Gypsy Divers Scuba & Dive Resort

Located on Beach 2 in Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), Gypsy Divers is a PADI 5 Star Dive Resort that integrates diving with comfortable on-site living. The centre is positioned directly on the beach, allowing for seamless transitions from the resort to the dive boats.

For those travelling from the mainland, the resort is accessible via regular flights to Port Blair, followed by a 90-minute to 2-hour ferry journey to Havelock. The centre assists international visitors with the necessary logistics, including ferry bookings and local transport arrangements.

The centre is led by Poonam Darne, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor with over ten years of experience in the industry. The team is experienced in managing a wide range of diver needs, from beginners to professional-level students.

Safety and small group sizes are central to the operation, with a maximum of four divers per guide. This ensures a high level of supervision during both reef dives and more challenging environments.

The centre offers a comprehensive curriculum of PADI courses, catering to every stage of a diver's development. Beginners can start with the PADI Scuba Diver Course or the PADI Open Water Diver Course, with the option to combine these into an Open Water and Advanced Open Water package.

For those looking to progress their skills, the PADI Advanced Open Water Dive Course, PADI Adventure Diver Course, and PADI Deep Diver Specialty are available. The centre also supports professional training, offering the PADI Dive Master Course and a 'Zero to Hero' programme that takes students from Open Water to Divemaster level. Emergency training is also provided through the PADI Emergency First Response Course (EFR) and the PADI Rescue Diver Course.

The resort provides a complete range of equipment for hire, covering all the essentials needed for a dive trip. This includes regulators, BCDs, and wetsuits, so you do not need to transport your own heavy kit if you prefer not to.

On-site facilities include Café Lava for meals and coffee, as well as free WiFi and private parking. The centre is well-equipped to handle the needs of various travellers, from solo adventurers in dormitories to families in deluxe rooms.

The reefs around Havelock are home to a diverse array of fish, including various species of Angelfish (Pomacanthidae), Butterflyfish (Chaetodon), and Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae). You will frequently see schools of Fusilier (Caesio), Snapper (Lutjanus), and various Jacks (Carangidae) patrolling the reef structures.

Large pelagics are a highlight of the region, particularly between November and May when you may encounter Manta ray (Mobula alfredi), Leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata), Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), Eagle ray (Aetobatus), and various species of shark (Selachimorpha). During this same period, sightings of Dolphin (Delphinidae), Humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon), and Dogtooth tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor) are also possible.

For those interested in macro life, the sites offer plenty of interest, including Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), and various species of Octopus (Octopus vulgaris). You can also find Ornate ghost pipefish (Solenostomus paradoxus), Boxfish (Ostraciidae), and several types of shrimp (Caridea) amongst the corals.

The underwater scenery is defined by healthy coral formations, including brain coral, table coral, staghorn coral, and various gorgonians (Gorgoniidae). Large barrel sponges and sea fans (Gorgoniidae) provide essential structure for the resident marine life.

Diving conditions in the area vary by season. The best period for diving is from November to May, when the sea is generally placid and visibility is excellent.

During June and July, the sea can become very rough and visibility may vary. August often brings higher-than-normal rainfall, while short storms can occur during December and May.