Diving the Andaman: Into the Blue

The Andaman Sea is a scuba diver’s playground, and I came here with one mission: to get certified. I chose a PADI Open Water course at a dive centre on Havelock, and those four days changed my relationship with the ocean forever.

The first pool session was nerve-wracking – breathing through a regulator feels unnatural at first. But my instructor, a cheerful local named Ravi, had the patience of a saint. By day two, we were descending to 12 metres at Turtle Beach. The visibility was staggering – over 25 metres. Below me, a garden of staghorn corals stretched as far as I could see, teeming with damselfish, angelfish, and the occasional bannerfish.

The Wall: A Dramatic Underwater Adventure

The highlight came on our third dive at The Wall – a dramatic drop-off near South Button Island. We drifted along a vertical coral cliff, and suddenly, a hawksbill turtle glided past, so close I could see the patterns on its shell. Ravi signalled for us to stop, and we hovered in silence as the turtle surfaced for air, then disappeared into the blue. Moments later, a school of barracuda circled above us, their silver bodies catching the sunlight like moving mirrors.

Snorkelling for Non-Divers

For non-divers, snorkelling is equally rewarding. North Bay Island offers a shallow reef perfect for beginners – you can stand up in places and still see clownfish darting among anemones. Elephant Beach (accessible by a short trek or boat) has a house reef that’s alive with colour; I spent an entire afternoon there, just floating and watching the underwater ballet.

Practical Tips for Diving in the Andamans

A few practical tips: the best diving season is November to April, when the seas are flat and visibility peaks. Certification courses start around ₹25,000–₹35,000 for a 4-day course, including equipment and dives. If you’re already certified, a single fun dive costs about ₹4,000–₹6,000. Always choose a PADI or SSI-affiliated centre with good reviews – safety comes first.

Into the Blue

Diving in the Andamans isn’t just an activity; it’s an invitation into a world that exists parallel to our own. It’s quiet, colourful, and humbling. I came back to the surface each time with a silly grin, already planning my next descent.

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Responsible Tourism in the Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands are ecologically fragile – rising sea levels, plastic pollution, and unregulated tourism threaten their beauty. As travellers, we have a duty to minimise our footprint. Here’s how I practised responsible tourism.

Say No to Single-Use Plastic

Say no to single-use plastic. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at filtered water stations (many guesthouses offer free refills). Avoid buying packaged snacks – instead, carry fruits or local treats.

Choose Eco-Friendly Operators

Choose eco-friendly operators. Many dive centres and boat operators follow sustainable practices – they anchor away from coral, use mooring buoys, and educate divers. Ask before you book. I chose a centre that participates in coral reef monitoring and beach clean-ups.

Respect Wildlife

Respect wildlife. Never touch coral, feed fish, or chase turtles. Maintain at least 5 metres distance from all marine life. On land, avoid feeding monkeys or deer – it disrupts their natural diet and behaviour.

Support Local Communities

Support local communities. Stay in homestays, eat at local restaurants, and buy handicrafts (like shell jewellery or wood carvings) from government-approved emporiums – not from street vendors selling protected sea shells or coral pieces. Remember, taking coral or shells from beaches is illegal.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Dispose of waste properly. The islands have limited waste management infrastructure. Carry a small garbage bag and take your trash back to Port Blair if you’re visiting remote beaches. I saw too many plastic bottles washed up on Radhanagar – it broke my heart.

Offset Your Carbon Emissions

Offset your carbon emissions. If you fly, consider donating to a local reforestation project – the Andaman government runs tree-planting initiatives that accept contributions.

Spread Awareness

Finally, spread awareness – share your photos and stories, but include a message about conservation. The Andamans gave me some of my happiest memories; I want them to remain pristine for generations to come. Responsible travel isn’t a sacrifice – it’s an enrichment.

— Brought to you by The Kite Journeys – explore more at
thekitejourneys.com