Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit for Snuba
- Top Things to Do (Snuba Experience)
- Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- How to Reach Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Snuba Diving on Neil Island
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Snuba diving in Neil Island (officially Shaheed Dweep) is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to explore Andaman’s coral gardens. Breathing through a regulator connected to a floating air supply, you descend a few meters to swim among clownfish, parrotfish, and vibrant soft corals—without the need for scuba certification. Calm lagoons near Bharatpur Beach make Neil Island a top spot for first-timers, families, and non-swimmers who want a safe, guided taste of the underwater world.
History & Importance
Neil Island, renamed Shaheed Dweep in 2018, sits between Port Blair and Havelock (Swaraj Dweep). Known for shallow, clear lagoons and healthy fringing reefs, it has long been a snorkeling favorite. Snuba—a hybrid between snorkeling and scuba that originated in the 1990s—arrived here more recently as Andaman’s water-sports operators expanded offerings beyond snorkeling, scuba, and sea-walking.
Neil’s gently sloping reefs, especially around Bharatpur Reef, are ideal for Snuba’s typical 3–6 m depth range. The activity supports eco-tourism while emphasizing reef etiquette and conservation, helping visitors appreciate marine life without the commitment of a full scuba course.
Best Time to Visit for Snuba
- Peak season: October to May (dry, sunny, calmer seas; best visibility).
- Shoulder season: Late September and June can be good, but expect occasional showers or choppy seas.
- Monsoon: July to September brings swells and rain; water activities may be limited or cancelled.
- Daily timing: Early mornings generally offer the calmest water and the best visibility.
- Water temperature: Around 27–29°C; a shorty wetsuit or rash guard is usually enough.
Top Things to Do (Snuba Experience)
What to Expect
- Briefing and practice: 10–15 minutes of instruction on breathing, equalization, and hand signals in shallow water.
- Depth and duration: Typically 3–6 meters depth, 20–30 minutes underwater (plus briefing and gearing up).
- Where: Mostly off Bharatpur Beach, known for calm lagoons and easy access.
- Marine life: Clownfish and anemones, butterflyfish, sergeant majors, parrotfish, wrasses, sea cucumbers, and colorful hard/soft corals.
Enhance Your Dive
- Photography/video: Many operators offer photo/video add-ons; confirm pricing and delivery format before you dive.
- Surface interval: Relax on the beach or take a glass-bottom boat ride to spot reefs from above.
- Combine activities: Pair Snuba with snorkeling or an introductory scuba shore dive on different days for variety.
Who Can Do Snuba
- Swimming skills: Not mandatory; you’ll be guided and buoyant.
- Age: Usually 8–10 years minimum (varies by operator); parental consent required for minors.
- Health: Not suitable for pregnancy or certain conditions (uncontrolled asthma, severe heart/ear problems). Always disclose medical history.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Bharatpur Beach: Water-sports hub; ideal for Snuba, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides.
- Laxmanpur Beach I & II: Sunset point and the famous Natural Bridge (locally “Howrah Bridge”); visit at low tide.
- Sitapur Beach: Spectacular sunrise with dramatic rock formations.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Day trips for Radhanagar Beach (Blue Flag) and Elephant Beach adventures (via ferry/boat).
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail light-and-sound show, Corbyn’s Cove, and Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep) on your way in/out.
How to Reach Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
- Fly: Land at Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from major Indian cities.
- Ferry to Neil: Government and private ferries (e.g., from Port Blair or Havelock) take ~1–2 hours. Advance booking and valid photo ID are required.
- From Jetty to Beaches: Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and scooter rentals are available at the Neil Jetty. Bharatpur Beach is nearby.
- Permits: Indian nationals typically need no special permit. Foreign nationals need a valid Indian visa; permit rules for designated islands have been relaxed in recent years but can change—check the latest guidelines before travel.
Accommodation Options
- Areas to stay:
- Bharatpur: Close to jetty and water activities.
- Laxmanpur: Quieter stays with sunset views.
- Sitapur: Peaceful, farther from the hub.
- Budget: Simple guesthouses and beach huts (approx. ₹1,500–₹3,000 per night).
- Mid-range: Boutique resorts and cottages (approx. ₹3,000–₹7,000 per night).
- Premium: Limited upscale stays (approx. ₹8,000–₹15,000+ per night); book well in advance in peak season.
- Amenities: Expect intermittent high-speed internet and limited nightlife; Neil is laid-back and scenic.
