Top 5 Best Dive Sites in Port Blair

1. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Wandoor

Located in Wandoor, it is a paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts. It is one of the largest marine parks in India, covering an area of 281.5 square kilometers. This marine national park is a perfect blend of nature’s beauty and rich marine biodiversity, making it a must-visit destination for scuba diving lovers.

The crystal-clear waters of the Bay of Bengal surrounding the park are home to a diverse array of marine life. The rich coral reefs, colorful fishes, and unique underwater flora and fauna make scuba diving at Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park an unforgettable experience. The park is also home to some rare and endangered species like the dugong, sea turtles, and saltwater crocodiles, which can be spotted during a scuba diving expedition.

Diver Level: Beginner

Depth: 10-12 meters

Marine Life Includes:

• Fungia

• Pocillopora

• Acropora

• Leptoseris

• Clownfish

• Surgeonfish

• Whitetip Shark

• Parrot Shark

• Butterflyfish

• Angelfish

• Groupers 

Distance from Port Blair Harbor: 29 kilometers

Cost: Starts from Rs. 7,000

2. Corruption Rock

Corruption Rock is a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. This rocky outcrop, surrounded by crystal clear waters, is home to a diverse marine ecosystem that attracts tourists from all over the world. One of the main reasons for its popularity as a diving site is its unique geological formation. The rock is made up of layers of volcanic ash and sedimentary rocks, creating a maze of caves and tunnels that are perfect for exploration. These formations also provide a shelter for a wide variety of marine life, making it a haven for divers.

Diver Level: Suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

Depth: 6-29 meters

Marine Life Includes:

• Giant napoleons

• Eagle rays

• Huge snappers

• Schooling fusiliers

• Banner

• Unicorn fish

• Dolphins

• Tuna

• Reef sharks

• Groupers

Distance from Port Blair Harbor: 20 kilometers

Cost: Starts from Rs. 7,000

3. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy

Jolly Buoy is a small island located within the park and is known for its azure waters, diverse marine life, and colorful coral reefs. The island is surrounded by a fringing reef, making it an ideal spot for both beginner and experienced divers. The scuba diving experience at Jolly Buoy is truly breathtaking. Divers can explore the vibrant coral gardens, swim alongside schools of colorful fish, and even spot rare species like the hawksbill turtle and the dugong.

To visit Jolly Buoy, visitors must obtain a permit from the park authorities. The park is open to visitors from October to May, with the best time for scuba diving being between December to April. It is recommended to book in advance as the number of visitors allowed on the island is limited.

Diver Level: Perfect for beginners

Depth: 6-12 meters.

Marine Life Includes:

• Hard, soft, and mushroom corals

• Parrotfish

• Butterflyfish

• Clownfish

• Angelfish

• Green Sea Turtle

• Olive Ridley Turtle

• Dugongs

• Manta Rays

• Sea anemones

• Groupers

Distance from Port Blair Harbor: 30 kilometers

Cost: Starts from Rs. 7,000

4. Snake Island

Scuba diving in Snake Island offers an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels. The clear waters surrounding the island have an abundance of colorful coral reefs, which are home to a diverse range of marine species including sea turtles, tropical fish, and even rare species like dugongs and manta rays.

One of the main attractions of scuba diving in Snake Island is the chance to spot the venomous sea snakes that inhabit the waters around the island. These snakes are known for their unique ability to swim in both freshwater and saltwater, making them a rare and fascinating sight for divers.

Diver Level: Suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.

Depth: 6-10 meters.

Marine Life Includes:

• Pisces

• Cnidarians

• Molluscs

• Arthropods

• Corals 

• Triggerfish

• Grunts

• Goatfish 

• Rays

• Groupers

Distance from Port Blair Harbor: 7 kilometers

Cost: Starts from Rs. 7,000

5. Rutland Island

Rutland Island is a small island located in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in the Bay of Bengal. It is known for its stunning beaches, lush green forests, and diverse marine life, making it a perfect destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. The underwater visibility in Rutland Island is excellent, often reaching up to 40 meters, allowing divers to have a clear view of the stunning coral reefs and colorful marine life. Divers can expect to see a plethora of sea creatures such as schools of colorful fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and even sharks.

One of the main attractions of scuba diving in Rutland Island is the chance to spot the rare and endangered dugongs, also known as sea cows. These gentle giants can often be seen grazing on the seagrass beds in the surrounding waters.

Diver Level: Suitable for beginners.

Depth: 5-12 meters.

Marine Life Includes:

• Hard corals

• Manta Rays

• Dugongs

• Sea turtles

• Pipefishes

• Eagle rays

• Seaweed beds

• Turtles 

• Parrot Fish

• Groupers

Distance from Port Blair Harbor: 20 kilometers

Cost: Starts from Rs. 7,000