Best Places for Scuba Diving in Andaman with coral reefs and underwater marine life

Best Places for Scuba Diving in Andaman – Top Dive Sites, Prices & Guide

The Andaman Islands are one of India’s popular destinations for scuba diving, offering coral reefs, tropical fish, clear tropical waters and diverse marine environments. The major scuba-diving destinations include Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep), Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), North Bay Island and selected areas of South Andaman.

Whether you are planning your first scuba diving experience, a honeymoon adventure, a family holiday or certified diving, Andaman offers different types of diving experiences including Discover Scuba Diving, shore diving and boat diving.

The Andaman & Nicobar Tourism Directorate identifies Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep and North Bay among the popular scuba-diving locations and publishes information on authorized diving operators.

Best Places for Scuba Diving in Andaman

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)

Havelock Island, officially Swaraj Dweep, is a major scuba-diving destination in Andaman. Diving operators on the island offer both shore dives and boat dives, with many operators based around Govind Nagar and Vijay Nagar.

Popular diving areas and experiences around Havelock include:

Nemo Reef
Elephant Beach area
Govind Nagar
Vijay Nagar
Boat diving sites around Swaraj Dweep
Shore diving

Havelock is also suitable for travelers looking for beginner scuba diving, Discover Scuba Diving and certified diving experiences.

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)

Neil Island, officially Shaheed Dweep, is another important scuba-diving destination.

The official tourism operator directory lists multiple diving operators on Shaheed Dweep, including operators around Ram Nagar, Sitapur and Neil Kendra.

Popular experiences include:

Beginner scuba diving
Shore diving
Boat diving
Coral reef exploration
Underwater photography
Certified diving

North Bay Island

North Bay Island is a convenient option for travelers staying in Port Blair who want to experience scuba diving without traveling to Havelock or Neil Island.

North Bay is associated with:

Scuba diving
Snorkeling
Coral viewing
Glass-bottom boat rides
Other marine activities

It can be particularly useful for travelers with a shorter Andaman itinerary.

Port Blair and South Andaman

Scuba diving is also available at designated sites around South Andaman and the Sri Vijaya Puram area, depending on operator permissions and current conditions.

The official tourism scuba-diving information lists authorized diving operators around areas including Chidiyatapu, Haddo, Phoenix Bay and other parts of South Andaman.

Cinque Island

Cinque Island is a more remote and regulated diving destination. It is included among areas identified for scuba diving under the Andaman Administration’s current guidelines.

Because access is more restricted than mainstream destinations such as Havelock and Neil, travelers should confirm current permission and boat arrangements before planning a Cinque Island dive.

Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Island

Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island, within Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, are also included in the Administration’s designated scuba-diving areas, subject to applicable permissions and marine-park regulations.

These destinations are better suited to travelers specifically planning regulated marine activities rather than a standard beginner scuba trip.

Barren Island

Barren Island is a remote diving destination and is listed among the designated scuba-diving areas. The current guidelines specify that landing ashore is not permitted.

It should therefore be treated as a specialized and regulated diving experience rather than a normal sightseeing excursion.

Best Scuba Diving Sites in Andaman

Scuba Diving Sites in Havelock Island

Havelock has a number of diving areas and dive operators.

Commonly marketed diving areas include:

Nemo Reef
Elephant Beach area
Govind Nagar
Vijay Nagar
Offshore boat-dive sites

The exact dive site is selected according to the diver’s experience, weather, sea conditions and operator schedule.

Scuba Diving Sites in Neil Island

Neil Island provides diving opportunities around areas such as:

Ram Nagar
Sitapur
Bharatpur area
Neil Kendra

The current tourism directory lists multiple boat-dive operators on Shaheed Dweep.

Scuba Diving Sites Near Port Blair

Depending on current permissions and operating conditions, diving can be arranged around designated South Andaman locations.

North Bay is another option for travelers looking for a marine activity close to Port Blair.

Types of Scuba Diving in Andaman

Discover Scuba Diving in Andaman

Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) is designed for people who have never completed a scuba-diving certification course.

A trained instructor provides the required briefing and guides the participant during the introductory experience.

Beginner Scuba Diving in Andaman

First-time divers can choose introductory diving programs where available.

