Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do (Around Your Snuba Session)
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Essential Tips for Snuba in Havelock
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Snuba diving in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, is a gateway to vibrant coral gardens without needing a scuba certification. Tethered to a floating air raft via a long hose, you breathe through a regulator while gently descending with a guide to around 4–7 meters. Calm waters at Elephant Beach and Nemo Reef, excellent visibility, and abundant marine life make Havelock one of India’s best places to try snuba—ideal for first-timers, families, or anyone curious about the underwater world.
History & Importance
Havelock Island rose to fame among divers for its clear seas and healthy reefs. After the 2004 tsunami, sites like Elephant Beach underwent natural changes, yet many reef patches recovered well. Snuba arrived as a bridge between snorkeling and scuba, offering a safe, instructor-led experience that doesn’t require certification. It has since become a signature water activity on Havelock, helping more visitors experience coral ecology—clownfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, and soft corals—while encouraging responsible marine tourism.
Best Time to Visit
- Overall season: October to May.
- Peak underwater conditions: January to April (calmest seas, best visibility).
- Monsoon: Late May to July can bring rough seas; water activities may be limited or cancelled.
- Time of day: Morning slots (8:30–11:00 am) are usually calmer, with clearer water and fewer crowds.
- Water temperature: Typically 27–29°C; a short wetsuit or rash vest is comfortable.
Top Things to Do (Around Your Snuba Session)
What your snuba experience includes
- Briefing and practice: 10–15 minutes on breathing, equalization, and hand signals in shallow water.
- Guided descent: Instructor maintains buoyancy and depth (generally 4–7 m) via a surface raft.
- Reef circuit: 15–30 minutes exploring coral bommies, reef fish, and sandy patches.
- Photos/videos: Optional add-ons; confirm pricing and delivery format before you start.
Complementary activities on Havelock
- Snorkeling at Elephant Beach and Nemo Reef (great for non-divers and kids).
- Sea walk at Elephant Beach (helmet-based, for those who prefer to stay upright on the seabed).
- Bioluminescence kayaking on select nights (seasonal; guided tours from mangrove areas).
- Sunset at Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)—often ranked among Asia’s finest beaches.
- Early-morning mangrove kayaking or SUP near Govind Nagar/Vijay Nagar beaches.
How to Reach
Getting to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from major Indian cities.
- Ferry to Havelock: 1.5–2.5 hours from Port Blair’s Haddo/Phoenix Bay jetties.
- Options: Government ferries (economical) and private high-speed ferries (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean, Sea Link). Pre-book in peak season.
- From Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): 60–90 minutes by inter-island ferry.
Reaching Elephant Beach (most popular snuba site)
- By speedboat: 15–20 minutes from Havelock jetty; last return boats usually by mid-afternoon.
- By forest trail: A short trek may be available seasonally; check current access rules and weather conditions.
- Carry ID: Indian nationals require a government ID; foreign nationals should carry passport and valid Indian visa. As per recent norms, no separate RAP is typically required for Havelock.
Accommodation Options
- Govind Nagar (Beaches 2–5): Central, many cafes and activity counters; ideal for easy logistics.
- Vijay Nagar (Beach 5): Quiet stretch with beachfront stays; great for sunrise walks.
- Radhanagar area (Beach 7): Fewer but premium properties; perfect for sunset seekers.
Price guide (indicative, per night):
- Budget guesthouses: INR 1,500–3,000
- Mid-range resorts: INR 4,000–8,000
- Upscale/luxury: INR 12,000+
Tip: Confirm power backup, hot water, and proximity to your activity pickup point. In peak months (Dec–Feb), book well in advance.
Estimated Costs
- Snuba session (20–30 mins water time, gear, guide): INR 4,000–6,000 per person
- Photos/videos add-on: INR 500–1,500
- Boat to Elephant Beach (round trip): INR 1,000–1,200 per person (plus nominal entry/eco fees if applicable)
- Port Blair–Havelock ferry: Govt INR 400–800; Private INR 1,200–2,500 (per person, class-dependent)
- Local transfers (auto/cab): INR 200–700 per ride; day hire INR 1,200–2,500
- Meals: INR 250–600 per person per meal (more at upscale cafés)
- Indicative day budget for a snuba outing (excluding hotel): INR 6,000–9,000 per person
Note: Prices vary by season, operator, and availability. Always reconfirm inclusions—especially photos, wetsuit/rash vest, and boat transfers.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood highlights: Grilled reef fish, prawns, and lobster when in season; ask for sustainable catch.
