Andaman Islands
Why
The Andaman Islands, located in the heart of the Bay of Bengal between India
and Indonesia, are considered one of the most remote places on the globe, with
active volcanoes, human civilizations cut off from the world and areas to which
entry is still not allowed to any tourist. A chain of approximately 250 islands,
40 of which are inhabited, which spread out over an area of 8 square kilometers
of land. Port Blair is the single air and sea port in the Andaman Islands.
Only about 2% of the area is open to tourists and divers. Similar to the closed
areas above sea level, most of the diving sites are also virgin and most can only
be reached by boat and only with a special permit that not everyone can obtain.
The Andaman Islands are a diverse destination, each region promising different
types of dives and landscapes. Some of the dives are unique and provide a view
unparalleled to other places in the world, with perfect conditions of pleasant water
and infinite visibility.
When
Weather in the Andaman Islands is mainly wet and humid with more than
200 days of rain a year. The temperature of the water and the air is very
similar reaching on average about 27 degrees.
The official season is between October and May. If you wish to reach the
more remote areas, the recommended months are February to April, where
sea conditions allow convenient and safe cruises. During the rest of the year
it is not recommended to participate in diving trips to the remote areas, but
rather to take cruises that reach the closer southern islands, with vibrant reefs,
colorful schools of fish, small reef sharks, mantas, a shipwreck from the First
World War and other surprises. The food chain is perfect and it is possible to
witness animals ranging from the tiniest to local sharks and pelagic sea fish.
Diving in Andaman is pretty original with surprising underwater encounters.
How
The Andaman Islands have recently become a popular destination for
travelers, divers and backpackers from around the world, with many
of them choosing local snorkeling or diving trips, enjoying to see the
local landscapes along beautiful touristy beaches.
כללי על היעד
אופי הצלילות
מה רואים
Diving in the region of Barn
A remote island on which the only active volcano in South Asia is located!
Due to the volcanic activity the structure of the sites is unique and interesting
and the sands are black, which emphasize the colorfulness of the corals and fish.
Purple Haze
An amazingly beautiful site. The name was given by Boaz Samurai, following
an unforgettable dive in February 2014. We will drift along a wall covered with
majestic soft purple corals, and amazing stone structures that look sculpted.
Level: Drift dive suitable for advanced divers
Depth: 8-30 meters
Manta Point
The site begins at the point where lava pours into the sea and actually becomes the
reef itself! The shallow part of the reef is a cleaning station for mantas, and lots of
action of many species of fish. The dive ends between beautiful stone walls.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers
Depth: 7-30 meters
Coral Paradise
Lives up to its name! This site is rich in corals in a variety of colors and shapes
with many reef fish swimming among them. A shallow and stunning drift dive.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels and snorkeling.
Depth: Maximum 7 meters
Barren Garden - Washing Machine
A drift dive along a beautiful wall that emphasizes the unique stone structure of the
island of Barren. Along the entire wall a rich variety of colorful corals live together
with many reef fish swimming among them, and mantas souring from the depths.
Level: Drift dive suitable for advanced divers (changeable currents)
Depth: 8-15 meters
Manta Bay
On the black sanded seabed we will dive between rocks covered with many
corals and small fish swimming in between, together with crabs and other
marine creatures... You will also meet families of mantas passing through
the sandy area. At night the lobsters, octopus and big crabs "come out to play".
Level: A shallow dive suitable for divers of all levels
Depth: 7-20 meters
Gallery & Auditorium
The special stone structure looks like a maze of descending stairs with
a variety of soft corals growing on the sides. This unique structure is
home to many reef fish and mantas.
Level: a relaxed dive suitable for divers of all levels
Depth: 7-30 meters
Dixon's Pinnacle
This magical site is one of the most popular in the area. Named after one of the
local diving guides on the island. The site contains 3 pinnacles, (stone pillars),
one huge whose peak is reached at 18 meters and two small ones with peaks at
about 25m. These pillars are full of action with big fish arriving there to eat, such
as barracudas, tuna, groupers, ribbon tail rays, napoleons and more... Alongside
the impressive pinnacles are many corals with colorful reef fish living among
them. This site serves as a cleaning station for turtles and giant mantas and
sometimes Moray eels as well as reef sharks can be spotted there...