The official tourism information lists 10 years as the minimum age for introductory scuba diving, subject to applicable requirements and operator rules.

Shore Diving in Andaman

In a shore dive, participants enter the water from the shoreline and dive at a designated nearby site.

Havelock and Port Blair have operators listed for shore diving.

Boat Diving in Andaman

For a boat dive, divers travel by boat to an offshore dive site.

Boat diving is widely offered around Havelock and Neil Island, according to the current tourism operator directory.

Certified Fun Diving

Certified divers can choose guided fun dives according to their certification, experience and the conditions of the selected dive site.

Scuba Diving Courses in Andaman

Some authorized operators offer scuba-diving certification and training programs. Travelers should confirm the current course, certification agency, duration and inclusions directly with the operator.

Scuba Diving in Havelock Island

Havelock Scuba Diving for Beginners

Havelock has numerous diving operators around Govind Nagar and Vijay Nagar, with both shore and boat dive options listed by the Tourism Directorate.

Havelock Shore Diving

Shore diving can be suitable for introductory experiences and selected dive sites.

Havelock Boat Diving

Boat diving allows experienced or eligible divers to reach designated offshore dive sites.

Havelock Scuba Diving Price 2026

There is no single fixed island-wide price. The final rate depends on:

Shore or boat dive
Dive duration
Dive site
Equipment
Instructor
Photography/video
Operator
Season

Confirm the exact inclusions before booking.

Scuba Diving in Neil Island

Neil Island Scuba Diving for Beginners

Neil Island has multiple diving operators and can be considered for introductory diving experiences.

Neil Island Shore Diving

Shore diving is available through selected operators and depends on the current operating location.

Neil Island Boat Diving

Several operators listed by the Tourism Directorate offer boat diving from Shaheed Dweep.

Neil Island Scuba Diving Price 2026

Prices vary according to the dive type, operator, duration, equipment and boat arrangements.

Scuba Diving in North Bay Island

North Bay Scuba Diving for Beginners

North Bay is a convenient option for travelers staying in Port Blair and looking for a short scuba-diving experience.

North Bay Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Visitors can combine scuba diving with other marine activities such as snorkeling and coral viewing.

North Bay Scuba Diving Price 2026

The price depends on the selected operator, activity duration and inclusions. Confirm the current rate before booking.

Scuba Diving in Andaman for Beginners

What Is Discover Scuba Diving?

Discover Scuba Diving introduces first-time participants to scuba equipment, underwater breathing and basic diving procedures under instructor supervision.

Minimum Age for Scuba Diving in Andaman

The Andaman & Nicobar Tourism information lists 10 years as the minimum age for introductory diving, subject to applicable requirements.

Children must also satisfy the operator’s current safety and participation requirements.

What to Expect During Your First Scuba Dive

A typical introductory experience may include:

Registration
Safety briefing
Equipment fitting
Basic instructions
Instructor-supervised water session
Underwater experience
Return to the dive center

The exact procedure varies by operator.

Scuba Diving in Andaman for Non-Swimmers

Can Non-Swimmers Do Scuba Diving in Andaman?

People often search for scuba diving in Andaman for non-swimmers. Eligibility requirements vary between operators and programs.

Some introductory experiences are designed for people without previous diving experience, but participants must meet the operator’s safety requirements.

Always confirm the swimming, medical and physical requirements before booking.

Safety Requirements for Non-Swimmers

Non-swimmers should:

Inform the instructor beforehand
Follow all instructions
Use the supplied safety equipment correctly
Remain with the instructor
Never attempt an independent dive
Follow the operator’s eligibility requirements

Scuba Diving in Andaman for Couples

Scuba Diving for Honeymoon Couples

Scuba diving can be added to an Andaman honeymoon itinerary, particularly when staying on Havelock or Neil Island.

A typical honeymoon plan can combine:

Scuba Diving → Beach Visit → Sunset → Dinner

Best Scuba Diving Places for Couples

Couples can consider:

Havelock Island
Neil Island
North Bay

The choice depends on the island included in the itinerary and the type of diving experience desired.

Scuba Diving in Andaman for Families

Family Scuba Diving in Havelock

Eligible family members can participate in introductory or other permitted diving experiences according to operator rules.

