Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Night Dive Sites and Things To Do
- Nearby Attractions and Daytime Activities
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options for Divers
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Safety and Pro Tips for Night Diving
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Sample 3-Day Night Diving Itinerary
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Night diving in the Andaman Islands is a soulful, otherworldly experience. When the sun dips below the Bay of Bengal, the reefs awaken: octopuses hunt, lobsters roam, feather stars unfurl, and bioluminescent plankton paint the water with stars. With warm tropical seas, sheltered reefs, and reliable dive operators on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Neil (Shaheed Dweep), and Port Blair, the Andamans are one of India’s best places to try a guided night dive or earn a night specialty certification.
History and Importance
Recreational diving took root in the Andamans in the late 1990s, with night diving added as local operators mapped safe, shallow fringing reefs. Today, the islands are a cornerstone of India’s dive training scene. Night dives here are important for marine education—showcasing fragile nocturnal ecosystems—and for responsible tourism that supports livelihoods in Havelock and Neil while advocating coral protection.
Best Time to Visit
- Prime window: November to April for calmer seas, clear skies, and consistent night dive operations.
- Shoulder: October and May can be excellent but slightly windier; trips may be rescheduled.
- Monsoon: Late May/June to September sees rough seas and frequent cancellations; night dives are limited.
- Bioluminescence: Most vivid on moonless (new moon) nights in calm bays; ask your operator to plan around lunar phases.
- Water temperature: ~26–29°C year-round; a 3mm shorty or full suit is usually comfortable.
Top Night Dive Sites and Things To Do
Best Night Dive Sites
- Lighthouse, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): The Andamans’ classic night dive—gentle slope, sandy patches, coral heads. Expect hunting lionfish, cuttlefish, and shrimp.
- Jetty/House Reef, Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Calm conditions, great for first night dives. Look for octopus, decorator crabs, sea pens, and Spanish dancer nudibranchs.
- North Bay/Chidiya Tapu fringing reefs, Port Blair: Operator-dependent; sheltered spots with critter life and sleeping parrotfish in their mucus cocoons.
- The Wall, Havelock: For experienced divers with guides who approve night conditions; expect stronger currents and advanced planning.
Underwater Highlights at Night
- Macro and nocturnal life: Basket stars, feather stars, cowries, hermit crabs, cleaner shrimps, morays on the prowl.
- Cuttlefish and octopus: Watch color changes as they hunt.
- Bioluminescence: Cover your torch and gently wave your hand to see sparkling plankton.
- Behavior changes: Corals feed, parrotfish sleep, and some fish display different coloration.
Who Can Join
- Certification: Most Andaman operators require Advanced Open Water (AOWD) or an Adventure Night dive with recent logged dives; confident Open Water divers may join at shallow, easy sites at the operator’s discretion.
- Minimum age: Typically 12+ for night dives (operator specific).
Nearby Attractions and Daytime Activities
- Havelock: Radhanagar Beach (sunset), Elephant Beach (snorkeling), Kalapathar Beach (scenic coast).
- Neil: Bharatpur Beach (lagoon), Laxmanpur Beach (sunset), Natural Bridge rock formation.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail (history and light & sound show), Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island) ruins, North Bay snorkeling, Chidiya Tapu (birding, sunset).
How to Reach
- By air: Fly to Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, or Delhi (nonstops/one-stops on major Indian carriers). Flight time 2–3.5 hours from mainland hubs.
- Ferry to islands: Government ferries and private catamarans connect Port Blair with Havelock (1.5–2.5 hours) and Neil (1–1.5 hours). Book popular departures in advance during peak season.
- Local transport: Autos and taxis are common; scooters are popular on Havelock/Neil (carry license; ride cautiously after dark).
Accommodation Options for Divers
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Beach cottages and dive lodges near Beach No. 3/5 for quick access to boats and night dive briefings.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Small resorts and homestays near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur; quieter, great for relaxed schedules.
- Port Blair: City hotels for late arrivals/early ferries; some operators can arrange night dives on nearby reefs.
Ask if your stay includes rinse tanks, gear storage, early breakfast, and late checkouts for post-dive showers.
Estimated Costs
- Night dive (guided, incl. gear): INR 4,500–6,500 per dive; night surcharge may apply over day-dive rates.
- Multi-dive packages (day + night): INR 9,000–16,000 for 2–3 dives, depending on gear and boat type.
- PADI/SSI Advanced Open Water: ~INR 20,000–28,000.
- Night Diving Specialty: ~INR 12,000–18,000.
- Torch/marker rental if not included: INR 500–1,000.
- Ferry tickets: INR 1,200–3,000 per sector (route/operator/season dependent).
