Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Dive Hubs & Places in North Andaman
- Tourist Circuits for Divers
- Advanced Diving Courses in North Andaman
- Best Time to Visit for Advanced Diving
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Accommodation Options & Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Itineraries: 5–8 Day Advanced Training Plans
- Budget Tips for Divers
- Tips for Different Travelers
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Remote, rugged, and rich with marine life, North Andaman is where India’s most adventurous diving happens. If you’re ready to level up from recreational fun dives to deeper skills—think drift techniques, advanced navigation, nitrox, and rescue—this sub-region delivers wild currents, dramatic pinnacles, and low boat traffic. Advanced diving courses in North Andaman blend serious training with true exploration, making your certifications feel earned in every sense.
Top Dive Hubs & Places in North Andaman
North Andaman is less developed than Havelock or Neil, but that’s part of its allure. Expect fewer crowds, more nature, and access to reefs that reward experience.
Primary Bases
- Diglipur: The largest town in North Andaman and the main logistical base for supplies, ATMs, and transport connections.
- Kalipur: A quieter coastal area north of Diglipur, closer to several nearshore reefs and beaches.
- Aerial Bay Jetty: Launch point for boats heading toward the outer reefs and the twin islands of Ross & Smith (for permitted day visits).
Notable Areas for Divers
- Reefs off Ross & Smith Islands: Typically clear water and healthy coral gardens in calm weather; conditions can change quickly with tides.
- Outer reefs north of Diglipur (incl. around North Reef Island and toward Landfall Island): Remote, current-swept sites suited to experienced divers; special permissions may be required in protected zones.
- Saddle Peak coastal zone: Mixed reef slopes and boulder formations with pelagic sightings when currents run.
Note: Access to some islands and marine areas is restricted. Operators usually advise on permits and allowed zones based on current regulations.
Tourist Circuits for Divers
- Classic North Andaman Circuit (7–10 days): Port Blair → Diglipur/Kalipur (4–6 dive days) → optional rest day at Ross & Smith → return via Rangat/Port Blair.
- Mixed-Skill Circuit (8–12 days): Start with refresher or initial specialties in Havelock → transfer north for advanced/deep/drift training → finish with chill dives in Neil or Long Island (availability varies).
- Expedition-Style (operator dependent): Periodic expeditions target remote reefs; schedules vary by season and sea state.
Advanced Diving Courses in North Andaman
Certification Agencies & Availability
- Courses are commonly offered under PADI and SSI standards. Advanced and specialty options depend on season, instructor availability, and sea conditions.
- Nitrox (EANx), Deep Diver, Drift, Night, and Rescue + EFR are among the most relevant for local conditions.
- Technical training (e.g., Tec 40/45/50 or equivalent) may be available via visiting instructors or special programs; confirm in advance.
Who These Courses Suit
- Divers wanting to handle currents, surge, and variable visibility.
- Photographers seeking advanced buoyancy and nitrox for longer bottom times.
- Adventure travelers who prefer uncrowded, expedition-style diving.
Prerequisites & Medical
- AOW: Open Water certification; comfortable buoyancy; recent diving recommended.
- Rescue: AOW (or equivalent) plus EFR/First Aid within 24 months (can be done alongside).
- Deep/Nitrox/Drift: AOW or equivalent; minimum age and recent dive experience apply.
- Medical: Complete a diving medical questionnaire; physician sign-off if required. Disclose any conditions in advance.
Course Types & Typical Duration
- Advanced Open Water (AOW): 2–3 days, 5 training dives (e.g., Deep to 30 m, Navigation, Drift, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Night when available).
- Nitrox (EANx): 0.5–1 day theory + optional dives; ideal for repetitive dives on current-swept reefs.
- Deep Diver Specialty: 2 days, up to 40 m (within rec limits), emphasizing gas planning and narcosis awareness.
- Drift Diver Specialty: 1 day of training dives focused on SMB deployment, buddy positioning, and current strategy.
- Night Diver Specialty: 1–2 evenings; dependent on sea state and local regulations.
- Rescue Diver + EFR: 3 days combined; prevention, self-rescue, search patterns, response scenarios.
- Technical Foundations (where offered): 3–5 days per level; additional costs for twin-sets/stages and gases.
Typical Daily Flow
- Morning: Briefing, gear setup, skill-oriented dive (navigation/deep/drift).
- Surface interval: Debrief, theory, logbooks, gas analysis (for nitrox).
- Afternoon: Scenario or specialty dive; SMB practice and safety stops in current.
- Evening: Knowledge reviews; occasional night dives if weather permits.
Local Conditions to Train For
- Currents: Ranging from mild to strong; tide planning is essential.
- Visibility: Typically 10–25 m in season; may drop with plankton or wind shifts.
- Sea State: Exposed boat rides; plan seasickness mitigation.
- Marine Life: Schooling jacks, barracuda, rays, reef sharks; macro on calmer reefs.
Safety & Environmental Practices
- Carry a DSMB and know how to deploy it in current.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and maintain no-contact buoyancy.
- Respect restricted areas and follow your operator’s permit guidance.
Best Time to Visit for Advanced Diving
- Best overall: November to April for calmer seas and reliable visibility.
- Peak stability: February to April often brings the smoothest surface conditions.
- Shoulder months: October and May can be excellent but more weather-sensitive.
- Monsoon (June–September): Frequent rough seas and limited operations.
