Route: Port Blair - Havelock - Neil - Port Blair
Places covered: Port Blair, Havelock, Elephant Beach, Neil Island, Bharatpur Beach
This is for travellers who want to spend their time in the water. It focuses on Havelock, with two days of diving or snorkelling with certified operators, and adds Neil's calm reef for an easier day. It is also arranged so that your last dive is at least a day before your flight home.
Who it suits
Beginners who want to try diving, certified divers who want a few guided dives, and snorkellers who prefer to stay near the surface. It suits couples and groups of friends. It works from November to April, when visibility is best.
How the days flow
You arrive in Port Blair and rest on the first day. On day two, a ferry takes you to Havelock, and in the afternoon you can do an introductory dive or a snorkel. Day three is a full water day, with a morning dive or a boat trip to Elephant Beach. Day four takes you to Neil for relaxed snorkelling at Bharatpur Beach. Day five brings you back to Port Blair for a no-diving day, and day six is your flight.
Diving and safety
- All diving is with certified, insured operators using well-maintained equipment.
- Introductory dives need no certification, but a medical declaration and a briefing are required.
- Certified divers need to bring their card and, if possible, logbook.
- We schedule the last dive at least a day before the flight, because you must not fly within 18 to 24 hours of diving.
- Weather can cancel dives. We build slack into the plan.
- You should not dive with a cold, ear trouble, asthma or other conditions without medical advice.
What you might see
Coral gardens, schools of reef fish, parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, sea turtles, rays and occasionally reef sharks. Visibility is best from February to April.
A typical dive day
You are collected from the resort in the early morning, meet your instructor and fit your equipment. A briefing covers hand signals, buoyancy and safety. After a short practice in shallow water, you descend with the instructor, usually to between 6 and 12 metres, and spend around 30 to 40 minutes underwater. Back at the resort, you rest, eat lightly and drink water. Afternoons are for relaxing, since the body needs time to off-gas.
Reef etiquette
Do not touch or stand on coral, and do not collect shells or corals. Use reef-safe sunscreen. Choose operators who give a proper briefing and promote reef conservation.
Customising
Add a certification course, extend your Havelock stay, include a night dive or a Baratang day. Tell us your experience level and dates and we will suggest the right dives.
