Best diving schools in Havelock Island

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• History & Importance of Diving in Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
• Best Time to Dive
• Best Diving Schools in Havelock Island
• Top Things to Do Around Diving
• How to Reach Havelock Island
• Where to Stay
• Estimated Costs
• Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
• Nearby Attractions & Islands
• Diving & Travel Tips
• Tips by Traveler Type
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Introduction

Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep, is India’s most loved scuba hub—where emerald mangroves meet candy-colored reefs and curious fish school around sunlit pinnacles. Whether you’re taking your very first breath underwater or chasing advanced drift dives, the island’s professional dive schools, calm training sites, and bucket-list dive spots make it an easy, rewarding place to learn and explore.

History & Importance of Diving in Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)

Havelock emerged as a premier dive destination in the early 2000s, when pioneering Indian instructors began mapping sites like The Wall, Aquarium, and Lighthouse. Post the 2004 tsunami, reefs showed resilience and gradual recovery, and the island’s schools developed robust training practices, local guide expertise, and a strong safety culture. Today, Havelock is widely regarded as India’s top place to get certified, with warm waters, beginner-friendly training reefs, and advanced offshore pinnacles that keep experienced divers coming back.

Best Time to Dive

• Peak season: November to April for calm seas, good visibility (10–30 m), and warm water (27–30°C).
• Shoulder months: October and May can be excellent, with occasional winds.
• Monsoon: June to September brings choppier seas, reduced viz, and frequent trip cancellations. Many centers reduce operations.
• Marine life highlights: Reef fish year-round; schooling trevally and barracuda, occasional rays; macro critters on sheltered reefs; rare pelagic surprises on advanced sites.

Best Diving Schools in Havelock Island

Below are well-regarded dive centers operating on Havelock Island as of 2024. Always verify current affiliations, pricing, and schedules directly with the operators.

Barefoot Scuba

• Affiliation: PADI (widely known as a 5-Star Instructor Development Dive Resort).
• Why choose: Longstanding reputation, strong safety culture, extensive course lineup from Discover Scuba to pro levels.
• Best for: First-timers, serious learners, and photographers seeking organized operations.
• Typical offerings: Shore and boat DSDs, PADI Open Water/Advanced, specialties (Nitrox), fun dives to sites like Johnny’s Gorge and Minerva Ledge.
• Location: Govind Nagar (Beach No. 3) with connections to Barefoot at Havelock near Radhanagar.

DIVEIndia

• Affiliation: Commonly SSI Instructor Training Center; also offers multi-agency pathways (confirm when booking).
• Why choose: Experienced Indian instructors, solid training philosophy, good value, strong gear maintenance.
• Best for: Budget-conscious learners, long-stay divers, and those eyeing pro tracks.
• Typical offerings: Try dives, SSI/PADI Open Water/Advanced, specialties, and trips to advanced offshore pinnacles.
• Location: Govind Nagar, with seasonal operations on nearby islands.

Ocean Tribe

• Affiliation: PADI (commonly listed as a 5-Star Dive Center).
• Why choose: Local guide expertise, small groups, balanced focus on training quality and fun.
• Best for: Small-group learning, couples, and photographers.
• Typical offerings: DSDs, PADI courses, fun dives; night dives at Lighthouse when conditions allow.
• Location: Central Havelock (Govind Nagar area).

Andaman Bubbles

• Affiliation: PADI (often referenced as a 5-Star Dive Center).
• Why choose: Resort-based convenience, good for beginners staying nearby.

li>Best for: First-time divers and short-stay guests wanting easy logistics.

• Typical offerings: DSDs, PADI certifications, fun dives on popular reefs.
• Location: Within/adjacent to Symphony Palms area (Govind Nagar).

Scubalov Andamans

• Affiliation: Commonly PADI (dive resort-level operations; confirm current status).
• Why choose: Friendly vibe, attentive instructors, seasonal trips between Havelock and Neil.
• Best for: Social divers, friends’ groups, and creative itineraries combining islands.
• Typical offerings: DSDs, certifications, fun dives; emphasis on small batches.
• Location: Havelock and seasonal bases on nearby islands.

