Located more than a thousand kilometers from the Indian mainland in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are among the most beautiful places on Earth. This archipelago of more than 300 islands is the apotheosis of tropical paradise: think rainforests, world-class diving, white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and brilliant sun. Today, the Andamans are still an under-the-radar-destination for many travelers, which means they remain picture-perfect and unspoiled.
The Andaman Islands offer up some of the best diving conditions on Earth © para827/iStock
To get you started on your Andaman adventure, we’re spotlighting the very best places to go diving in the Andaman Islands. Strap on those flippers and prepare yourself for a breathtaking, back-to-nature getaway.
Barefoot Scuba at Havelock Island
Havelock Island is the perfect place to begin a diving expedition © Barefoot Scuba
With its emerald waters, powdery beaches, and its reputation for being one of the finest diving sites in all of Asia, Havelock Island is an Andaman Islands favorite. If you’re eager to immerse yourself in the surrounding waters, make Barefoot Scuba at Havelock Island your first port of call. First-timers are welcome to join guided dives of the island’s brilliantly hued coral reefs, while those after a gentle snorkelling experience are also well catered to. Barefoot also hosts daily dives in the surrounding Ritchie’s Archipelago for certified divers. Once you’ve had your aquatic day out, you can relax on Havelock’s Beach No.3, where Barefoot Scuba is headquartered – or even stay over at the resort’s accompanying, ocean-facing cottages.
DIVEIndia
Experienced divers can go on diving trips with DIVEIndia © DIVEIndia
An official PADI Dive Center, and the very first dive center in the Andamans, DIVEIndia caters to divers of all backgrounds and skill levels. With two facilities – one on Havelock Island, the other on Neil Island – DIVEIndia offers day trips to prime diving spots along Barren Island and Invisible Banks, as well as an array of certification courses for those who are serious about improving their underwater skills. Once you’re confident in your gear, head out to the coral reefs and see if you can spot dolphins, rays, and hundreds of different species of fish.
Burma Boating
Soak in the yachting life with Burma Boating’s Andaman Island Expedition © Burma Boating
Can’t get enough of the Andamans’ turquoise waters? Simple: opt to float along merrily for days at a time. Burma Boating’s Andaman Island Expedition, which charts its way among the archipelago’s exquisite islands, offers up a luxurious approach to island living. Guests who choose to stay on the fully appointed yacht – where they can enjoy meals prepared by a private chef – can go swimming and snorkelling, stop on deserted beaches and explore the islands’ rainforests and mangroves.
Silolona Sojourns
Access to “secret” dive sites is one of many reasons to book with Silolona Sojourns © Martin Strmko/iStock
Ever wondered what it would be like to cross the Indian Ocean during the time of the spice trade? Relive the bygone experience with Silolona Sojourns, which operates majestic, handcrafted wooden sailing vessels that resemble those used centuries ago. With routes across Asian waters, and the possibility of a bespoke itinerary, it’s one of the most immersive ways to experience the Andaman Islands. Best of all, Silolona also offers the chance go to diving in the Andaman Islands; as a fully licensed and equipped dive center, Silolona has a number of pre-selected, “secret” dive sites at their disposal.
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Alan Chu
White Water Rafter
