Havelock Island, also known as Swaraj Dweep, is one of the top scuba diving destinations in India. Located in the Andaman Islands, it is famous for its crystal-clear waters, colourful coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, Havelock has something to offer for everyone. In this blog, we’ll explore the Top 10 Dive Sites in Havelock Island, covering their location, depth, and the type of marine life you can expect to see.
1. Aquarium
- Location: Southwest of Havelock Island
- Depth: 10 to 12 metres
- Marine Life: Clownfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and sea cucumbers
Aquarium is perfect for beginners because of its shallow depth and calm waters. The seabed is sandy and filled with coral patches. The marine life here is rich and colourful, making it a great spot for underwater photography. You’ll see schools of small reef fish swimming around soft corals, creating a peaceful and scenic diving experience.
2. Nemo Reef
- Location: Close to Govind Nagar Beach
- Depth: 5 to 12 metres
- Marine Life: Clownfish, damselfish, sea anemones, and lionfish
Nemo Reef is one of the best sites for first-time divers and Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) programs. As the name suggests, it’s home to Nemo – the clownfish! The reef is teeming with colourful fish and soft corals. It is also ideal for underwater training and offers great visibility most of the year.
3. Mac Point
- Location: About 30 minutes by boat from Havelock
- Depth: 10 to 14 metres
- Marine Life: Dugongs (sea cows), groupers, moray eels, and octopuses
Mac Point is known for its unique attraction – the rare and shy dugong. These gentle sea creatures are often spotted feeding on seagrass beds. The site also features large table corals and rocky patches where you may find moray eels hiding. It’s a favourite among divers looking for a mix of reef and rare animal encounters.
4. The Wall
- Location: Near the Lighthouse area
- Depth: 10 to 55 metres
- Marine Life: Tuna, barracuda, groupers, and giant trevally
This site features a vertical drop or “wall” that descends into the deep blue. It’s ideal for advanced divers due to its depth. The Wall is home to larger marine species, including schooling barracuda and tuna. The deeper you go, the more exciting the marine life becomes. Visibility is usually excellent, and it’s a great site for drift diving as well.
5. Turtle Bay
- Location: Just off the eastern coast of Havelock
- Depth: 12 to 16 metres
- Marine Life: Green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, reef sharks, and stingrays
Turtle Bay lives up to its name. This dive site is a known resting and feeding ground for green and hawksbill turtles. The reef here is healthy and stretches across a wide area. Apart from turtles, you might spot eagle rays or even a blacktip reef shark passing by. It’s a calm dive suitable for both beginners and intermediate divers.
6. Seduction Point
- Location: Close to Havelock jetty
- Depth: 6 to 18 metres
- Marine Life: Lobsters, crabs, fusiliers, snappers, and sea urchins
Seduction Point is a rocky reef with massive coral heads. It is famous for its dense marine population. You’ll see colourful reef fish darting around and sometimes get lucky spotting lobsters or crabs hidden in the cracks. It’s a good site for both novice and intermediate divers looking for variety in marine species.
7. Minerva’s Ledge
- Location: Southeast of Havelock Island
- Depth: 12 to 25 metres
- Marine Life: Napoleon wrasse, batfish, tunas, and barracuda
Minerva’s Ledge is a large submerged rock with coral growth on top. It attracts pelagic fish and larger reef dwellers. The strong currents here make it more suitable for experienced divers. The marine biodiversity is excellent, and the visibility can go up to 30 metres on a good day.
8. Johnny’s Gorge
- Location: Around 45 minutes from Havelock by boat
- Depth: 25 to 30 metres
- Marine Life: Manta rays, sharks, barracuda, and groupers
Johnny’s Gorge is one of the top-rated dive sites in Havelock for advanced divers. It’s known for big fish action. Expect to see large schools of barracuda, trevally, and sometimes even manta rays or reef sharks. The site features a deep canyon-like structure, creating interesting underwater terrain to explore.
9. Lighthouse
- Location: Near the northern tip of Havelock
- Depth: 6 to 20 metres
- Marine Life: Pufferfish, turtles, bannerfish, and cuttlefish
The Lighthouse dive site is popular for night diving. It’s close to the shore and offers easy access. At night, the reef comes alive with a different set of marine creatures like lobsters, shrimps, and bioluminescent plankton. It’s a magical experience to dive here under the stars with a torchlight in hand.
10. Barracuda City
- Location: Off the eastern coast of Havelock Island
- Depth: 20 to 25 metres
- Marine Life: Barracuda, eagle rays, snappers, and reef sharks
This site gets its name from the regular presence of barracuda schools. The area features sloping sandbanks and coral beds. It’s also a great place to see larger fish like eagle rays and reef sharks. The currents can be strong, so it’s recommended for experienced divers only. The site offers a chance to see big fish action in clear waters.
Tips for Diving in Havelock Island
If you’re planning to dive in Havelock, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your underwater adventure:
- Best time to dive: October to May is the ideal season for scuba diving due to calm seas and good visibility.
- Choose a certified dive centre: Go with PADI-certified centres like Dive Andaman for safety and professional guidance.
- Know your level: Some dive sites are perfect for beginners, while others are for experienced divers only. Choose the site that matches your certification and comfort level.
- Carry a dive log: It helps to track your dives, the depths, and the marine life spotted. It also helps your instructor recommend suitable dive sites.
- Don’t touch the coral: Reefs are delicate ecosystems. Enjoy their beauty without disturbing them.
Why Dive with Dive Andaman?
Dive Andaman is one of the most trusted and professional dive centres in Havelock Island. Whether you’re a beginner looking to try scuba diving for the first time or an advanced diver seeking deep adventures, Dive Andaman offers:
- PADI-certified courses
- Trained and experienced instructors
- Modern diving equipment
- Safety-first approach
- Custom dive plans for different levels
They offer guided dives to all the major dive sites listed above and help you explore the underwater world safely and confidently.
Conclusion
Havelock Island is a paradise for scuba divers. With its clear blue waters, diverse coral reefs, and marine life ranging from clownfish to manta rays, each dive site offers a unique experience. Whether you’re diving for fun, taking a course, or just want to explore a new world, the top 10 dive sites in Havelock Island are perfect for an unforgettable underwater journey.
