Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Professional Diving Courses in Neil Island
- Top Things To Do Beyond Diving
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Neil Island
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs & Budgeting
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- General Tips for Diving & Travel
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) in India’s Andaman & Nicobar Islands is a serene reef-fringed isle known for calm seas, clear visibility, and vibrant coral gardens—ideal conditions for professional diving courses. Whether you’re aiming for your first certification or building a career as a Divemaster, Neil’s relaxed pace, accessible training sites, and experienced instructors make it a favorite in the Bay of Bengal.
History & Importance
Renamed Shaheed Dweep in 2018, Neil Island has long been a laid-back neighbor to busier Havelock (Swaraj Dweep). Its gently sloping reefs like Margherita’s Mischief, K-Rock, and Lighthouse have turned the island into a training hub, offering sheltered conditions for skill practice and deeper outer reefs for advanced training. The island contributes to regional dive education, reef monitoring, and growing eco-tourism in the Andamans.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak dive season: October to May (best sea conditions, 10–25 m visibility typical).
- Monsoon: Late May to August/September can bring rain, reduced visibility, and choppy seas; some courses may be paused or rescheduled.
- Water temperature: ~26–29°C year-round; a 3 mm wetsuit is usually sufficient.
Professional Diving Courses in Neil Island
Certification Pathways (PADI/SSI)
- Open Water Diver (OWD): Entry-level certification to 18 m. Duration: 3–4 days.
- Advanced Open Water (AOWD): Build experience to 30 m with elective dives (e.g., Deep, Navigation). Duration: 2–3 days.
- Rescue Diver + EFR (First Aid): Focus on prevention, response, and in-water rescue skills. Duration: 3–4 days.
- Divemaster (DM): First professional level; leadership, supervision, mapping, and dive briefings. Duration: 3–8 weeks depending on internship intensity.
- Specialties: Enriched Air Nitrox, Deep, Drift, Night, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Navigation, Photography (durations vary 1–2 days each).
- Instructor Development (IDC): Occasionally scheduled in the Andamans; availability on Neil may vary. Check current schedules.
Prerequisites & Fitness
- Swimming: Comfortable swimming ability required for most courses (e.g., 200 m swim + 10-minute float for OWD).
- Age: Junior Open Water from 10 years; professional levels typically 18+.
- Medical: RSTC medical questionnaire; physician clearance if any “yes” responses. Avoid diving with a cold or congestion.
Course Duration & Schedules
- Entry to advanced courses can be completed in 2–5 days each; plan buffer days for weather.
- Divemaster is best as an internship (4–8 weeks) for real guiding experience and workshops.
- eLearning options allow theory online before arrival, saving island time.
Accreditation & Dive Centers
- Choose centers accredited by PADI or SSI with current insurance and licensed boats.
- Ask about instructor-student ratios (ideally 1:1–1:4 for courses), oxygen kit on boat, and safety protocols.
- Confirm whether course materials, certification fees, and equipment are included.
Equipment & Facilities
- Well-maintained rental gear (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, fins, mask) is typically included during courses.
- On-site confined-water areas or protected lagoons are used for skill sessions.
- Nitrox availability varies; pre-book if you plan Enriched Air training.
Typical Course Costs (Indicative, INR)
- Open Water: ₹22,000–₹32,000
- Advanced Open Water: ₹20,000–₹28,000
- Rescue + EFR: ₹28,000–₹40,000
- Specialties (e.g., Nitrox, Deep): ₹8,000–₹15,000 each
- Divemaster internship: ₹85,000–₹1,50,000 (materials/agency fees may be extra)
Note: Prices vary by season, inclusions, and exchange rates. Expect add-ons like marine park fees or fuel surcharges where applicable.
Training Sites & Conditions
- Shallow reef gardens: Ideal for Open Water skills and buoyancy practice.
- Deeper outer reefs and pinnacles: Suitable for Advanced/Deep training and Divemaster scenarios.
- Currents: Generally mild to moderate; drift training available on specific sites.
Safety, Standards & Insurance
- Follow agency standards; never exceed your training limits.
- Observe a no-fly interval of 18–24 hours after diving.
- Consider dive insurance with hyperbaric coverage; confirm nearest chamber in Port Blair.
Ethical Diving & Conservation
- Do not touch or collect marine life; avoid standing on coral.
- Use mineral-based, reef-safe sun protection and rash guards.
- Participate in reef clean-ups or citizen science when offered.
Top Things To Do Beyond Diving
- Laxmanpur Beach: Famous sunsets, long white-sand arc.
- Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge): Tidal pools and photo-friendly limestone formation.
- Bharatpur Beach: Calm lagoon, snorkeling, glass-bottom rides.
- Island cycling: Flat roads, village life, coconut groves.
Nearby Attractions
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach, additional advanced dive sites.
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, museums, and logistics hub.
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross): Ruins and heritage walk from Port Blair.
How to Reach Neil Island
- Fly: Land at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair (IXZ) from major Indian cities.
- Ferry from Port Blair: Government ferries and private catamarans connect to Neil; typical journey 1–2.5 hours depending on vessel and sea state.
- Between islands: Ferries also run Neil–Havelock (about 1 hour). Book tickets in advance during peak season.
- On the island: Rent a scooter or bicycle (₹300–₹600/day) or use auto/e-rickshaws.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Guesthouses and basic beach huts near the main village.
- Mid-range: Boutique resorts with AC rooms, in-house eateries, and Wi‑Fi.
- Upscale: Beachfront resorts with lush grounds and private access to quiet stretches of sand.
Book close to your dive center for convenient early starts and gear checks.
Estimated Costs & Budgeting
- Daily spend (excluding course fees):
- Budget: ₹2,500–₹4,500 (room, meals, scooter, misc.)
- Mid-range: ₹5,000–₹10,000
- Premium: ₹12,000+
- Meals: ₹300–₹1,200 per person/day depending on dining choice.
- Ferries: ₹500–₹3,000 one-way depending on operator/class.
- Misc. fees: Possible marine/jetty fees or equipment add-ons.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food & Drink
- Seafood thalis, grilled catch of the day, coconut-based curries.
- Vegetarian plates with island greens, dal, and rotis are widely available.
- Beach cafés serve fresh juices, smoothies, and relaxed breakfasts.
Shopping
- Handicrafts, wooden souvenirs, spices. Avoid coral/shell products to protect reefs.
- Better variety in Port Blair’s markets; buy essentials before ferrying to Neil.
Culture & Etiquette
- Andaman culture blends influences from mainland India; island life is unhurried and eco-focused.
- Dress modestly in villages; beachwear is fine on the shore but cover up when away from the beach.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Junior courses (10–14 yrs) and bubblemaker/try dives are available; choose shallow, calm sites.
- Schedule rest afternoons for young divers; bring reef shoes for tidal pool walks.
Honeymooners
- Opt for private or semi-private instruction and sunset dives (where offered) followed by Laxmanpur sunsets.
- Choose beachfront stays and plan a no-dive day for a leisurely island cycle and beach picnic.
Friends & Groups
- Group discounts may apply for courses; align certification levels to share training dives.
- Carry seasickness bands or meds for choppy days.
Solo Travelers
- Dive internships (DM) are social; you’ll meet buddies quickly.
- Pick accommodations near dive shops for early starts and easy logistics.
General Tips for Diving & Travel
- Book ferries early in peak months; schedules can change with weather.
- Cash is useful; ATMs and connectivity are limited—keep small denominations.
- Bring a reusable bottle, dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, and a power bank.
- Respect marine life; good buoyancy protects coral and improves air consumption.
- Plan a no-dive buffer before flights; avoid alcohol before diving and hydrate well.
FAQs
Q: Is Neil Island good for professional diving courses compared to Havelock?
A: Yes. Neil offers calmer, less crowded training sites ideal for skill development, while Havelock has a larger variety of advanced sites. Many divers train on Neil and then visit Havelock for additional experience.
Q: Do I need to be a strong swimmer to start?
A: You should be comfortable in water and able to swim (e.g., 200 m swim and 10-minute float for Open Water). For professional levels like Divemaster, strong watermanship is essential.
Q: What’s the best season for Divemaster internships?
A: October to May offers steadier conditions, consistent visibility, and more training days. Monsoon months can disrupt schedules.
Q: How many days do I need for Open Water + Advanced together?
A: Typically 5–7 days with eLearning done beforehand and one buffer day for weather or rest.
Q: Can I work locally after getting my Divemaster?
A: Employment depends on visa and local regulations. Non-Indian citizens generally cannot work without appropriate permits. Check legal requirements and opportunities directly with dive operators.
Conclusion
With gentle reefs, experienced instructors, and a peaceful island vibe, Neil Island is a standout place to earn dive certifications—from Open Water to professional levels. Plan for the October–May window, choose a reputable accredited center, budget for course fees and ferries, and leave time to enjoy sunsets, cycling, and quiet beaches between dives. Thoughtful preparation and respect for the marine environment will make your training safe, enjoyable, and memorable.