Family Scuba Diving in Neil Island

Neil Island also offers diving through authorized operators.

Activities for Family Members Who Do Not Dive

Family members who do not participate in scuba diving can consider:

Snorkeling
Glass-bottom boat
Coral viewing
Beach sightseeing
Other water activities

Scuba Diving in Andaman Price 2026

Havelock Scuba Diving Price

Havelock scuba diving prices vary according to whether you select a shore dive, boat dive, introductory experience or certified dive.

Neil Island Scuba Diving Price

Neil Island diving prices vary according to the selected operator and dive program.

North Bay Scuba Diving Price

North Bay generally offers shorter activity options suitable for travelers staying in Port Blair.

What Is Included in Scuba Diving Price?

Depending on the operator, a package may include:

Diving equipment
Instructor
Safety briefing
Dive session
Boat transfer, if applicable
Basic underwater assistance

Photography, videos, transfers and other services may be charged separately.

Best Time for Scuba Diving in Andaman

Scuba Diving in Andaman from October to November

October and November can be part of the main marine-activity season, although daily sea conditions determine whether diving operates.

Scuba Diving in Andaman from December to February

These months are popular for Andaman tourism and diving activities.

Scuba Diving in Andaman from March to May

March to May is also commonly used for diving and other marine activities, subject to weather and sea conditions.

Scuba Diving During Monsoon

June to September can bring rougher seas and changing weather conditions. Diving and boat operations may therefore be affected.

The Tourism Directorate currently identifies October to May as the main scuba-diving period and notes that visibility can reach around 30 metres under suitable conditions.

Scuba Diving in Andaman Safety Tips

Scuba Diving Safety Rules

Follow the instructor’s instructions.
Complete the required safety briefing.
Use properly maintained equipment.
Never dive alone.
Follow the prescribed depth and time limits.
Do not touch coral or marine animals.
Do not feed marine life.
Follow boat and dive-center instructions.
Do not dive if you are unwell.

Medical and Health Requirements

Inform the diving operator about relevant medical conditions before participating.

The operator may require a health declaration or medical clearance depending on the participant and activity.

Coral Reef Protection Guidelines

While diving:

Do not stand on coral.
Do not touch coral unnecessarily.
Do not collect coral or marine organisms.
Do not feed fish.
Do not leave plastic or waste in the sea.

Scuba Diving Rules in Andaman

Scuba diving is regulated by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.

The current guidelines identify designated areas open for scuba diving and state that diving in Marine National Park and wildlife sanctuary areas is subject to applicable permission and prescribed fees. The Administration can also update the list of permitted and restricted areas.

Therefore, the actual dive location can change because of:

Weather
Sea conditions
Government regulations
Marine conservation requirements
Operator permissions
Diver experience

What to Carry for Scuba Diving in Andaman

Essential Items

Carry:

Government photo ID
Swimwear
Extra clothes
Towel
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Waterproof phone pouch
Personal medicines, if required

The diving operator normally provides the required scuba equipment.

Scuba Diving Operators in Andaman

The Directorate of Tourism publishes a list of scuba-diving operators and their permitted activity types.

The current directory includes numerous shore-dive and boat-dive operators in Swaraj Dweep, including operators based around Govind Nagar and Vijay Nagar.

The Shaheed Dweep directory also lists multiple boat-dive operators around Ram Nagar, Sitapur and Neil Kendra.

Always verify the operator’s current authorization and operating status before booking, because permission expiry dates and approved operators can change.

Scuba Diving Packages in Andaman

Andaman Scuba Diving Package

Combine scuba diving with:

Hotels
Ferry tickets
Cab transfers
Island sightseeing
Water activities

Andaman Honeymoon Package with Scuba Diving

Combine:

Havelock or Neil Island
Scuba diving
Beach sightseeing
Sunset experiences
Romantic activities

Andaman Family Package with Scuba Diving

Combine family sightseeing with scuba diving for eligible participants.

Andaman Adventure Tour with Scuba Diving

A combination can include:

Scuba diving
Snorkeling
Sea walking
Kayaking
Other water sports

How to Book Scuba Diving in Andaman

Choose Your Scuba Diving Location

Select Havelock, Neil, North Bay or another designated diving location.

