Scuba diving at Havelock Island for beginners can prove to be a more enjoyable experience than expected. Over the past few years, the number of first-time divers to this region has skyrocketed.
Scuba diving at Havelock Island for beginners can seem to be scary at first. But it is not as dangerous as you imagine it to be. If you are new to scuba diving or a non-swimmer, do not worry. You are not alone. There are a lot of travelers just like you.
Havelock Island is one of the most visited travel destinations in Andaman Islands. It is located in South Andaman and is easily accessible from the capital city of Port Blair. The island is famous for adventure sports by the sea. I hope that by the means of my current blog, I am able to help you let go off your fear of scuba diving as well.
When I first visited Havelock Island, I was really fearful of going deep into the waters. But once I gave diving a shot, it turned out to be more fun than anticipated. I confronted my fear and came back victorious. You should definitely try the sport once!
Scuba Diving at Havelock Island for Beginners
As a traveler, each time you will make an effort to step out of your comfort zone, it will come across as scary. Now, this is normal. In fact, if you don’t feel afraid, that surely would be abnormal.
However, do not ever allow to give in to that fear. Remember that what you imagine in your head is always much bigger than in reality. Therefore, stand up for yourself and try something new. You will emerge victoriously.
When it comes to scuba diving at Havelock Island for beginners, be assured that you are in trustworthy hands. The diving guides are extremely helpful. They will not only introduce you to the activity but will also prep you up for your first experience ever.
Me at the Barefoot Scuba Centre at Havelock Island, thinking whether I should go for scuba diving or not. A sense of panic prevailed inside me. It kept telling me not to do it. But I convinced myself to go for it and find out how good or bad it goes. After taking this picture, I signed the medical form that all divers have to sign and went ahead with my decision.
Common Questions Asked by First Time Scuba Divers at Andaman Islands
Before I delve deep into the details of scuba diving at Havelock Island for beginners, I would like to address the questions that are common to most first time divers.
I had similar questions before I experienced my first dive underwater. So let me help you with them.
| What exactly is scuba diving?
Scuba diving is basically an underwater activity for individuals using a special breathing apparatus. This apparatus is known as SCUBA. It stands for Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. It comprises compressed air that allows you to stay underwater for long periods of time. |
| Is scuba diving dangerous for beginners?
Not at all. It might appear dangerous in your head but it is simpler in actuality. Just make sure you follow all the safety rules and you are good to go. |
| Can anyone learn to dive in Islands in and around Andamans?
Yes, anybody can learn to dive. Children as young as 10 years of age are legally allowed to dive. All you need to do is establish a minimum standard of fitness and follow instructions. |
| Is there a chance that I feel suffocated and claustrophobic?
Yes, you can feel both suffocated and claustrophobic. However, that is normal for a beginner. Your instructor will always stay close to you. So all you need to do is provide him with a signal so that he/she takes you above on the surface. |
| Will there a way for me to communicate underwater with my instructor?
Yes, you totally can communicate underwater. In fact, as a beginner, one of the first things you will learn is how to make underwater signals before your dive begins. |
| Will my ears hurt underwater?
Before you take your first ever dive, you will be taught the technique of equalization. It will help you in protecting your ears. I insist that a day before you go scuba diving, try to clear your ears every 60 minutes. This will help your ear canal get accustomed to the possible changes later. Now, this isn’t any scientific technique. Just a suggestion from my end. It helped me when I first dived. |
| Do I need a certification before I can scuba dive anywhere in Andaman Islands?
No, you don’t need a certification to dive in shallow waters of the Andamans along with your instructor. However, your instructor will surely need certification. If you want to pursue diving again and again at various other places, I highly insist that you go for a long term training course. It will really help you. |
| How deep can I go underwater during my first ever dive?
On your first dive, you will go up to 7 to 12 meters underwater. You can go deeper, but that depends on your comfort level.About the Author |
| Can I do Scuba Diving even if I don’t know how to swim?