Lacadives

• Affiliation: Historically among India’s oldest schools; usually SSI/PADI offerings (check current center status on Havelock).
• Why choose: Veteran instructors, meticulous training, strong environmental outlook.
• Best for: Quality-focused learners and photographers.
• Typical offerings: Courses across levels, curated trips; sometimes operates via partner resorts such as Taj Exotica.
• Location: Resort-partnered setups; verify exact base before booking.

Sea Shell Scuba (Resort-based)

• Affiliation: Typically PADI/SSI resort dive center (confirm onsite).
• Why choose: Convenience if you’re staying at SeaShell Havelock; easy shore training access.
• Best for: Families and honeymooners staying at the property.
• Typical offerings: DSDs, entry-level certifications, fun dives.
• Location: SeaShell Havelock, Govind Nagar.

Other reputable operators

• Ocean Dive Center / Sea Link Adventures / local boutique outfits: smaller teams with personalized service; verify accreditation, insurance, boat safety, and recent reviews.

How to choose your dive school

• Credentials: Look for PADI/SSI accreditation, insured operations, and oxygen/first-aid onboard.
• Instructor ratio: 1:1–1:2 for first-timers is ideal; small groups for courses.
• Equipment: Recent servicing, properly sized wetsuits/BCDs, and nitrox availability if desired.
• Boats & safety: Radio, O2 kit, first-aid, shaded deck; clear briefings and emergency plans.
• Environment: No reef touching/feeding; buoyancy tutoring; reef-safe practices.

Top Things to Do Around Diving

• Discover Scuba Diving (DSD): Half-day experience with a pro guide at sheltered reefs like Nemo Reef.
• Get certified: PADI/SSI Open Water (3–4 days), then Advanced (2–3 days) to access deeper sites.
• Night dive at Lighthouse: Bioluminescence and nocturnal life when conditions permit.
• Snorkeling Elephant Beach: Calm lagoon, good coral patches; go early to beat the crowds.
• Kayak the mangroves: Sunset or bioluminescence paddles near Govind Nagar.
• Beach-hop: Radhanagar (Beach 7) for sunsets, Kalapathar for morning blues.

How to Reach Havelock Island

• Fly: Port Blair (IXZ, Veer Savarkar International Airport) from major Indian cities.
• Ferry to Havelock: 1.5–2.5 hours. Options include government ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Nautika, ITT Majestic, Green Ocean). Book early in peak season.
• Local transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, scooters (carry license). Roads are simple; drive cautiously at night.
• Permits: Indian nationals—no special permit. Foreign nationals—Restricted Area Permit (RAP) typically issued on arrival in Port Blair; carry passport/visa at all times and check the latest rules before travel.

Where to Stay

• Budget: Hostels and cottages around Govind Nagar (Beach 3) close to dive shops and cafes.
• Mid-range: SeaShell Havelock, Symphony Palms, Havelock Island Beach Resort, Coral Reef Havelock.
• Luxury: Barefoot at Havelock (near Radhanagar), Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Radhanagar).
• Location tip: Divers often prefer staying near Govind Nagar for quick morning departures; sunset seekers base near Radhanagar.

Estimated Costs

Prices vary by season, inclusion (course materials, certification fees), and number of dives. Indicative ranges per person (INR):

• Discover Scuba (shore): 3,500–5,500
• Discover Scuba (boat): 6,000–8,500
• Open Water Course (PADI/SSI, 3–4 days): 22,000–35,000
• Advanced Course (2–3 days): 20,000–30,000
• Fun dives (certified, per dive incl. gear/boat): 3,000–5,000
• Nitrox Specialty: 10,000–15,000 (tank surcharges ~500–1,000 per fill)
• Equipment: Usually included for rec divers; confirm if dive computer is extra.

