Is Andaman good for scuba diving

Yes. The islands sit between the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, with fringing reefs around many islands and a range of sites for different levels. PADI describes manta rays, reef sharks, turtles and schools of reef fish among the marine life divers can see, and sites ranging from relaxed reef dives to steep walls.

Most diving is organised from Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), which has PADI and SSI certified dive schools. Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) and the area around Port Blair also have dive operations.

The diving season

Which month is best for scuba diving in Andaman? PADI gives November to May as the best time, with the calmest seas and the best visibility, and water temperatures of about 26 to 29 °C. From June to September the south-west monsoon brings rougher seas and lower visibility, and some trips are cancelled at short notice. The best time to visit Andaman shows the monthly rainfall behind that pattern.

Beginners, courses and non-swimmers

Scuba diving in Andaman for beginners

If you have never dived, you have two main options. A try dive, which PADI calls Discover Scuba Diving, is a short session with an instructor, usually a briefing, practice in shallow water and one supervised dive. It does not certify you. An entry-level course, such as PADI Open Water Diver or the SSI equivalent, takes a few days and gives you a certification you can use anywhere.

Andaman diving course: what to expect

A beginner course combines theory, confined water practice and open water dives. Before you start you fill in a medical questionnaire; some conditions require a doctor's approval, so check the form in advance. Courses also include a basic water skills check, such as a swim and a float.

Scuba diving in Andaman for non-swimmers

Can people who cannot swim try scuba diving? Some try-dive programmes accept people who are not confident swimmers, always with an instructor close by. A full certification course, however, includes the water skills check above. Ask the school directly, be honest about how comfortable you are in water, and do not let anyone rush you.

Where people dive

  • Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island): sites around the island, including Elephant Beach and The Wall, and Dixon's Pinnacle offshore.
  • Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island): coral gardens close to the island.
  • Barren Island: a remote site around India's only active volcano, usually visited on longer boat trips by experienced divers.

Conditions vary from day to day, and your school will choose sites to match the weather and your level. Snorkelling is a good alternative for people who do not want to dive; Elephant Beach is a popular place for it. See the best beaches in Andaman for more.

Choosing a dive school

How much does scuba diving in Andaman cost? Prices change with the season, the school and the programme, so compare current offers directly rather than relying on figures quoted in blogs. When you compare, look beyond the price:

  • Certification: the school and its instructors should be affiliated with a recognised agency such as PADI or SSI.
  • Group size: small groups mean more attention, which matters most on a first dive.
  • Equipment: it should be well maintained and fit you properly.
  • Safety: ask about briefings, emergency oxygen and what happens if conditions are poor.
  • Honesty: a good school will cancel or change a dive when the sea is rough.

Respect the reef: do not touch coral or animals, keep your fins clear of the bottom and take nothing away. The reefs are the reason people dive here, and they recover slowly.