Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Beginner-Friendly Diving Spots Near Mayabunder
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Mayabunder
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Tips for Beginner Divers
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Introduction
Searching for uncrowded, beginner-friendly diving in the Andamans? Mayabunder, tucked into North & Middle Andaman, is an excellent base for calm, shallow reefs, clear lagoons, and gentle training sites. While the dive scene here is quieter than Havelock or Neil, that’s exactly the charm—healthy corals, fewer boats, and a laid-back coastal town with easy day trips to beaches and islands.
This guide covers the best beginner diving spots near Mayabunder, the right season, logistics, estimated costs, and local experiences to round out your trip.
History and Importance
Mayabunder is the administrative heart of North & Middle Andaman, with roots in settlement by Bengali and Karen communities. Marine-wise, the north Andaman waters are known for less-trafficked fringing reefs and patch reefs that have recovered well compared to busier southern circuits—great news for new divers and snorkelers seeking healthier coral gardens.
Best Time to Visit
- Overall: October to May
- Best sea conditions: January to April (calmer seas, better visibility)
- Monsoon: June to September (rougher seas, rain, variable visibility; many operators suspend trips)
- Turtle nesting at nearby Karmatang Beach: roughly November to February (viewing is regulated)
Beginner-Friendly Diving Spots Near Mayabunder
Notes:
- Access, permits, and site names can vary by operator and season. Always check locally.
- Depths and conditions are typical ranges; sea state and tide can change quickly.
Avis Island Reef (3–8 m)
A short boat ride from Mayabunder Jetty, Avis Island’s lagoon shelters hard coral patches, seagrass, and sandy bottoms—ideal for first-timers, Discover Scuba Diving (DSD), and snorkelers.
- Highlights: Calm waters, anemonefish, sergeants, parrotfish, juvenile reef fish
- Good for: DSD, OW training, families
- Access: Boat only; landing/visits may need local permissions and are sometimes restricted
Karmatang Reef (2–6 m)
Off Karmatang Beach (about 12 km from town), a fringing reef with sandy patches suits skill practice and easy explorations.
- Highlights: Macro critters, butterflyfish, wrasse; turtle sightings are possible but not guaranteed
- Tips: Best in the morning on calm days; can be silty after rains
Rampur Jetty Reef (3–10 m)
A sheltered “jetty dive” with pillars attracting schooling fish and macro life—handy when ocean conditions are bumpy.
- Highlights: Nudibranchs, shrimps, lionfish around structures
- Good for: Training dives, buoyancy practice
Ray Hill Cove (2–5 m)
A quiet cove used by some operators as a training site with a sandy bottom and scattered coral heads.
- Highlights: Easy entries, controlled environment for first skills
- Note: Availability depends on operator presence in season
Interview Island – East Bay Garden (5–12 m)
On suitable days, boats may run to Interview Island’s leeward side for gentle coral gardens.
- Highlights: Plate corals, mixed hard corals, occasional cuttlefish
- Important: It’s a wildlife sanctuary; permits and weather windows required. Slight currents possible.
- Transit: 60–90 minutes by boat in fair seas
Austin Strait Patch Reefs (6–12 m)
Scattered nearshore reefs that can be beginner-friendly during slack tide only.
- Highlights: Damselfish clouds, healthy hard coral sections
- Caution: Tidal currents can be strong—go with experienced local guides and conservative plans
Top Things to Do
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) in sheltered lagoons like Avis Island
- Open Water course (PADI/SSI) over 3–4 days when seas are calm
- Snorkeling from the beach at Karmatang or by boat to lagoons
- Sunset walks at Karmatang Beach and quiet coves around Ray Hill
- Boat trips to sandbars and reef flats on calm days (check tides/permissions)
Nearby Attractions
- Karmatang Beach: Long, clean shoreline known for regulated turtle nesting
- Avis Island: Petite island with a lagoon; access can be restricted—confirm locally
- Ray Hill Eco Park: Forested area for nature walks and viewpoints
- Rangat (1.5–2.5 hours south): Amkunj Beach, Dhani Nallah mangrove boardwalk
- Diglipur (3–4 hours north): Ross & Smith twin islands for day trips and snorkeling
How to Reach Mayabunder
- By road from Port Blair: About 240–260 km via the Andaman Trunk Road; 8–10 hours depending on checkpoints and ferries across creeks. Government and private buses run daily; private cabs are faster but costlier.
- By ferry: Government ferries sometimes connect Port Blair–Rangat–Mayabunder; schedules are infrequent and change seasonally—check the Directorate of Shipping Services locally.
- From Diglipur: 3–4 hours by road; good base if you plan to visit Ross & Smith as well.