Other daily costs: Scooter rental (600–900), meals (300–1,200 per meal), mid-range rooms (3,000–8,000), luxury (15,000+). ATMs exist but can be unreliable; carry cash/UPI backups.

Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture

• Food: Fresh seafood grills, fish curry, prawn masala; beachside cafes serve continental and vegetarian options. Try coconut-based curries and seasonal fruit.
• Drinks: Beer and limited cocktails at licensed restos; nightlife is quiet—sleep early, dive early.
• Shopping: Small beach markets for T-shirts, crafts. Avoid buying shells/coral (illegal). For authentic handicrafts, plan a stop at Sagarika Emporium in Port Blair.
• Culture: Respect the islands’ fragile ecosystems and local communities. Modest beachwear off the beach, no littering, and keep noise down at night.

Nearby Attractions & Islands

• Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunsets, powdery sand.
• Elephant Beach: Snorkeling, water sports; reach by speedboat or forest trail (trail policies vary).
• Kalapathar Beach: Quiet mornings and milky-blue waters.
• Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Day trips or 1–2 nights; relaxed dives and arches.
• Chidiya Tapu (near Port Blair): Sunset point; some operators run seasonal dives out of Chidiyatapu.

Diving & Travel Tips

Safety & Health

• Medical: Declare conditions honestly; carry medications. Consider dive insurance (e.g., DAN). Nearest hyperbaric facility is in Port Blair.
• Surface intervals & flights: No-fly time after diving (commonly 18–24 hours). Plan your last dive day accordingly.
• Sun & stings: Use long-sleeve rash guards; prefer mineral, reef-safe sunscreen. Shuffle feet on sandy entries.

Environmental Etiquette

• Hands off: Don’t touch corals or creatures; perfect your buoyancy.
• No feeding: Alters behavior and harms reefs.
• Waste: Carry refillable bottles; avoid single-use plastics.

Logistics

• Connectivity: Patchy networks; download tickets/maps. Power backups vary—carry a power bank.
• Money: Mix of cash, UPI, and cards; ATMs may run dry in peak season.
• Gear: If particular about fit, bring your mask/computer. Centers provide full recreational kits.

Tips by Traveler Type

Families

• Age: Most centers take DSD participants from 10–12+ years (agency rules vary). Younger kids can snorkel.
• Choose calm sites and morning slots; ensure 1:1 instructor ratios for juniors.

Honeymooners

• Private dives: Ask for couple-focused DSD or private guide. Time a sunset at Radhanagar post-dive.
• Stay: Consider beach cottages near quieter stretches (Radhanagar area).

Friends & Certified Divers

• Go advanced: Book boats to Dixon’s Pinnacle/Johnny’s Gorge (conditions/experience dependent).
• Night dives: Lighthouse on calm nights; bring a backup torch and camera with red focus light.

FAQs

Q: Is Havelock good for first-time divers?

A: Yes. Sheltered training reefs, warm water, and experienced instructors make it one of India’s best places to try scuba or get certified.

Q: Do I need to know swimming for Discover Scuba?

A: Most centers offer DSDs for non-swimmers under close supervision at shallow sites. For certifications, basic swimming comfort is required.

Q: What visibility can I expect?

A: Typically 10–30 meters in season. It varies by site, tides, and recent weather. Offshore pinnacles can have clearer water but stronger currents.

Q: Can I dive the day before my flight?

A: Avoid flying for at least 18–24 hours after your last dive to minimize decompression risk. Plan your itinerary accordingly.

Q: Which are the signature dive sites?

A: Dixon’s Pinnacle, Johnny’s Gorge, Minerva Ledge, The Wall, Aquarium, Lighthouse (night). Access depends on conditions and certification level.

Conclusion

Havelock Island blends calm learner-friendly reefs with thrilling offshore pinnacles, backed by some of India’s most established dive schools. Time your trip between November and April, pick a credentialed center with small groups, and plan a balanced itinerary of diving, beach sunsets, and low-key island life. With responsible practices and smart logistics, your Andamans dive holiday will be as effortless as it is unforgettable.