Estimated Costs
- Snuba session (per person): ~₹3,000–₹5,000 (includes gear, briefing, guided dive).
- Photo/video add-on: ~₹800–₹1,500 depending on package.
- Ferry tickets (one-way): Government ~₹600–₹900; private ~₹1,000–₹1,500+ depending on route/season/class.
- Scooter rental: ~₹500–₹800 per day; fuel extra.
- Local transport (autos/taxis): Short hops ~₹100–₹300; island tours ~₹1,200–₹2,000.
- Meals: Local eateries ~₹250–₹500 per person; beach cafes ~₹400–₹700+.
Sample 2-Day Budget (Per Person, Excluding Flights)
- Backpacker: ₹2,500–₹4,000 per day.
- Comfort: ₹5,000–₹9,000 per day.
- Premium: ₹10,000–₹18,000 per day.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: Grilled fish, crab, prawns, and lobster (seasonal).
- Island flavors: Andaman fish curry, coconut-based dishes, simple beachside tawa preparations.
- Veg options: South Indian meals, Bengali thalis, and café-style continental fare near the jetty.
Shopping
- Handicrafts: Coconut shell items, local art, simple souvenirs near the jetty.
- Ethical buys: Avoid coral, seashell, and turtle-shell products—collection and trade are prohibited.
- Better variety in Port Blair: Government emporiums like Sagarika for authentic crafts.
Culture & Practicalities
- Island pace: Early to bed and rise; limited nightlife and alcohol availability.
- Connectivity: Patchy mobile data; carry offline maps and e-tickets.
- Eco-ethic: Carry a reusable bottle, minimize plastic, and respect marine protected areas.
Tips for Snuba Diving on Neil Island
- Choose morning slots for calmer conditions and clearer water.
- Equalize early and often by gently pinching your nose and blowing; do not force.
- Breathe slowly and continuously; never hold your breath.
- Safety first: Pick licensed operators with safety briefings, well-maintained gear, and oxygen kits.
- No-fly time: After any compressed-air dive (including Snuba), avoid flying for at least 12–18 hours.
- Gear & clothing: Wear a rash guard or shorty, snug mask, and reef-safe sunscreen (apply 20+ minutes before).
- Health check: Disclose medical issues; avoid alcohol before diving; stay hydrated.
- Marine etiquette: Don’t touch or stand on corals; keep fins up; no feeding fish.
- Weather buffer: Seas can turn choppy—keep a flexible plan and confirm trips a day prior.
Traveler-Specific Tips
For Families
- Ask for shallow, gentle sites and smaller guide-to-guest ratios.
- Confirm minimum age (often 8–10 years) and ensure well-fitting child-sized masks.
- Pack snacks, a dry bag, and post-dive warm layers for kids.
For Honeymooners
- Book a private Snuba slot with a photo package during golden morning light.
- Stay near Laxmanpur for sunsets; plan a sunrise at Sitapur.
- Consider a relaxed beach dinner with fresh seafood after your dive day.
For Friends & Groups
- Coordinate back-to-back slots to share cameras and keep surface support.
- Rent scooters to explore beaches between sessions.
- Ask about group rates or bundled water-sports packages.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to know swimming for Snuba on Neil Island?
A: No. Swimming isn’t mandatory. You’ll be guided by an instructor, remain buoyant, and descend only a few meters with a surface-supplied air hose.
Q: How deep and how long is a typical Snuba dive?
A: Expect 3–6 meters depth with about 20–30 minutes underwater, plus 10–15 minutes of briefing and practice.
Q: Is Snuba safe for kids and seniors?
A: Generally yes for healthy participants. Minimum age is typically 8–10 years. Seniors and anyone with heart, ear, or respiratory conditions should seek medical advice and inform the operator.
Q: What should I wear or bring?
A: A rash guard or swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, towel, water, and a dry bag. Operators provide mask, fins, regulator, and weights. Consider anti-fog and motion-sickness tablets if needed.
Q: Can I fly the same day after Snuba?
A: Avoid flying for at least 12–18 hours after any compressed-air dive (including Snuba) to reduce decompression risk.
Conclusion
Snuba diving in Neil Island blends the simplicity of snorkeling with the thrill of breathing underwater. Calm lagoons, rich coral life, and professional guidance make it an accessible, memorable Andaman experience. Plan for the dry season, choose a morning slot, respect reef etiquette, and give yourself a no-fly buffer to enjoy the island’s underwater and onshore beauty with confidence.
