Scuba Diving and Snorkelling in the Andamans: Best Spots, Costs, Courses and Safety

The Andaman Islands sit in the warm, clear waters of the Bay of Bengal and offer some of India's best underwater experiences. Coral gardens, reef fish, turtles, rays and even the occasional dugong make the islands a magnet for first-time snorkellers and certified divers alike. This guide explains where to go, what to choose and how to stay safe.

Snorkelling vs Scuba Diving

Snorkelling

You float on the surface with a mask, snorkel and life jacket, looking down at shallow reefs. It needs no training, suits most ages and is the easiest way to see coral and fish.

Try Dive (Discover Scuba)

A short introductory dive with a certified instructor holding you throughout. After a briefing and practice in shallow water, you descend to a few metres. No previous experience is required.

Certification Courses

If you love the experience, you can take an Open Water Diver course (usually 3–4 days) to become a certified diver able to dive independently with a buddy. Advanced courses are also offered.

Best Places for Snorkelling

• Elephant Beach, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): shallow reefs close to shore; reached by boat. One of the most popular spots.
• North Bay Island, near Port Blair: good coral and glass-bottom boat rides; also sea-walking.
• Bharatpur Beach, Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): calm shallow water with coral.
• Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands: in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Wandoor, with excellent coral (seasonal access and permits).
• Kalapathar, Havelock: quieter beach with patches of coral.

Best Dive Sites

• Havelock: dozens of sites such as Nemo Reef, Aquarium, Turtle Bay, Johnny's Gorge and Dixon's Pinnacle, suitable for beginners to advanced divers.
• Neil Island: quieter dives with healthy reefs and good visibility.
• North Bay and Port Blair area: convenient for beginners on a short trip.
• Barren Island: India's only active volcano, offering world-class advanced diving on liveaboard trips (limited and permit-based).

Best Time for Diving and Snorkelling

• November to April: calm seas and the best visibility.
• May: still good, but warmer and pre-monsoon.
• June to September: monsoon; rough seas and many dive operations reduce trips.

What to Expect on a Try Dive

1. Medical questionnaire and briefing on equipment and hand signals.
2. Gearing up with wetsuit, mask, fins, BCD and tank.
3. Practice breathing and clearing your mask in shallow water.
4. A guided dive of about 20–40 minutes with an instructor at your side.
5. Debrief and photos or videos (often charged extra).

Health and Safety

• You do not need to be a strong swimmer for a try dive, but you must be comfortable in water.
• Declare any heart, lung, ear or sinus conditions; some may require a doctor's clearance.
• Do not fly within 24 hours after diving.
• Avoid diving with a cold or blocked nose.
• Never touch, stand on or break coral.

How to Choose a Dive Centre

• Look for internationally recognised certification (such as PADI or SSI).
• Check instructor-to-student ratios and equipment condition.
• Read recent reviews and ask about safety procedures and emergency plans.
• Avoid operators who rush briefings or skip medical forms.

Costs

Snorkelling trips are usually affordable and often bundled into Elephant Beach or North Bay excursions. Try dives cost more, and certification courses are a bigger investment. Prices vary by island, season and operator, so compare inclusions such as boat transfers, photos and equipment.

Sample 6-Day Island Plan with Water Activities

1. Arrive in Port Blair; Cellular Jail and Corbyn's Cove.
2. North Bay snorkelling or sea walk; Ross Island.
3. Ferry to Havelock; Radhanagar Beach sunset.
4. Elephant Beach snorkelling or a try dive.
5. Ferry to Neil; Bharatpur Beach snorkelling.
6. Return to Port Blair and fly home.

Protecting the Reef

• Use reef-safe sunscreen or cover up with a rash guard.
• Do not feed fish.
• Keep fins away from coral.
• Take nothing but photos.

Practical Tips

• Carry quick-dry clothes and a towel.
• Bring a waterproof phone pouch.
• Book popular dive slots a day or two in advance in peak season.
• Ferries can be cancelled in bad weather – keep buffer time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know swimming for scuba diving in the Andamans?

Not for a try dive. An instructor guides you throughout, but you should be comfortable in water.

Which island is best for scuba diving?

Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) has the widest choice of dive sites and centres.

What is the best season for diving in the Andamans?

November to April, when the sea is calm and visibility is good.

Is snorkelling safe for children?

Yes, with life jackets and supervision at calm, shallow spots like Elephant Beach and Bharatpur Beach.

Can I fly right after diving?

No. Wait at least 24 hours after diving before flying.

Plan Your Trip with On Travel

Our Andaman packages can include snorkelling, try dives and stays on Havelock and Neil, with ferries and transfers arranged.

• Phone / WhatsApp: +91 9220564155
• Email: info@ontravel.in

Plan Your Trip with On Travel

Ready to go? These itineraries cover the places in this guide and can be customised to your dates and budget:

• Andaman Oceanview Retreat – 6 Nights / 7 Days
• Andaman with Baratang Island – 6 Nights / 7 Days
• Andaman Premium Adventure with Seakart – 5 Nights / 6 Days
• Andaman Exploration with Baratang Caves – 6 Nights / 7 Days

Browse all Andaman tour packages.

Related reading: Andaman Trip Cost · Best Time to Visit Andaman