Exceptional Diving Sites: Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a paradise for diving enthusiasts, offering some of the best diving experiences in India. The islands are known for their crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, vibrant coral reefs, and numerous shipwrecks, making them an ideal destination for both beginner and experienced divers. The islands typically offer excellent visibility for diving, ranging from 15 to 40 meters or more. Water temperatures generally stay warm throughout the year, varying between 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. Here are some of the key highlights of diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
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- Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): Havelock Island is a popular diving destination and offers a range of dive sites suitable for all levels of divers. The waters around Havelock are teeming with marine life, including colorful coral formations, reef fish, turtles, and occasionally, manta rays and sharks.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Neil Island is another excellent spot for diving, with relatively calm waters and beautiful coral reefs. The coral formations are in pristine condition, and divers can encounter a variety of marine creatures, including schools of fish, eels, and sea anemones.
- Cinque Island: Located south of Port Blair, Cinque Island is renowned for its stunning underwater topography, including large boulders, swim-throughs, and steep drop-offs. Divers can expect encounters with large pelagic species, reef sharks, and diverse coral ecosystems.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: This marine park comprises several islands, including Jolly Buoy and Red Skin, which are popular for snorkeling and diving. The park boasts rich biodiversity, including vibrant coral reefs and a wide variety of fish species.
- Barren Island: For more adventurous divers, Barren Island offers a unique opportunity to dive near an active volcano. The volcanic activity creates an exciting underwater landscape, and lucky divers might even witness volcanic bubbles rising to the surface.
- Shipwreck Diving: The waters around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several shipwrecks, some of which are accessible to divers. These wrecks offer a glimpse into maritime history and create artificial reefs that attract a myriad of marine life.
Diving in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is regulated to ensure the protection of the marine environment. Always dive with a certified and reputable dive operator who follows responsible diving practices. Whether you are a novice or an experienced diver, the underwater world of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands promises a memorable and captivating experience. At TWELF-X, we recommend to dive with a dive watch. While dive computers offer convenience, it can easily breakdown compared to a watch. As divers, we are always trained to look at dive safety time the old fashion way. Hence, TWELF-X Ocean watches come with a uni-directional count down bezel that you can set. The watches are also water resistant to 200 metres and come with large fonts and indexes for easy read underwater.