Havelock Island, part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a dream destination for scuba divers. With its clear blue waters, colorful coral reefs, and amazing sea life, it is one of the best places in India for diving. If you are a PADI Open Water Diver looking for a great adventure, here are the top five dive sites you must visit.
1. Aquarium
Aquarium is a perfect dive site for beginners. It is located in the southwest of Havelock Island and has a sandy bottom with beautiful coral formations. The depth is between 10 to 16 meters, making it safe and fun for new divers. You will see bright-colored fish like clownfish, angelfish, and even sea turtles swimming around. The water here is usually calm, making it ideal for those who are still getting comfortable with diving.
At the Aquarium, you can practice your buoyancy skills while enjoying the vibrant marine life. The coral formations provide shelter for many small creatures, including shrimp and crabs. If you look closely, you might spot a camouflaged scorpionfish resting on the reef. The slow currents make it a relaxing dive where you can take your time and enjoy the view.
2. Lighthouse
Lighthouse is one of the most famous dive sites in Havelock. It gets its name from the lighthouse nearby. The depth ranges from 6 to 20 meters, making it great for Open Water Divers. This site is full of coral gardens and fish like lionfish, snappers, and barracudas. If you dive here in the evening, you might see glowing plankton, which makes the water sparkle in the dark.
The mix of hard and soft corals at Lighthouse attracts a variety of marine life. You might come across a school of batfish swimming past or a curious pufferfish checking you out. Divers often report seeing octopuses hiding in rocky crevices, changing colors to blend in with their surroundings. The deeper sections of Lighthouse are home to larger fish, including trevally and barracudas, making it an exciting dive site for those looking to see bigger marine creatures.
3. Nemo Reef
Nemo Reef is another amazing dive site for new divers. The water is calm, and the depth is between 5 to 12 meters. It is named after the clownfish, also known as Nemo, which you will see here along with parrotfish, butterflyfish, and moray eels. The sandy bottom and gentle waves make this a great spot to practice diving skills while enjoying the underwater beauty.
Since Nemo Reef has very little current, it is a fantastic place for training dives. The shallow depth allows divers to stay underwater longer, making it an excellent site for building confidence.
Apart from the famous clownfish, you might also spot sea stars, sea cucumbers, and different types of wrasses swimming around the coral structures. The bright colors and abundant marine life make this a favorite dive site for beginners and underwater photographers alike.
4. The Wall
If you want a little more adventure, try diving at The Wall. This dive site has a drop-off that goes down to about 20 meters. It is covered with colorful corals and home to fish like groupers, wrasses, and Napoleon fish. The depth and structure of The Wall make it an exciting place for Open Water Divers who want to explore more.
The Wall is known for its dramatic underwater scenery. As you descend along the wall, you will see sponges, sea fans, and anemones clinging to the rock face. Schools of fusiliers often swim past in synchronized movements, creating a mesmerizing sight. If you are lucky, you might spot a hawksbill turtle gracefully moving through the water. The deeper sections of the dive site may also have passing reef sharks or eagle rays, making it a thrilling experience.5. Mac Point
Mac Point is a special dive site where you might see dugongs, also known as sea cows.
These gentle sea creatures are rare, and Havelock is one of the few places in India where you can spot them. The site has a sandy bottom with coral patches, and the depth is between 10 to 15 meters. Besides dugongs, you can see stingrays, fusiliers, and triggerfish.
Mac Point is ideal for divers who enjoy exploring sandy seabeds. The site is also home to large schools of fish, including bannerfish and sweetlips. Occasionally, barracudas and trevallies pass by, adding to the excitement. The calm conditions at Mac Point make it a great place for relaxed diving, allowing divers to take their time and observe marine life in detail.
Why Dive in Havelock?
Havelock is one of the best places for scuba diving in India. The water is clear, the marine life is rich, and the dive sites are well-maintained. Here are some reasons why Havelock is perfect for Open Water Divers:
1. Easy Diving Conditions
Most dive sites in Havelock have calm waters with good visibility. The mild currents make it easy for Open Water Divers to enjoy their dives without too much effort. The warm water temperature also makes diving comfortable throughout the year.
2. Abundant Marine Life
From small reef fish to larger marine animals like turtles and dugongs, Havelock’s dive sites are teeming with life. Whether you are interested in tiny nudibranchs or massive groupers, there is always something fascinating to see.
3. Stunning Coral Reefs
The coral reefs around Havelock are some of the healthiest in India. With both hard and soft corals, the underwater landscapes are colorful and full of interesting formations. These reefs provide shelter to many marine species, making every dive an adventure.
4. Professional Dive Centers
Havelock has some of the best dive centers in the country, including Dive Andaman. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced diver, professional instructors and guides ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable diving experience. They offer PADI courses, fun dives, and even underwater photography sessions.
Read More : Step-by-Step Guide to PADI Open Water Diver Certification
Final Thoughts
Scuba diving in Havelock is an unforgettable experience, especially for PADI Open Water Divers. The diverse dive sites, from shallow reefs to exciting drop-offs, offer something for everyone. Whether you want to swim with clownfish at Nemo Reef, explore the coral gardens at the Aquarium, or dive deep along The Wall, Havelock has it all.
If you are planning a diving trip to Havelock, make sure to check out Dive Andaman for the best diving packages and expert guidance. So, get your diving gear ready, take a deep breath, and dive into the wonderful underwater world of Havelock.
