Scuba Diving in Havelock Island
Scuba Diving in Havelock Island 2026: Cost, Best Dive Sites, Discover Scuba for Beginners, PADI Courses, Best Time, Safety Rules, What You Will See Underwater, and Insider Tips for First-Time Divers
Scuba diving in Havelock Island costs about ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 per person for a beginner dive, and you do not need any experience or swimming skill to try it. Havelock is the main dive base in the Andamans, with clear water, coral reefs and certified instructors, and the best months are November to April.
This guide covers dive types, popular sites, cost, safety rules and what to expect on the day. Read our general page on scuba diving in Andaman too, and see our andaman tour packages to add diving to a full trip.
Quick Overview
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Beginner dive cost | ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 per person |
| Experience needed | None for a beginner dive; certification for deeper dives |
| Minimum age | Operators usually set a minimum age (often around 10); confirm before booking |
| Time needed | 3 to 4 hours including briefing and transfers |
| Time underwater | About 30 to 40 minutes |
| Best months | November to April |
| Also try | Snorkeling, sea walk and glass-bottom boat for a non-diving option |
Short Answer: Is Scuba Diving in Havelock Worth It?
- First-timers: Yes. A beginner dive with an instructor needs no experience.
- Non-swimmers: Most operators accept them for a beginner dive, but tell the instructor.
- Certified divers: Ask for fun dives at deeper sites.
- Not comfortable underwater: Choose a sea walk or snorkeling instead.
Types of Scuba Dives in Havelock
1. Beginner Dive (Discover Scuba)
Cost: ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 | Best Time: Morning, November to April | Time Needed: 3 to 4 hours
You get a short briefing on breathing and hand signals, then dive with an instructor in shallow water, usually up to about 12 metres. This is the right choice if you have never dived.
Insider tip: Book the first slot of the day, when the sea is calmer and visibility is often better.
2. Fun Dive for Certified Divers
Cost: Ask the dive centre | Best Time: January to April | Time Needed: Half day
If you hold an open-water certificate, you can dive deeper sites with a guide. Carry your certification card and log book.
3. Diving Courses
Cost: Ask the dive centre | Time Needed: Several days
Havelock has dive centres that run beginner-to-advanced courses. Plan extra days if you want a certificate.
Popular Dive Sites near Havelock
Dive centres choose the site by conditions on the day, so treat this list as a guide, not a promise.
| Site | Level | What you may see |
|---|---|---|
| Elephant Beach reef | Beginner | Shallow coral and reef fish |
| Nemo Reef | Beginner | Clownfish, anemones and soft coral |
| Lighthouse | Beginner to intermediate | Reef fish and coral gardens |
| The Wall | Intermediate | Drop-off with larger fish |
| Dixon’s Pinnacle | Advanced | Pinnacle with schooling fish and rays |
What You Can See Underwater
Expect hard and soft coral, clownfish, butterflyfish, angelfish and parrotfish. Some sites may show rays, turtles and larger fish.
How a Beginner Dive Works
- Check-in and form: Fill in a health and swimming form at the dive centre.
- Briefing: The instructor explains equipment, breathing and signals.
- Boat ride: Travel to the dive site from the jetty.
- Practice: Short skills practice in shallow water.
- Dive: About 30 to 40 minutes with the instructor beside you.
- Return: Rinse off, rest and collect any photos or videos booked.
Cost, Best Time, Safety and Booking
Scuba Diving Cost and Alternatives
| Option | Cost per person | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner scuba dive | ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 | First-time divers |
| Snorkeling | From ₹1,000 | Swimmers who want the reef on a budget |
| Sea walk | From ₹3,500 | Non-swimmers who want to walk underwater |
Prices vary by dive centre, site and whether photos or videos are included. Ask what the price covers before you pay.
Best Time for Scuba Diving
November to April gives calmer seas and clearer water, with January to April often the best for visibility. During the monsoon, boats and dives can be cancelled for weather.
Safety and Health Rules
- Tell the instructor about any health condition, medicines or recent illness.
- Do not dive with a cold, ear or sinus problems, asthma or heart conditions unless a doctor clears you.
- Do not fly within the period your dive centre advises after diving. Ask them for the exact wait time.
- Avoid alcohol the night before.
- Follow the instructor’s signals and never hold your breath.
- Use certified operators and check that equipment is well kept.
What to Carry
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sunscreen (reef-safe if possible)
- Motion-sickness tablets if you get seasick
- A light snack and water
- ID and, for certified divers, your certification card
How to Book
Book a slot a day or two ahead in November to February. We can arrange diving along with ferry and stay through our andaman tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does scuba diving cost in Havelock Island? About ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 per person for a beginner dive.
Do I need to know swimming to scuba dive? For a beginner dive, most operators accept non-swimmers, but tell the instructor so they can plan for you.
Is scuba diving in Havelock safe for beginners? Yes, when you dive with a certified instructor, follow the briefing and share your health details honestly.
What is the best time for scuba diving in Havelock? November to April, with January to April often the clearest.
How long does a scuba dive take? About 3 to 4 hours in total, with 30 to 40 minutes underwater.
Can I scuba dive and fly on the same day? No. Ask your dive centre for the exact waiting time before a flight.
Final Verdict
A beginner dive is the best way to see Havelock’s reef up close, and it costs less than many people expect. Dive between November and April, tell your instructor about your health, and book ahead in peak months.
Related Reading
- Add diving to your trip with our andaman tour packages
Plan Your Havelock Trip with Andaman Sea Hawk Tours and Travels
Want a dive booked for your dates? Call +91-9476061422 or +91-9933200646, message us on WhatsApp, or email seahawkairtravels@gmail.com.We are based in Port Blair and can book your hotel, ferry, transfers and activities in one package, Our 50-50 payment plan lets you pay half now and half later.
