Experience Scuba

Experience Scuba is a PADI 5-Star Dive Centre situated in Vijaynagar on Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). Since opening in 2011, the centre has built a significant reputation in the Andaman Islands, having served over 10,000 divers and earning Gold-level recognition from Andaman Tourism.

The centre is well-integrated into the local island infrastructure, offering airport pickups and jetty transfers. They operate with a commitment to environmental protection and are recognised for their expertise through multiple TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice awards.

The centre operates with a high standard of safety, maintaining a 100% safety record throughout its years of operation. For beginner programs, they maintain a 1:1 guide ratio to ensure close supervision and support during the initial stages of training.

Training is conducted by expert instructors following strict PADI compliance. The team manages everything from entry-level experiences for non-swimmers to professional-level courses for those pursuing a career in diving.

A full spectrum of PADI courses is available at the centre. Beginners can start with the PADI Scuba Diver or PADI Adventure Diver programmes, or begin with a Discover Scuba Dive at Tribe Gate.

For those looking to advance their skills, the centre offers PADI Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, and Rescue Diver courses. Specialized training is also provided through the PADI Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, and Nitrox courses. Professional divers can pursue the PADI Divemaster certification, and children can participate in the PADI Seal Team and Bubble Maker programmes. Emergency First Response training is also available on-site.

The centre utilises boats with a capacity of 4 divers per trip, allowing for small, manageable groups. This setup is designed to provide a more personalised experience during transfers to the various reef and wreck sites around the island.

The centre provides a full range of rental kit for divers. This includes regularly serviced equipment to ensure reliability and safety during every dive.

Nitrox is available for divers looking to extend their bottom times. All training and recreational dives are supported by state-of-the-art equipment maintained on-site.

The reefs around Havelock are home to a vast array of marine life. You will regularly encounter schools of fish including snapper (Lutjanus), fusiliers (Caesio), and various species of butterflyfish (Chaetodon). Larger residents such as reef sharks (Carcharhinus), groupers (Epinephelus), and moray eels (Muraenidae) are common sights across the different dive sites.

During the peak season from December to February, the area becomes a magnet for larger pelagics. You may have the opportunity to see Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and Manta rays (Mobula alfredi) during these months. Eagle rays (Aetobatus) and large schools of barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) are also frequently observed.

For those interested in macro life, the crevices and coral gardens offer plenty to discover. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs (Chromodoris willani), octopus (Octopus vulgaris), and various species of shrimp (Caridea). Scorpionfish (Scorpaenidae) and cuttlefish (Sepiidae) can often be found camouflaged against the reef structure.

Fixed life is abundant, with healthy corals providing the foundation for the ecosystem. You will see a variety of hard coral (Scleractinia) and soft coral (Alcyonacea), alongside sea fans (Gorgoniidae), sea anemones (Actiniaria), and large sponges (Porifera).

Diving is best experienced from October to May, with the period between November and February offering the most stable conditions and clearest visibility. It is important to note that diving is not permitted on the same day as your flight arrival or departure.

Conditions vary significantly by site; for example, Jacksons Bar is known for strong currents, while sites like Aquarium and Turtle Beach remain calm. Divers should always check the latest local conditions, as dive sites may change due to weather or safety requirements.