Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top Cities/Places for Beginner Diving
- Tourist Circuits for Dive-Focused Trips
- Activities for Beginner Divers
- Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Sample Itineraries (3–7 Days)
- Budget Tips & Estimated Costs
- Practical Travel Information
- Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Travel Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Andaman Islands are India’s tropical gateway to calm, clear waters and coral-rich reefs—perfect for first-time divers. With sandy-bottom training sites, gentle currents, and professional dive schools, beginners can start with a simple try-dive and progress to an internationally recognized certification in just a few days. This guide walks you through where to learn, when to go, what it costs, and how to plan a safe, memorable beginner diving holiday in the Andamans.
Top Cities/Places for Beginner Diving
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)
- Why it’s great: Excellent visibility, sandy entry points, many accredited dive centers.
- Beginner-friendly sites: Nemo Reef, Lighthouse, Govind Nagar Reef.
- Extras: Gorgeous beaches (Radhanagar for sunset), cafes, easy logistics.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Why it’s great: Fewer crowds, calm reefs, short boat rides.
- Beginner-friendly sites: Margherita’s Mischief, Nursery, Rocky’s.
- Extras: Laid-back vibe, budget stays, beach-hopping (Bharatpur, Laxmanpur).
Port Blair
- Why it’s great: Convenient for first/last-day dives, easy access from the airport.
- Beginner-friendly sites: North Bay, Carbyn’s Cove (conditions permitting).
- Extras: Museums, cellular jail, best for short intros or refresher dives.
Long Island
- Why it’s great: Offbeat, quiet waters, pristine reefs nearby.
- Beginner-friendly sites: Inshore reefs around Long Island (seasonal operations).
- Extras: Nature trails, less commercial—best if you prefer solitude.
North Andaman (Rangat, Diglipur)
- Why it’s great: Fewer operators, exploratory feel, some sheltered sites.
- Beginner-friendly idea: Start your course in Havelock/Neil, then fun-dive here if conditions are mellow.
- Extras: Twin Islands views, turtle nesting areas (seasonal; on-land only with guidelines).
Tourist Circuits for Dive-Focused Trips
Short and Sweet (3–4 days)
- Port Blair (arrival) → Havelock: 1–2 try-dives (Discover Scuba Diving) + beach time.
Classic Beginner Circuit (5–6 days)
- Port Blair → Havelock (Open Water course) → Neil (1–2 leisure dives and snorkeling).
Extended (7–10 days)
- Port Blair → Havelock (OW course + extra dives) → Neil → Optional North Andaman day trips.
Notes
- Liveaboards are limited/restricted; first-timers typically dive via day boats with island-based shops.
- Always buffer your last dive and flight by 18–24 hours.
Activities for Beginner Divers
Discover Scuba Diving (Try-Dive)
- For non-swimmers too (with instructor holding/close supervision).
- Includes briefing, shallow skills, and a 20–40 minute underwater tour.
Open Water Certification (PADI/SSI)
- Duration: Typically 3–4 days.
- Requirements: Basic swimming ability (200 m swim + 10-minute float), reasonable fitness.
- Outcome: Dive to 18 m with a buddy under similar conditions.
Snorkeling & Glass-Bottom Rides
- Good reefs for first-timers near shore (Bharatpur Beach, North Bay, Elephant Beach access areas).
Sea Kayaking & Bioluminescence (seasonal)
- Twilight paddles in Havelock’s mangroves; bioluminescence is best on dark, calm nights.
Marine Life Highlights
- Reef fish (clownfish, butterflyfish), anemones, hard/soft corals, parrotfish, occasional turtles.
- Vis: ~10–25 m in season; currents generally mild at beginner sites.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Island Tourism Festival (Port Blair, typically Jan): Cultural shows, food, handicrafts.
- World Oceans Day (June 8): Some dive shops run clean-ups/awareness sessions (check locally).
- Monsoon months (Jun–Sep): Fewer events; many water activities pause or operate with limitations.
Sample Itineraries (3–7 Days)
3 Days / 2 Nights: First Dip
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair → Ferry to Havelock → Sunset at Radhanagar.
- Day 2: Discover Scuba Diving (morning) → Beach time/snorkeling.
- Day 3: Optional second try-dive or kayaking → Return to Port Blair. No flight for 18–24 hours after last dive.
5 Days / 4 Nights: Get Certified
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair → Ferry to Havelock → Course theory starts.
- Day 2–3: Pool/shallow sessions + Open Water Dives 1–4.
- Day 4: Certification + 1 leisure dive; late ferry to Neil.
- Day 5: Neil beaches and snorkeling → Return to Port Blair (no-fly buffer overnight).
7 Days / 6 Nights: Skills + Island Hopping
- Day 1–3: Havelock Open Water course.
- Day 4: Two fun dives (new sites) → Beach café evening.
- Day 5: Ferry to Neil → One leisure dive + sunset at Laxmanpur.
- Day 6: Snorkeling/kayaking → Ferry to Port Blair.
- Day 7: City sights (Cellular Jail, museums) → Evening flight if no dives within 24 hours.
Budget Tips & Estimated Costs
Typical Diving Costs (per person)
- Discover Scuba Diving (shore): INR 3,500–6,000; by boat: INR 6,000–8,500 (photos/video often extra).
- Open Water Certification (PADI/SSI): INR 20,000–30,000 (includes gear, instructor, manuals/e-learning, certification fees).
- Fun Dives (certified): INR 3,000–4,500 per dive; 2-dive trips ~INR 6,000–8,500 including gear/boat.
