Has diving underwater ever thrilled you, but you are unsure where to start? Yes, In India the Andaman still remain the top diving destination. The rich marine life and incredible visibility makes this destination a favorite among the divers around the world. On the other hand places like Goa, Netrani & Pondicherry have also well known diving spots,they are not highly recommended due to poor visibility and the insufficient exotic marine life.
Scuba diving is the greatest water sports on the Andaman & Nicobar Islands other than amazing beaches. The best year for diving in Andaman & Nicobar Isles is from October to April. However, one can indulge in a diving activity all throughout the year.Beautiful sloping reefs, steep walls, sandy bottoms, coral gardens and great pinnacles can be seen while diving here. Visibility is usually good and can extend up to 130ft (40m).
The safest and renowned islands for scuba diving are Havelock Island aka (Swaraj Dweep) , Neil Island aka (Shaheed Dweep), and Port Blair in Andamans. The best dive sites for beginners and non-swimmers are:
1.Nemo reef ( Shore dive ), 2.Tribe Gate ( Boat dive ), and 3. Red Pillar ( Boat dive) for diving in Havelock.
4.Jetty channel marker ( Shore dive ) and 5.Margherita’s Mischief ( Boat dive ) for diving in Neil.
6. North bay Reef ( Shore dive ) in Port Blair.
Tips for first-time divers
- Enroll yourself at an authorized Professional Association of Diving Instructors (P.A.D.I) center that focuses on safety.
- Do not be in a hurry to complete your course. Understand the theory and be patient. Staying calm will help you pick up underwater exercises swiftly.
- Choose the right dive equipment. Your gear will keep you safe.
- Plan your dive and dive your plan. Never deviate from it. Beginners shouldn’t dive more than 18 meters with a safety stop at 3 meters for five minutes before coming up to the surface. Always remember to ascend slowly. Beginners should restrict themselves to 45 -60 minutes per dive.
- Maintain eye-contact with your instructor at all times underwater, follow his instructions and never dive deeper than your instructor.
- Once you get certified, never dive alone. Always ensure you dive with your diving buddy and check your equipment.
- Beginners should focus on getting their buoyancy right. You don’t want to shoot up or go down too quickly.