The ideal season for scuba diving in the Andaman is from November to April, when visibility is excellent, and sea conditions are calm. However, the beauty of the Andaman Islands is that scuba diving remains open throughout the year. Travellers can enjoy immersive diving sessions in almost every season, making it a reliable and consistent adventure activity.

When you dive in the Andaman, you enter a magical world filled with brilliant coral gardens, schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating marine species. The rich biodiversity of the Andaman Sea makes it one of the best diving destinations in Asia.

At Andaman Experts, we bring you safe, beautiful, and professional diving experiences across the islands. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, our team connects you with certified dive centres, trained instructors, and the latest equipment to ensure a smooth and memorable underwater adventure. From Havelock Island—one of the top scuba diving spots in India—to other hidden gems across the archipelago, our curated experiences allow you to discover the true beauty of the Andaman Sea. 

If you’re planning a trip to the islands, scuba diving is an activity you simply cannot miss. Dive in, explore the untouched marine world, and create memories that last a lifetime with Andaman Experts.

Scuba Diving for Beginners in Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands are one of India’s safest and most beautiful destinations for beginner-friendly scuba diving. Whether you are a complete first-timer, a non-swimmer, or someone who already knows swimming, Andaman offers perfectly curated underwater experiences for everyone. Calm waters, shallow reefs, trained instructors, and world-class safety standards make this the best place to take your first dive.

Scuba Diving for Non-Swimmers / Beginners

If you don’t know how to swim—don’t worry! The Andaman Islands are one of the few places in India where non-swimmers can safely enjoy scuba diving.

Why Andaman Is Perfect for Non-Swimmers

• Shallow, calm, and crystal-clear waters

• Certified instructors guiding you throughout the dive

• No prior experience or swimming skills required

• Beginner-friendly dive sites like Havelock (Nemo Reef), Port Blair & Neil Island 

What to Expect During the Dive

• A short safety briefing on breathing techniques

• Practice session in shallow water

• A guided underwater dive holding the instructor’s hands

• Depth typically ranges between 6 to 12 metres, depending on comfort

• High-quality underwater photos and videos
  
  

Experience Highlights

You get to see colourful fish, soft corals, and beautiful reef formations even as a first-timer. It’s safe, smooth, and perfect for couples, families, and kids above 10–12 years.

Best Choice For:
Non-swimmers, first-timers, honeymoon couples, families with kids.

Scuba Diving for Swimmers

If you already know how to swim, you can enjoy longer, deeper, and more adventurous diving experiences in Andaman.

Why Swimmers Love Diving in Andaman

• Better control underwater

• Longer dive time and deeper dive sites

• Opportunity to learn advanced scuba skills

• Option to get PADI Certification
  
  

Types of Diving Experiences for Swimmers

• Try Dive / Fun Dive: Basic underwater dive for travellers

• Shallow & Deep Dives: Explore rich coral reefs and marine life

• PADI Open Water Course: Become a certified diver

• Advanced Dives: Wreck dives, night dives, drift dives, etc.
  
  

Experience Highlights

Dive deeper into Andaman rich marine world—sea turtles, vibrant coral forests, shoals of colourful fish, and magnificent underwater landscapes.

Best Choice For:
Adventure seekers, swimmers, photographers, and those who want to become certified divers.


Whether you’re a complete beginner or a confident swimmer, the Andaman Islands offer a safe, magical, and unforgettable underwater experience. With calm seas, professional instructors, and some of India’s most beautiful marine ecosystems, this is the perfect place to begin your scuba journey.

What to Expect on Your First Scuba Dive in the Andaman Islands

Experiencing your first scuba dive in the Andaman Islands is nothing short of magical. It’s often described as life-changing—your first glimpse of the underwater world, colourful corals, and vibrant marine life stays with you forever. For beginners, the experience is made easy, safe, and enjoyable with PADI-certified scuba instructors guiding you at every step. Even if you have absolutely no idea what to expect, your instructor will slowly familiarise you with the water and help you feel completely at ease.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what your first scuba diving experience will look like in the Andamans.

Step 1: Pre-Dive Briefing & Gear Familiarisation

Before you enter the water, your instructor will conduct a detailed briefing to prepare you for the dive. This includes:

• Understanding the dive site and conditions

• Basic safety rules

• Underwater communication using hand signals

• Breathing techniques and underwater behaviour

• A quick health and fitness check

You’ll then be introduced to all the scuba gear—mask, fins, wetsuit, regulator, BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), and the air tank. Your instructor will show you how everything works so that you feel confident before entering the water.

