Diving in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Quick Facts
- • Entry types: Mostly shore entries
- • Expect: Varies by conditions visibility
- • Highlights: Discover Andaman and Nicobar Islands's dive spots
Explore the underwater wonders of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ecoregion. This region features 49 documented dive spots, each offering unique underwater experiences. Whether you're seeking calm snorkeling bays, challenging freediving depths, or exciting scuba adventures, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has something for every underwater explorer. Browse detailed spot information, check current conditions from recent dive logs, and connect with the local diving community to make the most of your visit.
Regional Context
🏛️ Marine Hierarchy
Countries in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (2)
Popular Spots in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (49)
Anchor Point
Anchor Point is a shore entry dive site characterized by a fringing reef that is home to a diverse array of schooling fish. Divers can observe species such as damsels, bats, butterflies, and snappers. The site allows for stationary diving, where divers can hover and watch the marine life interact. Additionally, the movement of juvenile banded sea kraits can be seen, adding to the site's unique marine biodiversity.
Anthony’s Reef
Anthony's Reef is a fringing reef located on the eastern side of Peel Island. The site features various coral bommies and is characterized by colonies of purple soft corals and barrel sponges. Schooling fish are frequently observed, contributing to a diverse marine environment. While currents can occasionally increase in strength, the bommies provide shelter for divers. This site is accessible from the shore.
Aquarium
The Aquarium is located on the east side of Havelock Island and features a fringing reef that slopes down to sandy areas. This site is generally sheltered from easterly winds, resulting in calm surface conditions and excellent visibility. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of cryptic macro marine life, particularly in the sandy sections. Mild currents can enhance the diving experience, making it engaging for divers.
Aquarium - Neil
Aquarium - Neil is a shore entry dive site characterized by shallow waters and a variety of patch reefs. The underwater landscape consists of hard corals and rocky patches that provide habitat for a diverse range of marine life. Notable species include surgeons, damselfish, triggerfish, and unicorn fish. Divers may also encounter the resident dugongs, which are occasionally spotted in the area.
Barren Island
Barren Island is situated around India's only active volcano, featuring unique lava rock formations. The dive site showcases a variety of substrates, including black sand and a purple haze, complemented by live coral growth. This location is infrequently visited, providing a more secluded diving experience. Divers can expect to encounter manta rays frequently, as well as large schools of Giant Trevally actively hunting. Additionally, tuna and snappers are commonly observed in the area.
Broken Ledge
Broken Ledge is a deep-sea dive site characterized by its unique topography, featuring rifts, cracks, and openings. The site is named for its prominent ridge with a fractured tip. Divers can observe a variety of marine life, including large turtles, eels, and sea kraits, which navigate through the gaps in search of food. Additionally, yellowfin tuna and marble rays are commonly seen in this area, contributing to the site's biodiversity.
Bus Stop
Bus Stop is a dive site characterized by a gentle slope leading to a sandy bottom interspersed with small reefs and rocks. This structure provides a habitat for various fish species, allowing divers to observe both small and large marine life. Notable species include garden eels, blue spotted sting rays, surgeon fish, and butterfly fish, which exhibit a range of colors and sizes.
Busy Buro
Busy Buro is situated in the channel that separates Havelock and Neil Island. This dive site features a natural plateau where divers can encounter mild to strong currents, particularly during spring tides. The area is known for large schools of colorful fish that seek refuge from predatory species such as trevally and tuna, providing excellent opportunities for underwater photography.
Campbell Shoal
Campbell Shoal is located approximately 10 nautical miles from the southeast coast of Middle Andaman Island. This dive site is recognized for its hard coral reefs, which provide a habitat for diverse marine life. The area is part of the Campbell Bay National Park on the Nicobar Islands, a region noted for its ecological significance. The dive site is accessible only by boat, making it a more secluded location for divers. Conditions can vary, and divers should be prepared for potential currents. The underwater landscape features a variety of coral formations, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the site.
Channel 62
Channel 62 is located at the deepest point in the channel that separates Havelock and John Lawrence Island. The dive site features a slope that descends from 18 meters to 28 meters before dropping sharply to depths exceeding 40 meters. Divers may encounter clear water conditions, though currents can be present in the channel. Large schools of fish are known to pass through this area, providing opportunities for observation.
Dicksons Pinnacle
Dicksons Pinnacle is a notable dive site located off Havelock Island, characterized by its underwater pinnacles that were first identified by a local diving instructor named Dickson. The site features a diverse array of colorful hard and soft corals, providing habitat for numerous fish species, both large and small. The entry to the dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its rich marine life and coral formations.