Yes, you can absolutely go for scuba diving even if you don’t know how to swim. In fact, even the best of swimmers will be instructed to not swim once they dive in. Reason being that you are underwater and do not need to swim beneath. You need to stay still. |
| If I am a woman, will it be possible for me to dive during my periods?
Yes. it is totally alright for you to dive underwater even during your periods. As long as you are comfortable, nothing else matters. |
| Can I go scuba diving if I’m fat?
If you are within 10% of your normal body weight, you can go scuba diving. It doesn’t matter if you are fat. However, if you are obese, try losing some extra kilos and then go diving. Else, you will put yourself at risk of a cardiac arrest underwater. |
| What is the basic equipment needed for scuba diving ?
You will most certainly need a snorkel, a mask, wet suit, fins, a buoyancy control device, oxygen cylinder, pressure gauge and regulator. |
| Do I need to carry my own scuba equipment?
No. You will be provided with the equipment at the centre you choose for going scuba diving. |
| What are the best sites to scuba dive in Andamans ?
Havelock Island, Neil Island, North Bay and Port Blair. |
| Is Havelock Island the best place to scuba dive for beginners?
No. Havelock Island surely is a brilliant place to go scuba diving. However, for beginners, North Bay is better. The reason for North Bay being better is the less amount of crowds there. Your instructors can give you more individual attention there. At Havelock Island, they do not have any extra time to spare because they are very busy catering to the large crowd. |
| How much will scuba diving cost me?
Scuba diving will cost you around 1800 to 2500 INR at North Bay. At other places, including Havelock Island, it will cost you anywhere between 3200 to 4500 INR. |
| Should I be worried about shark attacks?
No. There are no sharks in Andaman Islands. So you’re quite safe. |
| Should I carry an underwater camera to take pictures?
No. Focus on your dive. Your instructors will click pictures and hand them over to you in a pen drive later. Once you are a professional, then you can surely take an underwater camera with you. |
| Any special tip for scuba diving for beginners at Andamans?
Yes. Please ensure that your instructor knows that it is your first time. Ask him/her to be patient with you. In fact, go for an instructor who is patient. Your confidence will be boosted much fold if your instructor is cooperative. You need all the confidence underwater more than anything else. |
If you’re going scuba diving for the first time, there are high chances that you’re going to have inhibitions. However, remember that you’re going to have your instructor with you at all points. Furthermore, you’ll be trained before you actually dive in deep waters.
Initial Requirements for Scuba diving at Havelock Island for Beginners
There are two major things that are required for any person who wishes to do scuba diving.
The Medical Fitness Form
This is the primary step in which the person is required to fill in the information regarding any medical condition that one has before going underwater.
Moreover, pregnant females, people who have blood pressure problems and visitors who have availed any flight within 48 hours of their stay on the ground are advised not to go for any diving activity.
However, after 40-48 hours, any medically fit person is allowed all kinds of water sports activities.
The Diving Equipment
It comprises of a set of equipment that majorly includes the diving suit, flipper boots, an oxygen cylinder kit, a belt of weights, face mask, mouth pipe, a regulator, pressure gauze and a buoyancy control device.
Having all these with you can make you good to go for diving.
My Experience as a First Timer Scuba Diver in Andaman Waters
As a newbie to diving, I knew almost nothing about scuba diving. Hence, I was worried and also somewhat embarrassed. After all, everybody else waiting for their turns to dive had prior experience of scuba diving.
I guess it is normal to be afraid when you step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Well, I tried letting go off that feeling but it kind of made me worse.
| The kind of diving experience first timers like me pursue is known as ‘Try Dive.’ This can be done from a boat or from the shore. Doing it from a boat is better. This is because you go out into the sea far away from the crowd. The rush is less so you can enjoy more, it being your first time.
You can try diving from the shore as well. However, there will be a whole line of people waiting for their turn and you will get to spend less time underwater. |
I tried focusing my attention in wearing my wet suit and putting on all the other required equipment. I kept thinking what is the worst that can happen.
