Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why North Andaman Works for Beginner Divers
- Top Places for Beginner Diving in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits and Suggested Routes
- Activities for Beginners: Underwater and Beyond
- Best Time to Visit and Dive
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Sample Itineraries for Beginner Divers
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Budget Tips
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- Safety, Permits, and Responsible Diving
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
North Andaman is where emerald forests meet sapphire seas, where sandbars ribbon between untouched islands, and where reefs feel wild yet welcoming. If you’re new to scuba, this remote part of the Andaman Islands offers calm lagoons, sandy-bottomed bays, and coral gardens that are perfect for your first bubbles—along with crowd-free beaches and gentle island life to ease you into the adventure.
Why North Andaman Works for Beginner Divers
- Shallow, protected sites: Many reefs start at 3–6 m with sandy patches for easy skills practice.
- Low boat traffic: Quieter waters mean relaxed entries and less surface chop.
- Wildlife highlights: Reef fish swirls, hard coral gardens, occasional turtles, and macro life.
- Off-grid charm: Pair your dive day with sandbar walks, mangrove trails, and rainforest hikes.
Note: Dive infrastructure is sparser than Havelock/Neil. Book operators ahead and stay flexible for weather and permits.
Top Places for Beginner Diving in North Andaman
Diglipur & Kalipur
- Kalipur Beach (Discover Scuba): Gently sloping sandy bottom with scattered coral heads. Depth 4–10 m; typically mild currents. Good for first-time dives when seas are calm.
- Aerial Bay Reef: Near the jetty; patch reefs and sandy training areas. Vis varies; best in fair weather.
- What you’ll see: Sergeant majors, damsels, parrotfish, butterflyfish; occasional turtles in season.
- Logistics: Shore entries or short boat rides. Turtle nesting protection applies nearby (Dec–Feb); follow local guidance.
Ross & Smith Islands
- Sandbar Lagoon Reef: Sheltered, shallow coral garden (3–8 m). Ideal for DSDs and refresher dives when tides and wind are favorable.
- Outer Bommies: Slightly deeper coral heads with soft current; for confident beginners with a pro.
- What you’ll see: Staghorn and table corals, fusiliers, wrasse, juvenile sweetlips; macro life on bommies.
- Permits & boats: Day permits from Aerial Bay jetty; licensed boats only. Weather-dependent.
Mayabunder & Avis Island
- Avis Island Coral Garden: Clear, calm water in settled conditions; coral patches and sandy lanes, 3–7 m. Suits beginners and snorkelers.
- Rampur/Mayabunder Bay: Protected pockets used by local operators for intro sessions.
- What you’ll see: Blue-green chromis, clownfish, sea cucumbers, small rays on sand.
Long Island & Lalaji Bay
- Lalaji Bay & Guitar Island Channel: Glassy mornings, shallow coral slopes, 4–10 m. Intro dives happen in calm spells.
- What you’ll see: Hard coral gardens, anemonefish, juvenile reef species; occasional cuttlefish.
- Note: Access and operator availability vary; confirm ahead in Rangat/Long Island.
Tip: Conditions in North Andaman can change quickly. If wind picks up, operators may shift to more sheltered bays or reschedule.
Tourist Circuits and Suggested Routes
- Classic North Loop (5–6 days): Port Blair → Rangat (Dhani Nallah mangrove walk) → Mayabunder (Avis Island) → Diglipur (Kalipur, Ross & Smith) → Port Blair.
- Diver’s Taster (3–4 days north-bound): Port Blair → Diglipur (2 dive days) → Ross & Smith day → return.
- Island & Forest Combo: Long Island (Lalaji Bay) + Saddle Peak trek near Diglipur, with beginner dives interspersed.
Activities for Beginners: Underwater and Beyond
Underwater
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) in calm lagoons and sand-bottom bays.
- Snorkeling over coral gardens at Ross & Smith and Avis Island.
- Open Water courses (availability varies; check operators in advance).
Beyond the Reef
- Trek to Saddle Peak (Andamans’ highest point) for rainforest views.
- Walk the Dhani Nallah mangrove boardwalk near Rangat.
- Sunset strolls at Kalipur; sandbar walks at Ross & Smith.
- Seasonal turtle watching with authorized guides (no lights, no touching).
Best Time to Visit and Dive
- November–March: Generally the most reliable for beginners; calmer seas, comfortable temps.
- April–May: Warm water and often excellent visibility; hotter days and possible afternoon winds.
- June–September (Monsoon): Rough seas common; many trips curtailed. Not ideal for first-timers.
Water temperature hovers around 27–29°C. Early morning dives are usually the calmest.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Island Tourism Festival (mostly in Port Blair, Jan): Cultural showcases; occasional spillover events region-wide.
- Turtle Nesting Season (Dec–Feb): Around Kalipur and nearby beaches; strictly regulated viewing.
- Pan-India celebrations like Diwali and Durga Puja are observed in towns.
Sample Itineraries for Beginner Divers
3-Day Mini (from Port Blair)
- Day 1: Travel to Diglipur; sunset at Kalipur.
