Port Blair is the most easily accessible destination in the Andaman Islands because all flights land here. It is the capital of the Andamans, and for travellers and adventure-seekers, there is plenty to do here. Scuba diving in Port Blair is one of the most popular activities, but you also have many other choices.
When in Port Blair, make sure you make time to visit Cellular Jail in time to catch the sound and light show. The Anthropological Museum is interesting because it has many artefacts from the indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands.
If you’re looking for offbeat places to visit from Port Blair, consider the limestone caves and mud volcanoes of Baratang Island. You can cover this in a day trip. Other options are Ross Island and Smith Island, twin islands that are connected by a sandbar that you can only see during low tide. You could also consider visiting Jolly Buoy Island, Diglipur, or Viper Island.
When to go scuba diving in Port Blair
Try to do your scuba diving in Port Blair from December to mid-June. In these months, the sea is calm and the visibility is good. In the monsoon months of July to September, there isn’t much diving unless you’re a very experienced diver.
Packing list for scuba diving in Port Blair
For your scuba dive in Port Blair, you need comfortable swimwear, sunscreen, a long-sleeved top, and a cap and sunglasses. The operator will provide all the equipment you need. Read our blog Scuba 101 to understand what equipment you’ll be given.
Scuba diving courses in Port Blair
Scuba diving in Port Blair for beginners
Sea walk in Port Blair
Kayaking in Port Blair
Glass bottom boat and semi-submersible in Port Blair
Parasailing in Port Blair
FAQs about scuba diving in Port Blair
Do I need to know how to swim to go scuba diving?
You don’t need to know how to swim for a Try Dive, but if you want to do a PADI or SSI course, it is a requirement. You’ll need to pass a swimming test of 200 metres, and 10 minutes floating.Do I need any special gear?
No, scuba diving beginners don’t have to worry about any gear. Your operator will provide everything you need for your trip.What do I wear under the scuba suit?
Your operator will provide you with a scuba suit, but you’ll need to wear a swimsuit/bikini/swimming trunks under the wetsuit. Do make sure the swimwear you choose is comfortable. If you have long hair, tie it back firmly with an elastic band so it isn’t floating into your mask or obscuring your vision.Where do I put the scuba suit on?
Usually you’ll put your wetsuit on at the dive centre, before you set off to the boat. Sometimes you’ll put it on in the boat before the dive.What is the right age to go scuba diving?
Anyone over 10 years may take lessons in scuba diving. Check with the operator if you are travelling with children, because age restrictions might differ. There is no real cap or age limit for older divers, but you will need to be in good physical and mental condition to dive.
Read our blog about Scuba FAQs to get more detailed answers.
