Scuba diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a thrilling experience, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Here’s a concise guide to help you plan your scuba diving adventure, tailored to your interest in budget-friendly and comprehensive options based on our previous discussions:

Best Places for Scuba Diving

• Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): The top diving hub, known for sites like Nemo Reef (ideal for beginners, shallow waters, vibrant corals) and Barracuda City (perfect for new divers, with colorful fish and sea turtles). Elephant Beach is great for other water sports but less suited for scuba.
• Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Offers dive sites, suitable for beginners and non-swimmers due to calm waters and rich marine life like parrotfish and turtles.
• Port Blair (Sri Vijaya Puram): Features North Bay Island for shore diving, ideal for first-timers.

Best Time to Dive

• October to May: Ideal due to calm seas, clear skies, and excellent visibility (15-40 meters). Water temperatures range from 26–30°C, making it comfortable for diving.
• Monsoon Season (June to September): Not recommended due to rough seas and poor visibility, though diving is still possible with reduced crowds and lower prices.

Pricing

Costs vary based on location, dive type, and operator:

• Havelock Island: Most budget-friendly due to competition. A single shore dive at Nemo Reef starts at ~₹3,000–₹4,500. Boat dives cost ~₹4,500–₹6,000.
• Neil Island: Scuba diving costs ~₹3,000–₹5,000 per dive.
• PADI Courses:
  • Discover Scuba Diving (for non-swimmers/beginners): ₹4,000–₹6,000.
  • Open Water Course (4 days, lifelong certification): ₹25,000–₹35,000.