Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?
On arrival at Port Blair :
1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).
2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.
3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.
What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?
If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.
If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:
a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.
Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.
Andaman Islands are not exempt from the global popularity of Scuba Diving, one of the most sought-after water sports activities. Amidst the serene and tranquil beaches and the delectable seafood, it is the allure of diving that captivates a significant number of visitors to this archipelago.
The coastal areas surrounding the Andamans boast an incredibly rich ecosystem of coral reefs and formations, creating an underwater paradise. Extensive stretches of reefs, often spanning several hundred meters, encircle most of the islands. These reefs are bordered by shallow waters along the shore and complemented by volcanic lava hills, providing a truly unique and unparalleled diving experience that is hard to replicate elsewhere.
Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Andaman's vibrant coral reefs, teeming with an array of colorful fish and captivating marine creatures that seem to emerge magically from the deep blue ocean, creating a breathtaking spectacle for divers.
Thanks to the diligent conservation efforts of the Andaman Administration, the abundance of corals and marine life is a sight to behold. As you dive into the depths, you will find yourself surrounded from all directions by these natural wonders, leaving you in a state of awe and wonder.
Indulge in one of the finest Scuba Diving experiences in India during your visit to Andaman, and embark on an unforgettable journey into the enchanting underwater realm.
When it comes to Scuba Diving in Andaman, there is no shortage of options. With 10 stunning islands and over 40 dive sites to choose from, selecting the perfect spot for your diving adventure depends on several key factors:
By considering these factors, you can choose the best diving spots in Andaman that align with your preferences and provide an unforgettable underwater experience.
Selecting the ideal dive location can be a daunting task, given the various factors to consider. To simplify your decision-making process, we have compiled a list of the top four islands that offer a remarkable Scuba Diving experience in Andaman:
By considering these top four islands, you can embark on an unforgettable Scuba Diving adventure, immersing yourself in the mesmerizing underwater realm of Andaman.
Nemo Reef, located in Havelock Island, fulfills every criterion for an exceptional diving experience, making it the ultimate destination for both novice and seasoned divers in Andaman.
Diving at Nemo Reef allows you to immerse yourself in a world teeming with vibrant marine life and flourishing coral formations. Throughout your dive, you will be surrounded by an array of colorful fish and captivating sea creatures, creating an unforgettable underwater spectacle. The crystal-clear waters and gentle currents contribute to a stress-free and secure diving adventure.
Accessible by road, Havelock Island offers a convenient route to the beach. Moreover, a wide selection of experienced PADI certified scuba providers are available, ensuring you have ample choices to compare and select the best package tailored to your preferences.
Discover 9 remarkable dive locations in Havelock Island, each offering a unique and captivating experience tailored to your preferences. These top-notch sites cater to divers seeking various types of underwater adventures.
Expand your diving horizons with these exciting dive sites in Havelock Island:
Embark on thrilling underwater adventures as you explore these diverse dive sites, each offering its own unique underwater landscapes, marine life, and captivating experiences.
Embark on an unforgettable scuba diving expedition near North Bay Island in Andaman. Situated close to Ross Island, this charming little island ranks as the second-best diving destination in the region. Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear, azure waters that surround the island, and marvel at the abundant coral population, creating a breathtaking underwater spectacle.
Diving prices at North Bay Island are relatively low, making it an affordable choice for divers. However, it's advisable to pre-book and plan ahead to manage additional costs such as boat and transportation fees.
While the island itself is small with limited sightseeing opportunities, it is perfect for diving enthusiasts seeking a focused and immersive diving tour. Be prepared to dedicate a full day to this exceptional diving experience, indulging in the beauty of North Bay Island's underwater realm.
Explore the underwater wonders near Neil Island in Andaman, a destination renowned for its exceptional hotels and resorts. While the water may not boast crystal-clear visibility, it still offers a remarkable diving experience thanks to the thriving marine life and vibrant corals found along the coastline and beyond. With moderate water currents and safe depths, Neil Island provides an optimal setting for an unforgettable underwater adventure.
It's worth noting that due to lower competition and fewer tourists, the prices for diving in Neil Island may be slightly higher compared to other locations. However, if you're unable to visit the aforementioned dive sites, we highly recommend considering diving in Neil Island for a unique and rewarding experience.
Indulge in an exciting scuba diving experience near Port Blair in the stunning Andaman Islands. Port Blair, the capital city, offers a decent location for diving enthusiasts. Head to Carbyn's Cove Beach, a fantastic spot for underwater fun and adventure, located a mere 12 km from the airport.
Discover the well-preserved and abundant live corals near Snake Island (no snakes here!), with clear waters providing excellent visibility of the underwater world. While the marine life may not be as abundant as in other spots, you'll soon forget the difference once you immerse yourself in this captivating experience.
The prices for a complete diving experience in Port Blair are relatively affordable, making it an ideal choice for families on a budget trip. Additionally, there are no additional transportation or boat costs involved, further enhancing the convenience.
