Havelock Island, a part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, making it a prime destination for deep scuba diving. The geographical location of the Andaman Islands makes it a prime location to explore the best deep-sea scuba diving in Havelock.
1. Certified Divers: Individuals with certification from recognized scuba diving organizations like PADI, SSI, or NAUI.
2. Age Requirement: Typically, participants must be at least 15 years old, depending on the dive centre’s policy.
3. Health Check: Divers should be in good health, with no heart, respiratory, or other medical conditions that could be exacerbated by diving.
4. Experience: Some dive sites may require advanced certification or a certain number of logged dives.
1. Certification Card: Proof of your diving qualification.
2. Dive Logbook: To log your dives.
3. Dive Gear: If you have your own, bring your wetsuit, mask, fins, BCD (Buoyancy Control Device), regulator, dive computer, and other personal equipment.
4. Sunscreen: Reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment.
5. Waterproof Camera: For capturing underwater moments.
6. Towel and Change of Clothes: For after the dive.
1. Dive Briefing: Attend the pre-dive briefing for important information about the dive site and safety procedures.
2. Buddy System: Always dive with a buddy.
3. Check Equipment: Ensure all gear is functioning correctly before diving.
4. Decompression Stops: Follow your dive computer or guide's instructions for decompression stops to avoid decompression sickness.
5. Ascend Slowly: Never ascend faster than your smallest bubbles.
6. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and after diving.
7. Know Your Limits: Dive within the limits of your training and experience.
8. Weather Conditions: Check the weather and water conditions before heading out.
9. Emergency Plan: Know the location of the nearest recompression chamber and emergency procedures.
1. Dixon’s Pinnacle
Marine Life: Barracudas, giant trevallies, Napoleon wrasse, and various species of rays.
Maximum Depth: 40 meters (130 feet).
How to Reach: 40-minute boat ride from Beach 3, Govind Nagar.
Price: Approx. ₹4,000 per dive (inclusive of equipment and guide).
Water Currents: Moderate to strong currents, varies with weather conditions.
2. Johnny’s Gorge
Marine Life: Schools of snappers, large groupers, white-tip, and grey reef sharks.
Maximum Depth: 30 meters (100 feet).
How to Reach: 1-hour boat ride from Beach 3, Govind Nagar.
Price: Approx. ₹4,000 per dive.
Water Currents: Moderate to strong currents, suitable for experienced divers.
3. Jackson’s Bar
Marine Life: Tuna, barracudas, eagle rays, and the occasional hammerhead shark.
Maximum Depth: 35 meters (115 feet).
How to Reach: 45-minute boat ride from Beach 3, Govind Nagar.
Price: Approx. ₹4,000 per dive.
Water Currents: Moderate currents, best dived during slack tide.
4. The Wall
Marine Life: Colorful corals, lionfish, octopuses, and sea snakes.
Maximum Depth: 55 meters (180 feet).
How to Reach: 20-minute boat ride from Beach 3, Govind Nagar.
Price: Approx. ₹3,500 per dive.
Water Currents: Mild currents, generally suitable for all certified deep divers.
5. SS Inchkeith Wreck
Marine Life: Batfish, groupers, and various macro life.
Maximum Depth: 20 meters (65 feet).
How to Reach: 1-hour boat ride from Beach 3, Govind Nagar.
Price: Approx. ₹4,000 per dive.
Water Currents: Mild currents, ideal for deep diving beginners and intermediate divers.
1. By Air: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, then take a ferry to Havelock Island (2-3 hours).
2. By Sea: Regular ferry services are available from Port Blair, Neil Island, and other nearby islands.
Marine Life Highlights
Dixon’s Pinnacle: Known for its impressive rock formations and the presence of larger pelagic species.
Johnny’s Gorge: Famous for shark sightings and schools of barracudas.
Jackson’s Bar: Ideal for seeing large schools of fish and the occasional manta ray.
The Wall: Features dramatic drop-offs and a variety of small reef fish.
SS Inchkeith Wreck: A historic wreck site teeming with marine life and perfect for wreck diving enthusiasts.
With its stunning underwater landscapes and rich biodiversity, Havelock Island offers some of the best deep scuba diving experiences in the world. Enrol in the SSI deep diving speciality course in Havelock to learn specialized deep diving skills and explore unique marine life lying in deep waters.