Bus Stop, Neil Island

Answer: If you have not ever tried scuba diving and are still wondering why you should at least once try it in your life, we have the answer to your question. First of all, the underwater world is probably as close to the outer world as one can get. Diving underwater is like being in a completely different world. You will get to see the marine world - a life that is above your imagination. Besides, the earth is majorly water. So if you actually start exploring the underwater world, you will have so many more places to explore than somebody who travels on land only.

And as a traveler, if your budget is the main concern, let us tell you, the best part about scuba diving in India is that it is quite reasonable. Besides, you can probably even opt for a shoot at an affordable price to keep your memories with you. Not to mention, you always have the choice to share your scuba diving video on YouTube or Instagram and brag about that amazing water sports experience you gained.

Answer: Even though almost every traveler tends to go to Thailand or Maldives for scuba diving, India has some of the best marine life and reefs that one can witness while performing the adventurous water sport. In fact, when you go to Neil Island, when you see the crystal clear waters, you would want to take a plunge at that very moment. Believe us, it is that exhilarating!

What’s more, there are several dive spots and highly trained instructors on Neil Island who will ensure you have the most exciting and comfortable scuba diving experience. The equipment utilized is even maintained well so as to meet international standards.

Diving on Neil Island is the usual Indo-Pacific diving, which is a blend of everything. On good days, the visibility will be 20 to 25 meters, and on bad ones, it will be moderate, that is, between 10 and 15 meters. Now if you still have second thoughts about choosing Neil Island over other islands for scuba diving, there are several more reasons. The key highlight of the region is the school of dugongs that live in the area and can usually be seen right outside in the house reef.

Moreover, if you are finding it difficult to choose between Neil and Havelock for your diving experience, we have two key reasons why Neil is better than Havelock. First of all, there are lesser mangrove trees on Neil, which implies higher visibility and better clarity of water even on days of low visibility. And secondly, the marine life on Neil is rich and includes everything from macro to big fishes like occasional mantas, groupers, sharks, and barracudas.

Situated in the western region of Shaheed Dweep or Neil Island, Bus Stop is a famous diving spot in the Andamans. Scuba divers here take a plunge to the top of the reef at 16 feet while entering the water. They reach the point that comprises soft coral patches. Since it slopes gently to 65 feet, it is an ideal spot for beginners since they can get to know a lot about buoyancy.

Once you reach the deeper edges down the slope, you will witness a reef consisting of branching, massive kinds of corals on the bottom of the spot. Further, you will spot plenty of garden eels that stick their heads out of the sand.

Answer: Bus Stop diving spot has a rich underwater life. During your dive, you will spot schools of groupers, sweetlips, damselfish, and angelfish. Other species that you will get to see are butterflyfish, soft corals, and garden eels.

Answer: The Bus Stop diving spot is along a gentle, sloping bottom that starts at 45 feet and goes to a maximum of 65 feet. Its depth is from 15 to 20 meters.

Answer: Due to the gentleness of the slope, the depth of the waters, and the water currents, anyone can go scuba diving at the Bus Stop. From beginners to intermediates to skilled divers, everyone can scuba dive here.

Answer: Individuals between the age of 8 and 50 who are physically and mentally fit are eligible for scuba diving here at the Bus Stop. Those who are above 50 years of age are required to demonstrate a fitness certificate provided by their physician. And people above 55 as well as children below the age of 8 are strictly prohibited from performing the sport.

Answer: The most widely spoken language on Neil Island is Hindi. Bengali is commonly spoken among the locals as well. In fact, English is the least favored language on the island. So if you are fluent in any of these languages, you can easily communicate with your scuba diving instructor.

Answer: In order to reach Neil Island, first you are required to reach the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair. You can reach there by flight. From there, you will have several choices of transportation to reach Neil Island.

• Private Boat: You can opt for a private boat by one of the service providers, Ocean Green and Makruzz.
• Ferry from Rangat: You can take a ferry from Rangat, which is available every day.
• Ferry to Neil Island: Government ferries ply from Port Blair to Neil Island every day. In the morning, two ferries ply.