- Day 2: Morning DSD session + reef snorkel; optional beach time.
- Day 3: Ross & Smith sandbar walk + shallow reef snorkel; return journey begins.
5-Day Beginner Dive Escape
- Day 1: Port Blair → Mayabunder; evening harbor walk.
- Day 2: Avis Island DSD/snorkel; transfer to Diglipur.
- Day 3: Kalipur intro dive + skills; easy afternoon snorkel.
- Day 4: Ross & Smith shallow dive/snorkel; beach time.
- Day 5: Optional Saddle Peak hike (non-dive day) or travel back.
How to Reach North Andaman
- Fly: Land at Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair.
- By Road (Andaman Trunk Road):
- Port Blair → Rangat: 6–7 hours
- Rangat → Mayabunder: 1.5–2 hours
- Mayabunder → Diglipur: 3–4 hours
Roads are improving but expect slow sections. Private cabs are fastest; government and private buses are economical.
- By Ferry: Inter-island ferries to Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur and Long Island run on changing schedules. Check locally at Phoenix Bay/Haddo jetties for latest timings and tickets.
Accommodation Options
- Diglipur/Kalipur: Simple beachside cottages and guesthouses near Kalipur and Aerial Bay; limited mid-range stays.
- Mayabunder: Town guesthouses and small hotels; day-trips to Avis Island.
- Long Island: Basic lodges and eco-stays; advance booking advised due to low inventory.
- What to expect: Clean, no-frills stays, generator hours in some places, spotty mobile data.
Estimated Costs
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): INR 4,000–7,500 per person (gear, guide, training; boat fees may be extra).
- Open Water Course: INR 22,000–30,000+ depending on operator and logistics (availability varies in the north).
- Snorkel Trips: INR 800–2,000 per person locally; boat transfers to Ross & Smith priced separately.
- Boats & Permits: Ross & Smith day permits and boat hire are payable at Aerial Bay; rates vary by season.
- Transport: Port Blair → Diglipur by bus INR 700–1,200; private cab significantly higher.
- Stays: Budget INR 1,000–2,500; mid-range INR 3,000–6,000 per night where available.
Budget Tips
- Carry sufficient cash; ATMs can be limited or offline.
- Combine snorkeling and shore dives to keep costs low.
- Share boat charters with other travelers to split costs.
- Travel light but bring your own mask/snorkel for comfort and savings.
- Check permit/boat fees before you go to avoid surprises.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Home-style seafood thalis, fish curry with local spices, coconut-based dishes; try fresh catch near Diglipur.
- Culture: Quiet island rhythms; communities include settlers and Karen heritage around Mayabunder.
- Shopping: Essentials only in small markets. Avoid buying corals/shells—collecting is illegal.
Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
Families
- Choose sheltered sites (Kalipur lagoon, Avis Island) and early morning slots.
- Life jackets for boat rides; reef-safe sunscreen and rash guards for kids.
Honeymooners
- Plan a sandbar sunset at Ross & Smith on a calm day.
- Pick quieter beach cottages; schedule a rest day after flying before diving.
Friends/Groups
- Mix an intro dive day with a Saddle Peak trek or mangrove walk.
- Coordinate group boat hire to lower per-person costs.
Safety, Permits, and Responsible Diving
- Standards: Choose licensed operators; confirm ratios and safety briefings.
- Conditions: If wind/visibility is poor, reschedule rather than push through.
- Health: Observe no-fly times after diving (generally 18–24 hours).
- Permits: Carry valid ID; Ross & Smith requires day permits and registered boats.
- Conservation: No touching corals or wildlife; reef-safe sunscreen; take back all trash.
FAQs
Q: Is North Andaman suitable for first-time divers?
A: Yes—sites like Kalipur, Avis Island, and the Ross & Smith lagoon offer shallow, calm conditions ideal for Discover Scuba when weather permits. Always book with a licensed operator.
Q: When is the best month for beginner diving in North Andaman?
A: November to March is the most reliable window for calm seas. April–May can have great visibility but hotter days and occasional wind.
Q: Are there many dive shops in North Andaman?
A: Fewer than in Havelock/Neil. Availability is seasonal and localized around Diglipur, Mayabunder, and Long Island. Reserve ahead and stay flexible.
Q: Can I do an Open Water course in North Andaman?
A: Sometimes, depending on operator presence and conditions. Many travelers complete courses in Havelock/Neil and add fun dives up north.
Q: Do I need a permit for Ross & Smith Islands?
A: Yes, day permits are issued locally at Aerial Bay jetty, and you must use registered boats. Rules can change—check on arrival.
Conclusion
North Andaman’s beginner diving pairs calm, shallow reefs with a serene, off-grid island atmosphere. With sandy-bottomed bays, coral gardens, and light boat traffic, it’s a welcoming classroom for first bubbles—plus rainforests, mangroves, and sandbars to round out your days. Plan around the fair-weather months, book reputable operators, and keep your schedule flexible for a smooth, memorable start to your diving journey.