- Accommodation (per night): Budget INR 1,500–3,500; mid-range INR 4,000–9,000; upscale INR 10,000–25,000.
- Meals: INR 250–800 per person per meal.
Note: Prices fluctuate by season and operator; confirm inclusions (GST, gear, guides, boat fees) before booking.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Food: Fresh seafood thalis, tandoor fish, prawn curry, and South Indian breakfasts. Vegetarian options are widely available; book meals early after night dives.
- Shopping: Small markets in Havelock/Neil and Aberdeen Bazaar (Port Blair) for shell-inspired handicrafts (avoid buying live or protected species), coconut products, and island spices.
- Culture: A blend of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Nicobari influences. Evenings are mellow—ideal for logbook sessions and starry beach walks after your dive.
Safety and Pro Tips for Night Diving
Prerequisites and Planning
- Log a daytime dive with the operator before your night dive to check buoyancy and weight.
- Typical depth: 6–18 m; stick to your training limits and the guide’s plan.
- Check tides and moon phase; currents are often stronger around spring tides.
Gear and Lights
- Carry one primary torch and one backup; attach a tank marker light or chem light.
- Use a lanyard/bolt snap for lights; avoid strobing marine life.
- Consider a hooded vest if you get cold easily; bring a dive computer for no-deco tracking.
Communication and Navigation
- Review light signals: OK, attention, circle of light for “OK,” waving for “help.”
- Stay close to your buddy, maintain slow fin kicks to avoid silt, and monitor air more frequently.
- Practice torch-off moments only when signaled to enjoy bioluminescence and protect night vision.
Environmental Responsibility
- Perfect your buoyancy; avoid touching corals or creatures.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen well before dives or wear a rash guard instead.
- Fishing and shell collection are prohibited; respect marine protected areas.
Health and Insurance
- Divers Alert Network (DAN) or similar dive insurance is recommended.
- Operators carry oxygen kits; the nearest recompression facility is in Port Blair.
- Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and plan flights with no-fly time (18–24 hours after last dive).
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Teens 12+ with adequate training may join easy night dives; others can enjoy guided beach walks to spot bioluminescence on dark, calm nights.
- Choose early evening departures and sheltered house reefs.
Honeymooners
- Book a private guide and time your dive for a new-moon window.
- Pick accommodations near the dive shop to minimize late-night transfers.
Friends and Dive Buddies
- Request critter-focussed dives (nudibranch, cephalopods) and bring a red focus light for macro photography.
- Split a save-a-dive kit: spare O-rings, mouthpiece, mask strap, and batteries.
Sample 3-Day Night Diving Itinerary
- Day 1 – Port Blair to Havelock: Morning flight; ferry to Havelock. Afternoon check dive at a house reef. Evening briefings and early dinner.
- Day 2 – Night Dive Focus: Morning fun dive for buoyancy tune-up. Rest and hydrate. Sunset briefing and night dive at Lighthouse. Logbook session under the stars.
- Day 3 – Explore + Transfer: Optional morning macro dive; relax at Radhanagar Beach. Afternoon/evening ferry to Port Blair for next-day flight.
FAQs
Q: Can beginners do night diving in the Andamans?
A: Most shops require AOWD or an Adventure Night dive with recent experience. Confident Open Water divers may be accepted on shallow, easy sites after a daytime check dive—final discretion rests with the instructor/guide.
Q: What will I see on a night dive?
A: Expect octopus, cuttlefish, hunting lionfish, lobsters, shrimps, sleeping parrotfish, feather stars, sea pens, brittle stars, and sometimes Spanish dancer nudibranchs. On dark, calm nights you can witness dazzling bioluminescence.
Q: Is night diving safe in the Andamans?
A: Yes—when done with certified operators, proper briefings, and adherence to limits. Boats carry surface support and oxygen. Stick with your buddy, carry two lights, and follow the guide’s plan.
Q: Do I need special equipment?
A: A primary torch, backup light, and a tank marker are standard. A dive computer is recommended. Most operators include lights in the night-dive fee or rent them at a small charge.
Q: When is the best time to see bioluminescence?
A: Around new moon nights in calm conditions, typically November to April. Ask your operator to plan around lunar phases and sheltered sites.
Conclusion
Night diving in the Andaman Islands blends warm tropical waters with serene, critter-rich reefs and the magic of bioluminescence. With accessible sites near Havelock, Neil, and Port Blair, supportive dive operators, and a long season from November to April, it’s an ideal destination to experience the ocean after dark. Plan around tides and moon phases, choose the right operator, and dive within your training to enjoy the Andamans at their most enchanting.