When you think about the worse, your misery gets relieved a little – for some time at least.
Wearing My Gear and Other Diving Equipment
My instructor made sure I had all the equipment on me. He helped me put it right. I was made to wear rubber boots. At this point, I wondered about not wearing fins that all divers wear.
It was later that I realized that those fins are worn on people like me by instructors themselves when we’re ready to jump inside water. The instructors will help you float by putting on those fins on you.
This is me wearing my wet suit and trying my flipper boots. It is absolutely essential to put on these flippers. They help you conserve your energy during movement underwater. This in turns makes driving more relaxing. You’ll know once you try it.
Diving Instructions
My instructor sensed that I was uncomfortable. He rose up to the occasion and tried his best to make me feel comfortable. His cooperation and patience helped me a lot. However, there was still a part of me that was fearful.
I tried listening to all the instructions carefully. I was taught some techniques like breathing with the regulator, communicating signals, dealing with hurting ears, etc. It is important to learn the underwater communication signals especially for situations like water entering your mask.
| As a first time diver, I was taught basic scuba diving signals. These included the ‘OK’ signal, ‘not OK’ signal, ‘End the dive or move above the water’ signal and ‘Less on-air’ signal.
These are damn important for underwater communication. |
An oxygen cylinder was put on me then and also a weight harness was put around my waist. It must have weighed about 3 kgs. The harness made me uncomfortable because I wasn’t used to it.
However, I had to put up a brave face to appear normal. After all, my instructor was trying his best to soothe me. Deep inside, I was terrified. At some point, I even thought of quitting. But a voice inside me made sure that I don’t quit.
Training and Then Taking The First Jump
I was asked by the instructor to bite on my mouthpiece and to clasp it between my lips. That is when I realized it was time to dive in finally.
However, it was just a training session. It lasted for about 30 minutes. This session was important for people like me to get accustomed.
Now it was time to dive in the water. O, boy! My heart was beating as if I was being chased by a ghost. The adrenaline rush was so much that my face turned all red.
My instructor asked me to breathe deeply as I took my first ever plunge underwater. I somehow thought that I might get a little training before. But that is not what happened. This was the actual thing.
Going Inside the Water but Surfacing Up
It took me quite some time to just gather courage and go inside the water. Finally, I dove in and large bubbles came out of my mouth through the equipment.
I immediately rose above the surface thinking that something was wrong. But everything was just fine and my instructor literally pushed me inside this time so as to fully submerge me.
I heart was pounding fast but I thought to myself, “you have got to calm down.” So, I did calm down. I was wearing an oxygen cylinder and all the gear. Therefore, the only harm I could do to myself was panic. Henceforth, I made sure that I do not panic and just moved with the flow of things.
Me pursuing scuba diving for the first time in my life. Before I entered the deep waters, I was scared. But once I started exploring the oceanic world, I felt victorious. Joy overtook fear and curiosity overtook anxiety. My instructor was with me throughout.
Finally Going Deep Underwater
I struggled hard to not breathe through my nose. But I knew that would just not be possible. So, I tried my best to breathe to my mouth. However, this took me time and I rose up again above the surface. At this point, my instructor again pushed me inside.
This diving in and re-surfacing up happened around 8 times in my case. But somehow it helped me acclimatize. I decided that this time I won’t surface up without completing my trip underwater.
I dived in again and took the leap to venture out into unknown territory. Life under the sea is starkly different from ours. I took deeper breaths to my mouth and I was glad to realize that it is helping me a lot.
I felt overwhelmed that I made it and survived about 2 minutes underwater on my own. It felt like a personal victory. I need to mention here that my instructor held me throughout my trip.
He made me feel comfortable. He was responsible for using the Buoyancy Controller which helped me float and control the depth during my dive. This is why scuba diving at Havelock Island for beginners is especially great.
Discovering the Marine Life
I took the plunge and discovered the world of marine life. It felt as if I was in an aquarium. But only much larger.
