Scuba Diving in Havelock Island, Andaman - My Advanced Open Water Diver Certification

My Scuba Diving Experience in Havelock – Advanced Open Water Course in the Andamans

Havelock Island is one of the best destinations for scuba diving in Andaman, India. With its crystal-clear waters, thriving coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity, Havelock scuba diving offers ideal conditions for divers of all levels, including the beginners. Advanced Open Water Diver Certification course in Havelock Island was an excellent treat to myself on my birthday. From deep sea diving and night diving to navigating vibrant reef systems, this advanced course let me explore the best dive sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands while sharpening my skills in a surreal island setting. I had an unforgettable experience diving into India’s underwater treasure trove, where visibility stretched for meters.

Scuba Diving in Havelock, Andaman Islands - Advanced Open Water Diver Certification

​​Out of a total of 5 specialty dives, deep diving and underwater navigation are mandatory. I had to choose any of the 3 dives from wreck diving, night diving, search and recovery, drift diving, boat diving, underwater naturalist, Fish Identification, Nitrox/Enriched Air, Shark AWARE conservation multilevel and computer diving, peak performance buoyancy, underwater photography and videography. 

Using line to descend for scuba diving

​Navigation is a crucial skill for underwater diving. Even after training. During my Open Water Diver certification in the Gili Islands, I struggled with Navigation Diving. My body kept shooting up and down while diving. To improve my streamlined position in the water, I took up Peak Performance Buoyancy Diving.

Heights and depths have always fascinated me, and I eagerly anticipated the Deep Dive. While I wasn’t particularly keen on Night Dives, my instructor convinced me to try one to witness unique creatures that emerge at night. These creatures differ from those seen during the day. Night Dives can be intimidating, as you rely solely on your torch’s light and are unfamiliar with the dive site (even though you should only dive at night in sites you’ve already explored). The bioluminescence of plankton created a magical ambiance, as if the stars had descended into the ocean to enhance the scuba diving experience.

To complete my underwater adventure, I also took up Underwater Photography Diving. I realised that I have much to learn in this field. 

Scuba Diving in Havelock, Andaman Islands

​The mornings that begin with a Giant Stride into the ocean can’t be any more motivating for me, especially when I have to navigate through beautiful creatures in the most peaceful place on Earth, instead of dealing with traffic jams on my way to the office!

Giant Stride - Scuba Diving in Havelock, Andaman Islands

Diving Sites near Havelock Island

Dive sites around Havelock Island

JOHNY'S GEORGE: 30 meters

My first deep dive left a lasting impression on me because it was the first time I had seen two sharks—a White Tip Shark and another unidentified species. As I swam across the vast aquarium, I spotted a variety of other marine life, including Giant Groupers, Snappers, Sweet Lips, Trevally, and soft corals. 

The abundance - Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands

Shoal of sweet lips - Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands

MINERVA'S LEDGE: 18 meters

It’s a vast site, a colorful plateau teeming with marine life. I spent more time capturing the beauty around me. The fish kept darting away, so I kept chasing them to get a good shot. I spotted Red tooth Triggerfish, Clown Triggerfish, Longfin Bannerfish, Emperor Angelfish, and Yellow masked Angelfish.

School of Longfin Bannerfish - Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands

Soft coral - Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands

​DIXON'S PINNACLE: 30 meters

This is the best dive site near Havelock Island. It’s a group of three pinnacles surrounded by Barracuda, Scorpion Fish, Giant Groupers, Giant Trevally, Bat fish, Glass fish and perched with beautiful Big Barrel Sponges. The highlight of the dive was descending towards the pinnacle and diving around it.

Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands

Dixon's Pinnacle - Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands

​PILOT REEF: 20 meters

The visibility was low on the day I dove here, and the site initially unsettled me for about 15-20 minutes. However, I was later awestruck by the sighting of three leopard sharks. Yes, you heard it right—I spotted enormous leopard sharks. These shy creatures also fled after seeing me, but I managed to photograph one of them before it began disappearing.

Leopard sharks - Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands

​I DIVED WITH SHARKS ON MY BIRTHDAY. 
​I felt a sense of peace and contentment in my heart after my dives in the Andaman Sea. Diving has an extraordinary effect on my senses, which I’m still trying to comprehend. 

Diving boat - Scuba Diving in Andaman Islands