Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Course Overview and Eligibility
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Advanced Diving in Port Blair
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair, the gateway to India’s Andaman Islands, is a superb base to level-up your scuba skills. With warm waters, diverse reefs, accessible training sites, and professional dive centers, completing your Advanced Open Water (or SSI Advanced Adventurer) certification in Port Blair lets you explore deeper, drift with currents, and dive at night with confidence. This guide covers when to go, what the course involves, where to dive, and how to plan your trip around the certification.
Course Overview and Eligibility
What the Advanced Course Includes
- Duration: Typically 2 days with 5 training dives.
- Core dives: Deep (to 30 m/100 ft for 15+; 21 m/70 ft for 12–14) and Underwater Navigation.
- Electives (choose based on conditions/interest): Peak Performance Buoyancy, Night, Boat, Drift, Wreck, Fish ID, Search & Recovery, Photography (availability varies by center and weather).
- Outcome: Greater depth rating, improved buoyancy, confidence in varying conditions, and access to more advanced sites.
Eligibility
- Certification: Open Water (PADI/SSI/RAID/NAUI or equivalent).
- Age: 12+ (Junior Advanced limits apply); 15+ for full 30 m depth rating.
- Fitness: Able to swim comfortably; completed dive medical questionnaire (doctor’s clearance if any “Yes”).
- Recent dives: A refresher is recommended if inactive for 6–12 months.
History and Importance
Scuba diving in Port Blair grew alongside the protection of Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and the opening of local reefs to recreational diving. As diving matured in the Andamans, Port Blair became a training hub due to its airport access, sheltered bays for skills, and proximity to varied sites. Earning your advanced certification here is valuable because you can practice deep, night, and drift techniques in warm, tropical conditions while remaining close to medical facilities and reliable operators.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak diving season: October to May for calmer seas and better visibility (15–30 m typical).
- Water temperature: ~27–30°C year-round; a 2–3 mm shorty or rash guard is usually enough.
- Monsoon: June to September brings choppier seas, rain, and reduced visibility; some centers operate with weather-dependent schedules.
- Crowds: December–February is busiest; pre-book courses, boats, and hotels.
Top Things to Do
Advanced Training Dives and Skills
- Deep training at suitable reefs to practice gas management and narcosis awareness.
- Navigation with compass patterns and natural references.
- Electives such as Night or Peak Performance Buoyancy to fine-tune control and awareness.
Popular Training and Fun-Dive Sites around Port Blair
- North Bay Island: Easy access; sandy patches and fringing reef ideal for skills and macro life.
- Chidiya Tapu region: Reefs with mild currents; scenic topside sunsets after diving.
- Rutland Island: Clearer water days with coral bommies; occasional drift depending on tides.
- Artificial reefs and local wrecks: Used by some operators for PPB, wreck intro, and fish ID (availability and permissions vary).
- Marine park sites near Wandoor/Red Skin/Jolly Buoy: Sometimes accessible seasonally with permits; operators will advise.
Note: Site selection depends on weather, currents, permits, and your experience. Your instructor will choose the safest, most appropriate sites each day.
Beyond Diving
- Sunset at Chidiya Tapu after your dives.
- Evening walks at the Marina Park & Water Sports Complex.
- Museums for marine and island heritage between course days.
Nearby Attractions
- Cellular Jail National Memorial: Light-and-sound show on the freedom struggle.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruins, deer, and history; short boat ride.
- Corbyn’s Cove: City beach for a relaxed evening.
- Wandoor Beach & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: White sands and clear waters.
- Mount Harriet National Park: Views across the bay and short hikes.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum & Anthropological Museum: Insight into islands’ ecology and cultures.
How to Reach
By Air
- Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair, from major Indian cities (e.g., Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad).
- Flight time: ~2–2.5 hours from Chennai/Kolkata; longer with connections from North/West India.
By Sea
- Passenger ships from Chennai, Kolkata, and Visakhapatnam operate intermittently (2–3 days one-way). Basic cabins, weather-dependent schedules.
Local Transport
- Airport to city center: 10–15 minutes by taxi/auto-rickshaw.
- Boat jetties: Aberdeen/Water Sports Complex for Ross/North Bay trips.
- Getting to dive centers: Most offer city pickups; confirm timing for early boat departures.
Permits and Regulations
- Indian nationals: No special permit for Port Blair and most tourist zones.
- Foreign nationals: Standard Indian visa required. Permits may be needed for specific protected areas; regulations occasionally change—confirm latest advisories.
- Marine park/jetty fees: Often applicable per day/site; your dive shop usually handles paperwork.
