Explore Havelock and Neil Islands
Diving in Havelock and Neil Islands, located in the southern part of the Andaman Islands, offers a uniquely captivating underwater experience. Havelock Island is renowned for its vibrant macro diving sites, where divers can discover a mesmerizing array of tiny marine creatures. Imagine encountering colorful nudibranchs, intriguing shrimps, and curious juvenile scorpionfish amidst the lush marine landscape. The island's diverse dive environments include stunning coral reefs and intriguing underwater landscapes, perfect for both novice and experienced divers seeking adventure.
Neil Island, often considered a less trodden gem, provides an equally enthralling experience with its pristine coral reefs and tranquil underwater vistas. The island's relatively untouched sites offer divers the chance to explore its rich biodiversity in a more intimate setting, away from the crowds. Easily accessible from Port Blair and Havelock, Neil Island promises a serene escape for those looking to connect with nature. Whether embarking on a boat dive or enjoying the thrill of a shore dive, these islands boast a rich tapestry of marine life and breathtaking underwater scenery that make them must-visit destinations for diving enthusiasts.
Dive Activity
Diving in Havelock and Neil Islands
Havelock and Neil Islands are renowned for their exceptional dive sites, offering a blend of thrilling underwater adventures. At Havelock, the wreck dive at MV Mars is a highlight, providing divers with a chance to explore a sunken ship teeming with marine life. Additionally, shore dives around Elephant Beach are popular for their accessibility and vibrant coral gardens, attracting diverse fish species. Neil Island, on the other hand, offers unique night diving experiences where bioluminescent creatures illuminate the waters. The island's underwater landscapes are a haven for spotting rare marine behaviors, such as nocturnal hunting. Both islands cater to a range of diving preferences, balancing shore-based dives with liveaboard options, ensuring dive travelers can experience the best of both worlds.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Havelock and Neil Islands
Havelock and Neil Islands, located in the Andaman archipelago, are famous for their vibrant marine life and striking coral reefs. Divers can expect to encounter a plethora of common reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, which adorn the colorful underwater landscape year-round. These islands serve as a haven for diverse marine species, making every dive an adventure. During certain seasons, divers have the opportunity to witness larger marine creatures. Sightings of majestic reef sharks and graceful manta rays are more frequent from November to April, coinciding with clearer waters. Sea turtles, including the green and hawksbill varieties, are often observed gliding through the waters, particularly around nesting areas like Radhanagar Beach. The rich marine biodiversity of these islands offers divers an unforgettable experience with a high likelihood of encountering these fascinating species.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
1.6k Sightings
J
116
F
153
M
248
A
246
M
121
J
78
J
25
A
44
S
53
O
154
N
198
D
205
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
1.2k Sightings
J
127
F
136
M
196
A
161
M
106
J
46
J
20
A
50
S
42
O
104
N
127
D
130
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
1k Sightings
J
48
F
87
M
187
A
158
M
100
J
34
J
14
A
35
S
23
O
73
N
129
D
131
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 300
Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus
766 Sightings
J
46
F
90
M
159
A
108
M
73
J
28
J
19
A
14
S
25
O
45
N
83
D
76
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 28
Udo Kefrig
Clownfish
5.7k Sightings
J
411
F
527
M
809
A
745
M
457
J
227
J
148
A
196
S
249
O
580
N
682
D
649
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 100
iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish
4.8k Sightings
J
436
F
466
M
663
A
613
M
348
J
200
J
112
A
146
S
203
O
410
N
559
D
596
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 130
Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish
4.6k Sightings
J
311
F
439
M
619
A
623
M
350
J
202
J
104
A
147
S
212
O
441
N
560
D
545
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
4.5k Sightings
J
376
F
408
M
625
A
616
M
338
J
206
J
101
A
150
S
190
O
459
N
504
D
543
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 110
iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper
3.8k Sightings
J
327
F
314
M
513
A
526
M
273
J
177
J
96
A
122
S
149
O
355
N
451
D
477
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 40
iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish
3.3k Sightings
J
261
F
288
M
435
A
445
M
252
J
161
J
79
A
91
S
152
O
331
N
391
D
427
The best Months to dive in Havelock and Neil Islands
Havelock and Neil Islands, part of India's Andaman Islands, offer excellent diving conditions year-round. The water temperature ranges from 26°C–30°C/79°F–86°F, providing comfortable diving nearly any time of the year. Visibility is typically clear, often exceeding 20 meters/66 feet, which allows for vibrant underwater exploration. Diving is generally possible throughout the year, though the monsoon season from June to September can bring strong winds and currents, slightly reducing visibility and making some days less ideal for diving. The best time for diving is from October to May when the weather is more stable and the sea conditions are calm, offering divers the optimal experience.
