if you’re nitrox certified.
Conclusion
Little Andaman’s advanced diving is defined by frontier-style reefs, swift drifts, and a rare sense of isolation. With a short, stable weather window, minimal infrastructure, and strong emphasis on safety and planning, the island rewards experienced divers with healthy coral, pelagic action, and quiet beaches for surface intervals. Align your trip with the season, secure reliable logistics, and prepare for conditions that can deliver memorable, challenging dives.
