Scuba diving at Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep)
Scuba diving at Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) offers calm, clear waters, healthy coral gardens and regular sightings of reef fish, sea turtles and occasional rays. The site is ideal for beginners (Discover Scuba/Introductory dives) and enjoyable for certified divers looking for relaxed, shallow reef dives. Operations are run by licensed dive operators from the island; dives are typically made from a beach or small boat depending on conditions.
Location
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) dive sites — Sitapur Beach, Bharatpur, Laxmanpur approaches depending on conditions, Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), India (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)
Duration
Typical sessions:
- Intro/Discover Scuba: 2–4 hours (theory, equipment fitting, shallow dive ~30–45 minutes).
- Certified diver single dive: 2–3 hours (including briefing, surface interval and one guided dive).
- Two-dive half-day: 4–6 hours.
Best Time to Visit
October to May — post-monsoon to pre-monsoon when seas are calm, visibility is best (10–25 m). Monsoon months (June–September) often have rough seas and many operators suspend dives.
Pricing
Typical pricing (approximate):
- Discover Scuba/Intro Dive: INR 3,000–4,500 (~USD 35–55) per person (includes equipment, short theory session, 1 guided shallow dive of 30–45 minutes).
- Certified single guided dive: INR 2,000–3,500 (~USD 25–45) per dive (includes equipment and guide).
- Two-dive packages (half-day): INR 4,000–7,000 (~USD 50–85).
- PADI/Open Water courses: INR 18,000–30,000 (~USD 230–390) (course price varies by operator and season). Pricing may vary by operator, season and whether transfers are included. Always confirm what is included (pickup, permits, insurance).
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Shallow coral gardens with abundant hard and soft corals
Regular sightings of green turtles and hawksbill turtles
Colorful reef fish: angelfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, moray eels
Occasional rays and small reef sharks in deeper patches
Excellent conditions for beginners (calm, protected sites)
Beautiful underwater photography opportunities with macro and wide-angle subjects
Itinerary
Meet at operator shop or pick-up from accommodation; paperwork and medical questionnaire.
Bring ID, dive insurance (if any), and medical declaration.
Short theory/briefing and equipment fitting.
Instructor covers safety signals, hand signals, buoyancy basics and site briefing.
Warm-up exercises / shallow water orientation.
Practice breathing, mask clearing and regulator recovery in shallow water or a buoy.
First guided dive (30–40 minutes)
Shallow reef dive 6–12 m for Discover Scuba; certified divers may go deeper to 18–24 m at select sites.
Surface interval and light refreshment.
Time for debrief, bathroom and hydration.
Second guided dive (optional, for two-dive packages)
Explore a different part of the reef; focus on photography or macro life depending on interest.
Return, equipment rinse and debrief.
Get dive log entry (certified divers) and photos if operator provides them.
Safety Requirements
Complete a medical questionnaire (divers with certain conditions—e.g., heart or respiratory issues—must provide a physician’s clearance).
Minimum age: typically 10 years for introductory experience (with parental consent); 12–18 age rules vary by operator and by certification agency; 18+ for most autonomous certifications without guardian consent.
No alcohol within 24 hours of diving and avoid heavy meals immediately before a dive.
No flying for at least 18–24 hours after diving (follow instructor guidance based on number and depth of dives).
Certified divers must present a valid dive certification card and logbook (if requested).
Operators require participants to be able to swim and have a reasonable level of fitness; weights and equipment are adjusted to individual needs.
Tips
Book dives in advance during high season (Oct–May) — Neil Island has limited operators compared with Havelock.
Choose a reputable, licensed operator with well-maintained gear and experienced instructors; ask about instructor-to-student ratios (1:4 or better for intro dives).
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a rashguard, and a towel. Avoid sunscreen that contains oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Carry a waterproof camera or action camera with housing if you want underwater photos — confirm whether the operator provides photo/video services.
Keep a small amount of cash — some operators do not accept cards and there may be port/transfer charges.
If new to diving, disclose any medical issues honestly and consider taking an introductory surface snorkel first if anxious.
Plan for transport: ferries to/from Neil Island are limited; factor in schedules when booking dive times.