Explore other remarkable dive sites in Port Blair, including the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Corruption Rock, Rutland Island, and Snake Island, for a diverse range of underwater adventures.
Experience the extraordinary by diving in Barren Island, the sole active volcano in Asia, and one of India's most unique dive locations. As the island is off-limits for tourists due to obvious reasons, the surrounding untouched waters harbor a diverse array of fish and captivating sea creatures.
Diving near Barren Island in Andaman offers an opportunity to witness an enchanting underwater world filled with silver garden eels, dolphins, white-tip reef sharks, turtles, and, if you're fortunate, majestic manta rays spanning up to 6 meters in size.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant marine ecosystem as schools of barracuda, trevally, dogtooth tuna, and other fascinating fish species gracefully swim among the thriving coral reefs.
A typical diving trip to Barren Island lasts approximately 12 hours, with a boat journey usually commencing at 3 AM. During the excursion, you'll have the chance to dive three times, offering ample exploration time beneath the waves. The cost for this remarkable adventure is Rs. 22,000.
For avid scuba enthusiasts seeking thrilling adventures during their trip, Barren Island in Andaman is an exceptional diving destination, offering an unforgettable experience that may require a slightly higher investment.
The cost of scuba diving in Andaman varies depending on the chosen island and dive operator. Prices may also include additional charges for boat transportation to certain dive sites.
Elephant Beach in Havelock Island is considered one of the best diving spots, while Nemo Reef offers more affordable options. Although access to Nemo Reef requires a boat ride, there is a wide selection of vendors offering reasonably priced scuba diving experiences.
Additionally, there are other dive sites in Andaman where you can enjoy diving at a reasonable cost.
Even beginners and non-swimmers can partake in scuba diving with the assistance of experienced providers. PADI certified divers will guide and support you throughout the dive, ensuring your safety and providing necessary training on diving basics and protocols.
Refer to the table below for accurate pricing details:
| S.no. | Details | Cost (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | PADI Discover Scuba Diving (Compact Program/Mini DSD) Shore dive Boat dive |
4,500 5,500 |
| 2. | PADI Discover Scuba Diving Shore dive Boat dive Extra dive (same day) |
6,000 7,500 3,500 |
| 3. | PADI Open Water Diver Course (Basic- 4 days) (Premium- 5 days, private training, 2 extra dives, photos, videos) |
29,000 58,000 |
| 4. | PADI Scuba Diver Course (2.5 days) | 19,400 |
Continuing Education Programmes
| S.no. | Details | Cost (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | PADI Adventure Diver (1-2 days, 3 Dives) | 16,600 |
| 2. | PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (2- 3 days, 5 Dives) Basic Premium (3 days, private training, 5 course dives + Extra Dive, photos, videos) |
24,500 45,000 |
| 3. | PADI Rescue Diver (2-3 days) | 24,500 |
| 4. | Emergency First Responder | 14,000 |
| 5. | PADI Speciality Course with 2 dives | 13,900 |
| 6. | PADI Speciality Course with 3 dives | 16,200 |
| 7. | PADI Speciality Course with 4 dives | 19,700 |
| 8. | PADI Enriched Air Diver - Nitrox (theory only) | 9,900 |
Course Combo
| S.no. | Details | Cost (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Discover Scuba Diving + Open Water Diver | 32,400 |
| 2. | Open Water + Advanced Open Water Diver | 49,050 |
| 3. | EFR + Rescue Diver | 34,650 |
Fun Diving
| S.no. | Details | Cost (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1 day / 2 dives | 7,000 |
| 2. | 2 days / 4 dives | 14,000 |
| 3. | 3 days / 6 dives | 20,500 |
| 4. | 4 days / 8 dives | 27,000 |
| 5. | 5 days / 10 dives | 33,500 |
| 6. | 6 days / 12 dives | 40,000 |
| 7. | 7th day onwards / 2 dives | 5,000 each day |
| 8. | Night dive | 4,500 |
Refresher
| S.no. | Details | Cost (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Full Scuba Review (with 1 shore dive) | 7,500 |
| 2. | Lite Scuba Review (with 2 boat dives) | 8,000 |
Pro Courses
| S.no. | Details | Cost (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | PADI Divemaster (course dives only) | 85,000 |
| 2. | PADI Assistant Instructor | 30,000 |
Note: PADI application fee for pro courses is additional, payable to PADI directly.
Snorkelling
| S.no. | Details | Cost (in Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Snorkelling excursion (2 sites, boat) | 5,500 |
| 2. | Snorkelling off the boat (1 site) | 3,500 |
| 3. | Snorkelling off the shore (1 site) | 2,000 |
Prices are Valid till March 31, 2024. 18% GST Applicable
If you aspire to become a certified diver or pursue a professional career in diving, Andaman offers a range of certification programs from accredited schools. Currently, two prominent schools in Andaman offering certifications are PADI and SSI.
