Andaman Islands

Scuba diving in the Andaman Islands, India

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Intro to the Andaman Islands

India's Andaman Islands are located generally (roughly 800 miles) of the main country within the Andaman Sea. They are technically closer to Myanmar and Thailand but owned by the India government. The islands still remain relatively untouched, providing a very remote feeling which is so hard to find these days. Stunning, near-deserted beaches, remote volcanoes, gorgeous corals and marine life, an intriguing colonial past and the remnants of a Stone Age culture lure travelers to these mysterious islands in the warm, tropical waters. Visiting the Andaman Islands really is a special adventure. These islands are among the last places in the world with a minimum human footprint - only 26 of these 572 islands are inhabited!

Dive Overview

Andaman Islands are one of the rare diving destinations in the world that offers it all! See beautiful reef and marine life, and black sandy bottoms perfect for underwater photography.

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Diving Information

Andaman Islands Marine Life

Some dive sites feature marvelous reefs with schools of fish and interesting underwater creatures such as pipefish, pufferfish and scorpionfish. You can also find moray eels, octopus and, from time to time, sea snakes. Triggerfish and batfish like to frequent the rip-offs and the walls along with the schools of snapper and large bumped parrotfish. Mantas and eagle rays are also frequent visitors of Barren Island.

Diving Conditions

Water temperature: 81-86°F (27 - 30°C)
Visibility: 16-131 ft (5-40m)
Depth Range: 16-98 ft (5-30m)

Diving Highlights

There are many diving destinations in the Andamans, here are some of the best dive areas:

1. Duncan Island & Ritchie's Archipelago - Lying 25–30 km east of Great Andaman, Ritchie’s Archipelago consists of 4 larger islands, 7 smaller islands and several islets. There are several interesting dive sites here with world-class diving at Johnny’s Gorge, Dixon’s Pinnacle. Duncan Island is an impossibly beautiful island with some gorgeous dive sites such as White House Rock & Inket Wreck ( a Japanese WWII shipwreck).
2. Narcondam - Narcondam's prime dive sites include rocky ridges and steep slopes like Chimneys, Ooh La La and Lighthouse Reef, where massive barrel sponges, huge gorgonian fans and lush soft corals thrive in often-vigorous currents. Fish life can include the big boys like Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish and mantas, as well as occasional whitetip and grey reef sharks. There are several sites to dive around this area.
3. Barren Island - Diving the surrounding waters of this remote island with the only active volcano in all of South Asia is simply stunning! With superb visibility, lush & fast growing coral gardens, Manta Rays & other pelagics, abundant & varied marine life, unique underwater stone & lava formations.. this is scuba diving at its most sublime!
4. The Southern Islands - Diving the surrounding waters of this remote island with the only active volcano in all of South Asia is simply stunning! With superb visibility, lush & fast growing coral gardens, Manta Rays & other pelagics, abundant & varied marine life, unique underwater stone & lava formations.. this is scuba diving at its most sublime!

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Travel Information

How to Get There

The main airport is located at “Port Blair” and several good flights land here daily, from Chennai or Kolkata in mainland India (about a 2-hour flight). Some airlines that fly to Port Blair include Jet Airways, SpiceJet, Air India and GoAir.

How to Dive Andaman Islands

Dive resorts and dive operators are available in the Andaman Islands, but the best way to explore and dive the islands is by liveaboard.

Best Time to Dive

The diving season in the Andaman Islands extends from October to May. June-September sees heavy rainfall and monsoon storms. To dive the Barren Island, February to April would be the best period of time.

Topside & Non-Diving Activities

Most activities in the Andamans revolve around diving and the ocean. You can take time discovering seven of their beautiful beaches, such as Beach 7, also known as Radhanagar Beach. You can also enjoy a great reef snorkeling right off the shore. The other popular activity choices include fishing, mangrove safaris (to see saltwater crocodiles) and kayaking. Offshore, you can enjoy excellent jungle treks with the guides from local lodges. You can even take on a multi-day hiking trip.

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Other Useful Information

Practical Information

Currency: Indian Rupee
International Phone Code: +91
Main Airport Code: IXZ
Time Zone: UTC +05:30
Electricity: 230 V
Visa requirements: For foreigners, a visa to India is required. As the islands are a “restricted area”, a special permit is also required which can be obtained at Port Blair airport on arrival (30-day stay allowed).

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