Eco Diver
Eco Diver is a shallow reef located along the northeastern coast of Havelock Island, serving as a house reef for nearby dive centers. Divers can enter the water directly from the beach, making it easily accessible. The site showcases a variety of typical marine life found in mangrove and coral reef ecosystems, providing a diverse underwater experience.
F’n Missed It !!
F’n Missed It !! is located in the Eastern Andaman Sea, where a volcanic structure rises from a depth of approximately 2300 meters. The site features a black volcanic cone that reaches about 355 meters in height and is surrounded by steep slopes and walls rich in various soft and hard corals. The unique geological formations, including tall basalt pillars, create an interesting underwater landscape. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, providing access to the diverse marine environment.
Fish Slate
Fish Slate is characterized by its fringing reefs, which feature a mix of branching and table corals that create complex structures. These formations provide a habitat for a diverse range of marine life. Notable species include midnight snappers, chubs, red tail butterfly fish, sweetlips, and fusiliers. Additionally, the site is home to unique species such as reticulated Dascyllus and freckled Hawkfish. The entry to the site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its underwater ecosystem.
Goldies' Garden
Goldies' Garden is a dive site located at coordinates 11.843200, 93.036500, accessible from the shore. This site is suitable for divers of all experience levels, including beginners. The underwater ecosystem is home to a variety of marine species, including lionfish, soldier fish, feather duster worms, parrot fish, groupers, and garden eels. The site offers a compact area for divers to explore and practice their skills in a diverse marine environment.
Hospital
Hospital is characterized by a gently sloping ridge that descends from a depth of 22 meters to over 35 meters, featuring a hard rocky substrate adorned with soft corals, fan corals, and whip corals. The site is named for the abundance of surgeonfish present, along with large groupers and sweetlips that can often be found hiding beneath the overhangs.
I-95
The I-95 dive site is named after the well-known highway in the United States. This site features a gradual descent starting at a depth of 5 meters and extending down to over 18 meters. Divers can explore small walls and a variety of three-dimensional structures throughout the site. The recommended approach is to drift with the current, allowing for an easy exit where a boat can pick up divers.
Jackson's Bar
Jackson's Bar is a dive site characterized by its challenging conditions and strong currents that flow perpendicular to the location. This site is known for attracting a variety of pelagic species, making it a favored spot for divers seeking dynamic underwater experiences. The dive features a diverse array of schooling fish and active hunting behavior, providing an engaging environment for underwater observation. The site is accessible from the shore, allowing divers to easily enter the water and explore its unique marine life.
Jackson'S Bar
Jackson's Bar is a dive site in the Andaman Islands featuring a rocky reef that slopes from 20 meters to 30 meters. The area is characterized by soft corals and barrel sponges, attracting marine life such as potato groupers, barracudas, Napoleon wrasses, and occasionally stingrays and whitetip reef sharks.
Jeep Wreck
The Jeep Wreck is situated on the right side of Nemo Reef, featuring a Mahindra Commander Jeep that has been intentionally submerged to create an artificial reef. The site reaches a maximum depth of 6 to 8 meters, making it accessible for divers of all levels. Since its sinking a few years ago, the wreck has become home to various coral species and provides habitat for numerous juvenile fish, enhancing the underwater ecosystem.
Johnny'S Gorge
Johnny's Gorge is located near Havelock in the Andaman Islands and features a depth of around 10 to 30 meters. Divers can expect to see whitetip reef sharks, various rays, and schools of tunas, silver jacks, and barracudas, along with angelfish and triggerfish. The site consists of two reef areas with soft corals and gorgonians, separated by a shallow gorge.
Jonny’s Gorge
Jonny’s Gorge is a notable dive site located near Havelock, recognized for its depth and suitability for advanced divers. The site is named after a local Karen who first identified it. Divers can expect to encounter White Tip Reef Sharks, along with a variety of pelagic species, including rays and turtles, due to its open sea location. The dive site features a wall that offers a dramatic underwater landscape, making it a compelling choice for experienced divers. Entry to the site is from the shore.
Juvies
Juvies is a dive site characterized by a calm environment, featuring a diverse range of coral formations. The reef extends from depths of 3 meters to 18 meters, making it suitable for both beginner and advanced divers. This site, located near Havelock Island, is notable for its abundance of juvenile fish from various species. Divers may also encounter occasional sightings of Zebra Sharks.
K-Rock
K-Rock is a dive site characterized by a large volcanic rock formation situated on a sandy seabed. After descending a few meters, divers can explore this unique underwater feature. The area is home to a variety of marine life, including snappers, sweetlips, soldierfish, eels, and butterfly fish, which can be observed around the boulders and rocks.
