Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Best Time for Scuba Diving in Port Blair
- Seasonal Diving Conditions (Visibility, Seas, Marine Life)
- Top Dive Sites and Must-Visit Places
- Nearby Getaways for Divers
- How to Reach Port Blair
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
- Essential Tips for Diving in Port Blair
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the gateway to the Andaman Islands, is where most dive adventures in the archipelago begin. With warm waters, thriving reefs protected by the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, and easy access to beginner-friendly as well as advanced dive sites, Port Blair suits first-timers and certified divers alike. Timing your trip is crucial—sea state, visibility, and even the marine life you’re likely to encounter change dramatically through the year.
Best Time for Scuba Diving in Port Blair
Overall best window: November to April.
- Peak conditions: December to April – calm seas, excellent visibility (often 15–30 m), warm water (27–29°C).
- Good shoulder months: October and May – variable but often diveable; occasional swells or squalls.
- Least favorable: June to September – Southwest monsoon brings rough seas, rain, and low visibility; many operators pause operations.
Why this matters: Calm seas mean safer boat rides and easier entries, while clearer water dramatically improves the experience for Discover Scuba divers and photographers.
Seasonal Diving Conditions (Visibility, Seas, Marine Life)
By Season/Month
- October–November: Season reopens post-monsoon; seas settle. Visibility improves to ~10–20 m. Occasional weather systems possible in the Bay of Bengal.
- December–February: Prime time. Light winds, flat seas, visibility 15–30 m, water ~27–28°C. Great for courses and fun dives.
- March–April: Often the clearest water of the year (20–30 m), minimal wind, toasty 28–29°C. Fantastic for wide-angle photography.
- May: Early May can be good; humidity and sporadic squalls increase later. Visibility ~10–20 m.
- June–September: Monsoon. Swell, rain, and currents common; visibility can drop to 5–10 m. Limited operations; safety-first policies apply.
Water Temperature & Visibility
- Temperature: Generally 27–29°C year-round; a 3 mm shorty or rash guard is comfortable for most.
- Visibility: 10–30 m depending on season and site; best in Dec–Apr.
Marine Life Highlights by Season
- Year-round: Hard/soft corals, schooling fusiliers, sweetlips, groupers, nudibranchs, lionfish, octopus, stingrays.
- Dec–Mar: Increased turtle encounters (hawksbill/green). Calm seas help spot pelagics on some sites.
- Mar–Apr: Great for wide-angle reefscapes and schooling fish in clear blue water.
- Shoulder months: Macro life thrives even when visibility dips.
Note: Weather and wildlife are naturally variable. Always follow local dive operator guidance.
Top Dive Sites and Must-Visit Places
Top Dive Sites in/near Port Blair
- North Bay Reef: Classic beginner site with gentle slopes and abundant fish life; popular for Discover Scuba and sea walks.
- Carbyn’s Cove & Snake Island: Easy access from town; sandy patches with coral bommies and occasional rays.
- Chidiya Tapu: Scenic southern headland; macro sightings and healthy coral sections; sunsets post-dive are superb.
- Rutland Island (Coral Garden, etc.): Excellent training sites with sandy bottoms, coral patches, and mild currents.
- Wandoor (Marine National Park fringes): Weather permitting, offers vibrant reefs; permits and park rules apply.
Dive Courses & Experiences: PADI/SSI programs from Discover Scuba (no certification) to Open Water/Advanced are widely available in Port Blair; many divers also continue to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) or Neil (Shaheed Dweep) for additional dives.
Must-Visit Places in Port Blair (Beyond Diving)
- Cellular Jail: Historic complex with an evocative light-and-sound show.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruins, trees, and deer; pair with a North Bay snorkel/DSD trip.
- Wandoor Beach & Marine National Park: Gateways to Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (usually snorkeling/glass-bottom).
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Insight into islands’ ecology and cultures.
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Best for authentic crafts at fair prices.
Nearby Getaways for Divers
- Swaraj Dweep (Havelock): Signature sites like Lighthouse, Aquarium, Johnny’s Gorge. 1.5–2.5 hours by ferry from Port Blair.
- Shaheed Dweep (Neil): Calm, shallow reefs like Margherita’s Mischief and Bus Stop—great for beginners and macro.
- Long Island & North Passage: Less-visited reefs; logistics more involved but rewarding for experienced divers.
- Little Andaman: Advanced, weather-dependent explorations; check seasonal access.
How to Reach Port Blair
- By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) with frequent flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi.
- By Sea: Periodic passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam (60–72 hours; basic cabins). Schedules are irregular and weather-dependent.
- Inter-Island Ferries: Government and private ferries (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean) connect Port Blair with Havelock and Neil. Book ahead in peak months.
