Even today scientist believe that we have only explored about 5 % of the world oceans making it by far the most undiscovered part of our planet. There are 3 main centers for scuba diving in India, the Andaman and Nicobar group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal, Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea and Goa in mainland India and every destination is completely unique in its own way and they all have a widely different diving conditions and marine life.

The seas around the Andaman Islands are some of the worlds most unspoiled and unexplored and the only way to get close to these underwater treasures is to venture into the deep waters and take up a scuba diving trip. The coastal waters surrounding these Islands is the abode of one of the richest coral reef ecosystem in the world and till date the coral reefs and underwater formations are undamaged by human activity and the marine life here is abundant with an estimated 750 species of fishes.

Preparing for Scuba Diving

Unlike snorkeling, Scuba diving requires some preparation before you venture into the sea, the basic operational skills with diving equipment is necessary to begin with. On the first day of the training you will be taught how to breathe with your scuba diving equipment, how to connect it, understanding changing of depths, adjusting with swimming with the entire equipment and some brief lessons in the water and basic diving with the instructor.

The rest days you will spend in water with the instructor exploring the seabed and marine life. One basic advice to all divers is to be completely relaxed and do not take stress and maintain normal breathing even when you are underwater. Once done with the basic training you can then hire a professional diver’s service to help you discover the natural beauty underwater to your satisfaction.

Scuba Diving Gear

The word SCUBA is the short form of SELF CONTAINED UNDERWATER BREATHING APPARATUS which is the primary equipment used in Scuba Diving. The Scuba diving equipment consists of an air tank, a suit (wet or dry), mask, fins, snorkel, breathing apparatus, belt, dive watch and a slew of optional accessories.

What each diver wears (wet or dry suit) completely depends on the temperature of the water, the length of the dive. Dive watches can be used as it indicates the time when you should swim back to the surface, the length of the dive and the depth you are at. All the above equipment is available on rent and beginners should stick to renting. Advance or professional divers can carry their own gear with an exception of an air tank which is available at every diving center of Andaman Islands.

A word of caution: The state and the quality of the scuba diving equipment are extremely important. Your equipment should be tested often for your own safety as in the past serious injuries and deaths have occurred across the world simply because of faulty equipment’s.

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Diving Sites in the Andaman Islands

Dive Sites near South Andaman/ Port Blair

Cinque Island

The Cinque Islands is one of the best diving sites in the Andaman Islands because of its crystal clear waters which offer a good view of the sea bed up to 80 feet. An ideal place for experienced divers as a dive here will give them amazing views of a variety of black corals, marine life and if lucky there can be rare sightings of sharks.

North Point

The North Point dive site is located at the Cinque Islands and is a popular dive site for viewing natural sponges, small to midsized corals and a diverse variety of fishes and other marine life.

South East Reef

The Southeast Reef also a part of the Cinque Island is home to a very large variety of hard and soft corals, this diving site is ideal for beginners to get acquainted with underwater marine life.

Fish Rock

As the name suggests, Fish Rock offers a wonderful dive spot to view a wide variety of fishes in their natural habitat. Here divers will get views of some rare marine life like Eagle Rays, Potato Cod, Turtles, Bat fish, Bump heads, Parrot fish, Squirrel fish, Oriental Sweet lips, Surgeon fish, Yellow Tangs, Trigger fish, Tuna, Rainbow Runner and many more species of rare fishes. Apart from smaller variety of fishes divers will also get rare views of Reef Sharks and Nurse Sharks in the near vicinity. Also Coral lovers will get amazing views of a variety of corals and natural sponges making it a memorable dive which they will remember for a lifetime.

Bala Reef

The Bala Reef is located on the western side of Little Andaman and spreads over an area of 5 km; this site is popular with divers for its variety of colorful corals.

Snake Island

The Snake Island is off Corbyn’s Cove Beach and the diving site here is popular for its incredible rock faces and impressive dive capes along with a variety of colorful marine life which includes rare fishes.

Corruption Rock

Corruption Rock lies between Chidia Tapu and Rutland Island and the dive site is located on the western side of the rock and consists of huge underwater boulders. This site does not have much of coral life but is extremely popular for its undersea landscape of boulders. The entire underwater stretch is like a fantasy world full of ridges, gullies, channels and underwater canyons. Divers will also get glimpses of a rare variety of fishes that are seen here like Reef Sharks, Dolphins, Tuna, Banner fish, Unicorn fish, Eagle Rays, Giant Snappers and Schooling Fusiliers.

Rutland Island

The shallow waters of the Rutland Island is an ideal spot for beginners and for initial scuba diving training as here divers will discover a large variety of small fishes and corals and there is also a shipwreck near this site.