Marine life provides a panoramic and picturesque view of an extremely diversified group of fishes, little organisms, colourful coral reefs, sunken ships and vehicles acting as an attraction to viewers.
The clownfish commonly known as the ‘Nemo’ fish is a widely found variety in the waters of Andaman sea. However, not everybody finds them. Well, I did.
Sea horses, stingrays, mantis shrimps and a small school of fishes swiftly paving their ways in between the corals are a visual delight.
Sea cucumbers are a common sight in these waters and even the instructor allows you to squeeze this echinoderm. Red coloured blood disperses into the water due to its open circuit of fluid circulation.
This is the clownfish as seen in Finding Nemo. The marine life provides a panoramic and picturesque view of an extremely diversified group of fishes, little organisms, colourful coral reefs, sunken ships and vehicles acting as an attraction to viewers.
The creatures underwater were way more welcoming than I’d expected. In fact, they were undisturbed by my presence in their home.
Unlike the polluted cities we live in, the world underwater is crystal clear. It felt as if a mirror was kept that reflected the depth. I could gaze so deep.
Photography and videography were included in my package. Therefore, some amazing pictures were clicked by a professional diver. I loved them when I saw them.
The Feeling After Surfacing Up Above the Water
After spending about 40 minutes underwater, I finally rose above and out into my world. I was ecstatic, not just because I overcame my fear, but because life under the sea was magnificent.
I realized that the depth doesn’t matter underwater as long as you continuously blow air to neutralize the water pressure. That is all.
This is me moments after I rose above the water and had finished my scuba diving trip. I was overwhelmed at the experience I had just pursued. Life underwater is beautiful, comforting and serene. I will surely go for scuba diving in other parts of the world.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Scuba Diving for the First Time
Since I’ve pursued scuba diving at Havelock Island for beginners now, I want to share all of my learning with you. I understand what it means to stand against one’s inner fear and overcome it.
I really wish that anyone reading my blog is able to overcome his/fear. So let me share a few tips as well as hacks.
| Get comfortable with breathing underwater
Learn to breathe through a scuba regulator with just your face underwater. Do this before going for your first dive. Practice this in a pool or any place where the water is shallow. |
| Learn to breathe properly even above water
Learn to breathe properly. This means that you should know how to fully inhale and exhale air after every breath. Taking deep and proper breaths will prevent you from hyperventilating and thus feeling starved for air. |
| Check all your equipment
Before diving underwater, check that you have all the equipment on you. Ask your instructor to check it for you. Most of the times, he/she will check them but even then, you should be aware. |
| Do not panic due to the distance-touch inability
Objects underwater will always appear closer to you than their actual distance. This is because of magnification. Don’t panic if you are not able to get the right sense of distance during your first time. |
| Do not fight water
On your first dive, you might have the urge to fight water and then flow. You don’t have to fight water at all. Just stay in one position and you will automatically flow. You will feel zero gravity underwater. So flowing is super easy if you stay still. |
| Minimize your movement to safe oxygen
The more you move, the more oxygen will be consumed by you. So move little. Your fins will anyways help you move. So avoid any fast movements. Also, try being horizontal than vertical. |
| Avoid touching organisms underwater
Once underwater, enjoy your trip and learn from your experience. But never disturb any organism. This includes small fish, plants and even corals. Avoid touching them at all costs. Sometimes, even the most silent looking creature will strike back or release the poison. |
| Learn communication signals
You will be taught some basic sign language using your hands. This will help you communicate with your instructor once you are underwater. Learn those basic signs. Do not be ashamed if you’re taking time to learn. In fact, keep practising and only then get inside the water. |
| Be patient and don’t compare yourself to others
This is the key to enjoying scuba diving. Do not compare yourself to anyone else. Stay patient, follow instructions and give yourself time. That is all. |
The first few minutes of being underwater might feel overwhelming. This is obvious, for you’re in a completely different environment. However, just breathe, and try calming down. Think of why you signed up for the experience in the first place.
