Dive sites, prices, safety, courses, and what to expect as a beginner in Havelock and Neil.
The Andaman Islands offer some of the best scuba diving in India. The waters around Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep) have coral reefs, colourful fish, and good visibility for most of the year. Whether you have never dived before or you are a certified diver, there are options for every level.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) is the main diving hub. Popular dive sites include Nemo Reef, Tribe Gate, Lighthouse, and The Slope. Most dive shops are located near Govind Nagar and Beach No. 3.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep) has quieter dive sites with less crowd. The reefs around Neil are healthier in some spots because fewer divers visit.
North Bay Island near Port Blair offers introductory dives and is a good option if you are staying in Port Blair and do not want to travel to Havelock.
Discover Scuba (introductory dive for beginners): Rs 4,500 to 7,500 per person. This includes a short training session, one guided dive with an instructor, and underwater photos in some packages.
Boat dives (deeper sites): Rs 4,600 to 6,500. These take you to offshore sites by boat, with 30 to 45 minutes underwater.
Certified fun dives (for licensed divers): Rs 3,500 to 5,000 per dive. You need to show your certification card.
PADI Open Water Course: Rs 25,000 to 35,000 for a 3 to 4 day certification course. This is the most popular course for beginners who want to become certified divers.
All dives are conducted with PADI or SSI certified instructors. You do not need to know how to swim for a Discover Scuba experience. The instructor stays with you throughout the dive.
There is no strict age limit, but most operators require participants to be at least 10 years old. You will need to fill out a medical questionnaire. People with heart conditions, asthma, or recent ear surgery should consult a doctor before diving.
October to May is the main diving season. Visibility is best from November to March, often 15 to 25 meters. June to September is monsoon season and many dive shops close or reduce operations due to rough seas.
A Discover Scuba experience takes about 2 to 3 hours total. You start with a 15 to 20 minute briefing on the beach or boat. Then you practice breathing through the regulator in shallow water. Once you are comfortable, the instructor guides you down to 3 to 6 meters for 20 to 30 minutes underwater. Most beginners are surprised by how calm and easy it feels.
If you are nervous about scuba, consider sea walking instead. Sea walking uses a helmet that keeps your head dry and does not require any training. It is a shorter experience (15 to 20 minutes) at a shallower depth (3 to 4 meters). Scuba diving gives you more freedom to explore and longer bottom time.
Check activity prices on Reef & Route to compare scuba packages across Havelock and Neil. Message us on WhatsApp to confirm availability and book your dive.
Guide prices only. Confirm before you travel. Final fare is confirmed when you book. See Terms.