Step 2: Practising Basic Skills in Shallow Water

Before the actual dive begins, you’ll spend a few minutes practising simple but essential skills in shallow or confined water. These include:

• Breathing through the regulator

• Clearing your mask

• Equalising your ears as you descend

• Basic underwater comfort skills

These basic techniques help you feel safe and comfortable. And yes—scuba diving is a very safe sport when done under certified professionals. Your instructor will stay beside you throughout the dive and ensure you remain within safe depth limits.

Step 3: Your Underwater Dive Begins

Once you feel ready, the real adventure begins

Depending on the dive site arranged by Andaman Experts, you may start your dive from the shore or from a boat. Both offer thrilling and beautiful experiences.

As you slowly descend, you’ll enter a world filled with:

• Colourful coral reefs

• Tropical fish

• Sea turtles (sometimes)

• Unique underwater landscapes

One of the most important techniques you’ll learn is neutral buoyancy—the ability to float effortlessly underwater. It helps you move smoothly, conserve energy, and enjoy the dive to the fullest.

Step 4: Post-Dive Debriefing & Next Steps

After you surface, your instructor will conduct a short debriefing session. You can discuss:

• How your dive went

• Any challenges you faced

• Tips for improving your next dive

• Marine life you spotted

• Advanced or certification courses you may want to try next 

Scuba diving is not just a sport—it’s a journey into the 70% of the Earth that most people never experience. And once you start, you’ll always want to go back for more

Which Is the Best Place for Scuba Diving in the Andaman Islands?

The Andaman Islands are home to some of India’s finest scuba diving locations, each offering something unique for beginners as well as experienced divers. The three main islands where travellers can enjoy world-class diving are Havelock Island, Neil Island, and Chidiya Tapu (Port Blair). Every location has its own charm, vibrant reefs, and an impressive variety of marine life. Depending on your skill level and what you’re looking for, choosing the right island can make your experience even more memorable.

Here’s a simple guide to help you pick the best scuba diving spot in the Andamans:

1. Havelock Island – Best for Beginners & First-Time Divers

Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) is the most popular scuba diving destination in the Andaman Islands. The waters here are calm, clear, and perfect for beginners.

Why Havelock is Perfect for Beginners:

• Safe, shallow, and controlled diving conditions

• Several beginner-friendly sites like Nemo Reef

• Excellent visibility and rich coral gardens

• Ideal for non-swimmers and first-time divers

• Best location for doing PADI training courses

If you’re trying scuba diving for the first time, Havelock is always the top recommendation.

2. Neil Island – Best for Experienced & Advanced Divers

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) is slightly quieter and less commercial, making it a paradise for certified divers or those who have previous experience.

Why Advanced Divers Prefer Neil Island:

• Deeper dive sites

• More complex underwater topography

• Better chances of spotting large marine species

• Exceptional coral richness and reef walls

• Perfect for adventure-driven dives

Neil Island has a slight edge in terms of depth, diversity, and complexity—ideal for those wanting something more than a beginner dive.

3. Chidiya Tapu, Port Blair – Perfect for Quick & Scenic Dives

If you want to experience scuba diving without travelling far from Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu is an excellent option. Known for stunning sunsets, it also offers some scenic dive sites.

Best For:

• Travellers with limited time

• Beginners looking for a short dive

• Those staying mainly in Port Blair

The reefs here are vibrant, colourful, and perfect for a relaxed underwater experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands

1. Which is the best island for scuba diving in Andaman?
Havelock Island is the most popular choice for beginners, Neil Island is ideal for experienced divers, and Chidiya Tapu in Port Blair is perfect for short or scenic dives.

2. Can beginners go scuba diving in Andaman?
Yes! Even non-swimmers or first-time divers can enjoy scuba diving in Andaman. Certified instructors guide beginners in safe, controlled conditions.

3. What is the best time to go scuba diving in Andaman?
The ideal season is from November to April, when sea visibility is excellent and conditions are calm. However, scuba diving is available throughout the year.

4. Do I need to know swimming to try scuba diving?
No, swimming skills are not mandatory for beginner dives. Instructors provide all guidance, and safety is always prioritized.

5. What will I experience on my first scuba dive?
You’ll get a pre-dive briefing, gear familiarization, practice essential skills in shallow water, explore vibrant marine life underwater, and finish with a post-dive debriefing.

6. What kind of marine life can I see while diving in Andaman?
Divers often see colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating underwater species.

7. Can I do scuba diving if I’m already an experienced diver?
Yes! Experienced divers can explore deeper dive sites in Neil Island, try advanced dives, or even get PADI certification in Andaman.

8. Is scuba diving in Andaman safe?
Absolutely. All dives are conducted under strict safety protocols with certified instructors and high-quality equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.