If you’re reading this, you’ve probably never been scuba diving before but are interested in doing so. Do you have any concerns? Are you unsure what to expect? That’s why we’re here. We’ll tell scuba beginners what to expect and make sure you’re comfortable at all times.
Each of the options below is intended for first-timers to help you try scuba diving and decide if you like it. Consider it a trailer for scuba beginners, with your first scuba course serving as the film.
This post will discuss the scuba diving options on Havelock Island in the Andamans. This is the place to go if you want a spectacular first scuba experience. The water is lovely, clear, and gentle, and the underwater scenery is stunning.
Where to go for the best scuba diving in the Andamans:
Neil Island, Havelock Island, Port Blair, and North Bay Island are the best places for scuba diving in the Andamans. These locations have the most diverse marine biodiversity, as well as clear visibility and relatively calm waters. Your scuba instructor will guide you to the best underwater locations at each location so that you can fully explore the ocean and its mysteries.
1) HAVELOCK DIVE TRY (SHORE DIVE)
This is the ‘lite’ version of the most fundamental scuba experience, and it is appropriate for scuba beginners who don’t have time or are unsure how much they will enjoy scuba diving.
The Try Dive takes place on Havelock Island at Nemo Reef. This is commonly referred to as “The Classroom” because it is ideal for first-timers. The water is calm and clear, with a sandy bottom and no currents. There are much small fish to see here, including clownfish (Nemo fish), parrotfish, damselfish, seahorses, and others.
A Try Dive at Nemo Reef entails the following:
– One 20–25-minute session of shallow water training
– One dive lasting approximately 25 minutes: When you’re ready and confident, you’ll walk into deeper water with your instructor for your dive. You can go as deep as 16-39 feet, depending on how comfortable you are. Your instructor will keep in touch with you throughout the process to see how you are doing.
Check this out
Total time spent: 2 hours
20 minutes of training
Dive time: 25 minutes
Maximum depth: 16-39 feet, depending on your level of comfort.
Havelock Island’s Nemo Reef
The cost is INR 3500.
2) DISCOVER SCUBA DIVE WITH PADI (SHORE DIVE)
If you think a 20-minute dive is insufficient, you’re correct – you’ll love it so much that you’ll want more! The PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) option is the most fundamental certification available. It is a more advanced version of the Try Dive in that you will learn the skills required to become a certified diver and will be able to do a longer dive.
This PADI DSD Shore Dive takes place from the shore at Nemo Reef as well. After your dive, you’ll receive a PADI certificate that you can use to enroll in your first real scuba diving course.
A PADI DSD from the shore entails the following:
– One 20–25-minute session of shallow water training
– One dive lasting approximately 45 minutes: When you’re ready and confident, you’ll walk into deeper water with your instructor for your dive. You can go as deep as 16-39 feet, depending on how comfortable you are. Because the dive lasts longer, you’re more likely to go deeper than on a Try Dive. Your instructor will accompany you and will ask you to practice various skills underwater.
Check this out:
Total time spent: 2 hours
20 minutes of training
45-minute dive
Depth range: 16-39 feet
Havelock Island’s Nemo Reef
The price is INR 5310.
3) HAVELOCK DIVE TRY (BOAT DIVE)
Why should you dive from a boat? A boat dive allows you to go deeper into the sea and see more pristine underwater life. Coral reefs near the shore are smaller and less colorful than those in the open sea due to human disturbance. The fish that live closer to the shore and feed on these reefs are also smaller and less vibrant, resulting in a very different dive experience.
You will spend the same amount of time in the water on this Try Dive from a Boat, but you will get the full scuba experience, enjoy a boat ride, and dive in a fantastic location with plenty to see.
The Try Dive takes place on Havelock Island at Govind Nagar Beach. With calm water, a sandy bottom, and no currents, the diving conditions are ideal for beginners. You’ll see everything from shrimp and clownfish to sea horses and butterfly fish.
Here’s what a boat looks like. Try Dive in Havelock entails:
– One 20-25 minute session of shallow water training
– One dive lasting approximately 25 minutes: You’ll board a boat and sail into deeper water for your dive once you’re ready and confident. You’ll take a boat ride to a beautiful location and dive to a maximum depth of 16-39 feet, depending on your comfort level.
Check this out:
Total time required: 3-4 hours
20-25 minutes of training
Dive time: 25 minutes
Maximum depth: 16-39 feet, depending on your level of comfort.
Govind Nagar, Havelock Island
The cost is INR 5900.
Best time to go scuba diving in Andaman:
To understand why the best scuba diving in India occurs in the Andaman, visit during the non-monsoon season, which typically runs from October to May. The weather is pleasant during these months, and the water is clear, especially during the winter.
However, keep in mind that off-season rains or unusual cyclonic weather can render all diving plans obsolete. It is always advisable to check the weather before making diving plans, whether on your own or through an Andaman scuba diving course. Weekends are typically the busiest times for dive schools. Choose weekdays if you want to avoid crowds, or weekends if you want to meet new people.
How much does scuba diving cost in Andaman?
Depending on the dive center, the kind of dive, and the length of the dive, the cost of scuba diving in the Andaman Islands might change. A dive typically costs between INR 4,000 and INR 6,000 (about USD 50 and USD 80), with discounts offered for several dives or diving courses. However, costs might fluctuate significantly between dive shops, so it's best to shop around and compare costs before making a reservation. Nevertheless, some dive shops could provide packages that include lodging, meals, and diving, which can be a more affordable choice. To guarantee a safe and fun diving experience, it's crucial to pick a reputable dive shop with knowledgeable instructors and high safety standards.
Which month is best for scuba diving in Andaman?
The best time for scuba diving in Andaman is between November and April, when the water is clear and calm and visibility is up to 30 meters. During the monsoon season, the sea can be rough with strong currents and reduced visibility, making diving more challenging and less enjoyable.
Is Andaman safe for scuba diving?
Andaman is a safe destination for scuba diving, but it is important to take precautions and follow safety guidelines to minimize risks. Choose a reputable dive center with good safety records and experienced instructors, and follow responsible diving practices to protect the marine environment.