Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do: Advanced Diving Courses Near Rangat
- How to Reach Rangat and Nearby Dive Hubs
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs & Course Options
- Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Safety, Regulations & Responsible Diving
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Practical Packing List
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Rangat, set in the Middle Andaman Islands, is a quiet base for divers seeking uncrowded waters, mangrove-lined shores, and access to channels and reefs around Long Island, Lalaji Bay, and the North Passage. While the biggest dive schools in the Andamans cluster around Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), and Port Blair, advanced-level courses and specialty dives can be planned within reach of Rangat—ideal for travelers who want serious skill-building without the crowds.
This guide explains where to train, the best seasons and sites, how to reach nearby dive hubs, realistic costs, and smart tips for making the most of advanced diving near Rangat.
History & Importance
The Andaman Islands have long been known for clear waters, pelagic life, and healthy hard-coral gardens. As tourism expanded from Port Blair to Havelock and Neil, the Middle Andamans remained less commercial, preserving a frontier feel. Rangat’s value to advanced divers lies in its proximity to lesser-dived channels, occasional currents, and day-trip access to Long Island and North Passage—conditions that suit deep, drift, navigation, and nitrox training. You get space to practice, plus shore-based recovery in a tranquil coastal town.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak diving window: January to April for the calmest seas and best visibility.
- Good conditions: October to May; shoulder months can still be rewarding.
- Monsoon: Late May to September brings rougher seas, rain, and possible trip cancellations.
- Water temperature: ~27–29°C year-round; consider a 3mm shorty or full suit for multi-day courses.
Top Things to Do: Advanced Diving Courses Near Rangat
Advanced courses are typically arranged with certified operators based in nearby hubs. From Rangat, the closest practical options are Long Island and, with more travel, Havelock/Neil or Port Blair.
Pursue Advanced Certifications
- Advanced Open Water (AOW/Advanced Adventurer): Build confidence with deep (to 30 m), underwater navigation, and three elective dives (e.g., drift, buoyancy).
- Nitrox (EANx): Extend no-decompression limits on repetitive dives—great for multi-dive days around channels.
- Rescue Diver + First Aid: Elevate situational awareness and diver-assist skills; highly recommended for regular divers.
- Specialties: Peak Performance Buoyancy, Drift, Night, Deep, Navigation. Availability varies by operator and conditions.
Practice Dives & Specialty Experiences
- Channel and drift practice near Long Island (conditions permitting): Fine-tune buoyancy and current management.
- Lalaji Bay and North Passage snorkeling interludes: Good for surface intervals and non-diver companions.
- Night dives (where offered): Hone lights, signals, and navigation at night.
Note: Operator presence around Rangat and Long Island is seasonal and limited compared to Havelock/Neil. Confirm schedules in advance.
How to Reach Rangat and Nearby Dive Hubs
Port Blair to Rangat
- By road (Andaman Trunk Road): 6–8 hours by government or private bus; includes vehicle ferry crossings en route. Approx ₹400–₹800 per seat.
- By private taxi: ~6–7 hours, approx ₹7,000–₹10,000 one way depending on vehicle and season.
- By ferry (subject to schedule): Government ferries may connect Port Blair and Rangat. Duration and frequency vary; book via Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) counters.
Rangat to Long Island
- Public ferry from Yeratta/Rangat jetty: ~1–1.5 hours (weather and schedule dependent). Ideal for accessing quieter reefs.
Rangat to Major Dive Hubs (if courses are unavailable locally)
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Reach via Port Blair ferry; offers the widest array of advanced courses and boats.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep) and Port Blair: Strong alternatives with multiple training options.
Schedules change seasonally; always verify ferry timings locally a day or two before travel.
Accommodation Options
- Rangat town/Amkunj area: Simple guesthouses and lodges; convenient for buses and day trips.
- Long Island: Rustic stays and eco-style accommodations; great for early boat departures if diving is arranged there.
- Port Blair/Havelock/Neil: Wider range, from hostels to boutique beachfront resorts—useful if you base your course in these hubs.
Indicative nightly costs:
- Budget: ₹1,200–₹3,000
- Mid-range: ₹3,000–₹6,000
- Upscale (mostly in Port Blair/Havelock): ₹6,000–₹15,000+
Estimated Costs & Course Options
Prices vary by season, operator, boat type, and inclusions. Typical ranges in the Andamans:
- Advanced Open Water (2–3 days, 5 dives): ₹18,000–₹25,000
- Nitrox (Enriched Air EANx, 0.5–1 day, classroom + analyzers; add-on dives optional): ₹10,000–₹15,000
- Rescue Diver (3 days) + First Aid/CPR (1 day): ₹28,000–₹40,000 combined
- Specialty dives (per specialty, 2–3 dives): ₹8,000–₹18,000
- Fun dives for certified divers (per 2-tank trip): ₹5,000–₹9,000
Inclusions often cover tanks, weights, boat fees, instructor, and basic gear. Surcharges may apply for:
- Full equipment rental beyond basics
- Private instruction or small groups
- Marine park/jetty fees and fuel surcharges
- Underwater photography/video packages (₹1,000–₹3,000)
Travel add-ons:
- Bus Port Blair–Rangat: ₹400–₹800
- Government ferry Rangat–Long Island: typically under ₹500 (check local rates)
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Amkunj Beach Eco Park: Driftwood sculptures and a tidy shoreline for sunsets.
- Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walk: A lovely boardwalk through mangroves to a quiet beach.
- Yeratta Mangrove Park: Interpretive trails and views of tidal creeks.
- Long Island & Lalaji Bay: White sands, turquoise shallows; snorkel and picnic spots.
- North Passage & Merk Bay (day trip by boat from nearby jetties): Renowned for clear water and snorkeling.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, simple Bengali and South Indian meals, and island-style snacks. Expect modest eateries rather than fancy restaurants.
- Shopping: Essentials and fruit at Rangat Bazaar; for handicrafts and souvenirs, plan time in Port Blair.
- Culture: A mellow, small-town rhythm with communities from across mainland India; please be respectful around mangroves and beaches—these are sensitive ecosystems.
Safety, Regulations & Responsible Diving
- Certification: Carry your dive card/logbook; operators will require it for advanced dives.
- Medical: If you have conditions like asthma or recent surgeries, obtain a physician’s clearance (Diving Medical form).
- Permits/Access: Tourist access is allowed across most of Middle Andaman; tribal reserves remain strictly off-limits. Drone and protected-area rules can apply—check locally.
- Conservation: No touching coral or marine life; maintain excellent buoyancy, especially during training.
- Insurance: Consider dive-specific insurance covering evacuation.
- Seas & Weather: Monsoon and squalls can disrupt boats; schedules may change at short notice.
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Families
- Choose operators with calm-water training sites and clear safety briefings.
- Pair a diver’s course with family-friendly outings: mangrove walks, beaches, and snorkeling.
For Honeymooners/Couples
- Opt for private or small-group advanced instruction and sunset beach stays on Long Island or Havelock.
- Night dive or nitrox upgrade makes a memorable shared experience.
For Friends/Buddy Teams
- Plan multi-specialty tracks (Deep + Drift + Navigation) and split costs on transfers and private charters.
- Bring SMBs and reels to practice team skills in channels.
General Tips for Advanced Divers
- Book courses around neap tides for easier conditions in channels.
- Discuss training goals with your instructor: trim, gas planning, or current management.
- Carry reef-safe sunscreen and hydrate well between dives.
Practical Packing List
- Certification card and logbook
- Mask, snorkel, and personal mouthpiece (optional but hygienic)
- 3mm wetsuit or rash guard; booties if using open-heel fins
- DSMB, spool/reel, and a compact torch (for night/safety)
- Sea-sickness tablets, reusable water bottle, dry bag
- Power bank; basic first aid and motion-sickness bands
- Light rain jacket in shoulder/monsoon months
FAQs
Q: Are there advanced diving courses directly in Rangat?
A: Operator presence in Rangat itself is limited and seasonal. Many divers base in nearby Long Island or travel to Havelock/Neil/Port Blair for a wider choice of advanced courses, then use Rangat as a quieter stopover.
Q: Which advanced course should I choose near Rangat?
A: The Advanced Open Water (or Advanced Adventurer) is a strong next step. Pair it with Nitrox for better bottom times and add Drift or Navigation depending on conditions around Long Island and channels you plan to dive.
Q: What visibility and conditions can I expect?
A: Visibility typically ranges 10–25 m in season, with calmer seas from Oct–May (best Jan–Apr). Currents vary; channels near Long Island can offer light-to-moderate drift suitable for training when timed with tides.
Q: Can non-divers enjoy trips from Rangat?
A: Yes. Mangrove boardwalks, quiet beaches, and snorkeling at places like Lalaji Bay or Merk Bay are excellent for non-divers while divers complete training.
Q: Do I need my own gear?
A: Most operators include tanks, weights, and basic gear in course prices. Bringing a personal mask and computer improves comfort and learning, but full rental is commonly available.
Conclusion
Advanced diving near Rangat suits divers seeking mellow bases and less-crowded training grounds, with access to channels and reefs around Long Island and the Middle Andamans. Time your visit for the calm season, verify ferry schedules, choose certified operators, and budget for transfers if you base courses from Havelock or Port Blair. With solid planning, you’ll earn advanced certifications amid serene beaches, mangroves, and clear island waters.
