Inspired by Rahul Gandhi’s dive, explore these 5 scuba diving spots in the Andamans | Destination-of-the-week News

For travellers impressed to discover the islands responsibly, listed here are 5 of the preferred scuba diving areas and what it takes to become a diver.

1. Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island)

Usually hailed as India’s scuba diving capital, Swaraj Dweep provides wonderful visibility, thriving coral gardens and all kinds of marine species. Dive websites corresponding to Lighthouse, Aquarium and Nemo Reef appeal to each novices and authorized divers. Divers might encounter clownfish, butterflyfish, reef sharks, rays and sea turtles whereas exploring these waters.

2. Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)

Identified for its calmer waters and vibrant coral formations, Shaheed Dweep is good for these in search of a quieter diving expertise. Websites across the island characteristic wholesome reef programs and plentiful marine life. The comparatively light circumstances additionally make it appropriate for introductory dives.

3. North Bay Island

Positioned near Port Blair, North Bay is among the many most accessible diving spots within the islands. The shallow reefs are good for novices and provide an opportunity to watch coral ecosystems with out venturing too deep. Many travellers select North Bay for his or her first-ever scuba expertise.

4. Cinque Island

For skilled divers, Cinque Island provide lovely underwater topography, and a number of the finest visibility within the Andamans. The island’s comparatively untouched reefs help a wealthy variety of marine life. Due to its distant location, access is often dependent on weather and permits.

5. Rutland Island

Much less crowded than the extra well-known diving hubs, Rutland Island appeals to travellers searching for a extra offbeat underwater journey. The reefs listed here are recognized for his or her biodiversity and pure magnificence, making them a favorite amongst dive operators in search of quieter websites.

I visited the southernmost tip of India.

I stood at Indira Level. I walked beneath bushes which have stood for hundreds of years. I dove into coral reefs among the many most vibrant on earth.

And I sat with the individuals who dwell there. Tribal communities, whose land is being taken away by… pic.twitter.com/RLNtT6L0U4

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 5, 2026

In line with Skilled Affiliation of Diving Instructors, one of many world’s largest scuba diver coaching organisations, aspiring divers don’t want prior diving expertise to start studying.

For the entry-level Open Water Diver certification, PADI states that individuals should:

• Be a minimum of 10 years previous
• Have enough swimming abilities
• Be in good bodily well being
• Full information improvement, confined water coaching and open-water dives beneath skilled supervision.

For these not able to pursue certification, many dive centres within the Andamans provide Uncover Scuba Diving programmes, which permit novices to expertise scuba diving beneath the steering of licensed instructors.

Diving responsibly in fragile marine ecosystems

As highlighted by Gandhi, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are house to ecologically delicate coral reef programs. Accountable diving practices play an important function in defending these habitats.

Divers are inspired to:

• Keep away from touching or standing on corals.
• Keep correct buoyancy management.
• Chorus from feeding marine animals.
• Keep away from accumulating shells or marine souvenirs.
• Select licensed operators that comply with sustainable diving practices.