Level: Suitable for advanced divers
Depth: 16-30 meters
Dives in the southern islands area
North Cinque Island
This area is considered the healthiest habitat for corals - you can see impressive
rock formations covered in corals of all kinds and colors, with reef fish such as
surgeon and butterfly fish swimming among them, and more.
Level: a relaxed dive suitable for divers of all levels
Depth: 5-22 meters
Fish Rock
This site is the most popular area in the island of Passage, known for being colorful
and diverse, and a habitat of millions of species of fish and of course sharks. When
diving deeper, you will see spectacular corals that grow on the rocky soil.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels
Depth: Up to 30 meters
White House Rock & Inket Wreck
A shipwrecked Japanese cargo ship from World War II. Since then it has been home
to a rich variety of corals and fish, among them groupers, barracudas, scorpion fish,
shrimps and more... You can usually see pods of dolphins swimming in the area.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels
Depth: 18 meters
Chidia Tapu Wreck
A popular and exciting diving site of a rusty but intact nameless ship
from World War I which is home to many corals and fish. Diving deeper
you can spot huge schools of fish such as snappers, groupers and more...
with barracudas and sometimes even reef sharks inside the wreck.
Level: Suitable for advanced divers only.
Depth: 30 meters
Diving in the Area of Havelock Island
The most popular island in the Andaman Islands mainly because of the
spectacular views it offers both above and below the sea surface.
Lighthouse
A popular site mainly for night diving. The seabed is covered in a variety
of corals and many reef fish. Particularly prominent are different types of
parrot fish, octopus, lobsters and more ...
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels
Depth: 6-20 meters
Aquarium
On the western side of the island, there is a site protected from strong
currents, in which divers dive in a slow drift along the colorful and
beautiful reef accompanied by a variety of reef fish.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels
Depth: 10-15 meters
Diving in the Neil Island area
Special and famous for its pristine landscapes. An opportunity to spot
the Dugon Dugong population!
Neil's Pride
The dive begins at a depth between rocks on which various corals grow
of types that give the reef its pristine look. The reef itself is very steep
and has an interesting variety of marine life for example, five-foot-long
giant-sized sweetlips fish! Here you can also find spectacular reef fish,
mantas, turtles and reef sharks.
Level: Suitable for divers of all levels
Depth: Up to 30 meters
International Time Zone
GMT + 5.30.
Entry Visas
Check with your local ministry if you need to issue a visa for visiting India.
If so a standard 2 month with a single entry, or a 6 month visa including a 2
entry option allowing you to visit an additional country and return to India,
is recommended. On arriving at the Andaman Islands you will receive a specific
visa, which you need to keep in a safe place and show when necessary.
Vaccines
Malaria is not common in the Andaman Islands, but bringing mosquito repellant
and after bite is recommended. It is recommended to renew invalid vaccinations
such as polio and jaundice etc. It is recommended to keep up to date with your
Ministry of Health website regarding additional precautions and also worthwhile
stocking up on antibiotics, travel and seasickness pills as well.
Personal Documents
A passport with at least 6 months validity.
Travel and diving insurance - can be purchased on this site.
A credit card is accepted in most places saving the need to carry excess cash.
Diving certificate, valid diving insurance and a diving logbook.
Photocopy of your passport, diving certificates and travel insurance.
Make sure to keep it in a separate file from the original documents.
Diving Equipment
It is recommended to bring your own equipment with which you are accustomed
to using, especially a mask and a dive computer. Scuba diving with a computer
is not a necessity, but recommended. Check your diving equipment prior to your
departure. Scuba diving equipment rental must be booked in advance. Payment
for the equipment will be direct. We recommend you equip yourself with a 3mm
wetsuit according to the season and your own personal comfort.
Photography
This is certainly a destination to document. The Andaman Islands dive sites and
landscapes are magnificent both above and below the surface! You do not have
to be an expert photographer in order to take spectacular photos to capture some
amazing, unique and unforgettable moments. Diving packages are available for
most kinds of cameras, for photography above and under water. Easy-to-use
extreme cameras are also a popular and available choice. We will be happy to
advise you regarding purchasing the most optimal equipment and our team of
instructors will be happy to offer appropriate underwater photography tutoring.
Clothing
Diving to a tropical destination does not require you to bring to much clothing.