Accommodation Options
- Budget (hostels/guesthouses): INR 1,200–2,500 per night near Aberdeen Bazaar or Haddo.
- Mid-range (boutique/city hotels): INR 3,500–7,000 per night; convenient for early pick-ups.
- Upscale (resorts/business hotels): INR 8,000–18,000+ per night; larger rooms and sea views.
Tip: Choose stays within 10–15 minutes of your dive center to ease morning logistics.
Estimated Costs
- Advanced course (PADI/SSI): ~INR 22,000–35,000 including instructor, equipment, course materials, and certification.
- Boat fees/park permits: Often included; if not, budget INR 500–1,500 per diving day.
- Fun dives after certification: INR 4,500–7,000 per dive with equipment and boat.
- Private guide/photography: INR 1,500–3,500 per session depending on provider.
- Meals: INR 300–800 per person per meal; seafood dishes priced higher.
- Local transfers: INR 150–500 for short autos; INR 800–1,800 for taxi half-day.
Prices vary by season, equipment quality, and group size. Confirm inclusions (dive computer, SMB, torch for night dive) before booking.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood: Grilled fish, crab curry, lobster (seasonal), and prawn masala.
- Thalis: Bengali and South Indian influences with fresh island produce.
- Cafes: Smoothies and light bites around Aberdeen Bazaar and the Marina.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Everyday markets, snacks, and dive-friendly essentials.
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Handicrafts and island souvenirs at fair prices.
- Note: Avoid buying coral, shells, or turtle products—many are illegal/protected.
Culture
- Diverse settler heritage (Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi); respectful dress and conduct appreciated.
- Tribal reserves are strictly off-limits to visitors.
Tips for Advanced Diving in Port Blair
- Operator choice: Select a certified PADI/SSI dive center with small student-to-instructor ratios.
- Insurance: Consider dive-specific coverage that includes emergency evacuation.
- Gear: Most centers include full kit; bring your mask, computer, and DSMB if you have them.
- Environmental care: Use reef-safe sunscreen, maintain neutral buoyancy, never touch or collect marine life.
- Health: Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol before dives, and observe 18–24 hours no-fly after diving.
- Conditions: Expect mild to moderate currents; inform your instructor of any anxiety or equalization issues.
- Connectivity and cash: 4G is decent in town; carry some cash for small fees and snacks.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Teens 12–14 can do Junior Advanced with depth limits; younger kids can try snorkeling or a bubblemaker in confined water.
- Opt for morning dives and restful afternoons at beaches or museums.
Honeymooners
- Schedule a private night dive or photography add-on after your certification.
- Choose sea-view stays and sunset trips to Chidiya Tapu for relaxed evenings.
Friends/Groups
- Book a private boat for drift or multi-dive days after you certify.
- Mix elective dives—e.g., Buoyancy + Night + Fish ID—to match group interests.
Packing List
- Certification card, logbook, and medical clearance (if needed).
- Rash guard/shorty, quick-dry towel, and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Motion-sickness tablets, reusable water bottle, compact dry bag.
- Headlamp/torch for night dives (if not provided), spare mask strap.
Safety and Conduct
- Listen to briefings, do proper buddy checks, and practice SMB deployment.
- Respect local customs; keep beaches and boats litter-free.
FAQs
Q: How long does the Advanced Open Water course take in Port Blair?
A: Most dive centers complete it in 2 days with 5 training dives. Weather or elective choices may spread dives over 2–3 days.
Q: Can I do the advanced course if I haven’t dived in a year?
A: Yes, but you’ll likely need a refresher session first to review skills and buoyancy before starting the advanced dives.
Q: What are the depth limits after certification?
A: Divers 15+ are certified to 30 m/100 ft (agency-dependent). Junior Advanced divers (12–14) are typically limited to 21 m/70 ft and must dive with a professional or parent/guardian as per standards.
Q: Is night diving available in Port Blair?
A: Many operators offer night dives as an elective or fun dive, subject to weather, visibility, and local permissions. Pre-booking is recommended.
Q: Is Port Blair or Havelock better for advanced certification?
A: Port Blair is convenient for arrivals, sheltered training sites, and logistics. Havelock/Neil offer excellent reefs too. If your schedule is tight, Port Blair is efficient; if you have extra days, consider adding fun dives in Havelock or Neil after certifying.
Conclusion
Port Blair blends accessible training sites, experienced instructors, and warm tropical conditions—ideal for earning your advanced diving certification. Time your visit between October and May, choose a reputable dive center, and plan a couple of extra fun dives to enjoy newly unlocked deep and night experiences. With rich reef life, convenient travel, and engaging island culture, Port Blair is a practical and rewarding place to go advanced.