How to Reach North Andaman
Step 1: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ)
- Daily flights from major Indian cities (schedules vary seasonally).
Step 2: Port Blair to Diglipur/Kalipur
- By Road: 12–14 hours via Andaman Trunk Road with convoy timings across reserve areas; private taxi or government bus.
- By Ferry (when available): Inter-island government ferries may connect Port Blair to Aerial Bay/Diglipur; schedules fluctuate.
- Helicopter/Small Aircraft: Limited seats and seasonal; not guaranteed.
Always check the latest convoy and ferry timings locally. Carry copies of ID and necessary permits if advised by your operator.
Accommodation Options & Estimated Costs
Where to Stay
- Kalipur: Quiet beachside stays with quick access to boats.
- Diglipur town: Convenient for transport, supplies, and ATMs; 20–45 minutes to common launch points.
Estimated Costs (per person)
- Rooms: Budget ₹1,500–2,500; mid-range ₹3,000–6,000 per night.
- Meals: ₹500–1,000 per day for simple local fare; more for seafood spreads.
- AOW Course: ~₹22,000–₹32,000 (USD 265–385) excluding accommodation.
- Rescue + EFR: ~₹35,000–₹55,000 (USD 420–665).
- Nitrox (theory + cert): ~₹7,000–₹12,000 (USD 85–145); nitrox fills extra, availability varies.
- Specialties (Deep/Drift/Night): ~₹12,000–₹20,000 each (USD 145–240).
- Fun dives: ~₹4,500–₹7,000 per dive (USD 55–85) depending on distance and gas.
- Technical training: Varies widely; expect premium for equipment and gases.
Prices are indicative and can change with season, fuel, and logistics.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, grilled fish, and South/North Indian staples. Try coconut-based curries and local fruits.
- Shopping: Basic supplies in Diglipur; limited dive gear retail—bring essentials (computer, SMB, mask).
- Culture & Nature: Quiet villages, birdlife, and rainforest trails. Trekking options around Saddle Peak for a non-dive day.
- Seasonal Turtle Nesting: Kalipur and nearby beaches (typically Nov–Feb). Follow local guidelines and avoid lights on nesting beaches.
Itineraries: 5–8 Day Advanced Training Plans
5-Day Advanced Builder
- Day 1: Check dives + Peak Performance Buoyancy refresh; Nitrox theory.
- Day 2: AOW Deep + Navigation.
- Day 3: AOW Drift + elective (e.g., Fish ID or Buoyancy); begin night dive if conditions allow.
- Day 4: Nitrox dives on outer reef; photo/macro session in calmer bay.
- Day 5: Ross & Smith area fun dives (weather/permits permitting) + skills consolidation.
8-Day Rescue-Focused Progression
- Days 1–2: EFR + Rescue academics and confined practice.
- Days 3–4: Rescue open-water scenarios; search patterns and stress management.
- Day 5: Rest/land day or short hike; equipment checks.
- Days 6–7: Deep + Drift specialties (SMB drills, gas planning).
- Day 8: Advanced fun dives on current-swept reef; logbook and debrief.
Budget Tips for Divers
- Travel shoulder season (Oct or May) for value if seas are manageable.
- Share transfers to reduce long-haul road costs from Port Blair.
- Bring your own computer, SMB, and torch to avoid rental fees.
- Confirm nitrox availability before committing to a nitrox-heavy plan.
- Carry cash; card/ATM access can be inconsistent.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Choose accommodations with easy beach access and non-diving activities.
- Opt for morning dives when seas are typically calmer.
- Keep copies of IDs and snacks for long road transfers.
Honeymooners
- Pick quiet stays in Kalipur; plan a sunset visit to Ross & Smith (when open).
- Book private guiding for confidence and relaxed pacing.
- A night dive followed by a simple candlelight seafood dinner is memorable in good weather.
Friends/Groups
- Reserve private boat days to split costs and target advanced sites.
- Plan a skills workshop (SMB, rescue refresh) before tackling stronger currents.
- Rotate photographers/spotters to avoid crowding fragile coral.
Packing & Safety
- Certification cards, logbook, dive computer, SMB + reel, torch, spare mask strap.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, seasickness tablets, dry bags, light rain jacket.
- Respect restricted areas and local guidance; conditions can change quickly.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to be Advanced Open Water to dive in North Andaman?
A: Many sites are current-affected and deeper, so AOW (or training toward it) is recommended. Operators can sequence courses so you gain the right skills before tackling tougher dives.
Q: Can beginners learn to dive here?
A: It’s possible in calmer areas, but beginners often prefer more sheltered hubs like Havelock. North Andaman is best suited to continuing education and confident divers.
Q: Are currents strong in North Andaman?
A: They can be. That’s why drift skills, SMB deployment, and gas planning are emphasized. Your instructor will time dives around tides for safety.
Q: Are permits needed for certain islands and reefs?
A: Yes. Some zones require permits or may be off-limits. Reputable operators handle permissions and will choose sites accordingly.
Q: Is nitrox and technical equipment available?
A: Availability varies by season and operator. Confirm nitrox fills, cylinder types, and any technical gear well before travel.
Conclusion
North Andaman offers a rare blend of serious training and pristine, uncrowded reefs. With thoughtful planning—right season, suitable courses, and experienced operators—you can progress from advanced recreational to rescue or specialty skills while exploring some of the archipelago’s wildest waters. The journey is long, but the diving is worth it.