Lighthouse
Lighthouse dive site, located off Havelock Island, features healthy corals, sponges, and diverse marine life, including lionfish, fusiliers, trumpetfish, angelfish, and humpback parrotfish. The maximum depth is 25 meters (80 feet), with visibility reaching up to 25 meters, making it suitable for divers of all certification levels. The official diving season is from November to April.
Lighthouse
Lighthouse is a unique dive site characterized by a prominent red lighthouse surrounded by soft pastel-grey sands. The site experiences strong currents, particularly during the full moon and new moon phases, which can create challenging conditions. The underwater ecosystem is rich with diverse marine life, including feather duster worms, cowries, slugs, and puffers. Divers may also have the opportunity to spot Kuhl’s stingray in the area.
Margarita’s Mischief
Margarita's Mischief is a popular dive site situated between Havelock and Neil Island. This location features a series of rock mounds that extend southward, providing a habitat for a specific type of seagrass favored by dugongs. Divers can explore the spaces between the rocky formations, where they may encounter various marine life including moray eels, octopus, lobsters, and shrimps. The site is accessible via shore entry.
MV Mars (Wreck)
The MV Mars is a small fishing vessel that sank in 2006 during a storm, resting on a sandy bottom at a depth of 16 meters. The wreck is positioned just off the reef and remains upright, although it has a slight tilt to the port side. As a wooden boat, it has experienced some deterioration since its sinking, but it still presents an engaging dive for those interested in wreck exploration.
Neil Lighthouse
Neil Lighthouse is a shore dive site characterized by its unique structure formed around a fallen lighthouse. The area is rich in coral reefs that support a variety of marine life, including juvenile batfish, scorpionfish, humphead parrotfish, and angel fish. Divers can explore the gaps between the lighthouse pillars, where these species are often found. The site also provides opportunities to observe native turtles in their natural habitat.
Nemo Reef
Nemo Reef serves as a house reef located at coordinates 12.038900, 92.986900, and is accessible via shore entry. The site features calm, swimming pool-like conditions, making it ideal for beginner divers and confined water training. The clear waters are home to a variety of marine life, with the reef interspersed with sandy patches, providing a suitable environment for various training programs.
Nursery - Neil
Nursery is located on Neil Island and features gentle slopes with a variety of coral formations. The site runs parallel to the fringing reefs near the shore, making it accessible for divers and snorkelers. During clear visibility conditions, divers may encounter moray eels resting under small rocks and medium-sized stingrays gliding over the sandy bottom.
Orange Oasis
Orange Oasis is a newly identified dive site located at Neil Island, featuring a gradual slope that descends to a depth of 28 meters. The site is characterized by a dramatic drop-off where vibrant orange algae transition into a white sandy bottom, accompanied by soft corals. Notable marine life includes snappers, surgeons, parrot fish, and groupers, which can be observed around a significant ridge and two elevated mounts that create a dynamic underwater environment.
Oval Reef
Oval Reef is characterized by several reef patches encircling a central oval-shaped reef. The shallowest area is at a depth of 3 meters, making it suitable for both snorkeling and novice divers. Surrounding the reef, the sandy bottom reaches depths of 14 to 15 meters. This site is notable for the presence of juvenile barracuda, which are commonly observed here.
Pilot Reef
Pilot Reef is a sizable, shallow reef characterized by sandy areas that surround it. The site is particularly noted for its resident leopard sharks, which are frequently observed resting on the sandy patches adjacent to the coral formations. Additionally, divers can encounter a variety of local coral fish species, contributing to the site's biodiversity.
Pinnacle
Dixon's Pinnacle is a submerged rock that rises from depths over 40 meters (130 feet). It features diverse hard and soft corals, large barrel sponges, and serves as a cleaning station for various marine life. Divers can encounter stingrays, manta rays, whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, and Napoleon wrasses among others.
Purple Haze
Purple Haze is a fringing reef located on the eastern side of Peel Island, closely resembling Anthony’s Reef. The site is known for its colonies of purple soft corals and barrel sponges. Divers can expect to encounter schooling fish throughout the dive. While currents can occasionally be strong, there are areas that provide shelter. This site is accessible via shore entry.
Red Pillar / Peel Island Reef
Red Pillar, also referred to as Peel Island Reef, is a small dive site situated near Peel Island. The site is located in a channel, which can lead to strong currents, providing a dynamic diving experience. Divers can explore a variety of submerged structures, including a sunken scooter, a bicycle, and various old scuba tanks, compressor frames, and bottles. These features contribute to the site’s status as an artificial reef, offering shelter for smaller fish species.