- Tips: Carry ID for checkpoints; start early to maximize daylight driving.
Accommodation Options
Mayabunder has simple, comfortable stays rather than luxury resorts.
- Budget guesthouses and homestays: INR 1,000–2,000 per night
- Mid-range hotels and tourist lodges: INR 2,500–4,500 per night
- Beachside/eco stays near Karmatang (limited availability): INR 3,000–5,500+ per night
Book ahead in peak season (Dec–Mar). Expect basic amenities; hot water and stable power can vary. Mobile data is improving but remains patchy in pockets.
Estimated Costs
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): INR 3,500–6,500 per person (includes instructor, gear, basic training, and a short boat ride if applicable)
- Certified fun dives: INR 3,000–4,500 per dive (gear included), discounts for 2–4 dive packages
- Open Water Course: INR 22,000–35,000 depending on agency, materials, and boat usage
- Private boat charters to remote sites (seasonal): INR 8,000–18,000+ per trip
- Meals: INR 200–500 per person per meal at local eateries
- Local transport: INR 800–2,500 per day for taxis; buses are cheaper but less frequent
Note: Prices fluctuate with fuel, season, and operator presence in Mayabunder. Confirm inclusions (gear, photos, permits, snacks) in writing.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood thalis, fish curry, crab and prawns (seasonal)
- Influences from Bengali and Karen kitchens: mild spices, coconut, herbs
- Vegetarian options: dal, sabzi, paneer dishes; simple but tasty
- Tip: Try local banana flower salads and smoked fish when available
Shopping
- Small town markets for basic supplies, spices, and coconuts
- Handicrafts: Buy from authorized outlets; avoid shells/coral products (often illegal)
- For broader selection, shop at government emporiums in Port Blair before/after your trip
Culture & Etiquette
- Respect local customs and restricted tribal areas (strictly off-limits)
- Turtle nesting sites have lighting and access rules—follow ranger guidance
- Dress modestly in villages; ask before photographing people
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Pick calm-lagoon sites like Avis Island for DSD and snorkeling
- Carry kid-sized masks/snorkels and rashguards; bring snacks and water
- Plan shorter boat rides and morning sessions to avoid wind chop
Honeymooners
- Time your dives for early mornings; stroll Karmatang at sunset
- Consider a private boat to a quiet lagoon on very calm days
- Choose stays near the beach or in nature lodges for privacy
Friends/Groups
- Bundle 2–4 fun dives for better pricing
- Road-trip north to Diglipur for Ross & Smith after your Mayabunder dives
- Carry motion-sickness tablets for those prone to seasickness
Tips for Beginner Divers
- Season and timing: Aim for Jan–Apr; dive mornings when winds are lighter.
- Operator check: Look for certified PADI/SSI pros, oxygen kit on board, radio/phone, and small DSD ratios (1:1 or 1:2).
- Permits and access: Some sites (e.g., Interview Island) require permissions; plans can change with weather and wildlife rules.
- Safety: No alcohol before diving; declare medical conditions; dive conservatively—nearest chamber is in Port Blair.
- Marine life etiquette: Don’t touch/stand on coral; keep fin tips up; no shell/coral collection.
- Wildlife advisories: Ask locals about saltwater crocodile notices before shore snorkeling; follow posted advisories.
- Gear and comfort: Use a rashguard, 3 mm shorty in shoulder seasons; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag.
- Money and connectivity: Carry cash for remote areas; network can be patchy despite recent upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Mayabunder good for first-time divers?
A: Yes. Sheltered lagoons like Avis Island and shallow fringing reefs around Karmatang offer gentle conditions ideal for DSD and entry-level training when seas are calm.
Q: Do I need prior swimming skills for a DSD in Mayabunder?
A: Basic comfort in water helps but is not mandatory for DSD. You’ll train in shallow water first and be closely supervised by an instructor.
Q: What visibility can I expect?
A: Typically 5–20 m depending on season and rainfall. January–April often sees the best visibility; it can drop after heavy rain or wind.
Q: Are there dive shops based in Mayabunder?
A: Presence is seasonal. Some operators set up locally or run day trips from other Andaman hubs. Confirm availability and logistics before you travel.
Q: Can I combine Mayabunder diving with other Andaman highlights?
A: Absolutely. Many travelers route via Rangat for mangrove walks and continue to Diglipur for Ross & Smith Islands, adding dives where conditions permit.
Conclusion
Mayabunder’s beginner diving scene is quiet, scenic, and rewarding—shallow coral gardens, protected lagoons, and uncrowded waters. Plan for the calm season, choose experienced local operators, and build in time for nearby beaches and islands. With simple logistics and thoughtful timing, it’s a relaxed gateway to the Andamans’ underwater world.
