Top scuba diving destinations in Andaman for an incredible experience
Andaman is a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal, known for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and diverse marine life. The islands offer a range of adventure activities, with scuba diving being the most popular among tourists. The crystal-clear waters of Andaman make it one of the best places for scuba diving in India. Here are some of the best scuba diving places in Andaman that you should definitely visit.
Havelock Island
Havelock Island is the most popular destination for scuba diving in Andaman. It is home to some of the best dive sites in the world, such as The Wall, Dixon’s Pinnacle, and Johnny’s Gorge. The Wall is a vertical drop-off that descends to a depth of 55 meters, making it an ideal spot for experienced divers. Dixon’s Pinnacle is known for its colorful corals and diverse marine life, including barracudas, groupers, and trevally. Johnny’s Gorge is a canyon-like formation with steep walls and overhangs, providing a thrilling diving experience.
Neil Island
Neil Island is another popular scuba diving destination in Andaman. It is known for its vibrant coral reefs, clear waters, and abundant marine life. The most popular dive sites in Neil Island are Margherita’s Mischief and Bus Stop. Margherita’s Mischief is a shallow dive site with a variety of soft and hard corals, sea fans, and colorful reef fish. Bus Stop is a deep dive site with a maximum depth of 30 meters, featuring an array of reef sharks, turtles, and rays.
Cinque Island
Cinque Island is a secluded and pristine island located off the coast of Port Blair. It is an ideal spot for experienced divers due to its strong currents and deep drop-offs. The dive sites in Cinque Island are known for their vibrant coral gardens, pelagic fish, and reef sharks. The most popular dive site in Cinque Island is the Fish Factory, which is a series of underwater pinnacles teeming with fish life.
Barren Island
Barren Island is the only active volcano in South Asia, located in the Andaman Sea. It is an unusual and exciting scuba diving destination, offering a unique experience to divers. The dive sites around Barren Island are known for their volcanic rock formations, black sand, and underwater hot springs. The marine life around Barren Island includes a variety of sharks, rays, and fish.
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a protected marine reserve located near Wandoor Beach in Andaman. It is home to over 50 species of corals and a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and dugongs. The dive sites in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are shallow and suitable for beginners, with clear waters and colorful corals.
North Bay Island
North Bay Island is a small island located near Port Blair and is popular for its water sports activities, including scuba diving. The dive sites in North Bay Island are shallow and suitable for beginners, with clear waters and abundant marine life. The most popular dive site in North Bay Island is Coral Reef, which is a shallow dive site with a variety of hard and soft corals, and colorful reef fish.
In conclusion, Andaman is a scuba diver’s paradise, with its clear waters, colorful corals, and diverse marine life. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there are plenty of scuba diving spots in Andaman that cater to your needs. So, pack your bags and head to Andaman for an unforgettable scuba diving experience.