Havelock Island

Located at about 50 km away from Port Blair, Havelock Island is a paradise for Scuba divers as there are many unexplored diving sites that are rich in coral reefs and other marine life.

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Dive Sites in and around Havelock Islands

Mac Island

Is considered a good diving site as the visibility here is one of the best. The site is popular for hard corals and their inhabitants and even Dugongs have been sighted here.

Aquarium

Is an ideal place to view a large variety of fishes and hard corals, the clear water here offers good visibility to add to the thrill of diving.

Barracuda City

This dive site offers divers with an excellent blend of hard and soft corals, a wide variety of fishes and if lucky glimpses of turtles. This is an ideal dive site for beginners and novices in diving.

Turtle Bay

True to its name Turtle Bay is an excellent place for turtle spotting along with other marine life. Known to be a pleasant diving site, the depth here does not exceed more than 45 feet giving clear views of the sea bed.

Seduction Point

Seduction point is a rocky area with a rich marine life and being a shallow area it offers divers excellent views of Napolean fishes and staghorn corals.

Lighthouse

This is one of the best diving sites at Havelock Islands as it provides a good and equal opportunity for all kinds of divers to explore the sea. Popular for having night diving facilities too, this site is home to a huge variety of soft and hard corals and other marine life.

The Wall

The Wall is a unique diving spot as it consists of a mammoth sized submerged rock which descends up to 180 feet and is full of marine life. It consists of a dense forest cover full of soft corals and many species of fishes encircling the entire structure making your dive a memorable one.

Pilot Reef

The Pilot Reef dive site is an exciting site as it consists of a vast area of unspoiled and untouched hard corals. At about 80 feet at the bottom of the sea bed there are canyons that are stretched out where leopard and white tip sharks can be easily spotted.

Minerva Reef

The Minerva Ledge has a much larger stretch of hard corals, a large variety of fishes and generally this diving site has a clear visibility making it an ideal site for viewing sharks at a close range hence making it one of the best dive sites near Havelock Islands.

Campbell Shoal off North Button Island

Campbell Shoal is another preferred diving site for all kinds of divers as here the sea bed is largely covered with a colorful variety of hard corals and in addition to a wide variety of marine life like Large Cod, Grouper fish, Coral Trout, Blue and Golden – banded fusiliers, Giant Trevally, White tip Reef Sharks and a host of rare colorful reef fishes.

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Other Dive Sites at Andaman Islands

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor)

The marine national park comprises of 15 islands out of which only 2 are open to tourist alternately i.e. Jolly Buoy and Redskin Islands. This dive site is a gold mine for all divers as here they can get a glimpse of many colorful varieties of coral reef fishes like butterfly fish, clown fish, parrot fish, angel fish, surgeon fish, bat fish and groupers. If lucky divers may get a glimpse of White Tip Shark, Hammer headed Shark, Manta Ray and Blue fin jack. There are also more than 50 different varieties of soft and hard corals spread across the underwater marine park.

Barren Island (Active Volcano)

The Barren Islands is located at about 150 km from Port Blair and is a unique diving site and is recommended for professional divers and adventure seekers. The seabed around the Island is full of unexplored corals, variety of fishes and many unique and rare underwater treasures which only a fortunate few can witness.

Narcondam Island (Extinct Volcano)

The Narcondam Island is located at about 250 km north from Port Blair and is popular for its Extinct Volcano, this diving site is ideal for professional divers as they can explore the sea bed and rich marine life that is till date untapped and unexplored.

Invisible Bank

Located 160 km southeast of Port Blair is a secluded diving spot (an extensive seamount) in the middle of the sea and this diving spot is recommended only for professional divers to explore the untapped and unexplored marine life underwater.

Advice to Scuba Divers visiting Andaman Islands

• The best season for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands is between December to April.
• Divers should dive only in those diving areas that have been permitted by the local administration.
• Make sure you hire the services of a professional certified diving operator for scuba diving, as they will provide  you with the required equipment, infrastructure and the best certified diving professionals to assist you during your dive.
• While exploring the sea bed do not walk or stand on the coral reefs.
• Do not touch, break or even collect live or dead corals.
• Take all valid permits and permissions before entering the National parks or any secluded diving spot.
• The Decompression chamber facility is available at Clearance Diving Unit, Navy, Port Blair, and Contact Number: 232871. Another decompression chamber has almost been setup at G.B. Pant Hospital (Government) – Port Blair.

Safety Guidelines for Sea – Enthusiast.

The beaches of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are beautiful and inviting, its crystal clear waters and coral reefs make it irresistible for many sea enthusiast to resist. But visiting tourist must know that only a few of these beaches are under supervision for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling etc.

