The Best Time for Scuba Diving in Andaman
The Best Time for Scuba Diving in Andaman
Blog Article
October to May: The Prime Diving Window
The months from October to May are widely recognized as the best time for scuba diving in Andaman, especially in Havelock. During this period:
Waters are crystal clear
Temperature is comfortable
Marine activity is at its peak
Currents are favorable for beginners and experts
This 8-month window is considered the golden time to witness the underwater brilliance of Andaman.
Best Months for Beginners: November to March
During these months, seas are particularly calm, allowing first-time divers and Open Water students to enjoy a hassle-free experience. The tranquil environment also encourages a variety of marine life to appear close to reefs.
Best Months for Experienced Divers: March to May
This time frame sees larger pelagic species in deeper waters. Currents become slightly stronger, making it ideal for Advanced and Dive Master trainees.
Marine Life Calendar: What You’ll See Each Month
October – November:
Expect sightings of vibrant coral reefs, schooling reef fish, and occasional sightings of blacktip sharks.
December – January:
One of the clearest times underwater. You'll see manta rays, sea turtles, and large barracudas.
February – March:
Best for underwater photographers. Crystal clear water and dramatic coral formations provide picture-perfect moments.
April – May:
Diving goes deeper, with sightings of Napoleon wrasses, giant trevallies, and sometimes even whale sharks.
Best Dive Experiences at Havelock
Night Diving: Explore the Ocean After Dark
Night dives at Havelock offer a completely different perspective. Witness bioluminescence, sleeping parrotfish, and nocturnal predators like lionfish and crabs coming to life under torchlight.
Wreck Diving Adventures
Some dive centers offer trips to sunken vessels and artificial reefs near Havelock. These sites are magnets for marine biodiversity and great for divers with wreck certifications.
Drift Diving and Deep Diving
Experienced divers can explore strong currents around deeper reefs. These dives are thrilling, taking you through vertical drop-offs and underwater channels rich in marine megafauna.
Underwater Photography Opportunities
With such fantastic clarity and lighting conditions from November to March, Havelock is a dream destination for underwater photographers. Coral close-ups, turtle portraits, and wide-angle reef shots are just a few possibilities.
Planning Your Scuba Trip to Andaman
Getting to Havelock
Fly into Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport)
Take a ferry or seaplane to Havelock Island
Local transportation includes scooters, taxis, and tuk-tuks
Dive Certifications and Packages
Most dive operators in Havelock offer internationally recognized certifications like PADI and SSI. You can begin with:
Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)
Open Water Diver Course
Advanced Open Water Diver
Specialty Dives like underwater navigation or buoyancy control
Dive Gear and Equipment
Dive centers provide high-quality gear including wetsuits, tanks, regulators, and fins. However, if you’re particular about your mask or dive computer, it's advisable to carry your own.
Health and Safety Tips
Avoid flying for at least 18 hours after your last dive
Stay hydrated
Listen carefully to dive briefings
Respect marine life—look, don’t touch!
Local Attractions Around Havelock
Radhanagar Beach (Beach No. 7)
Voted one of Asia’s best beaches, it’s perfect for relaxing post-dive and watching a sunset that lights up the entire horizon.
Elephant Beach
Another stunning beach that doubles as a snorkeling hotspot. It's accessible via a short trek or boat ride.
Kalapathar Beach
Quieter and serene, this beach offers beautiful landscapes and photo ops away from the crowds.
Mangrove Walks and Kayaking
Beyond scuba, Havelock also allows you to enjoy nature trails, night kayaking through mangroves, and birdwatching.
Tips for First-Time Divers in Andaman
Book dives in advance during peak months (Dec–March)
Start with a pool session or shallow dive
Avoid alcohol before diving
Carry motion sickness pills if you're prone to seasickness
Always dive with certified instructors
Conclusion: Dive Into Paradise
If you've been dreaming of exploring the underwater world, there’s no better place than Havelock Island in the Andaman archipelago. With crystal-clear visibility, exotic marine life, and a wide window of favorable weather, the best time for scuba diving in Andaman is right at your fingertips—October to May. Dive deep, explore freely, and let the ocean unveil its wonders.
Report this page