Junction, Neil Island

Answer: The months from October to May are the best months for scuba diving on the island. The weather is clear and the tides and winds are also favourable. The water is clearer during these months. One should avoid the monsoon season as diving depends on weather conditions. The activity may get cancelled due to unforeseen weather.

Answer: Neil Island, officially known as Shaheed Dweep now, is an ideal location for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands for beginners as well as experts. The beauty of its underwaters is simply amazing. You will spot colourful corals and lovely fishes.

Answer: This dive site on Neil Island is among the topmost destinations for scuba diving in India. Its marine world is very rich and one of a kind. Under its waters, you can spot a number of colourful and patterned corals and fishes. The seabed gardens here are just awesome! The deeper you go, the more you will be able to explore. The best thing is that scuba diving is for everyone–beginners as well as experts. Even non-swimmers can enjoy a lot during this enthralling water sport.

Answer: Absolutely! Scuba diving here is completely safe as proper safety precautions are taken at all times. A PADI-certified instructor will guide you throughout the entire diving experience and will also make sure that you feel comfortable and safe under the water. He will give you a training session as well before going for the actual dive.

High-quality scuba diving equipment will be provided to you and as a general rule, you will be first made familiar with the dive gear in shallow water. After you are able to understand everything, you will be taken to deeper waters. The instructor will accompany you during the whole process.

Please note that consuming alcohol or any other intoxicant right before scuba diving is not allowed. Moreover, if you have any serious medical condition like heart problems, asthma, blood pressure, etc., then you have to inform your instructor well in advance. Only healthy people are fit to do this activity and that’s why, you have to submit a health declaration first before going for your dive.

Answer: As difficult as it may look, scuba diving is quite an easy water activity. The instructor will give brief training to you in which you will learn the basics of diving. He will also teach how to learn the scuba diving gear properly. After gaining the relevant knowledge, you will find it easy to dive into the water and have a great experience. The instructor will be present with you at all times so that you can feel safe under the water.

Answer: Yes, kids are allowed to go scuba diving on the island. However, the minimum age limit is ten years. In addition to that, the instructor will examine the kid before the activity. Only after proper examination, it will be decided whether your kid is allowed to go for it or not. The instructor will accompany him/her during the activity.

Answer: Yes, the scuba diving gear is included in the package. Since not everyone knows how to use it, a session is conducted to introduce the diver to the gears as well as explain the safety measures. Gears are included, however, if you want underwater photos as well, then you have to pay extra.

The following categories of people cannot go scuba diving:

• Any kid below the age of 10 years or an elderly person above 55 years of age
• Pregnant women
• Anyone having major health issues such as asthma, unstable blood pressure, and heart problems

Answer: Our underwater photographer will capture your scuba diving experience via photos and videos. You can get everything in your phone or pen drive right after your dive. You can relive these mesmerising moments forever!

Answer: Yes, you can wear your contact lenses while diving. However, you need to be extra careful so that they don’t get lost or damaged under the water. Discuss this with your instructor before diving.

Answer: Anyone between the age of 10 and 55 years can try their hand at scuba diving here. The experience is breathtaking for sure!

Answer: The charges range from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 6000 per person.

Answer: You need to carry the following things with you:

• Water bottle
• Swimwear
• An extra pair of clothes
• Sunscreen lotion
• Towel

Answer: Before going scuba diving here, you should know the following:

• Keep on breathing normally under the water. Never hold your breath.
• Using safety stops on your dive is very important, even when decompression stops (deco stops) are not needed.
• Especially in the initial stages of learning scuba diving, knowing your limitations is very important.
• Do not rush! Do not be in a hurry to go as deep as you can. Take your time.
• Before scuba diving, never eat a big meal. Also, wait for at least 2 hours after eating before going for a dive.
• Dive Andaman will provide complimentary transfers from all hotels in Havelock Islands, except Taj and Barefoot.