Though safe, the waters of Andaman have some dangerous marine animals and that they may attack thinking of prey or defending its territory, but this kind of incidence are very rare and if tourists follow the safety precautions mentioned they can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters of Andaman Islands without any worry.

Do’s:

• Take advice and guidance from the local administrators (Tourist Information Centers/ Tour Operators/ Forest Department Staff) about safe swimming areas/diving areas and avoid swimming in protected areas/un-patrolled areas in order to avoid dangerous animals.
• Look around for safety signs or signboards to help you know about potential dangers.
• Take advice from lifeguards to know more about the swimming conditions like currents, tides, visibility and presence of dangerous marine animals especially if you are entering into the water in an un-patrolled area.
• Always swim in company with someone for safety reasons and children should always swim under supervision of adults.
• In case you need help raise your hand up and stay calm and wave your arm for help.

Don’t s:

• Do not hang or swing loosely your arms and legs in the water while taking a boat ride.
• Do not venture into the sea in the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Avoid wearing any kind of shiny jewelry or accessory while swimming, as they could attract predatory fishes.
• Do not swim if you have an open wound as many predatory fishes are attracted to blood odour.
• Do not swim or dive in the dark.
• Do not swim along with school of fishes as this may attract predatory fishes.

Potentially dangerous marine life in the sea to look out for

Salt water crocodiles:

Avoid swimming or undertaking any water sport activity near creeks, mangroves, still waters or mouth of creeks as these are the potential places where salt water crocodiles are found. Occasionally these crocodiles also move deep into the sea so take advice from the life guards before venturing into the sea at these potentially dangerous places and alert the authorities if you see one to avoid any accident.

Sea Snakes:

Sea Snakes can be recognized by their paddle like tail and these species are known to be highly poisonous. So stay away from them and do not try to play or handle them as a bite can be lethal.

Stone Fish:

Stone fish is generally found in shallow corals or rocks and are camouflaged in mud and sand. This fish has a highly venomous dorsal spine and its sting could be lethal. So divers must avoid walking on the coral reef areas, do not lift any rock or coral to admire it and wear a sturdy sandal while walking in shallow coastal waters as most attacks take place while stepping on Stone fishes rather than holding them.

Sharks:

Sharks are normally found in the open sea or in certain coral reef areas of the Andaman Islands. Divers must avoid diving alone and must not enter the water if they have any open wounds as the odour of blood will attract the sharks.

Jelly Fishes:

They may look very attractive and you might want to play with or handle them, but avoid any contact with them as a sting of a jelly fish may cause pain, giddiness or cause skin allergy. If you see a large school of jelly fishes move away from them or get ashore, and in case you happen to accidentally come in contact with them apply some vinegar or ice pack, but do not rub.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is one of the most popular adventure activities in the lagoons of the Andaman Islands and to enjoy this adventure activity one does not have to be a trained swimmer, snorkeling can be enjoyed by both a novice as well as professionals.

However it is advisable to take some basic training from a trained professional before venturing out into the sea. A typical snorkeling kit includes a snorkel, a wet suit in case the temperature of the water is low, a diving mask along with a pair of swim fins.

Snorkeling is ideally done in shallow water’s but professionals can probably go up to 20 or 30 feet and can stay underwater as long as they can hold their breath. While doing this activity you can enjoy amazing views of the underwater marine life and explore the rarest varieties of multicolored corals. Get a feel of a Starfish or just simply watch sea cucumbers or a school of fishes that go past you as you explore the wonderland.

Apart from the regular marine life there is a possibility that you may come across rare marine life like Stingray’s, sea turtles, shrimps and seaweeds while enjoying this recreational activity. Lovers of snorkeling from all across India and abroad can come here and experience the richness of the sea life in the Andaman Islands.

Today, this recreational activity is slowly gaining popularity and can be enjoyed at numerous venues in the Andaman Islands.

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Best places for Snorkeling: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Jolly Buoy Island, Red skin Island), Havelock Islands (Beaches), Cinque Islands (Beaches), Corbyn’s Cove Beach (Port Blair) and Andaman Water Sports Complex (Port Blair).

Best time during the year: November to April.

Scuba Diving

The deep waters of the Andaman Islands are brimming with rich underwater treasures and the best way to explore them is by indulging in scuba diving.

While taking part in a scuba diving activity you will have to carry a cylinder of compressed air on your back attached to a breathing kit and you can remain underwater as long as the air lasts in your cylinder, scuba diving activity can be done on shallow as well as in deep water.

