Scuba diving in Andaman is the experience many travellers remember longest. Within minutes of leaving the surface you are among coral gardens, schools of colourful fish and, with luck, turtles and rays. You do not...
Scuba diving in Andaman is the experience many travellers remember longest. Within minutes of leaving the surface you are among coral gardens, schools of colourful fish and, with luck, turtles and rays. You do not need to be a swimmer or a certified diver to try it, because beginner dives are done one-to-one with an instructor. This guide covers where to dive, which experience to choose, the best season and the safety rules, so you can plan with confidence. You can add diving to any of our Andaman tour packages.
Why Andaman is one of India’s best places for scuba diving
The islands combine warm water, healthy reefs and well-organised dive centres. Visibility is often good in the dry season, and sites range from shallow gardens for beginners to deeper reefs and pinnacles for experienced divers. Many dive centres are based at Havelock, so you can combine diving with a beach stay.
Best places for scuba diving in Andaman
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
Havelock is the main centre for scuba diving in Andaman, with most dive shops and the widest choice of sites. Read more in our Havelock Island guide.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Neil is quieter, with calm water that suits relaxed beginner dives. See our Neil Island guide.
North Bay, Port Blair
If you are short on time, North Bay Island offers beginner dives close to Port Blair.
Popular dive sites near Havelock
Nemo Reef: a shallow, colourful site often used for beginners.
Lighthouse: a well-known reef with plenty of fish life.
Pilot Reef: a good option for newly certified divers.
Johnny’s Gorge and Dixon’s Pinnacle: deeper sites, usually for certified divers with experience.
Which sites run on a given day depends on weather, tides and your certification level. Your dive centre makes the final call.
Types of scuba diving experiences
Experience
Who it is for
What to expect
Discover Scuba Diving
Complete beginners, no certificate needed
Short briefing, shallow dive with an instructor, usually up to about 12 metres
Fun dives
Certified divers
Guided dives matched to your certification and logged experience
Open Water course
Anyone who wants a diving licence
A multi-day course, commonly 3 to 4 days, with theory, pool-style skills and open-water dives
Depth and duration limits vary by dive centre and certification agency, so confirm the details when you book.
Who can go scuba diving?
Most operators accept children from about 10 years old, but age rules vary.
You should be in reasonable health and comfortable in water. Strong swimming is usually not required for a beginner dive.
You will fill in a medical declaration. Heart or lung conditions, uncontrolled asthma, epilepsy, pregnancy, ear problems or a heavy cold may stop you from diving. When in doubt, ask your doctor first.
Best time for scuba diving in Andaman
The dive season runs from roughly November to April, with the clearest water usually between January and March. See month-wise sea conditions in our Andaman weather in February and Andaman weather in December guides. During the monsoon, rough seas and lower visibility mean many dives are cancelled.
What is included and what to carry
Usually included: briefing, equipment, instructor and boat transfer to the site. Photos and videos are often optional extras, so ask.
Carry: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen that is reef-safe, a government photo ID and any regular medicines.
Avoid heavy meals and alcohol before you dive.
Scuba diving safety tips
Book only with licensed, experienced dive centres.
Listen carefully to the briefing and follow hand signals.
Never touch or take coral or marine life.
Do not fly for at least 18 to 24 hours after diving. Plan your dives well before your flight out of Port Blair.
Can beginners try scuba diving in Andaman? Yes. Discover Scuba Diving needs no certificate. You get a briefing and dive with an instructor.
Do I need to know swimming for scuba diving? Usually not for a beginner dive, but you should be comfortable in water. The instructor stays with you throughout.
What is the best month for scuba diving in Andaman? November to April is best, and January to March often has the clearest water.
Which island is best for scuba diving in Andaman? Havelock has the most dive centres and sites. Neil suits calm, beginner dives.
What is the minimum age for scuba diving? Often around 10 years, but it depends on the dive centre. Confirm when you book.
Can I fly right after diving? No. Wait at least 18 to 24 hours before flying.
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