Travel formalities: Entry norms and any Restricted Area/park permits may change; verify latest rules with official sources or your operator, especially for foreign nationals and visits to protected islands.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (INR 1,000–2,000/night): Guesthouses around Aberdeen Bazaar/Goal Ghar; simple rooms, great for quick overnights.
- Mid-range (INR 3,000–7,000/night): Boutique hotels near Marine Hill/Port area; ideal for families and couples.
- Upscale (INR 8,000–15,000+/night): Beachfront or view properties around Corbyn’s Cove and scenic hills.
For dive-centric stays, many travelers overnight in Port Blair for arrival/departure and base themselves in Havelock/Neil for multiple dive days.
Estimated Costs
- Discover Scuba Dive (1 dive): INR 3,500–6,000 per person (gear included; photos/video extra).
- Certified Fun Dives: INR 3,000–4,500 per dive (discounts for multi-dive packages).
- PADI/SSI Open Water Course: INR 20,000–28,000; Advanced Course: INR 18,000–25,000.
- Daily travel budget:
- Shoestring: INR 3,000–5,000
- Comfort: INR 6,000–12,000
- Upscale: INR 15,000–25,000+
- Ferry tickets (one-way): INR 600–1,500 (government) or INR 1,500–3,500 (private) depending on class and route.
Prices vary by season, availability, and inclusions. Confirm specifics (boat fees, park permits, media packages) with your operator.
Local Culture, Food, and Shopping
Food to Try
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, prawn masala, crab curry; coastal and Bengali influences.
- Island staples: Coconut-based curries, simple thalis, South Indian breakfasts.
- Desserts & drinks: Tender coconut, seasonal fruits; limited nightlife, a few bars and seafront cafes.
Shopping
- Sagarika Emporium: Government-run store for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Local markets for spices, packaged snacks, handcrafted items.
Important: Do not buy corals, sea fans, or shells collected from reefs—this is illegal and harms marine ecosystems.
Essential Tips for Diving in Port Blair
- Safety first: Choose certified PADI/SSI operators; check boat safety gear and group ratios.
- Health & flying after diving: Stay hydrated; avoid alcohol before dives. Allow at least 18 hours (24 hours if conservative or after multiple dives) before flying.
- Weather checks: Conditions can change quickly, especially in shoulder months. Be flexible with your dive schedule.
- Permits & parks: Some sites fall under protected areas with rules (e.g., no-touch, sunscreen restrictions). Follow your guide’s briefings.
- Packing: Rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, seasickness tablets, dry bag, spare swimwear, microfiber towel, and waterproof phone pouch.
- Connectivity & cash: Mobile data can be patchy; carry sufficient cash as some places are cash-preferred.
- Respect marine life: Maintain buoyancy; no touching or feeding; keep fins off the reef.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Discover Scuba usually starts at age 10; younger kids can snorkel from boats with life jackets.
- Pick calm, shallow sites (North Bay, sheltered Rutland spots) and morning slots for smoother seas.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Book small-group or private dive boats; request underwater photos/videos.
- Time a sunset at Chidiya Tapu after your dive day; build in a no-dive day for leisurely sightseeing.
Friends/Adventure Seekers
- Stack 2–3 dive days to progress from Discover Scuba to certification or add specialty dives (navigation, peak performance buoyancy).
- Consider a combo itinerary: Port Blair check dives + Havelock advanced sites.
FAQs
Q: What is the absolute best month to dive in Port Blair?
A: Conditions are consistently excellent from January to April, with calm seas and the clearest water. Late December can also be superb if seas are settled.
Q: Can beginners try scuba diving in Port Blair?
A: Yes. Discover Scuba programs run at sheltered sites like North Bay and Rutland, with full supervision and shallow depths suitable for first-timers.
Q: Is diving possible during the monsoon?
A: June to September sees rough seas and low visibility; many operators pause or limit trips. If dives run, they’re weather-permitting and may switch to the most sheltered sites.
Q: How many days should I plan for diving?
A: For a taste, allocate 1 day for 1–2 dives. For Open Water certification, keep 3–4 full days. Add extra days if you’re also visiting Havelock or Neil.
Q: Are there any restrictions or permits for diving?
A: Marine park sites may require permits and follow strict eco-rules. Entry and area regulations can change—confirm current guidelines and paperwork with your dive center before arrival.
Conclusion
For the best scuba experience in Port Blair, aim for November to April—especially January to April—when seas are calm and visibility soars. Build in time for nearby islands like Havelock or Neil if you want more advanced sites. With thoughtful timing, reputable operators, and eco-friendly habits, Port Blair’s reefs offer memorable dives for beginners and certified enthusiasts alike.
