Scuba Diving in Andaman
Located in the Bay of Bengal, Andaman is a group of islands that covers a total land area of around 6400 sq km. Bengali, Malayan, English, Hindi and Telugu are some of the languages spoken in this part of the Indian territory. Since pre-historic times, numerous tribes have been living in these islands shaping its local culture. Vast expanses of coral reefs make scuba diving in Andaman a popular attraction among tourists. More than 90 per cent of the archipelago is covered by forests, and it showcases a vast variety of flora and fauna. Sandy beaches, lined with coconut trees and crystal-clear water, offer a picture-perfect environment for scuba diving adventures in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
To promote eco-friendly tourism, the Government of India is developing beach sites on the islands. It will introduce canopy walkways, luxury boats and luxury cottages for visitors. The coastal waters, surrounding the Andaman Islands, are an abode of one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world. The reefs in this place are mostly undamaged, and this makes Andaman scuba diving an experience to be cherished for years to come.
Scuba diving is a relatively new sport in India, but it is gaining popularity at a steady pace. The increase in tourist activities over the years has had a positive impact on the community of scuba divers in the country. Not only tourists, but the local people of the coastal areas have also started to show interest in this sport. The vast coastline of India provides numerous locations for scuba diving and other water sports. However, there are a few places emerging as hotspots for this thrilling sport. Goa, Andaman and Kerala are some of the places where it is popular among travellers. Owing to the high level of water clarity, scuba diving adventures in Andaman and Nicobar Islands are more famous than in the other places mentioned above. For beginners, scuba diving would be an exciting experience, allowing them to explore the marine life without any need for holding their breath.
Andaman is undoubtedly a paradise for beach lovers. It has a typically tropical climate and landscape, with dense mangrove forests that house hundreds of animal and bird species. Quiet, white, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water are the factors responsible for pulling thousands of tourists every year. Water-based activities are slowly gaining popularity, and a lot of globetrotters are taking to scuba diving in Andaman to make their holidays a unique experience. The prominent fishes inhabiting the surrounding seas are hammerheads, grey reef sharks, silver and white tip sharks. Although many places in Andaman are suitable for the sport, there are a few spots that are given more priority. This is because some of the marine animals are found in particular locations within the archipelago.
You may encounter the exotic marine life during your Andaman scuba diving experience. Some excellent trainers offer basic-level, Open Water Diver and Underwater Photography courses in Chidiya Tapu. These courses allow you to obtain a proper Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification. Drift and wreck diving can also be learnt from these instructors to embark on some bewitching underwater adventures in the future. Drift diving utilises the waves and current of water to push participants for long stretches. As is clear by the name, wreck diving is more of a recreational activity, wherein divers explore wrecked ships.
The waters around the Andaman Islands are accessible throughout the year. However, visibility under the water may vary, depending on weather. Andaman witnesses a long monsoon from the month of May till September. The underwater visibility reduces remarkably during rains, so the best time for undertaking the activity is after the monsoon.
The best of destinations and activites for you