Service Providers for Scuba Diving at Havelock Island
Ever since the whooping expansion of water sports activities in this place, Havelock Island has seen quite a number of service providers when it comes to Scuba Diving.
There is a diving service provider every 100 meters. Scuba diving at Havelock Island for beginners can be a comforting activity if you choose the correct provider.
Out of many that claim to provide the best scuba diving experience to nature wanderers, there are few like Andaman Bubbles, Doongi Dives, Ocean Tribe and Barefoot Scuba that caters to world-class standards of diving underwater.
| I did my first ever diving session with Barefoot Scuba and then later with Ocean Tribe. I highly recommend Ocean Tribe to all newbies like me.
The instructors are very patient and are in love with diving themselves. They will pass on that love to you as well. I can vouch for it. |
It is important that you connect well with your instructors. The more patient they are with you, the more you will be able to let go off fear. Also, they should be open to questions.
At Ocean Tribe, you will have access to some phenomenal experts who will guide you really well. They are not very popular as off now since they don’t market themselves much.
Perhaps, they know that newbie divers like me will do all the marketing for them because they are damn good.
Cost of Pursuing Scuba Diving at Havelock Island
The cost of trying out scuba diving varies from one service provider to another. Also, on the season. However, on an average, scuba diving will cost you anywhere between 3500 to 4500 INR at Havelock Island.
If you choose to travel until the diving centre yourself, then the whole package will cost you less. This is because you will be charged only for scuba diving.
But there are a lot of people who take packages were riding in a boat till the diving centre is also included. Now those packages cost more.
| At diving centres in North Bay, scuba diving will cost you much less than Havelock Island. On an average, pursuing scuba diving at North Bay will cost you between 1800 to 2500 INR. |
Try not to book your slot through any travel agent. Do it on your own online or by going to the diving centre yourself. If you book via an agent, he will charge an additional 25% as commission. So, it is best to save that money.
Use this money to pursue more activities like snorkelling, sea walk, glass boat ride, etc.
Best Time to Try Scuba Diving at Havelock Island for Beginners
Since you will be new at this, you should get as much guidance and personal attention as possible. Therefore, try opting for a morning slot. The crowd will be less that time and the water will be clearer.
You will feel much more comfortable in the morning owing to less crowd than later in the afternoon or evening.
The overall timings for scuba diving at Havelock Island range from 8 am till about 6 pm (during summer months) and 9 am till 5 pm (during winter months).
It is said that January to May is when the sea is calmest. Hence, it makes for a good season for scuba diving at Havelock Island for beginners.
Make sure you do your research on what the best time for scuba diving in the Andamans is. Going at the right time will ensure that you get to see a wide variety of marine life amidst clear waters. It is said that January to May is when the sea is calmest.
Is Havelock Island or Neil island Better for Scuba Diving?
Well, both have a fair set of advantages and disadvantages.
Havelock Island surely has more diving sites as well as service providers. Neil Island on the other side has less diving centres but better and unexplored diving sites.
Havelock Island is visited by hundreds of people. Hence, the diving sites there witness a lot of rush. Neil Island, on the other hand, receives fewer tourists. So, it can be a good option for first-time divers.
Take your call as to where should you go for scuba diving. It will depend on your priority.
Activities to Pursue in Addition to Scuba Diving
Water sport activities are the prime choice of recreation for tourists in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Havelock especially has been constantly conducting a number of water sports that one can enjoy. Go for snorkelling or jetskiing or even for a sea walk.
Snorkelling can be done in the famous Radhanagar Beach and also in Elephant Beach.
The exciting sea walk, 10 metres deep in the sea bed can be done at the Elephant Beach. Elephant Beach can be reached through a motorboat (Rs.600-800 per person). The beach remains open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm or 3:00 pm.
Banana rides and water scooters are common in both Radhanagar and Elephant beaches in Havelock.