Romba
Romba is a flat reef located at a depth of 22 to 25 meters, extending in a north-south orientation. To the west, there is a significant sandy area. The site is known for its dense populations of surgeon fish, fusiliers, and snappers, which can sometimes reduce visibility due to their sheer numbers.
Sea Fan City
Sea Fan City is located on Neil Island and is renowned for its impressive sea fans from the Gorgonian family, which can reach lengths of 4-5 meters. These soft corals grow perpendicular to the current, allowing them to effectively capture plankton and small fish with their tentacles. This site serves as a habitat for various crustaceans attracted by the abundant food sources. It is a suitable location for advanced divers and photographers looking to explore the unique marine life and coral structures. The entry to this dive site is from the shore.
Slope
Slope is located adjacent to The Wall, featuring a distinct topography characterized by ridges of rock that create steps descending from 5 meters to approximately 14-15 meters. The area includes sandy patches interspersed with numerous medium to large coral bommies, which are abundant with marine life. Notable species include sea stars and Sergeant major fishes, contributing to the site's ecological diversity.
Small World
Small World features a sandy substrate bordered by a coral reef that begins at the shoreline. This site is suitable for beginner divers and those looking to practice buoyancy control. Common marine life includes Glassfish, Butterflyfish, and Angelfish, with Napoleon Wrasse often seen in the area. Juvenile fish of various species are also frequently observed here.
SS Inchkett
The SS Inchkett is a significant wreck dive located at coordinates 12.007500, 92.777500. This site showcases a large man-made structure that has become an artificial habitat for diverse marine life. Divers can observe various species including nudibranchs, ghost pipefish, shrimp, giant puffer fish, lobsters, reef fish, schooling snappers, scorpion fish, and lion fish. The presence of crocodile flathead adds to the site's biodiversity. Entry to the dive site is conducted via boat, making it accessible for divers seeking to explore this underwater environment.
Step Up
Step Up features a series of elongated ledges that resemble steps, beginning at a depth of 22 meters and leveling off at 16 meters. These ledges extend outward, forming narrow and deep crevices in certain areas. The site is located in a channel, which can lead to strong currents. Marine life includes soft corals on the rocks, with shrimp often found hiding in the crevices. Schools of snappers, surgeonfish, bannerfish, and fusiliers are commonly observed, along with rays resting on sandy patches.
Sync City
Sync City is a dive site characterized by a series of reefs interspersed with sandy areas. The depth ranges from 18 meters to 27 meters, featuring various crevices, hollows, and an underwater arch that allows for swim-through experiences. Divers can observe large schools of snappers and surgeon fish swimming in unison above the reef. Other marine life includes Napoleon wrasse, giant trevally, and sting rays.
The Junction
The Junction is a dive site characterized by rock formations adorned with vibrant soft corals. The site is situated at depths ranging from 28 to 34 meters and is known for its strong eastward currents, making dive time critical. Divers can expect to encounter a variety of macro creatures and may explore crevices where lobsters and rays can be found. Lionfish are often spotted hiding under rocks, adding to the site's diverse marine life. This site is accessed via shore entry.
The Wall
The Wall is a dive site suitable for deep diving, easily accessible from Havelock. It is recommended to dive here early in the morning to avoid interference from passenger ferries. Divers can expect to encounter schools of trevally, making it a noteworthy location for both recreational dives and training courses.
Tribe Gate
Tribe Gate is a submerged seamount surrounded by sandy bottom, providing a unique habitat for various marine species. Divers can expect to see scribbled filefish, yellowtail barracuda, striped surgeonfish, Beaufort’s crocodile flathead, unicornfish, and banded sea kraits. Schools of sergeant major damsels and fusiliers are commonly observed in the area. Upon surfacing, divers are rewarded with a view of Havelock Island.
Turtle Beach
Turtle Beach is characterized by a shallow dive site featuring a long, continuous reef on one side and gently sloping sandy areas on the other. The site is rich in various coral species and serves as a connection to Aquarium, a drift dive that is accessible on most days. It is suitable for macro photography and training dives. Divers can expect to see a diverse array of resident reef fish, numerous juvenile fish, and occasional visits from turtles. Bumphead parrotfish are also known to frequent the deeper waters nearby.
Whitehouse Rock
Whitehouse Rock is a notable dive site characterized by a seamount that rises from a depth of 40 meters nearly to the surface. This location is abundant with marine life and features a diverse coral reef ecosystem. The site is particularly known for its coverage of white coral, which is commonly referred to as 'black' coral despite its appearance. The entry to this dive site is from the shore, making it accessible for divers looking to explore its unique underwater landscape.