Scuba Diving in Andaman: Complete Guide for Beginners & Pros
Everything you need to know about diving in Andaman — costs, best sites, PADI certification, safety tips, and what to expect underwater in India's #1 dive destination.
Book Your Dive25+
Dive Sites
₹3,500-5,000
Beginner Cost
20-40m
Visibility
Year-Round
Diving Season
Scuba Diving Cost in Andaman (2026)
Prices vary by dive type, operator, and season. Here is a realistic cost breakdown so you can plan your budget accurately.
Discover Scuba (Beginner)
₹3,500-5,000
No experience needed. Includes 30-min training + 1 dive (20-30 min). Equipment provided. Best for first-timers.
- ✓Zero experience required
- ✓30-minute pool/shallow training
- ✓One guided dive (20-30 minutes)
- ✓All equipment included
- ✓PADI-certified instructor with you at all times
Fun Dive (Certified)
₹2,500-3,500/dive
For certified divers. Choose from 25+ sites. Equipment rental included. Multi-dive packages available at discount.
- ✓PADI/SSI certification required
- ✓Choose your preferred dive site
- ✓Equipment rental included
- ✓Multi-dive discounts available
- ✓Boat transfer to dive site included
PADI Open Water Course
₹25,000-35,000
4-day certification course. Theory + pool + 4 open water dives. Internationally recognised. Dive anywhere in the world after.
- ✓4-day comprehensive course
- ✓Classroom theory sessions
- ✓Confined water (pool) practice
- ✓4 open water dives
- ✓Internationally recognised certification
Additional Costs to Know
Best Dive Sites in Andaman
Andaman has over 25 recognised dive sites across Havelock and Neil Island. These six are the most popular and offer diverse underwater experiences for every skill level.
The Wall
Dramatic vertical drop-off that plunges into the deep blue. One of Andaman's most iconic dive sites with pelagic marine life and stunning underwater geography.
Depth: 18-40m
Marine Life: Eagle rays, reef sharks, barracuda
Dixon's Pinnacle
Underwater mountain peak rising from the ocean floor. Rich biodiversity and strong currents bring larger marine species. A favourite among experienced divers.
Depth: 12-28m
Marine Life: Manta rays, turtles, groupers
Aquarium
Shallow coral garden teeming with colourful fish. Gentle currents and excellent visibility make this the perfect site for beginners and Discover Scuba sessions.
Depth: 5-14m
Marine Life: Clownfish, angelfish, colourful corals
Lighthouse
Rocky reef with small caves and overhangs. Excellent macro diving with an abundance of smaller, fascinating creatures hiding in crevices and coral formations.
Depth: 8-18m
Marine Life: Moray eels, lionfish, nudibranchs
Margherita's Mischief
Pristine reef in crystal-clear waters. Less crowded than Havelock sites, offering a more intimate diving experience with healthy coral and abundant marine life.
Depth: 8-22m
Marine Life: Sea turtles, octopus, schools of fusiliers
K-Rock
Rocky underwater formations with dramatic topography. Strong currents occasionally bring in larger pelagic species, making every dive a unique experience.
Depth: 10-25m
Marine Life: Reef sharks, stingrays, large groupers
What to Expect — Step by Step
Never dived before? Here is exactly what happens during a Discover Scuba Diving session in Andaman, from start to finish. The entire experience takes 2-3 hours.
Arrive at the Dive Centre (8-9 AM)
Reach the dive centre in the morning. You will fill out a medical declaration form and sign a liability waiver. The staff will check for any health conditions that may affect your dive. If you have asthma, heart issues, or epilepsy, inform them upfront.
Briefing and Training (30-45 Minutes)
Your PADI-certified instructor will teach you essential skills: how to breathe through the regulator, hand signals for underwater communication, how to equalise ear pressure, and what to do if your mask floods. This briefing is thorough and designed to make you completely comfortable.
Gear Up for the Dive
The dive centre provides everything: wetsuit, buoyancy control device (BCD), regulator, mask, fins, and weight belt. Your instructor will help you put on and adjust all equipment. You do not need to bring anything except a swimsuit and towel.
Shallow Water Practice
Before the actual dive, you will practise breathing and basic skills in waist-deep or chest-deep water near the shore or in a pool. This is where you build confidence with the regulator and learn to trust the equipment. Take your time — there is no rush.
