Andaman Scuba Seasons 2026 — Havelock vs Neil Dive Sites, Operator Picks and Honest Timing
By Priya Nair (Priya Nair covers India's beach destinations — Andaman, Lakshadweep, Goa, Kerala — with a focus on the practical bits: which gateway airport, which ferry connects to which island, the permits, the scuba seasons, the budget math.) · Published · 11 min read
Andaman is India's best scuba destination — but the difference between Havelock and Neil, the right season month and the right operator separates a good trip from a great one. Here is the 2026 reality from a regular diver's perspective.
What this article covers
Why Andaman is India's best scuba destination
The dive calendar — when to come for what
Havelock dive sites — the headline list
Neil dive sites — the quieter alternative
Dive operators — Dive India, Barefoot, Doongi, Ocean Tribe, Lacadives
PADI Open Water in Havelock — what to expect
Fun dives, packages and the honest cost breakdown
Manta rays, mola mola and the pelagic-encounter calendar
Honest budget for a scuba-focused Andaman week
Frequently asked questions
When is the best month for scuba diving in Andaman?
Late November to early February for peak conditions; mid-February to mid-March for the best manta ray sightings combined with still-excellent visibility and calmer crowds. Avoid June to early September when most operators close for monsoon.
How much does PADI Open Water cost in Havelock in 2026?
₹22,000-30,000 across mainstream operators (Dive India, Barefoot Scuba, Doongi, Ocean Tribe, Lacadives). The course takes 3.5 to 4 days and includes all equipment, training materials, certification fees and four open-water dives. The PADI eLearning theory module costs ₹4,000 additional.
Havelock or Neil for scuba diving?
Havelock for variety of sites and easier scheduling — most operators are concentrated there. Neil for quieter dive boats and fewer divers per site. Many serious divers do both, with 2-3 days in Havelock and 1-2 days in Neil. The 60-minute ferry makes the combination easy.
Can I dive in Andaman without prior certification?
Yes. Discover Scuba intro dives (₹4,000-5,500) allow non-certified beginners to do one shallow guided dive after a basic theory briefing and pool skills. For the full PADI Open Water certification, allow 3.5 to 4 days.
Are there manta rays in Andaman?
Yes, primarily mid-January to mid-March at Dixon's Pinnacle and Jackson's Bar near Havelock. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed but the probability is genuinely high in this window. Advanced Open Water certification is required for these deeper sites.
Which Andaman dive operator should I book with?
Dive India, Barefoot Scuba, Doongi Dives, Ocean Tribe and Lacadives are the established and well-rated operators at Havelock. Research the specific instructor pool for any Open Water course — the instructor matters more than the dive shop brand for course quality.
Is Andaman diving safe for beginners?
Yes. The mainstream operators run professional PADI and SSI programmes with strong safety cultures, modern equipment and experienced instructor pools. Water conditions (warm temperatures, calm in-season seas, good visibility) are genuinely beginner-friendly.
Do I need travel insurance for scuba in Andaman?
Strongly recommended. Standard travel insurance often excludes diving deeper than 18 metres or excludes Advanced-level dives. Buy specialist dive insurance (DAN India, Asia DAN, similar) for any serious diving trip — premiums are ₹1,500-3,000 for a week and cover decompression illness evacuation, which is non-trivial in Andaman.