The major thrill of Scuba diving in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the rich coral life that dominate the underwater territory and have not been exposed to any sort of damage or catastrophe of excessive tourism as a result water sport enthusiast from all over the world come here to explore the rich coral reefs, colorful fishes and mysterious remains of sunken ships of the British colonial era.

The Scuba Diving centers at the Andaman Islands have all the necessary equipment’s and facilities for tourist who would like to experience Scuba Diving. Furthermore there are many skilled trainers who will take tourist on a guided tour into the deep waters in case they do not know swimming or are not confident in venturing into the deep sea themselves.

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Best places for Scuba Diving : Havelock Island, Cinque Island, Neil Island, North Bay Island, Little Andaman Island, Chidiya Tapu, Corbyn’s Cove Beach and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Jolly Buoy Islands, Redskin Islands).

Best time during the year : November to April.

Trekking and Island Camping

The Andaman Islands offers a splendid forest cover with beautiful hills that are perfect for activities like trekking and camping for both beginners and experienced trekkers. The Andaman Islands are full of evergreen forests, massive trees, colorful chirping birds and a trek here is so fascinating that it takes you back into time.

There are several trekking routes trekkers can choose from i.e. Mount Harriet to Madhuban, Bambooflat to Mount Harriet and Durgapur to Saddle Peak and enjoy the rare forest life, flora and fauna within the deep forest of Andaman Islands.

There are many trekking expeditions in the Andaman Islands to choose from i.e. from a day long trip to multiple days and nights of expeditions which can be blended with Island camping, backpacking or hiking which further enhances the charm and charisma of the trip.

Trekking equipment’s are easily available on hire at moderate rates between the months of October to May. While hiring trekking equipment make sure it not to heavy as it might cause terrible fatigue or injuries while carrying or handling it. The main trekking equipment’s comprises of food, water, tents, stoves, hydration bags and many more handy and crucial items.

Best Trekking Trails

• Mount Harriet to Madhuban.
• Chidia Tapu to Kala Pahad.
• Havelock to Elephant Beach.
• Baratang to Limestone Caves.
• Diglipur to Alfred Caves.
• Diglipur to Saddle Peak.
• Trek to through the rain forest to reach White Surf and Whisper Wave waterfalls in the Little Andaman Islands.

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Best time during the year : November to April, while the peak period is from December to January.

Surfing

The Andaman Islands burst into the surfing scenes internationally when Jack Jackson and Chris Malloy video opus ‘Thicker Than Water’, featured the first known surfing trip in the Andaman region.

Being a tropical Island in the Bay of Bengal the waves here are both high performance and barreling hence making the region suitable for surfing for both intermediate to advanced surfers.

Hutbay in little Andaman Islands is one of the best surfing destinations in India as it hosts the longest beach of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago i.e. a 22 km stretch from Netaji Nagar at one end till Butler Bay beach at the other. The coastline is blessed with some best waves on the planet and they remain unridden except by a few blessed surfers who come here, year after year to enjoy surfing in the crystal clear waters of the most remote surfing place in the world.

With the growing popularity the Havelock Islands have also introduced surfing and is usually practiced in 3 beaches i.e. Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach and Kalapathar Beach.

Tourist keen on surfing in the Andaman Islands can start their training with experts on safety and beach awareness then move through to paddling skills and eventually learn to stand up and ride a wave and soon they will be able to ride across a wave and tear it up like a pro.Experienced surfers can directly visit the best surfing spots after considering the swell and wind conditions and enjoy the surfing on the best waves the Islands has to offer. Tourist can hire surfing boards which are easily available at the venues on a per day basis.

Best Place for Surfing : Little Andaman Islands and Havelock Islands.

Best time during the year : February to May is the best time to surf in the Little Andaman Islands.

Game Fishing

If Game Fishing is your scene, then a visit to the Andaman Islands is a must as it offers one of the last virgin underwater environments to all game and sport fishing enthusiast.

Situated in the Bay of Bengal these tropical Islands are full of rain-forests, mangroves and deep drop offs in the Andaman basin making it an ideal location for any form of fishing and angling. Even today this destination is off the grid and has barely been touched by large scale commercial fishing or by mass tourism.

Tourist can enjoy one of the most addicting of sporting past times in the Andaman Islands by chartering a boat and exploring the untouched waters for a true big game and be prepared for a fishing adventure that will certainly put them and their fishing gear to the ultimate test.

Tourist can take up game fishing with the help of local organizers whose boats are equipped with all equipment for trolling, popping and jigging and the trips range from half day, full day to multiple days depending on the traveler’s interest.

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Best time for Game Fishing : October to May.