The Dive — Explore the Underwater World
Time for the real thing. Your instructor will guide you to a depth of 8-12 metres. You will explore coral reefs, swim alongside colourful fish, and experience weightlessness underwater for 20-40 minutes. Your instructor stays within arm's reach throughout the dive.
Surface and Celebrate
After the dive, you will surface, debrief with your instructor, and return to the dive centre. Collect your underwater photos and videos (available for ₹1,000-2,000). Most divers describe this as one of the best experiences of their lives — and many book a second dive the same day.
PADI Certification in Andaman
Andaman is one of the most affordable places in Asia to get PADI certified. Your certification is internationally recognised — dive anywhere in the world once you complete it.
Open Water Diver
The foundational PADI certification that qualifies you to dive independently up to 18 metres anywhere in the world.
- ✓Classroom theory and exam
- ✓Confined water (pool) skill sessions
- ✓4 open water dives at Havelock
- ✓Dive up to 18m worldwide
- ✓Certification valid for life
Advanced Open Water
Build on your Open Water skills with 5 adventure dives including deep diving and underwater navigation.
- ✓5 adventure dives
- ✓Deep dive to 30m
- ✓Underwater navigation skills
- ✓Night dive experience
- ✓Dive up to 30m worldwide
Rescue Diver
Learn emergency management, self-rescue, and how to assist other divers in distress. A must for serious divers.
- ✓Emergency scenario training
- ✓Self-rescue techniques
- ✓Tired diver management
- ✓Underwater search and recovery
- ✓First aid and CPR certification
Recommended PADI 5-Star Dive Centres
Barefoot Scuba, Dive India, Andaman Bubbles, and Ocean Tribe are all PADI 5-Star certified centres in Havelock. They use well-maintained equipment, employ internationally certified instructors, and maintain excellent safety records. Book directly with them or through your tour package.
Essential Safety Tips for Diving in Andaman
Scuba diving is very safe when done with certified operators. Follow these guidelines to ensure a comfortable and worry-free experience underwater.
No Flying After Diving
Don't fly within 18-24 hours of your last dive. Residual nitrogen in your body needs time to dissipate. Plan your schedule so your last dive is at least a full day before your flight.
Stay Hydrated, Skip Alcohol
Avoid alcohol before diving. Dehydration increases the risk of decompression sickness. Drink plenty of water before and after your dive to stay safe.
Equalise Early and Often
Equalise your ear pressure early and often as you descend. Don't wait until you feel pain — by then it is harder to equalise. Pinch your nose and blow gently every metre or two.
Don't Touch Marine Life
Look but don't touch. Touching coral damages years of growth. Some marine creatures like lionfish, stonefish, and fire coral can cause painful stings or injuries.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem. Chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate are toxic to coral. Choose mineral-based alternatives.
Check Medical Fitness
Medical conditions like asthma, heart issues, or epilepsy may prevent diving. Consult your doctor before booking. Dive centres require a medical declaration form for all divers.
Best Time for Scuba Diving in Andaman
While Andaman offers year-round diving outside the monsoon, visibility and sea conditions vary significantly by month. Here is a seasonal breakdown to help you pick the right time.
October - December
ExcellentPost-monsoon seas have calmed, and underwater visibility is superb. Water is warm and conditions are ideal. This is manta ray season at several Havelock sites.
Visibility: 25-40m
Water Temp: 28-29°C
Highlight: Manta ray season at Havelock dive sites
January - March
Peak SeasonThe best overall conditions for diving in Andaman. Crystal-clear water, calm seas, and warm temperatures. This is also the busiest period, so book your dives 1-2 weeks in advance.
Visibility: 30-40m
Water Temp: 28-30°C
Highlight: Best visibility of the year. Book ahead.
April - May
GoodWater temperatures are at their warmest, and conditions are still favourable for diving. Visibility drops slightly compared to peak season, but fewer tourists mean easier bookings and more personal attention.
Visibility: 15-25m
Water Temp: 29-31°C
Highlight: Fewer crowds, warmer water
June - September
Not RecommendedMonsoon season brings rough seas, strong currents, and poor visibility. Most dive centres close during this period. Ferries to Havelock and Neil Island are frequently cancelled.
Visibility: Below 10m
Water Temp: 27-28°C
Scuba Diving in Andaman — FAQs
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