Andaman Islands push to become global scuba diving hub
Synopsis
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration is moving beyond the islands' reputation as a beach getaway — it wants a seat at the global scuba diving table. With artificial reefs, shipwreck dives, and marine installations planned across five locations, and the Lieutenant Governor personally reviewing the roadmap, this is the most structured push yet to turn one of India's most biodiverse underwater environments into a world-ranked dive destination.
Key Takeaways
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration presented a scuba diving development plan to Lt Governor Admiral D.K.
Joshi (Retd) in Sri Vijaya Puram on 1 June .
Proposed developments include artificial reefs , shipwreck dive sites , and marine-themed installations at North Bay, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Long Island , and Aves Island .
Top dive sites include Elephant Beach , The Wall at Havelock , Neil Island coral gardens, and the Barren Island underwater volcano.
The plan targets both domestic divers (as an alternative to foreign destinations) and international tourists to boost the local economy.
Local diving institute representatives participated in the planning meeting alongside administration officials.
The Andaman and Nicobar Administration is mounting a structured drive to transform the archipelago into a world-class scuba diving destination, with new dive sites, artificial reefs, and marine installations under active consideration. A detailed presentation was made before Admiral D.K. Joshi (Retd), Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, outlining the roadmap at a meeting held in Sri Vijaya Puram on 1 June.
Key Developments on the Table
According to officials, discussions centred on developing artificial reefs, shipwreck dive sites, and marine-themed underwater installations at multiple locations — including North Bay, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Long Island, and Aves Island. Representatives from local diving institutes participated alongside administration officials, signalling a collaborative approach to execution.
'This will boost sustainable tourism, conservation of natural reefs and restoration of coral reefs, while positioning the Andaman and Nicobar Islands prominently on the global diving map,' an official said.
What Makes the Andamans a Diving Destination
The islands already possess natural assets that few destinations can match — crystal-clear turquoise waters, healthy coral reefs, diverse marine life, and historically significant shipwrecks. Divers can encounter manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, and dense schools of tropical fish across sites ranging from relaxed reef dives to dramatic volcanic-wall descents.
Among the most sought-after spots are Elephant Beach and The Wall at Havelock, the coral gardens of Neil Island, and the remote underwater volcano at Barren Island. Officials note that the warm waters, excellent visibility, and rich biodiversity make these among the least-explored yet most rewarding dive environments in the world.
Accessible to All Skill Levels
A key part of the pitch to both domestic and international visitors is accessibility. First-time divers can experience the underwater world under expert supervision after basic training, removing the barrier of prior certification. Existing diving institutes on the islands already offer structured programmes across skill levels.
Infrastructure Push and Tourism Strategy
'Better infrastructure is being planned to suit all budgets. A lot of work is underway and more is in the planning stage,' an official said. The administration's stated goal is twofold: reduce outbound diving tourism by giving Indian enthusiasts a compelling local alternative, and simultaneously attract more foreign visitors to strengthen the local economy.
This comes amid a broader national push to develop India's coastal and island tourism assets, with the Andamans increasingly positioned as a premium yet accessible destination. How quickly the planned infrastructure materialises will determine whether the archipelago can convert its natural advantages into a sustained place on the global diving circuit.
Point of View
Raja Ampat, or the Great Barrier Reef. The administration's plan is directionally correct, but artificial reefs and marine installations only deliver if the underlying infrastructure — reliable ferry access, dive-certified instructors at scale, and decompression facilities — keeps pace. The meeting with the Lieutenant Governor signals political will; the harder test is execution timelines and budget allocation, neither of which has been made public. India's dive tourism potential is consistently underestimated, and the Andamans are the most credible entry point — but ambition and a presentation are not yet a product.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Andaman and Nicobar Administration's scuba diving development plan?
The administration is planning to develop new dive sites featuring artificial reefs, shipwreck dives, and marine-themed underwater installations at locations including North Bay, Swaraj Dweep, Shaheed Dweep, Long Island, and Aves Island. The goal is to position the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a recognised global scuba diving destination while boosting sustainable tourism and coral reef conservation.
Which are the best scuba diving spots in the Andaman Islands?
The most sought-after sites include Elephant Beach and The Wall at Havelock, the coral gardens of Neil Island, and the underwater volcano at Barren Island. Divers can encounter manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, and diverse reef fish across sites suitable for all experience levels.
Do you need to be an experienced diver to dive in the Andamans?
No prior certification is required for introductory dives. First-time divers can go underwater under expert supervision after completing basic training offered by local diving institutes on the islands.
Why is the Andaman administration focusing on scuba diving tourism now?
Officials want to offer Indian diving enthusiasts a compelling domestic alternative to foreign destinations, while also attracting international tourists to strengthen the local economy. The plan aligns with a broader national effort to develop India's coastal and island tourism assets.
What infrastructure improvements are planned for diving tourism in the Andamans?
According to officials, better infrastructure suited to all budgets is being planned, with work already underway and more in the pipeline. Specific timelines and budget figures have not yet been made public.