- Island flavors: Bengali- and South Indian-influenced thalis, fresh coconut water, tropical fruit smoothies.
- Where: Cafés cluster along Govind Nagar and Vijay Nagar; sunset shacks near Radhanagar (limited at night).
Shopping
- Small markets sell cotton wear, beach gear, and shell/coconut crafts.
- Avoid buying coral, shells, or marine life products—illegal and harmful to reefs.
- For authentic handicrafts, plan a stop at government emporiums in Port Blair.
Culture
- Community: A warm mix of Bengali, Tamil, and Ranchi settler cultures with a laid-back island rhythm.
- Etiquette: Dress modestly away from beaches; dispose of waste responsibly; minimize plastics.
- Alcohol: Available at licensed outlets; public drinking is discouraged.
Nearby Attractions
- Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7): Iconic sunset spot with wide, powdery sands.
- Kalapathar Beach: Dramatic black rocks and jade waters; tranquil mornings.
- Nemo Reef (near Beach 2–3): Gentle reef slope popular for beginner snorkel/snuba zones.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Day trip for natural bridges, Laxmanpur and Bharatpur beaches.
Essential Tips for Snuba in Havelock
- Safety first: Choose operators with experienced, certified dive professionals overseeing snuba.
- Health checklist: Avoid if you have severe asthma, uncontrolled hypertension, recent surgeries, ear/sinus issues, or are pregnant. When unsure, get medical clearance.
- Equalize gently: Practice equalization (pinch-nose, blow lightly) during descent to prevent ear discomfort.
- Gear fit: Ensure mask seal and fin comfort before entering the water; signal if anything feels off.
- Eco-practice: Use reef-safe sunscreen, don’t touch or stand on coral, and maintain neutral buoyancy with your guide’s help.
- Timing: Morning seas are calmer; schedule earlier during windy spells.
- Seasickness: If prone, take doctor-advised motion meds 30–60 minutes before the boat ride.
- Cash & connectivity: Carry some cash; ATMs are limited and networks can be patchy.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Age policies vary; many operators allow kids from about 10–12 years (height/comfort dependent).
- Pick early slots and gentler reef sites; confirm life jacket sizes for younger participants during boat rides.
- Brief kids on breathing calmly and hand signals; one adult per child is reassuring in-water.
Honeymooners
- Request private or small-group slots for a quieter reef circuit and better photos.
- Stay near Radhanagar for sunsets and dine at a beachfront café after your session.
- Add a bioluminescence kayak night if conditions are right.
Friends & Groups
- Ask about group rates and combo packages (snuba + snorkel/sea walk).
- Rotate cameras so everyone gets underwater shots; confirm shared vs. individual media pricing.
- Book ferries and boats together to keep logistics simple.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to know how to swim to try snuba in Havelock?
A: Strong swimming isn’t mandatory as you’re guided and buoyed by a surface raft, but basic water comfort helps. Non-swimmers can usually participate under close supervision—confirm with your operator.
Q: How deep will I go and how long is the snuba session?
A: Typical depths are 4–7 meters, tailored to comfort and conditions. Expect around 15–30 minutes of underwater time, plus a briefing and practice session.
Q: Is snuba safe and what medical conditions should I consider?
A: It’s designed for beginners and guided by trained staff. Avoid if pregnant or if you have serious cardiac/respiratory issues, recent surgeries, or ear/sinus problems. When in doubt, seek medical advice beforehand.
Q: What should I wear and bring?
A: Swimwear, a rash vest or snug T-shirt, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and a waterproof pouch for valuables. Operators provide mask, fins, regulator, and weight belt; some offer wetsuits.
Q: Can I do snuba during the monsoon?
A: Activities may be limited or cancelled during rough seas (late May–July). If traveling then, keep plans flexible and check daily weather/operator updates.
Conclusion
Snuba diving in Havelock Island blends the ease of snorkeling with the thrill of scuba, opening a window to the Andamans’ reefs without certification. With calm lagoons, beginner-friendly depths, and skilled guides, it’s a standout way to meet the marine world—best enjoyed in the dry months, early in the day, and with mindful respect for the ocean. Surround your session with Havelock’s classic experiences—Radhanagar sunsets, mangrove paddles, and island flavors—for a well-rounded, memorable trip.
