Sri Vijaya Puram, October 15: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have emerged as one of India’s most sought-after scuba diving destinations, drawing visitors eager to explore a marine world that lies beyond the archipelago’s celebrated beaches. With coral reefs, tropical fish, underwater rock formations and relatively clear waters, the islands offer an experience that is markedly different from conventional coastal tourism.
Surrounded by the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, the archipelago is home to a rich marine ecosystem that supports a variety of coral and reef-dwelling species. Divers can encounter schools of colourful fish, sea turtles and other marine creatures, although sightings vary depending on the location, season and underwater conditions.
Scuba diving has also become an important part of the islands’ tourism economy, with operators offering introductory experiences for beginners as well as more demanding offshore excursions for certified divers. While some dives take place in relatively shallow waters under instructor supervision, deeper and more exposed sites require greater experience and suitable sea conditions.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s scuba-diving guidelines identify five locations that offer visitors an opportunity to explore this underwater landscape, from the popular waters around Swaraj Dweep to more secluded parts of the archipelago.
Pilot Reef, Swaraj Dweep
Located offshore from Swaraj Dweep, formerly Havelock Island, Pilot Reef is a designated diving site accessible by boat.
Unlike dives conducted closer to the beaches, reaching the reef involves venturing into open waters. Visitors can travel to Swaraj Dweep by ferry from Sri Vijaya Puram before arranging an offshore diving excursion.
Minerva Ledge, Swaraj Dweep
Minerva Ledge is another offshore diving location near Swaraj Dweep, offering an alternative to the island’s more accessible coastal sites.
Along with Pilot Reef, it forms part of the designated diving areas around the island. Access requires a boat trip arranged through a diving operator serving the location.
Shaheed Dweep
Known earlier as Neil Island, Shaheed Dweep combines its popular beaches with opportunities to explore the surrounding marine environment.
The island is connected to Sri Vijaya Puram by government and private passenger ferries, making it relatively accessible for travellers seeking to include scuba diving in their itinerary.
Long Island
Long Island offers a quieter alternative to the Andamans’ established tourist destinations and is among the areas identified for scuba diving.
Located in the eastern Andaman region, it is served by inter-island vessels, although connections are less frequent than those to Swaraj Dweep and Shaheed Dweep. Visitors should confirm transport and diving arrangements before travelling.
Cinque Island
Cinque Island, off South Andaman, is known for its coral formations and the distinctive sandbar connecting North and South Cinque.
Its relatively isolated location makes it one of the more unusual destinations on the diving list. Unlike the main tourist islands, Cinque is not served by regular passenger ferries, and visitors must verify access permissions and boat arrangements in advance.
Plan before you dive
Although all five locations are identified in the Administration’s scuba-diving guidelines, access and diving availability depend on weather, sea conditions, permissions and operator arrangements.
Beginners should choose supervised introductory dives, while experienced divers should check the depth, currents and certification requirements of individual sites. Travellers should also confirm that operators follow applicable safety standards and provide appropriate equipment and trained instructors.
For visitors willing to look beyond the beaches, these locations offer a different perspective on the Andamans and the extraordinary marine environment that surrounds them.
