Scuba Adventure in Andaman

Andaman is a hugely acclaimed tourist destination, known worldwide, for its islands around the coastal belt. These Islands are home to the largest coral reef ecosystem of repute. Untouched by human activities, these coral reef formations serve great underwater attraction for the tourists. Hence, Scuba diving has become a lifetime achievement for tourists visiting the islands. The enthusiasts of scuba diving are expected to visit between December and May which is the right season to take a dive. Along with undulating, steep raven volcanic lava sea bed, the divers can also traverse wide reef fringes, separated by lagoons of even width, from the islands. Divers gather experience of some unusual sight. In this document, the renowned destinations where scuba-diving adventure sports are available are narrated along with particular attractive features of each.   Best Dive Sites in South Andaman

Cinque Island:

Characterized by its clear emerald waters with visibility range up to 80ft, the Cinque Island is the best diver's destination amongst the other islands. By virtue of deep dive, the experienced divers can come across beautiful marine creatures including sharks. It also makes it possible to view black corals.

Corruption Rock:

Stuck among Chidiyatappu and Rutland Islands, the corruption rock is located, the western side of the rock is the exact position where it exists. It is characterized by big boulders. The corals are not much impressive but the craggy undersea view of boulders along with its stunning gullies, ridges and canyons are splendid and truly a visual treat. Tuna, dolphins, reef sharks can be traced here. Also, giant Napoleons and Eagle rays, huge snappers, schooling fusilier, banner and unicorn fish exist here.

 Marine National Park:

This park embodies several hundred colorful species of coral reef fishes. Clownfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, batfish, and groupers respectively can be found. Occasionally, Whitetip shark, hammer-headed shark, manta ray, bluefin jack can be seen. About 50 varieties of corals are available in this reef. This park consists of Acropora, Pocillopora, Montipora, Leptoseries, Fungia, Portis, Tubipora and Gorgonian types of corals.

Best Dive site in Havelock and Mac Point:

Diver's dream destination is Havelock. It is an island with white beaches and turquoise lagoons which are hypnotic in natural beauty. The gate of reefs lies within cobalt waters, characterized by enchanting marine life, lulls the adventurous instincts of the divers. Apart from scuba diving, snorkeling is also a desired activity noticed in Havelock. Another dream destination for diving is Mac Point that bears a depth of around 10-14 meters. Mac point's main attraction is the spot Dugongs formed with rugged hard corals which enhances the beauty of the underwater scene. The Sirenian tusked mammals present on this island belong to Australia and Eastern Africa mostly.

Aquarium:

The aquarium is generally meant for the beginners. These are generally 10-12 meters deep, located southwest to Havelock. The currents prevailing in waters are soft and predictable. It is a privilege to be here to site colorful masses of fish. Aquariums are mostly strewn with hard corals providing with fringing reef spot for its visitors.

Barracuda City:

This spot is meant for the intermediate and expert divers respectively. These spots vary 25-30 meters deep. It is again an unexplored destination that provides an opportunity for visitors to swim with the turtles. It provides an ample opportunity to visualize beautifully colored corals and a variety of fish namely blue-spotted stingrays, coral fish, surgeonfish respectively.

Lighthouse:

Lighthouse generally constitutes a large diving site, open to all. Depth wise they range from 16-18 meters. Its reputation lies with the fact that it allows night diving organized for PADI/SSI certified divers. While experiencing the dive, the opportunity lies with getting acquainted with hard and soft corals, side by side opportunity to come face to face to water beings to add to the interest. A diver may get lucky to get a glimpse of Humpback Parrotfish, Octopus, Fusiliers, Lobsters and Lionfish.

Pilot Reef:

The pilot reef is famous for Leopard Sharks, those at instances can be found resting on the sand beaches side by side to the diving site. This site is located in proximity shipping channel entry, the reef embodies a range of colorful reef fishes. Corals namely staghorn coral, brain coral, whip coral, table coral, and gorgonians flock the sea bed. Trumpet fishes along with butterflyfish are frequently seen on this reef and a white-tip reef shark or a young manta ray can be sighted if luck favors.

Tips for first-time divers:

Starters going for scuba diving activity must undergo a formal scuba-diving course, there may no idea regarding what is in store, but by virtue of the instructors, what safety steps need to be mastered before trying the depths of sea, lake or river. The training for learners to be arranged in controlled dive sites shallow enough for the individual to stand. Dive gear application to be understood from the instructor. Safe-dive techniques must be mastered at the very initial stage. Breathing through a Scuba Regulator may not be easy at the beginning, it's not a natural way to inhale but practicing above water and underwater along with an instructor's guidance will solve the discomfort. Various other factors may be causing discomfort like the underwater sound, weightless, etc. In spite of hindrances, patience can cure stress.

Conclusion:   Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a diver's paradise. All tourists flock to this destination to enjoy the eco-friendly ambiance of the region. The main adventurous attraction lies with Scuba-Diving. Innumerous spots are allocated for the visitors to experience the underwater treasure of nature, be it the colorful corals, swarms of fishes its beauty waters itself and reefs and lagoons described above. If scuba diving training can be acquired, options are plenty. Adventurous Andaman awaits the enthusiast tourists to traverse the valuable treasures untouched by man. The peak season to travel to this destination lies between Decembers to May, when these underwater activities are more pronounced. Tourist influx and scuba diving activities remain operating throughout the year though; Andaman in itself is a treasure box of unique scenic beauty.