Shore Diving

No shore diving available.

Boat Diving

Underwater, there is a lot to commend the Andaman Islands and the dive sites that are reachable on daily dive boats (though the best sites are only really accessible by liveaboard). There are a multitude of good sites in daily range of Havelock and Neil island where people will likely be staying.

Fishy, Credit

Due to strict fishing regulations you will find unusually healthy fish populations here, including large species like Napoleon wrasse and Malabar groupers, animals that are rapidly disappearing in other Indo-Pacific destinations. Mobula rays, often in large numbers, are common. There are also unusual species including flashlight fish, ghost pipefish and red-spotted blennies, as well as endemics like the Andaman sweetlips and electric-blue Andaman damselfish. Another signature fish is the distinctive Indian spinecheek anemonefish, whose vertical bars are bright yellow instead of the typical white or grey. Banded sea snakes are seen on many dives too. It isn’t a critter diving hotspot but you will get your fair share.

More Corals, Andaman Islands, Credit

Liveaboard Diving

A liveaboard trip is really the way to go in the Andaman Islands and there are a couple of decent boats operating there now. You can also look at private charters. A liveaboard will allow you to get out to the two signature sites of the Andamans:

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.

The reef, Credit

Barren Island

The other world-class dive area in the Andaman Islands. Again, there are a number of dive sites around the island such as Purple Haze and Black Magic. That latter is awesome. It consists of a shallow ridge of jet-black sand, where fields of garden eels surround clusters of sand divers. The main event however lies a little way down the slope where you will find a thriving reef that drops precipitously into the deep. The contrast between inky sand and vibrant reef life could not be more striking, as if the purple soft corals and red encrusting It’s a great dive where you can expect all sorts of reef fish and pelagics, occasionally including mantas and even whale sharks.

Andaman Islands underwater, Credit

How to Get There

Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman Islands is connected to mainland India by air and sea. Multiple daily flights from Chennai and Calcutta make the journey over the Bay of Bengal in 2 hours 15 minutes. From Port Blair, there are multiple ferry options to the islands of Havelock and Neil Island where the majority of the tourist development is.

Blue Sky, Credit

Where to Eat & Drink

Havelock Island is the only place with any major commercial development with the Adaman Islands. Here, you can find a number of different restaurants that range from cheap and cheerful to more upscale. While the island has no seriously upscale restaurants, the cuisine and prices are sure to suit most budgets and tastes. Best of all, Havelock is so small that all options are nearby. Rarely will you need to venture further than a few steps!

Food! Credit

Small local favourites include places like ther beachside dhabas and Geetha, while fancier options include B3, Red Snapper or the Clown Fish Café.

Liquor! Credit

While most places will serve beer and alcohol, you will be hard pressed to find any kind of club or disco around. This is generally a very sleeping and laid back environment. A fresh coconut may be what you crave more anyway. 

Other Activities

Havelock and the Andaman Islands are a laid back place, where most activities revolve around relaxing, diving and the ocean. There are seven different beaches well worth exploring. Beach 7, also known as Radhanagar Beach, is among the most beautiful – and perfect for a day of seaside relaxing. There also happens to be great reef snorkeling right off the shore. Other popular ocean activities include fishing, kayaking and mangrove safaris.

Church on Ross Island, Andaman, Credit

If you’re keen on a break from the ocean, there are also some great jungle treks inland. Guides are available from local lodges. If you’re really keen, consider heading out on a multi-day hiking trip. 

Shopping is fairly limited here, with a few small stores selling essentials and curios. Mainland India will have far more variety. 

Tips

Generally the islands are safe for tourists. As development grows there are some touts that will scam you if you let them. One issue is the prevalence of mosquitoes and sand flies to take lots of repellent and long trouser/tops for the evenings. Wild dogs can also be a bit of an issue, particularly at night on the beaches – a stick will do the trick to scare them off.

Crab, Credit

A hyperbaric chamber was recently opened on Havelock Island’s military base at Port Blair. The city also has a good hospital, though it is recommended that travelers carry all essential medicines with them since availability can be an issue at times. 

Note that all foreign nationals must apply for a visa to India prior to departing their home country. This can be a lengthy process so ensure that you leave yourself plenty of time. Visas are NOT issued on arrival. You will also receive a Restricted Area Permit upon arrival at Port Blair. 

When dining out, please do not eat at restaurants that serve shark fin soup. Sharks are severely endangered here, and it is appreciated if tourists do not support further poaching.