Barefoot Retreats and Leisure Pvt. Ltd.

Located just 50 metres from Beach No. 3 in Govind Nagar, Barefoot Scuba Resort has been a cornerstone of the Havelock diving community since 2005. The centre is positioned to provide easy access to the best reefs and pinnacles in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, while remaining close to the local village markets and natural trails.

As a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre, the resort is designed for both the recreational diver and the aspiring professional. The atmosphere is intentionally rustic and eco-friendly, offering a range of accommodation from simple, comfortable rooms to luxury sea-facing duplexes and tented cottages.

The team is comprised of 10 instructors, providing a high level of expertise for those looking to progress through the PADI system. Because the centre holds Instructor Development status, you will find a deep well of knowledge available for those pursuing professional paths.

The staff is driven by a commitment to marine conservation and the protection of the local underwater environment. They focus on maintaining strict safety standards and respecting depth limits to ensure a professional experience for every diver.

The course catalogue is comprehensive, catering to every level of experience. Beginners can start with PADI Discover Scuba Diving or work through the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to specialise or turn professional, the centre offers a complete range of PADI training. This includes Rescue Diver, Master Scuba Diver, and the full professional progression from Divemaster through to Course Director.

The centre maintains a full range of rental kit from reputable brands including Scubapro and Aqualung. For those taking courses, dive computers are provided to assist with depth and time management.

On-site, Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom times. All aluminium cylinders are fitted with YOKE valves and undergo annual visual inspections, with hydrostatic testing performed every five years to ensure reliability.

The reefs are teeming with life, from large pelagics to colourful reef fish. You can expect to see Great barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda), Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), and various species of snapper (Lutjanus). Large groupers (Epinephelus itajara) and jacks (Carangidae) are common, alongside whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) and eagle rays (Aetobatus).

For those interested in macro life, the area offers incredible diversity. Look closely for nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), seahorses (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of octopus (Octopus vulgaris). You may also encounter frogfish (Antennarius), ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), and colourful boxfish (Ostraciidae).

The seabed and reef structures are beautifully decorated with gorgonians (Gorgoniidae), sea fans, and various soft corals (Alcyonacea). You will also find garden eels, anemones (Actiniaria), and sponges (Porifera) providing habitat for countless smaller creatures like cleaner shrimp (Lysmata) and various crustaceans.

Currents at the dive sites can vary significantly depending on the location and the tide. While many shallower reef sites remain calm and predictable, sites like Jackson's Bar and Minerva Ledge are known for strong currents that attract larger pelagic species.

Dive site selection is always subject to the prevailing weather conditions to ensure safety and optimal diving.