For beginners, undertaking the Basic Open Water Course is essential. This course, available through either school, leads to certification and a diving card. With this card, you gain access to basic dive sites worldwide.
Dedicated enthusiasts or those seeking to become instructors can opt for the Advanced Open Water Course. Upon completion, divers can explore depths of up to 30 meters. Progressing further, one can become an Emergency Responder, certified by PADI as a Rescue Diver, and eventually achieve the esteemed status of Dive Master.
With a Dive Master certificate, you can guide new divers in shallow or deep waters across the globe, sharing your passion and expertise. Take the plunge into the captivating world of scuba diving and unlock new opportunities for exploration and adventure.
Of course, you can. For non-swimmers, there is a special program known as the Discover Scuba Dive program. In this, you will be accompanied by a licensed and experienced dive professional throughout your dive.
Diving in the Andaman Islands, India is an extremely safe water sport. All safety standards and procedures are followed carefully. Divemasters and instructors have globally recognized certifications. They are completely trained in dive supervision, diver rescue, Emergency First Response (EFR), etc.
It is always a good idea to book your scuba diving slot in the Andamans well in advance. During the peak season, it becomes very difficult to get a slot. You can make the booking by contacting Andaman Island Travels to save yourself from the last-minute chaos.
Scuba diving takes place in the earlier half of the day between 6 am and 1 pm. You may be required to spend more time later in the day in case you have enrolled yourself in the course. It will depend on the instructor’s schedule and the progress of your theory.
It would be a great idea if you undertake a Refresher Course if it has been over one year since you dived last time. It will help you in revisiting standard scuba diving skills and procedures again.
One can start diving from the age of ten years. As long as your physical and mental healths are good, there is not any upper age limit on learning scuba diving in the Andamans. However, there are certain medical conditions because of which you may not be allowed to dive. These conditions are more prevalent among older people.
In content and application, both PADI and SSI (Scuba Schools International) are quite similar. But with SSI, there is a minor cost benefit as you don’t have to purchase any study material (except for the divemaster course).
Ears hurt due to the water pressure on the eardrums. You will learn simple techniques to equalize your ears to the surrounding pressure in your scuba course.
There are diving masks with prescription lenses available. You can enjoy your diving experience to the fullest with these.
Normally, one can do up to three dives in a day but that is subject to availability and advance booking.
After a single dive, you need to wait for at least twelve hours before taking the flight. In the case of multiple flights, you need to wait for at least eighteen hours before flying.
Yes, one can dive in the monsoon season but it is not popular in the Andaman Islands. Underwater conditions are not affected by rains significantly but rains result in rough weather and choppy seas. This may discourage long boat rides. Thus, avoid diving in the monsoons here.
Our best recommendation in this case would be Havelock Island Beach Resort located in Swaraj Dweep. Havelock Island anyway is the best place for scuba diving in the Andamans. The resort has its own dive center that offers a number of exciting water activities as well. After completing your dive with them, you can stay at this beachfront resort that is counted among the top ones across the island.
Yes, Scuba diving in the Andaman Islands, India is extremely easy. It is not tough at all. First, a practice session in the shallow waters is given first so that you are familiarised with the experience to some extent. You will be taught the use of scuba diving gear, sign language for communicating underwater, etc. After your training session, you can easily dive deep into the water and enjoy your scuba diving experience. To make everything smoother for you, a licensed diver will accompany you throughout your dive.
Scuba diving in the Andamans starts from Rs.3,500 per person. This price includes one scuba diving session, instructor charges, and underwater photos of your dive. The duration of the dive is around 45 minutes to one hour. You can spot diverse fishes during this time under the water.
In the Andaman Islands, kids can also scuba dive. However, the minimum age limit is ten years. Also, the instructors will examine the child before approving. If he/she is allowed to go further, an instructor will accompany him/her during the sport.
Havelock Island in the Andamans is the best place for scuba diving in whole India. The marine life here is exceptionally rich and mesmerising. Colorful fishes and corals are sure to take your breath away.
Scuba diving is the most sought-after water activity for visitors travelling the Andaman Islands, India. Deep down the turquoise waters, you can experience marine life at its best. The best way to witness the colorful submerged world and get close to the marvels of the underwater world is to go for scuba diving in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). This recreational water sport is enjoyed by everyone around the globe and people from different countries visit this splendid island to experience the magic.
With no medical complications if you are in the best of your health, then you are all set to go for scuba diving. At the time of activity, scuba gear will be provided to you, and before diving into the sea, you will have to attend a training session with expert instructors. A licensed diver will accompany you throughout the dive.
The best time for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands is between November and February as the water temperature is the most pleasant during this time period. Also, if you want to avoid any last-minute hassles, then book your scuba diving slot well in advance.
There are certain things that you should carry while going to your scuba diving site. Keep these in a bag and leave outside the water. You will need them after your diving is complete and you are out of the water. These things are as follows:
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