Cost of water sports at Havelock Island
| Water scooter
400 to 600 INR |
| Sea Walk
3000 to 4000 INR |
| Snorkelling
300 to 600 INR |
| Banana ride
450 to 650 INR |
In addition to scuba diving, the Andamans offer a range of other water sport activities for you to try. You can try your hand at water scooters, sea walking, snorkelling, or ride in a glass boat. Water sport activities are the prime choice of recreation for tourists in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Havelock especially has been constantly conducting a number of water sports.
How to Reach Havelock Island?
You can make use of either government ferries, private ferries or a seaplane in order to reach Havelock Island.
Government Ferries till Havelock Island
Usually, number of round trips (from Port Blair to Havelock and back to Port Blair) are made by government ferries as they mainly operate to facilitate the transport of people (islanders) and goods (food, fuel, couriers, etc.) to sustain island living.
One-way charges per person are 250 INR for chair class and 350-390 INR for seat class.
The ferry takes around 2.5 hours to reach the island, as it stops at Neil Island first and then changes its course towards Havelock taking a longer route.
Private ferries till Havelock Island
Private ferries have been recently put into the function to aid tourists to have a comfortable and quick journey hence increasing tourist immigration.
Makruzz and Green Ocean are two most popular private ferry services. The ferry leaves from Port Blair to Neil and Havelock Islands every 2-3 hours.
One-way fare per person varies from 1000-1200 INR depending upon the ferry booked. It takes approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes) for private ferries to reach Havelock.
This is a picture of the Havelock Island Jetty. A Jetty is a small landing base for ferries to dock. It is here that the government ferries will take you to or away from Havelock Island. They are the best means of commuting from one island to another.
Sea Planes till Havelock Island
An eight-seated seaplane offers a luxurious option for people who desire to reduce travel time considerably. They will cost you a whopping 4000 to 4500 INR for just a single side ride.
Personally, I wouldn’t go for seaplanes. They are overrated.
Places to Visit in Around Havelock Island
Once you’re done with scuba diving, there are a number of places to visit in and around Havelock Island.
Havelock Island is home to some of the most impressive beaches in Andamans
One can bask in the sun and relax on the beaches of Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach and the Kalapather Beach.
Radhanagar Beach has been consistently rated as one of the best beaches in Asia. The Kala Pathar Beach hosts numerous snails, insects and scorpions that dwell in its sands. Elephant Beach is a decent place for snorkelling.
Havelock Islands is also home to some gorgeous coral reefs. In recent years, this place has become a hub for adventure activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling.
Havelock Island recently got a new name. It is now known as Swaraj Dweep.
Me trying out snorkelling for the first time at Elephant Beach. I would suggest that you go for snorkelling before scuba diving. It will really help you gain the confidence that you need underwater. You could rent out equipment at any of the diving shops.
Budget Eateries Available at Havelock Island
There is no dearth of eating places at Havelock Island. Once you have pursued scuba diving, sit back, relax and grab some good food. Maybe think about the beauty you have just witnessed.
Do try out seafood if you don’t mind eating non-vegetarian. Savour different varieties of fish, crabs, lobsters that are freshly prepared in most eateries.
Let me share the names of some of the budget eating places at Havelock Island. Also, I will be listing out the speciality they offer in food.
Full Moon Cafe
Specialities: Freshly brewed coffee, Tuna Carpaccio, Prawn chilly dry
Fat Marin Cafe
Specialities: Mushroom Rolls, Milky Bar Spring Roll
Do try the freshly brewed coffee at Full Moon Cafe at Havelock Island. You might feel that sipping coffee amidst the heat won’t be a good idea. But as it turns out, this freshly brewed coffee tastes delicious. Trust me, you won’t mind a few sips of it.
When I first visited Havelock Island, little did I know that I would return back a changed woman. Pursuing scuba diving was one of the best decisions of my life.
Not only did I overcome my fears but discovered the beautiful world underwater. Going deep made me value life and our creation even more.
If you’re one of those people who has been thinking of going scuba diving for a while, now is the time. Take the plunge and you will fall in love with it.
Happy wayfaring.