You might’ve seen underwater views in movies and photos, but there’s a feeling you get from witnessing it in real life that movies can’t replicate. It’s almost like feeling human again, reconnecting with nature, staying still while a whole other world lives out its life right in front of your eyes.
It’s this exact feeling that you get to have while scuba diving in the Andamans. Here, one moment you're standing on a boat looking at the sun, the next you're weightless, surrounded by coral gardens and fish that don't seem to notice you're there at all. Whether you're a certified diver chasing new sites or someone who's never put their face underwater before, Andaman has something to offer you.
This guide walks you through everything you need before booking, from the best months for diving to which beach actually suits your comfort level so you can plan your diving experience easily.
What Is the Best Time and Season for Scuba Diving in Andaman?
The best time for scuba diving in Andaman is between November and May. During these months, the sea stays calm, the sun is out more often than not, and underwater visibility can stretch well past 20 metres on a good day.
Scuba diving in Andaman is best during two main seasons. From November to February, the weather is cooler, and the water is calm, making it perfect for beginners.
Between March and May, the temperature rises, but the sea remains great for diving, and you’ll often see more active marine life.
Here’s a quick overview of what each season offers you:
Seasons | Months | Water Conditions | Good for |
Winter | Nov – Feb | Calm, clear, cooler air | Beginners, families |
Summer | Mar – May | Warm, still calm, lively marine life | All divers |
Monsoon | Jun – Sep | Rough seas, low visibility | Best avoided |
June through September is monsoon season, and most dive centres either scale down operations or shut certain sites entirely because of rough currents. If your dates fall in this window, it's worth checking with your dive operator before you plan the rest of your holiday around it.
Tribe Travel Tip: Book your dive slot for the early morning during winter months. The water is calmest right after sunrise, before wind picks up later in the day.
Where Will You Find the Best Scuba Diving in Andaman?
Havelock Island, Neil Island, and Port Blair are the three names you’ll hear again and again when the topic of scuba diving in Andaman comes up. Each of these places has its own vibes, so it's important for you to know the differences before you sign up for diving.
Havelock Island, officially called Swaraj Dweep, is considered the diving capital of the islands. It has the most dive centres, the widest range of sites, and options for everyone from first-timers to certified divers chasing deeper reefs.
Neil Island, also known as Shaheed Dweep, is peaceful and less crowded. Its soft corals and calm waters are perfect for relaxed, easygoing dives.
Port Blair is a good choice if you want to start slow. Sheltered spots like North Bay are great for beginners who might feel nervous, and they are also more affordable.
- Havelock Island: Widest choice of dive sites, best for both new and certified divers
- Neil Island: Quieter reefs, fewer crowds, great for a calmer experience
- Port Blair (North Bay): Sheltered and beginner-friendly, closer to the airport
If your holiday is short, Port Blair saves you travel time. If diving is the main reason for your escape, Havelock is worth the extra ferry ride.
What’s The Best Beach for Scuba Diving in Andaman?
There isn't one single best beach for scuba diving in Andaman, since it depends on your experience level. But these spots are ranked on top consistently:
Beach | Where it’s Located | Best For |
Elephant Beach | Havelock Island | Beginners, shore and boat dives |
Nemo Reef | Havelock Island | First-timers, shallow reef |
North Bay | Near Port Blair | Non-swimmers, short sessions |
Bharatpur Beach | Neil Island | Certified divers, quieter reefs |
Radhanagar Beach | Havelock Island | Combining diving with a beach day |
If you’ve never scuba dived before, you're going to want to start on Elephant Beach on Havelock. It’s because this beach has a gentle and shallow entry.
If you’d prefer fewer crowds, Bharatpur Beach on Neil Island has healthy corals and a more relaxed environment.
Tribe Travel Tip: Before you book, check with your dive operator if the site is a shore dive or a boat dive. Shore dives are easier for beginners, while boat dives often take you to clearer water farther from shore.
What Is the Minimum Age for Scuba Diving in Andaman?
The minimum age for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands typically starts at 10 years for a beginner or introductory dive. However, this can change slightly depending on the dive centre and the specific programme. Kids in this age group usually dive in shallower water with a one-on-one instructor and a shorter depth limit.
There is no official upper age limit for diving, but people over 45 or 50 are usually asked to provide a basic fitness declaration or a doctor's note before diving. This is not meant to exclude anyone. It is a safety measure that dive centres use to help everyone enjoy the water safely.
Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll need to keep in mind based on the diver’s age:
- Ages 10–14: Junior Open Water Diver, with adult supervision
- Ages 15+: Full PADI Open Water certification.
- Ages 15+: Eligible for certification courses like PADI Open Water
- Above 45-50: A basic medical fitness note is usually requested
- Pregnant travellers are generally advised to skip diving altogether
If you're travelling with children, it's worth calling the dive centre ahead of time to confirm their exact age policy, since it does vary slightly from one operator to another.
Can Non-Swimmers Do Scuba Diving in Andaman?
When you scuba dive, the equipment itself keeps you buoyant, and every beginner dive comes with a dedicated instructor who stays with you the entire time, so yes, even if you're a non-swimmer, you can easily enjoy scuba diving in Andaman.
Before your dive, you'll have a 20 to 30 minute briefing and a practice session in shallow, chest-deep water. Here, you'll learn hand signals, how to clear your mask, and how to breathe through the regulator. When your instructor sees that you're ready, you'll go on the actual dive, which usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes at an easy depth.
- No swimming skills required for beginner or introductory dives
- One instructor typically stays with one non-swimmer throughout
- Depths for first-timers are usually kept between 6 and 12 metres
- A short practice session happens before every real dive
The only real requirement is being reasonably comfortable in water and following your instructor's lead. If you can hold your breath and stay calm, you're already halfway there.
How Do You Actually Do Scuba Diving in Andaman?
If you're wondering how to do scuba diving in Andaman for the first time, the process is more straightforward than most people expect. You don't need prior experience or a certification to try it; you need to pick a dive centre and show up ready.
Here's roughly how a typical session goes:
- Book in advance, especially during December and January when slots fill up quickly
- Arrive early for a briefing on safety, hand signals, and equipment
- Complete a shallow-water practice session with your instructor
- Head to the dive site by boat or a short shore walk
- Dive for 30-45 minutes, guided closely by your instructor
- Review photos or video many centres include with the package
Here’s what you need to know about every type of dive that’s covered in the Andamans:
Dive Type | Duration | Depth | Who it Suits |
Introductory dive | 30-45 min underwater | 6-12 m | First-timers, non-swimmers |
Certified fun dive | 40-60 min underwater | Up to 18 m | Certified divers |
PADI Open Water course | 3-4 days | Progressive | Those wanting certification |
Prices for a single beginner scuba dive in Andaman generally start around ₹3,500 to ₹4,500 per person. At the same time, a full certification course runs over a few days and costs more, but leaves you certified to scuba dive anywhere in the world afterwards.
Tribe Travel Tip: If you're short on days, go for the introductory dive first. You can always come back for the certification course on a future holiday once you know you love it.
Conclusion
The myth that you need to be experienced to do scuba diving in Andaman is something that needs to be put to rest; you don’t need to be an expert, you just need to be willing. Plan your dates carefully, check the weather forecast for that day, follow your guide’s instructions, and you’ll have a great experience throughout.
If you’re planning a visit to the Andaman Islands anytime soon, advisors at Holiday Tribe can help you with customised Andaman travel packages that cover everything from itineraries, stays, transfers and optional flight add-ons. Get in touch to start planning your escape today.
