Andaman and Nicobar Islands belong to the union territory of India and are in the Indian Ocean. This group of islands is known for its rich biodiversity, mesmerising beaches and scenic views that draw in millions of tourists annually!

One of the tourist-favourite water sports to engage in when on the islands is Scuba Diving. Andaman and Nicobar offer breath-taking and some of the best experiences for scuba divers. You can get a chance to swim among manta rays, coral gardens, colourful schools of fishes of different shapes and sizes, jelly fishes, sea turtles, sharks, sea snakes, and so much more!

In this article, we will provide all the necessary information about scuba diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for you to have the best adventure.

The islands are glorified for their many scuba diving opportunities. Most of the famous spots are in the south of the islands; swimmers and non-swimmers can participate. Professional divers and instructors assist scuba divers on every swim ensuring a safe exploration of the world underwater.

Some of the best scuba diving spots in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are:

1. Swaraj Dweep (or Havelock Island)

Havelock Island is home to the majority of the popular scuba diving spots in Andaman. There are at least 25 dive spots within Swaraj Dweep Island.

• Popular Diving Spots: Neptune Memorial Reef, Emerald Reef, The Wall, Dixon's Pinnacle, Pilot Reef, White House Rock, Jackson's Bar, Mac Point, Aquarium, Barracuda City, Turtle Bay, Seduction Point, Minerva Ledge and more.
  
• Attractions: Shipwrecks, Gorges, pinnacles, walls, marine life such as sharks, manta rays, turtles, dugongs, lobsters, octopus, barracudas and different schools of fishes such as humpback parrot fish, lionfish, etc.
• Depth: 5m - 40m.
  
• Costs: Individual dives - ₹3,500 - ₹5,000 & Courses - ₹18,000 - ₹35,000

2. Neil Island

The tiny Neil Island is one of the most beautiful and serene places in Andaman. It has abundant natural beauty of flora and fauna. It is famously known for spotting the Dugong, the state animal.

• Popular Diving Spots: Margherita's Mischief, Volcanic Rock (K Rock), Sloping Seabed at Bus Stop, Junction, Lighthouse, Rocky's, Nursery/ One Bottle, Neil Garden, Manta Point/Robin's Bay, Busy Burro and more.
• Attractions: Batfish, Pufferfish, Blue-spotted Stingrays, Yellow Snappers, Angelfish, colourful Corals, Marlin, Lionfish, Reef Sharks, Trevally Barracudas, 
• Depth: 5m - 30m.
  
• Costs: Individual dives - ₹3,500 - ₹4,500 & Courses - ₹16,000 - ₹30,000

3. Port Blair

Port Blair is the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Most of the tourists land and stay around the city. There's much to do in Port Blair, and scuba diving is one of the most popular adventure sports.

• Popular Diving Spots: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Wandoor, Chidiya Tapu, Corbyn's Cove Beach, Rutland Island, Snake Island, North Bay Island.
  
• Attractions: Sea anemones, clownfish, turtles, corals, reef fishes, dolphins, tuna and more vibrant marine life along with shipwrecks.
• Depth: 10m - 30m.
  
• Costs: Individual dives - Staring from ₹3,500 & Courses - ₹15,000 - ₹28,000

4. Barren Island

The Barren Island is home to the only active volcano in Asia, making it one among India's most distinctive dive sites. Since the island is off-limits to tourists for obvious reasons, the surrounding ocean is fully pristine and home to a diverse array of fish and other marine life.

• Popular Diving Spots: Barren Garden, Manta Point, Purple Haze.
• Attractions: Silver garden eels, dolphins, white-tip reef sharks, turtles, large manta rays, schools of barracuda, trevally, dogtooth tuna, coral reefs, caves and more!
• Depth: 7m - 30m 
• Costs: Individual dives - ₹3,000 - ₹8,000 & Courses - Up to ₹22,700

5. Other Location

Apart from these popular diving sites, there are some independent scuba diving spots located around Andaman and Nicobar Island, such as:

• North Island: Located in Cinque Island is only accessible via chartered boats. You can find many corals, sponges, fishes and even sharks.
  
• Bala Reef: Located in Little Andaman, Bala Reef is a popular diving spot filled with vibrant and colourful sea life.
• Narcondam Island: This is an inactive volcanic island with a wonderous realm of stunning marine life and coral reefs. One can dive as deep as 30m here among eagle rays, manta rays, big-eyed trevally, giant groupers, potato cods, and more. 

November to May are the best months to visit Andaman and Nicobar Islands if you want to go scuba diving.

The island has a tropical climate and experiences favourable climatic conditions within the range of 23°C to 31°C all year round. One will witness the tropical storms and rains in late summers and monsoons which brings out the lush green vegetation and scenic beauty of the island.

Apart from scuba diving, you also have a plethora of sporting options to choose from to enjoy your vacation on the island. Some of them are:

• Snorkelling
• Kayaking
• Game fishing
• Jet skiing
• Parasailing
• Sea Walk
• Banana Boat Rides
• Mangrove Kayaking
• Sea Kart

Before you go scuba diving in Andaman and Nicobar, be sure to carry these essential items:

• Sunblock and sunglasses
• Rehydrating salt and hydrating liquids
• Dry bag
• First aid kit
• Underwater camera, if needed with a case to protect your camera from getting wet, and
• Identification documents are always handy.

Scuba diving operators in the islands will provide you with scuba diving equipment. Please check your equipment before you're in the water to avoid malfunctions.

• Dive only in areas that are designated for scuba diving. Venturing out into uncharted areas can pose a risk to your safety.
• Do not stand, walk, break or collect corals reefs.
• Always go scuba diving with a group. Always pay attention to your instructor and follow the rules or guidelines that they have set down.
• Avoid diving under the influence of substances (alcohol or drugs), or if you are physically unwell or have respiratory or coronary illnesses, or if advised against by a medical practitioner.
• There should be a time gap of at least 24 hours between flying and going scuba diving.
• Non-certified divers can only go up to 12 meters in Andaman and must be accompanied by a certified diver.

Diving in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is exceptional. The Islands are an abode to one of the richest coral reef ecosystems and under water formations in the world. Divers are bound to have a life-changing experience at the islands, which will keep one wanting more. So, even if you are a beginner or a professional diver, you cannot miss scuba diving in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.