Lacadives at Havelock

Lacadives has been a cornerstone of the Indian diving scene since 1995, bringing nearly three decades of expertise to the Andaman Islands. With primary operations in Havelock and additional locations in Chidiyatapu, the centre has established itself as a leader in both recreational diving and marine conservation.

You can reach the islands via Port Blair, the region's main airport and port, before using the local ferry system to reach Havelock. The centre operates across several locations, including sites within the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa and Tilar Siro Andamans, ensuring a seamless connection between your accommodation and the water.

The team is comprised of 10 experienced instructors and divemasters who manage a wide spectrum of diving activities. Their expertise covers everything from initial Discover Scuba Diving experiences to advanced technical training and professional-level PADI courses.

Beyond standard instruction, the centre is committed to being a steward of the sea. They actively run the RE(EF) Generate Course, a specialised programme focused on coral restoration and marine environmental responsibility.

The centre offers a complete PADI curriculum, starting with the PADI Bubblemaker Course and the Discover Scuba Diving experience for beginners. From there, you can progress through the PADI Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver courses, followed by the Adventure Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver programmes.

For more experienced divers, Lacadives provides a deep catalogue of specialties. You can specialise in Wreck Diver, Deep Diver, Night Diver, or Peak Performance Buoyancy. They also offer technical and niche training such as PADI Sidemount Diver, PADI Self Reliant Diver, and the PADI Search & Recovery Diver course.

Professional divers can work towards their PADI Divemaster qualification here. The centre also supports those interested in marine science through their RE(EF) Generate Course, focusing on the practicalities of coral restoration.

The Explorer 2 is the centre's flagship vessel, designed to provide a high-quality boat diving experience. This boat features teak wood flooring and luxurious interiors, offering a comfortable platform for your trips out to the reefs.

Equipped with very powerful engines, the Explorer 2 is capable of reaching dive sites efficiently. The boat supports various trip types, including night dives, and has Nitrox available on board for divers looking to extend their bottom time.

Lacadives provides a full range of equipment for hire, ensuring you have everything required for a successful dive. This includes complete kit sets, allowing you to travel light if you prefer not to bring your own regulators, BCD, or exposure suits.

For those interested in night diving, torches are available for hire. The centre's focus on safety is reflected in their strict policy regarding alcohol consumption, which is not permitted before or during any diving activities.

The reefs around Havelock are home to a diverse array of pelagic species. You may encounter Manta ray (Mobula alfredi), various sharks including Reef shark (Carcharhinus), Whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus), and Zebra sharks, as well as Eagle ray (Aetobatus) and Tuna (Thunnus). Schools of Jack (Carangidae), Trevally, and Mackerel frequently move through the area, often accompanied by Barracuda schools.

On the reef itself, the biodiversity is immense. You will find a wide variety of hard and soft corals, including Gorgonians (Gorgoniidae), Sea fan (Gorgoniidae), and various forms of brain coral, table coral, and staghorn coral. Look for large reef fish such as Napoleon wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus), various Groupers (Epinephelus), Sweetlips (Plectorhinchus), and several species of Snapper (Lutjanus).

Macro enthusiasts will find plenty to observe in the smaller corners of the reef. The area hosts Nudibranch (Chromodoris willani), Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda), Frogfish (Antennarius), and various species of Pipefish. Keep a close eye on the substrate for Octopus (Octopus vulgaris), Cuttlefish (Sepiidae), and various crustaceans, including Lobster (Homaridae) and Shrimp (Caridea).

Other common inhabitants include Sea turtle (Cheloniidae), specifically Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata). You can also spot various rays, such as Southern stingray (Hypanus americanus) and marbled rays, alongside anemonefish and many species of colorful Butterflyfish (Chaetodon) and Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae).

Diving is possible almost throughout the year in the Andaman Islands. However, the monsoon season from July to September is a period to avoid due to weather conditions.

Local travel between islands is well-supported by a strong ferry system, making it easy to move between Havelock, Chidiyatapu, and Port Blair.