Select Your Diving Experience

Choose from:

Discover Scuba Diving
Shore Dive
Boat Dive
Certified Fun Dive
Scuba Course

Check Availability and Weather

Dive operations depend on sea conditions, weather, instructor availability and permitted dive sites.

Confirm Your Scuba Diving Booking

Before payment, confirm:

Dive location
Dive duration
Price
Equipment
Transfers
Photography/video
Cancellation policy
Age and eligibility requirements

Best Scuba Diving Itinerary in Andaman

4 Nights 5 Days Andaman with Scuba Diving

Day 1: Arrival in Port Blair + Cellular Jail
Day 2: Port Blair to Havelock + beach sightseeing
Day 3: Scuba Diving + Radhanagar Beach
Day 4: Havelock sightseeing / optional water activities
Day 5: Return to Port Blair + departure

The actual sequence should be adjusted according to ferry schedules and diving availability.

5 Nights 6 Days Andaman with Scuba Diving

Day 1: Port Blair arrival
Day 2: Havelock Island
Day 3: Scuba Diving + Havelock sightseeing
Day 4: Neil Island
Day 5: Neil sightseeing + return according to ferry schedule
Day 6: Departure

Frequently Asked Questions About Scuba Diving in Andaman

Which are the best places for scuba diving in Andaman?

Major scuba-diving destinations include Havelock Island, Neil Island, North Bay and designated South Andaman sites. The Administration also identifies several regulated marine areas for scuba diving.

Which island is famous for scuba diving in Andaman?

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is a major scuba-diving destination with numerous authorized operators offering shore and boat diving.

Is scuba diving available in Neil Island?

Yes. Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) has designated diving areas and multiple listed diving operators.

Can beginners do scuba diving in Andaman?

Yes. Beginner and introductory scuba-diving experiences are available through authorized operators, subject to age, health and other participation requirements.

Can non-swimmers do scuba diving in Andaman?

Some introductory programs may accommodate people without previous diving experience, but requirements vary by operator. Confirm the current eligibility conditions before booking.

What is the minimum age for scuba diving in Andaman?

The official tourism information lists 10 years as the minimum age for introductory diving, subject to applicable requirements.

What is the scuba diving price in Andaman in 2026?

There is no single fixed price for all of Andaman. Rates vary according to the island, operator, dive type, duration, equipment, boat arrangements and additional services.

What is the best time for scuba diving in Andaman?

The Tourism Directorate identifies October to May as a favorable period for scuba diving. Actual diving depends on daily sea and weather conditions.

Is scuba diving safe in Andaman?

Scuba diving has inherent risks. Participants should use authorized operators, follow instructor instructions, disclose relevant health information and comply with all safety procedures.

Which is better for scuba diving, Havelock or Neil Island?

Both Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep have designated diving areas and authorized operators. The appropriate choice depends on your itinerary, preferred dive type, experience level, operator availability and current sea conditions.

How long does scuba diving take in Andaman?

The total activity time varies by operator and dive type. Allow additional time for registration, equipment fitting, safety briefing, boat travel where applicable and the actual underwater session.

Can I take underwater photos while scuba diving?

Some operators provide underwater photography or video as an additional service. Confirm availability and charges before booking.

Plan Your Scuba Diving Trip to Andaman in 2026

For a short Andaman holiday, North Bay can provide access to underwater activities from Port Blair. For travelers staying on Havelock Island, the Tourism Directorate lists numerous authorized shore- and boat-dive operators. Neil Island also has several listed boat-dive operators.

Choose your diving location according to your travel itinerary, experience level, preferred dive type, weather and current operator availability.

