If you’re dreaming of an underwater adventure, Havelock Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the best places in India for scuba diving. With crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and beautiful coral reefs, it’s a paradise for both beginner and experienced divers.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the top 10 dive sites in Havelock Island, including what makes each site special, what you can expect, and tips to help you plan your diving trip.
Why Havelock Island is Perfect for Diving
Havelock Island (now officially known as Swaraj Dweep) is home to many beautiful diving locations that attract divers from all over the world. The island is known for:
- Clear visibility (up to 30 meters)
- Warm tropical waters
- Colourful coral reefs
- Diverse marine life including turtles, rays, clownfish, barracudas, and sometimes even sharks
With professional dive centres like Dive Andaman, you’ll find safe and certified instructors, modern equipment, and custom dive packages to suit every level.
The Top 10 Dive Sites in Havelock Island
Here’s a closer look at the top 10 dive sites you should explore in Havelock Island:
1. Aquarium
Best for: Beginners
Depth: 10–12 metres
Aquarium is one of the easiest and most popular dive sites, especially for beginners. As the name suggests, it feels like you’re swimming inside a giant aquarium. Expect to see groups of colourful fish like angelfish, butterflyfish, and parrot fish swimming around beautiful coral formations.
2. The Wall
Best for: Intermediate and advanced divers
Depth: Up to 55 metres
This is a vertical reef wall that drops down into the blue. It’s ideal for deep diving and exploring dramatic underwater structures. You can see Napoleon wrasses, lionfish, reef sharks, and schools of snapper here.
3. Lighthouse
Best for: Night dives and beginners
Depth: 6–18 metres
Close to Havelock Island, this site is often used for night diving. The reef here is home to lobsters, octopuses, and bioluminescent plankton that glow in the dark. Even during the day, it’s full of colourful corals and small reef fish.
4. Jackson’s Bar
Best for: Intermediate divers
Depth: 20–30 metres
Located a little away from the main diving areas, Jackson’s Bar offers amazing visibility and large coral heads. You may spot eagle rays, groupers, and large barracudas swimming through the current.
5. Mac Point
Best for: All levels
Depth: 10–15 metres
This is one of the best places to spot dugongs, also known as sea cows. These gentle creatures feed on seagrass beds and can sometimes be seen swimming slowly past divers. It’s a calm site with gentle currents, making it perfect for beginners.
6. Johnny’s Gorge
Best for: Advanced divers
Depth: 25–30 metres
Johnny’s Gorge is known for the huge schools of fish and large pelagic species like trevally, barracudas, and sharks. It’s a favourite among experienced divers who want action-packed dives in deeper waters. The site also features huge boulders covered in soft coral.
7. Seduction Point
Best for: Beginners and intermediate divers
Depth: 6–18 metres
This is a shallow dive site with a rocky slope and large coral heads. You’ll find moray eels, pufferfish, and snappers here. The calm waters and mild current make it a great choice for training dives or relaxing exploration.
8. Minerva’s Ledge
Best for: Advanced divers
Depth: 20–30 metres
This flat rocky dive site is a hidden gem with large table corals and swarming schools of fusiliers. The currents can be strong, so it’s best for those with more experience. Large stingrays and turtles are often spotted here too.
9. Turtle Bay
Best for: Beginners
Depth: 10–14 metres
As the name suggests, this site is a great place to spot sea turtles. It’s a calm, shallow reef area perfect for first-time divers. Apart from turtles, you can also see clownfish, sea cucumbers, and soft coral gardens.
10. Broken Ledge
Best for: Intermediate to advanced divers
Depth: 16–28 metres
This is an exciting site with rock formations, overhangs, and swim-throughs. The terrain is unique, and the marine life includes rays, triggerfish, and barracudas. It’s a great place for photographers looking for dramatic underwater landscapes.
Tips for Scuba Diving at Havelock Island
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, here are some useful tips to help you get the most out of your trip:
1. Choose the Right Dive Centre
Pick a certified dive operator like Dive Andaman which offers PADI courses, trained professionals, and high-quality equipment.
2. Book in Advance
Havelock is a popular destination, especially between October and May. Booking your dive slots early ensures availability.3. Check the Weather
The sea is calmer and visibility is better during dry season months. Avoid diving during the monsoon (June to September).
3. Respect Marine Life
Do not touch coral reefs or marine animals. Always follow the instructions given by your dive instructor to keep the underwater world safe.
4.Hydrate and Rest
Drink enough water and get proper rest before diving. Avoid alcohol or heavy food right before your dive.
Best Time to Dive in Havelock Island
The best time to go scuba diving in Havelock Island is from October to May, when the sea is calm, visibility is high, and marine life is more active. The weather is also more pleasant, which makes your overall experience more enjoyable.
Diving Courses You Can Try
If you are new to scuba diving or want to upgrade your skills, Dive Andaman offers several PADI-certified courses such as:
- Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) – A one-day course for first-timers
- PADI Open Water Diver Course – A beginner certification course
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course – For certified divers looking to improve their skills
- Rescue Diver and Specialty Courses – For experienced divers
These courses include theory lessons, pool training, and open water dives at some of Havelock’s top dive sites.
Where to Stay in Havelock Island
After a fun day of diving, you’ll need a good place to relax. Havelock Island offers everything from luxury beach resorts to budget stays. For the best experience, choose a place near the beach or dive centre, such as:
- Havelock Island Beach Resort
- Barefoot at Havelock
- Sea Shell Havelock
- Symphony Palms Beach Resort
Many of these resorts work closely with dive operators and offer dive packages with accommodation.
Final Thoughts
Scuba diving in Havelock Island is an experience like no other. With stunning marine life, excellent dive sites, and professional dive centres like Dive Andaman, it’s the perfect place to start or continue your underwater journey.
Whether you want to swim with turtles, explore deep reef walls, or simply float among colourful fish, the top 10 dive sites in Havelock Island have something special for everyone. So pack your swim gear, grab your underwater camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure beneath the waves.