Underwater Sea Walk

Sea walking in the Andaman Islands is one of the latest attractions and is fast gaining popularity with adventure enthusiast. Visiting tourist must experience this waterborne activity as it is the first ever and the only sea walk station in India.

Sea walking can be enjoyed by non swimmers too, as the participants take a walk on the sea bed which is about 20 to 25 feet deep and are able to get a close view of the magnificent marine life which includes untouched flora and fauna, corals and a wide variety of fishes all in their natural habitat. Every participant wears a special helmet which allows them to breathe normally.

The underwater trip lasts for about 30 minutes and is completely secured with the help of certified guides who will accompany you during your underwater trip and ensure maximum protection.

After the completion of your underwater expedition the organizer will give you a CD which contains photographs and videos of your visit to the sea bed, the moments of which you will surely cherish for the rest of your life.

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Best Places for Sea Walk : North Bay Island and Elephant Beach (Havelock Island).

Operational period : September to June.

Age Limit : 7 to 70 years, as long as the participant is physically fit.

Must Avoid : Travelers with medical conditions like Asthma, Heart patient or pregnancy.

Best time during the year: November to April.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride

Tourists who are unable to take up snorkeling or scuba diving can still explore the underwater marine life by taking a Glass Bottom Boat Ride.

This is a special kind of boat which has a unique transparent material (a magnifying glass) at the base of the boat which allows tourist to experience many fascinating aspects of the marine life without even getting wet.

There is no dearth of underwater coral gardens in the Andaman Islands and Glass Bottom boat rides are available at a number of spots which are famous for their coral reefs.

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Best places for Glass Bottom boat rides: Jolly Buoy Island, Redskin Island, North Bay Island, Havelock Island and Cinque Island.

Best time during the year: November to April.

Other Water Sports

Jet Ski Ride

If you are looking for a cool and refreshing way to enjoy your vacation in the Andaman Islands then just hop on a jet ski and zoom around on the calm waters of the Andaman Islands. A Jet Ski ride is safe and is handled by a certified rider and utmost care is taken regarding the safety of the tourists by the way of providing life jackets.

Tourist can enjoy this unique experience as they make their way around the Island and may even spot a dolphin or a sea turtle. Do carry your waterproof camera as you will get ample opportunities to get some great photos of some of the Andaman’s most popular sites.

Banana Ride

A Banana boat ride is a very joyful activity and is enjoyed by children and adults especially if they are part of a big group. An inflatable boat similar to the shape of a Banana is used and it is connected to a speed boat which drives through the sea. During the ride the driver of the speed boat attempts to flip the banana boat upside down by taking sharp turns, each Banana boat can accommodate around 4 to 6 people and all participants are given a life jacket for safety reasons.

The funniest part about this ride is the speed boat throws off the passengers from the Banana boat as soon as the speed boat sprints across the sea. After being thrown into the water, the passengers pull themselves back into the banana boat and start afresh. This is a repetitive process of getting flung into the sea and then hauling yourself back to the banana boat. Nevertheless, a fun filled activity which cannot be ignored at any cost.

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Speed boat Ride

A speed boat ride is one of the most thrilling activities tourists can enjoy in the Andaman’s. Tourist can go for long rides into the sea or just a take a short spin around the bay. There are several speed boats available in the Andaman Islands which cruise at more than 50 mph tearing through the waves of the sea. They can accommodate 6 to 8 people at a time and hence are great to enjoy with family and friends.

Do not miss your chance of getting that nerve chilling experience, fast and furious racing against the water, Speed Boats give a sense of excitement that will last for long. So, hold on to your hats and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the sea.

Water Skiing

Water Skiing is fairly a new in the adventure sport arena of the Andaman Islands and is gaining popularity with visiting tourist as it offers a welcome change and adds more thrill than any other water sport.

Adventure enthusiast can take up this activity with a little practice in order to get a sense of balance in the water, but it is important that every participant should be a swimmer as during the course of this activity the tow rope attached to the boat could let go anytime during the ride.

The Andaman Islands has some of the best beaches suitable for water skiing and numerous operators at the beaches are well equipped to provide all facilities needed for water skiing.

Para Sailing

Parasailing in the beaches of the Andaman Islands is an adrenaline pumping experience that gives every adventure enthusiast a chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and beaches while flying in the air.

A long rope straps a Para-sailor with a parachute at one end and a speed boat at the other end and as the boat speeds ahead into the sea the sailor gets lifted in the air. Para sailing can be enjoyed by all and no prior experience or training is required.

Best places for water sports : Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (Port Blair), Havelock Island, North Bay Island, Neil Island, Water Sport Complex at Diglipur.

Best time during the year: November to April.