Diving the Andaman Islands
The Andaman Islands are part of an archipelago off the coast of India in the Indian Ocean’s Bay of Bengal. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands within the archipelago are territories of India while the Coco Islands belong to Myanmar, which lies to the northeast of the island chain. Scuba diving in Andaman generally takes place on two of the southern islands, Havelock and Neil. This is partly because many of the other islands are home to the Andamanese people, an indigenous group whose privacy is protected by the Indian government. Many islands that are inhabited by the Andamanese are only allowed to be visited with a permit and some do not allow visitors at all. Some of the Andamanese tribes such as the Sentinelese are known to be hostile to outsiders and have had little to no contact with the outside world over the years. The Andaman Islands that you are allowed to visit are a tropical paradise with mangrove-lined coast, beautiful beaches, amazing fresh seafood, and extraordinary birdlife, offering some of the best diving in India. Once you fly into the capital, Port Blair, it is easy to catch a boat ride with a local out to the best diving locations of Havelock, Neil, and Long Island.
Dive Sites in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Featured places to go in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Havelock and Neil Islands
Aquatic Life in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The coral reefs around the Andaman Islands are isolated and are mostly untouched which provides for a great sampling of some of the best marine life that the northern Indian Ocean has to offer divers. In this area, you will see manta rays and moray eels as well as a huge variety of colorful and vibrant tropical reef fish. You can also find some very unique and interesting underwear creatures that you do not see as much in other places. In the Andaman Islands, you will see creatures like the giant moray, the peacock mantis, whitebanded shrimp, and humphead parrotfish. A lucky diver might even discover dugongs.