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Leopard-shark sightings at Pilot Reef and access for many certification levels.
Dive Spot Guide•
Pilot Reef
Boat-access shark reef in Havelock Island
Short boat ride, shark-heavy sightings, and a sandy-coral reef profile make this a reliable Havelock dive for comfortable boat entrants.
About Pilot Reef
Pilot Reef is a boat-access reef in the Havelock Island area of the Andamans, with a sandy-coral layout that makes the route easy to follow once you drop in. The site is known for regular leopard-shark sightings, marble rays, and a mix of reef fish, which makes it a strong choice for divers who want a shark-focused reef rather than a plain coral patch.
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Research Estimate At Pilot Reef
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 12m
AccessModerate entry effort
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesGood facilities
Crowd / PopularityModerate
CurrentLight current
SurgeFlat calm
Where Is Pilot Reef?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Pilot Reef Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
8m - 25m
Depth Note
Boat dives are typically in the 8-22 m range, with some guides describing the site as roughly 24-25 m deep.
Best Season
October through March is the easiest window for calmer seas and better shark-spotting odds.
Typical Conditions
Boat access, light currents, clear water, and a shallow reef-and-sand profile are the normal baseline.
Safety & Access At Pilot Reef
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficDangerous wildlife
Safety Notes
Give leopard sharks space and keep a generous margin around the sandbanks and channel entrance.
Access Restrictions
Use a dive operator boat from Havelock or Mac Point and follow channel-entrance guidance.
Legal Notes
Do not harass or block resting sharks on the sandbanks, and follow local operator and channel rules.
Local Intel For Pilot Reef
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Boat-access reef dive with sandbanks, coral patches, and regular shark and ray sightings.
Freediving
Not a primary freedive site; the most interesting areas are better handled with scuba and a boat entry.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling can work on the shallow fringe, but the site is most rewarding once you are on scuba.
Wildlife at Pilot Reef
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Pilot Reef
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Pilot Reef
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility12m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
