Scuba Diving Spots in Havelock Island That Will Steal Your Breath (And Not Just Underwater)

If you've ever dreamt of swimming alongside rainbow-colored fish, floating weightless above coral gardens, or discovering sunken secrets beneath the ocean's surface — welcome to Havelock Island. Tucked away in the dreamy Andaman and Nicobar Islands, this place is every scuba diver’s version of paradise.

I still remember my first dive here — heart pounding in the beginning, then complete stillness, followed by childlike wonder as a turtle swam right past me. No joke, it felt like time stopped.

If you're planning your own underwater adventure, here’s a diver’s guide to the best scuba diving spots in Havelock Island — from beginner-friendly reefs to deeper sites for thrill-seekers.

🤿 Why Havelock Island is a Diver’s Dream

Havelock (now officially called Swaraj Dweep) has everything going for it:

Crystal-clear waters
Coral reefs in excellent health
Certified dive schools
Ideal water temperatures (26-29°C most of the year)

Plus, the Andaman Sea is relatively calm, making it perfect even if you're trying scuba for the first time.

🌟 Top Scuba Diving Spots in Havelock Island

1. Nemo Reef – Best for First-Time Divers

📍 Depth: 6–12 meters | Difficulty: Beginner

As the name suggests, this reef is where “Finding Nemo” comes alive. The visibility here is fantastic, and the water is shallow and calm — ideal for people who’ve never dived before.

Expect to see:

Clownfish (yes, the real-life Nemo!)
Butterflyfish
Sea anemones gently swaying like underwater ballerinas

💬 Human Tip: This is where I did my first dive — nervous at first, but my instructor made it feel like a swim in a magic aquarium.

2. The Lighthouse – Night Diving Spot

📍 Depth: 8–18 meters | Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate

This one's special because you can do night dives here! Imagine seeing glowing plankton or bioluminescent jellyfish floating like stars.

In the day, expect:

Parrotfish, lionfish, angelfish
Occasional stingrays
Gorgeous coral formations

💡 Insider Note: It’s close to the shore, so even non-certified divers can experience magic here with an instructor.

3. Mac Point – Turtle Territory

📍 Depth: 10–14 meters | Difficulty: Beginner

Mac Point isn’t as commercial, which means it’s less crowded and more peaceful. The big win here? Diving with turtles.

You’ll also spot:

Barracudas
Reef sharks (don’t worry, they’re harmless)
Finger coral and brain coral

🐢 Personal Moment: I locked eyes with a hawksbill turtle here once. We floated side-by-side for a few seconds that felt eternal.

4. Seduction Point – For the Curious Explorer

📍 Depth: 10–20 meters | Difficulty: Intermediate

This site gets its name from its magnet-like pull on divers who want to explore deeper. The area is rich in volcanic rock formations and coral slopes.

What you’ll find:

Moray eels peeking out of rocks
Groupers and puffers
Curious crustaceans hiding in coral cracks

👀 Note: Great for GoPro footage and photography, especially if you’re diving with a certified group.

5. Aquarium – Picture-Perfect for Beginners

📍 Depth: 8–12 meters | Difficulty: Beginner

Located near Elephant Beach, this site is exactly what it sounds like — a live, natural aquarium. Calm currents and good visibility make it ideal for those new to the diving world.

Expect to meet:

Wrasses, damsels, and snapper schools
Sea cucumbers and starfish
Vibrant coral colonies

📸 Insta-Friendly Tip: The visibility makes it great for photos, even with a basic underwater camera.

6. Johnny’s Gorge – For the Bold and Certified

📍 Depth: 25–30 meters | Difficulty: Advanced

This is not for beginners, but if you’re certified and crave a rush of adrenaline, Johnny’s Gorge is where the big boys swim.

Sightings include:

Manta rays
Napoleon wrasse
Occasionally even hammerhead sharks

⚠️ Pro Tip: Go only with experienced dive centers. The currents can be strong, but the reward is surreal.

🌊 Best Time for Scuba Diving in Havelock

The ideal months are from October to May, when the sea is calm and visibility can go up to 30 meters. Avoid monsoons (June to September) due to rough waters and limited dive operations.

🧭 How to Book Scuba Diving in Havelock

Here are some well-rated dive schools:

Dive India
Barefoot Scuba
Andaman Bubbles
Scubalov

💡 Booking Tips:

Pre-book during peak season (Dec–Feb)
Most packages include gear, instructor, and photos
Always check for PADI or SSI certification

FAQs

Q: Can non-swimmers go scuba diving in Havelock Island?
Yes! You can do a Discover Scuba Diving session with an instructor in shallow waters.

Q: Is scuba diving safe in Havelock?
Absolutely. Certified instructors, quality equipment, and calm waters make it safe for beginners.

Q: How much does scuba diving cost in Havelock Island?
Prices range from ₹3,500 to ₹6,000 for beginner dives. Certified dives can cost more depending on depth and duration.

Q: Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially in peak season. Most dive centers offer online booking.

Final Thoughts

Scuba diving in Havelock Island isn’t just about ticking off a bucket list — it’s about that moment when you're 20 feet under, and everything slows down. The sound of your breath, the rhythm of the waves, and the feeling of being a tiny part of something so big, so alive.

Trust me — once you’ve dived in Havelock, the ocean won’t ever feel like “just water” again.