Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is widely recognized as the scuba diving capital of India. With over 25 dive sites ranging from shallow beginner reefs to deep advanced pinnacles, it can be confusing to know where you should be diving based on your experience level.
This guide maps out the island's top dive sites—from the famous "Nemo" shallow patches to the deep, current-swept pinnacles—so you can plan your perfect underwater itinerary.
1. THE BEGINNER'S PLAYGROUNDS (First-Timers & DSD)
Best for: Non-swimmers, First-time "Try Scuba" experiences, and Refreshers.
💡 Pro Tip: If you are visiting Havelock to take your very first breath underwater (or have friends who want to try), this is your zone. ActivitySupermarket.com specializes specifically in these beginner experiences, letting you compare and book the best "Try Scuba" packages from top-rated vendors in one place.
Nemo Reef (The House Reef)
The most famous beginner site in the Andamans. Accessible from the shore, it is safe, shallow, and teeming with life.
- Depth: 1m – 12m (Avg: 6m)
- Conditions: Calm, protected bay. Perfect for nervous beginners.
- Marine Life: Ocellaris Clownfish (Nemo), Scorpionfish, Pipefish, and schooling juvenile snappers.
- Best Time: High tide (easier entry).
- Logistics: Shore entry (no boat needed).
Tribe Gate (Oval Reef)
A small, oval-shaped submerged reef that offers a fantastic boat dive experience for beginners or newly certified divers.
- Depth: 4m – 14m
- Conditions: Crystal clear waters with mild to medium currents. Generally calm.
- Marine Life: Sea anemones with Clownfish, Golden Trevally, Fusiliers, Sweetlips, Bannerfish, and mixture of hard and soft corals.
- Logistics: 5-10 minute boat ride from Govind Nagar.
Juvis (John Lawrence Island)
A popular shallow coral reef located near the shoreline of John Lawrence Island, approximately 7 kilometers from Govind Nagar. Known for its unique potato coral formations that occupy around 500 meters of the reef, along with staghorn and cauliflower corals.
- Depth: 4m – 12m (some sources mention up to 21m)
- Conditions: Tranquil transparent waters with generally calm conditions. Suitable for Try Scuba and Open Water divers.
- Marine Life: Potato coral (unique species), staghorn corals, cauliflower corals, visiting reef sharks, octopuses, leopard sharks, humphead parrotfish, stingrays, clownfish, trevally, groupers, moorish idol, bannerfish, surgeonfish, and seahorses.
- Logistics: 10-minute boat ride from Beach-03, Govind Nagar.
- Note: This site is excellent for both scuba diving and snorkeling due to its shallow depth and vibrant marine life.
2. THE INTERMEDIATE REEFS (Vibrant Coral & Topography)
Best for: Certified Open Water divers confident with buoyancy.
The Wall
A classic wall dive that drops from 10m down to the sand. It feels like flying along a cliff edge underwater.
- Depth: 10m – 30m+
- Conditions: Mild to moderate currents. Good buoyancy is needed.
- Marine Life: Giant Moray Eels, Lionfish, Nudibranchs, and Octopus.
- Logistics: 15–20 min boat ride.
Aquarium
True to its name, this fringing reef is packed with fish density.
- Depth: 12m – 22m
- Marine Life: Schooling Snappers, Groupers, and large barrel sponges.
- Logistics: 20–25 min boat ride.
3. THE ADVANCED ADVENTURES (Currents & Big Game)
Best for: Advanced Open Water & Deep Specialty holders.
Johnny's Gorge
The "crown jewel" of Havelock. A mushroom-shaped patch reef surrounded by sand, acting as a magnet for predators. Located 18.5 kilometers east of Havelock.
- Depth: 25m – 30m+
- Conditions: Strong, washing-machine currents. Negative entry often required.
- Marine Life: White Tip & Grey Reef Sharks, massive Potato Groupers, Barracuda, Devil Rays, Eagle Rays, and possibly Manta Rays (sightings reported but not limited to specific months).
- Logistics: 40–50 min boat ride (Surcharges often apply).
- Note: Seasonal marine life varies. While manta rays have been spotted at this site, specific seasonal patterns for the Andaman Islands are not well-documented. The general diving season (November-May) offers the best conditions.
Dixon's Pinnacle (Dickson's Pinnacle)
Three giant rock pinnacles reaching up from the deep. A cleaning station hub located 19 kilometers east of Havelock.
- Depth: 16m – 35m
- Conditions: Moderate to strong currents.
- Marine Life: White Tip Reef Sharks, Great Barracuda, Giant Groupers, Napoleon Wrasse (Humphead Wrasse), Tuna, Trevally, Turtles, Manta Rays, Mobula Rays, occasional Whale Sharks, Leopard-spotted Moray Eels, and dense schools of glass fish, bannerfish, angelfish, and surgeonfish.
- Logistics: 35–45 min boat ride.
- Note: This is a prime deep dive site and popular for deep dive training.
DIVING SEASON & CONDITIONS
Best Time to Dive: November to May
- Water Temperature: 26–29°C (79–84°F)
- Visibility: High during peak season, often exceeding 30m
- Monsoon Season: June to September brings rougher seas and limited visibility
How to Book Your Dive in Havelock
For Certified Divers (Fun Dives):
If you are already certified and looking to dive sites like Johnny's Gorge or Dixon's Pinnacle, you will need to visit the dive shops in Govind Nagar or Vijay Nagar physically to check their boat schedules for the next day, as these trips depend on weather and diver numbers.
For Beginners (Non-Swimmers / First Timers):
If you (or your family) have never dived before and want to experience the magic of Nemo Reef, Juvis, or a Boat Try Dive, you don't need to waste time hunting for prices.
We built ActivitySupermarket.com specifically for you.
We have curated the best Beginner & DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) packages in Havelock.
- Compare Prices: See the rates for Shore Dives vs. Boat Dives instantly.
- Book Your Slot: Secure your instructor and gear in advance.
- No Confusion: We only list the safest, most beginner-friendly experiences.
[Book Your First Scuba Experience on ActivitySupermarket.com → https://havelock.activitysupermarket.com/collections/scuba-diving]
Whether you are a pro heading to the Gorge or a beginner heading to Nemo, enjoy the magic of underwater and keep safe, happy diving!
0 comments