- Snorkeling trips: INR 800–2,500 depending on site/boat/guide.
Other Trip Costs
- Inter-island ferries: Govt ferry ~INR 300–600; private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz/Green Ocean) ~INR 1,000–1,800 per sector.
- Stay (per night, double): Budget INR 1,200–2,500; Mid-range INR 3,000–7,000; Boutique INR 8,000+.
- Meals: INR 300–700 per person per meal (local eateries to casual cafes).
- Local transport: Autos INR 150–400 short hops; cabs INR 1,500–3,500 per day.
Money-Saving Tips
- Travel Oct–Dec or Apr–May for good vis and shoulder-season prices.
- Bundle dives/courses with the same shop for better rates.
- Use government ferries where schedules suit; book private ferries early in season.
- Bring your own mask/snorkel for comfort and to save rental fees.
Practical Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
- Prime season: Oct–May. Calmest seas and best visibility typically Jan–Apr.
- Monsoon: Jun–Sep; choppy seas, reduced visibility, some operators pause trips.
How to Reach
- Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi (directs vary by season).
- Inter-island: Govt ferries and private catamarans connect Port Blair–Havelock–Neil; buy tickets in advance.
- Long-distance sea ferries from the mainland exist but are lengthy and limited; flying is standard for tourists.
Permits and Regulations
- Indian citizens: No special permits for tourist islands.
- Foreign nationals: Most tourist islands are open under current notifications; some areas remain restricted. Check the latest rules before travel.
- Protected areas/tribal reserves are strictly off-limits. Do not attempt visits.
- Drones: Heavily regulated; seek permissions if required.
Accommodation Options
- Havelock: Range from backpacker hostels to boutique beachfront resorts near Govind Nagar and Radhanagar access.
- Neil: Cozy guesthouses, mid-range beach stays near Bharatpur.
- Port Blair: City hotels, good for first/last night and ferry access.
- Tip: Stay near your dive shop for early boat departures.
Health & Safety
- Medical: A recompression chamber is available in Port Blair. Evacuations take time—dive conservatively.
- Insurance: Consider dive-specific coverage (e.g., global providers) and travel insurance.
- No-fly time: Keep an 18–24 hour buffer after your last dive.
- Sun and skin: Prefer long-sleeve rash guards; use mineral, reef-considerate sunscreen.
- Seasickness: Carry motion-sickness tablets if prone.
Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis, grilled fish, prawn curries; plenty of vegetarian options.
- Cafes in Havelock serve fresh bakes, smoothies, and international fare.
Shopping
- Buy: Coconut handicrafts, local art, spices; government emporiums (e.g., Sagarika) for authentic goods.
- Avoid: Coral, seashells, turtle products—collection and sale are illegal and harm reefs.
Culture
- Diverse settler heritage (Bengali, Tamil, Nicobarese influences).
- Respect privacy: Indigenous tribes are protected; interactions and visits are prohibited.
Travel Tips for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
Families
- Age limits: Try-dives commonly from 10+; “Bubblemaker” style pool sessions may be available for younger kids—ask your shop.
- Pick calm sites (Nemo Reef, Bharatpur) and morning slots for flatter seas.
- Bring snacks, towels, and a dry bag for boat days.
Honeymooners
- Choose smaller groups or private instructors for a relaxed pace.
- Plan a no-dive sunset day at Radhanagar or Laxmanpur post-course.
- Consider a photo package from the dive shop; confirm inclusions beforehand.
Friends/Backpackers
- Book multi-dive bundles; share taxis to cut costs.
- Stay near dive centers to join early boats easily.
- Pack light: quick-dry clothing, reef-safe toiletries, compact first-aid.
Packing Essentials
- Rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat.
- Mask/snorkel if you prefer personal gear; reusable water bottle.
- Waterproof phone pouch, dry bag, spare SD cards for photos.
- Any prescribed medications; doctor’s note if you have medical conditions relevant to diving.
Safety & Etiquette
- Be honest on medical forms; discuss conditions (e.g., asthma, sinus, cardiac) with your instructor.
- Never touch or stand on corals; maintain neutral buoyancy.
- Follow your guide in currents; if separated, search for 1 minute and surface with SMB (guide will brief).
FAQs
Q: Can non-swimmers try scuba in the Andamans?
A: Yes. Discover Scuba Diving (try-dive) is designed for non-swimmers under direct instructor supervision in shallow, calm water.
Q: When is the best month for visibility?
A: January to April usually offers the calmest seas and clearer water, though October–May is broadly good. Weather can vary year to year.
Q: How long after diving should I wait before flying?
A: A conservative buffer of 18–24 hours after your last dive is recommended, especially after multiple dives.
Q: Is Open Water certification hard?
A: It’s approachable for most healthy adults and teens. You’ll complete theory, pool practice, and four open-water dives over 3–4 days.
Q: Will I get underwater photos of my first dive?
A: Many shops offer photo/video as an add-on; some packages include basic shots. Confirm inclusions and costs when booking.
Conclusion
With warm seas, sheltered reefs, and skilled instructors, the Andamans are a superb classroom for first-time divers. Base yourself in Havelock and Neil for easy, beginner-friendly sites; plan travel between October and May; and keep a safe no-fly buffer after diving. Whether you opt for a simple try-dive or a full Open Water course, the islands offer gentle conditions, vibrant coral life, and the right infrastructure to make your first underwater experience both safe and unforgettable.