For Andaman scuba diving, ferry, hotel, cab and tour package assistance:
Call / WhatsApp: +91-9933259998

Arif Khatib

We recently completed a 5 Nights 6 Days trip to the Andaman Islands covering Port Blair, Havelock Island, and Neil Island, and it was truly a memorable experience. The entire trip was very well planned and organized from the moment we arrived until our departure. All hotel bookings, ferry transfers, sightseeing arrangements, and local transportation were managed smoothly, allowing us to enjoy our vacation without any stress. The itinerary was perfectly balanced, giving us enough time to explore the beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and scenic attractions of Havelock and Neil Island while also enjoying the historical and cultural sites of Port Blair. The hotels provided were comfortable, the drivers were punctual and courteous, and the overall coordination was excellent. A special thanks to Mr. Sunny for arranging and coordinating the entire trip so efficiently. He was always available to assist, provided timely updates, and ensured that every aspect of our journey went smoothly. His professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication made our trip truly hassle-free and enjoyable. We had a wonderful time in Andaman and would highly recommend this travel agency to anyone looking for a well-organized and memorable holiday experience. Thank you once again for making our Andaman trip so special!

Sahana Ganesh

We recently completed a 6-day, 5-night family trip to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, covering Port Blair, Havelock Island, and Neil Island, and it was an amazing experience for all six of us. The entire trip was perfectly planned and executed. Everything ran smoothly, on time, and according to schedule. Everyone involved was friendly, polite, professional, and always ready to help. A special thanks to our organizers, Mr. Dinesh and Sunny, for their excellent coordination and support throughout the trip. We would also like to appreciate our drivers, Mr. Sajin and Mr. Rajendra, who were extremely cooperative, helpful, and made our travel comfortable and stress-free. Thank you for making our Andaman vacation so memorable. We highly recommend your services to anyone planning a trip to the islands.

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All the drivers were professional and on schedule, great assistance by Jahir and team. really appreciated the service from their end and would definitely recommend for anyone travelling in Andaman for a hassle free trip

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Very good package neatly organised good food and accommodation.

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Very good experience and satisfied and memorable trip

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Very much satisfied with the package and travel coordinator helped us for a smooth transit. Will recommend this for travel in and around Andaman islands

Hugh Lauxley

A wonderful tour operator based in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. They have excellent tie ups in different islands and are well organised. No hidden charges whatever is promised happens with them. Thank you Andaman Ocean and Sunny the very efficient coordinatorand Abhirami who booked the entire itinerary for us. We enjoyed the trip thoroughly.

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Excellent tour operator. Takes great care of all finer details. Comfortable vehicles, good and polite drivers, they have very good agents in different islands. Their coordinator, Sunny is a very capable individual. If you want to tour the Andamans try them. You wont be sorry

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I had booked cab services through AOTT from 14th to 18th including Baratang Island day trip and I was extremely happy with the overall experience in terms of punctuality, clarity, honesty and integrity with which the entire tour was conducted. Thank you team AOTT for this experience

Month	Highlights
October	Post-monsoon freshness, lush landscapes, start of tourist season. Ideal for sightseeing.
November	Clear skies and calm seas—perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach walks.
December	Festive vibes, great for honeymooners and families. Advance booking recommended.
January	Peak season with excellent weather. Great for outdoor tours and island hopping.
February	One of the best months – cool breeze, crystal-clear waters, fewer crowds.
March	Warm and dry—perfect for underwater sports, coral safaris, and trekking.
April	Ideal for family vacations and student groups. Sunny days and vibrant marine life.
May	Start of pre-monsoon. Hot but good for water sports and fewer crowds.

Month	Notes
June – July	Heavy rainfall, strong winds. Not suitable for ferries or water sports.
August – September	Occasional clear days, but activities still limited. Budget travelers may benefit from off-season discounts.

👤 Traveler Type	📍 Recommended Destinations
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family	Port Blair, Havelock, Neil, Baratang
💑 Honeymooners	Havelock, Neil, Diglipur
👩‍🦰 Women’s Groups	Port Blair, Havelock, North Bay, Neil
🌍 Solo Travelers	Diglipur, Havelock, Rangat
👴 Senior Citizens	Neil Island, Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu
🎓 Students	Baratang, North Bay, Ross Island, Havelock
👥 Group Travelers	Havelock, Baratang, Diglipur, Ross & Smith Island

Days	Best For	Destinations Covered
3–4	Short trip, budget travel	Port Blair, Havelock
5–6	First-time visitors	Port Blair, Havelock, Neil
7–8	Families, honeymooners	+ Baratang or more time at each island
9+	Explorers, offbeat lovers	+ Diglipur, Rangat, Mayabunder