Andaman is one of Asia's most underrated dive destinations — clear 30m visibility, unbleached coral, and gentle currents that make it perfect for first-time divers. Here's everything you need to know before booking your first dive.
Where to Dive: Havelock vs Neil Island
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
The diving capital of India. 8+ PADI-certified schools, 20+ dive sites, and depths ranging from beginner-friendly 12m reefs to advanced 30m wrecks. Best for first-timers.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Quieter, more relaxed. Fewer dive sites but often less crowded. Best if you already have some dive experience and want a chilled vibe.
Types of Dives Explained
| Dive Type | Duration | Cost (₹) | Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Try Dive (Discover Scuba) | 30-40 min underwater | 3,500–5,000 | No certification, guided |
| Boat Dive (Fun Dive) | 45 min underwater | 4,500–6,000 | Need Open Water cert |
| PADI Open Water Course | 3–4 days | 22,000–30,000 | Get certified for life |
| Advanced Open Water | 2 days | 18,000–22,000 | Adds deep + night dives |
Best Dive Sites for Beginners
- Nemo Reef — colourful clownfish and Nemo-style corals at 8-12m depth
- Aquarium — huge variety of tropical fish in warm shallow water
- Turtle Bay — regular green turtle sightings, gentle sloping reef
Best Dive Sites for Advanced Divers
- Johnny's Gorge — bull rays, reef sharks, current-swept swim-throughs at 25m
- The Wall — dramatic drop-off from 5m to 60m, big pelagic fish
- The Wreck of the SS Inchket — historic shipwreck at 27m (Advanced only)
Best Time to Dive
December to April has the best visibility (25–30m) and calmest seas. May and November have great visibility but slightly warmer water. Monsoon (June–September) dives are cancelled most days due to rough seas.
What to Expect on Your First Dive
- Beach briefing (30 min) — instructor teaches equalisation, mask-clearing, and hand signals
- Shallow-water practice (15 min) — get comfortable breathing underwater
- Guided dive (30-40 min) — descend to 8–12m, explore coral, spot marine life
- Debrief + photos — most schools give you a free underwater video
Health Requirements
- Minimum age: 10 years for Try Dive, 12 years for PADI certification
- Should not dive if you have: severe asthma, uncontrolled diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions, or if pregnant
- No flying for 18 hours after your last dive — plan your departure day accordingly
Which Dive School to Choose?
Look for schools with PADI 5-Star ratings, at least 5 years of local experience, and small group sizes (max 4 divers per instructor for beginners). Andaman Avalon partners only with vetted PADI-certified schools with clean safety records.
Our Adventure Seeker's Paradise package includes a Try Dive with underwater photography. Or WhatsApp us for a fully-customised PADI course package.