Light clothing for during the day between dives is recommended. The dress code
is casual and one or two buttoned shirts for the evening can be useful. Swimsuits
and lycra anti rash tops are great for spending a long time in the water and hanging
out on the beaches. You can avoid bringing shoes and in most cases, a pair of sport
sandals is sufficient. Towels and bed linen are provided by hotel.
Medication and First Aid
Pre-equip yourself with enough personal medication, the chance of obtaining
specific drugs is not always an option. Pack a high factor sunscreen to protect
you from prolonged exposure to tropical weather. We recommend you bring
light coloured and light long clothing to wear and also a head cover and
sunglasses. Mosquito repellent is vitally important and must be applied during
the day and especially at night, along with 'After Bite' cream for stings.
Flights
You will reach the islands after an international flight to India, followed by a domestic
flight to Port Blair. When you receive your flight ticket, please ensure that your name
is spelled exactly as in your passport! Whilst checking in, make sure that the label on
your suitcase shows the final destination of your trip. You must arrive at the airport at
least 3 hours before departure for an international flight. The number of bags and their
weight should comply with airline restrictions to avoid overweight charges. Mostly you
will need a one night stop over in Delhi, Mumbai or Chennai, on the flight over and
sometimes even on the return flight.
Transportation, Arrival and Pick Up
On arrival at Port Blair the transfers and transportation to and from the
beaches by taxis is reccomended and easy.
Communication
Due to its secluded location, means of communication on the Andaman Islands is not
good and you cannot purchase a local sim card. You can purchase a communication
package from your home country in advance however you must take into account that
aboard the liveaboards and whilst cruising to remote regions you will not have any
means of communication. The liveaboard itself offers not means of communication,
although satellite phones may become available in the future.
Climate
The Andaman Islands are known for their hot and rainy climate which includes
over 200 days of rain a year! There is not much difference between the temperature
on land and the water temperature which averages at approximately 27C degrees. The
official season is from October to May and the most recommended months to visit are
January to April.
Sea Conditions
Most of the activity takes place in pleasant and calm waters, but seas can be
high due to winds whilst sailing to the island, back to the mainland and sailing
to the various dive sites.
Some sites have currents that we will make the most of to dive in the direction
of the current or maintain our location by using a Reef Hook. Use an inflatable
buoy to mark your location until the dive boat arrives.
Underwater visibility is good and ranges between 18-30 meters and in season
can reach up to 40 meters or more!!!
Electrical Supply
210/220 V. We recommend you bring a universal adapter to avoid problems.
The sockets usually have two round holes and no earth, therefore it is worthwhile
to prepare in advance.
Money
The local currency is the Indian Rupee. One American dollar is approximately 65 rupees.
Exchanging money into local currency should be done on arrival at the airport.
Credit cards are accepted by most tourist service providers only and not all of them.
Keep track of the use of the card to prevent copying or duplication.
Local Taxes
Currently there are no local tax fees. This may change at any time in accordance
with local municipal law.
Tips
Standard tips are between $80 - $100 per person.
Emergency Numbers and Decompression Chamber
The nearest pressure chamber is available at Port Blair Army Unit at 232871
A new pressure chamber is available at the G B Pant hospital in Port Blair,
Phone 232564, 234941
In case of suspected decompression sickness or serious deviation from the
diving program, the local dive team must apply the usual evacuation procedure
and communicate with the pressure chamber.
Do we also visit beaches?
most of the daily dive cruises take place in areas where the usual tourist
does explore. The Andaman Islands are very well preserved and in most
places, it is forbidden to go ashore.
Is this a suitable destination for non-divers?
There are some areas that are good for this activity. Those who do not
dive and choose to join, can enjoy a relaxing time on the beach and
snorkel in the permitted areas.
Do I need to be an experienced diver to dive in this destination?
The Andaman Islands are a fantastic destination for divers of all levels and
experience. All the dives are guided by a team of local and experienced instructors.
Do I Need Medical Approval to Dive?
In principle, the requirement for medical approval is international with a medical
statement accepted by diving organizations. If the answers to all the questions in
your health declaration are negative, then there is no problem. If there are positive
answers, consult your diving doctor and get approval. If you are over 45, a medical
certificate is required.
Should I Purchase My Own Diving Equipment?
The answer to this question is according to the amount of dives. Naturally, when
planning a scuba diving trip you can decide to purchase full or partial scuba
equipment. We recommend to purchase your own mask and personal dive computer.
We would be happy to be at your service and offer advice on purchasing equipment.
