Scuba Diving for Non Swimmers in Andaman Islands

Answer: Scuba diving is one of the most exciting underwater activities that you can do in the Andaman Islands. It involves getting exploring the marine using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). But the great news is that even though you need to get underwater, you don’t need to know how to swim to scuba dive. Non-swimmers can easily scuba dive in the Andaman Islands. That is because the scuba gliders and the jacket help you glide underwater effortlessly. As long as you are above the age of 10, you can scuba dive in the Andaman Islands or anywhere else in the world.

Answer: Scuba diving certification can be provided by a PADI-certified scuba instructor. While you can scuba dive even if you do not know how to swim, unfortunately, you cannot pursue a scuba certification course in the Andaman Islands. Knowing how to swim is one of the most important eligibility criteria for scuba diving certification.

Answer: The Andaman Island is a beautiful place with many diving sites spread across its many islands. Each dive site has its unique marine life, current, and depth that you can explore. Sadly, non- swimmers cannot explore all the dive sites in the Andaman Islands. That’s because some dive sites are specifically meant for intermediate or Advanced scuba divers. But most of the dive sites in the Andaman Islands are open for exploration by divers of all levels – beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. Aquarium and Lighthouse are two of the most popular diving sites in the Andamans and both of them are open to beginners including non-swimmers. You can also try diving sites like Dugong Dungeon, Elephant beach, Pilot reef, Nemo Reef, I-95, and Nursery if you are a non- swimmer.

Answer: Since non-swimmers do not have to spend on a scuba certification, the cost of scuba diving for them is low compared to that for other scuba divers. At most places in the Andaman Islands, a single session of diving along with basic training is between INR 4500 to INR 7000. This cost is usually for a package that includes training, an instructor to guide you underwater, a boat ride to the diving site, and videos and photos of your incredible scuba diving journey. Note that the prices may vary depending on a variety of factors. The popularity of the dive site, the season, and the number of minutes you stay under the water, all determine the final cost.

Answer: One of the most asked questions among those who want to do scuba diving is if they can dive even if they have bad eyesight. Well, yes. There’s nothing that can stop you from scuba diving if you are passionate about it. The problem is that you cannot wear prescription glasses underwater, because not only will you not be able to wear your scuba mask then, you won’t even manage a good view. Most scuba divers are recommended to wear contact lenses. You can get some disposable glasses if you do not intend to wear the lens further. The other solution is to wear a prescription scuba mask that matches your power. This is a bit tricky as the diving centre needs to have a mask that matches your power or is close to it. You should contact the diving centre beforehand to know if they can manage prescription scuba masks.

Answer: While there are no strict restrictions in scuba diving, those with severe respiratory issues and heart problems should avoid diving. You need to constantly maintain your breathing underwater and breathe from an oxygen mask. As such, having a weak respiratory system may put you at risk. You should, ideally, consult your doctor before arriving at a decision. Likewise, pregnant women should also avoid scuba diving. Your diving centre may also ask you to avoid diving if you have a cold. That’s because the air pressure underwater may block your sinuses further, making it difficult to breathe. In such cases, you can always dive another day.

Answer: If you are a non-swimmer, you’ll get some basic training before your dive. These would be some rules that you have to follow when you are underwater; the most important rule being following the instructor underwater. The training for non-swimmers can be anything between 1-2 hours or sometimes even less.

Answer: The average diving time across the world is around 30-60 minutes. If you are a first-time scuba diver, you can decide how much time you want to spend under the water. Non-swimmers should ideally not dive for more than 40 minutes. Note that the number of minutes you spend underwater will also determine the final cost of the scuba diving experience.

Answer: If you are planning to visit the Andaman Islands, you must enjoy all the fun water sports that the island has to offer. There are many water sports that you can enjoy on the Andaman Islands besides scuba diving, even if you do not know how to swim. You can try sea walking and snorkelling, which are best if you do not want to go so deep into the water but do not want to miss out on exploring it either. You can also try jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides while you are there.

Answer: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a slice of heaven right here on Earth. The beautiful tranquil sea and the long shorelines of powdery white beaches are a sight to behold. If you love the water, a trip to the Andamans will be your best. You can explore the Radhanagar beach, which has been crowned the 7th best beach in the world by Time magazine or glide through the mangrove alleys in Havelock Island. The biodiversity of Neil Island is famous among tourists across the world. If you miss city life, visit Port Blair for the museum walks and a trip to the famous Cellular Jail.