Northern Andaman Expands Scuba Tourism with Eight New Dive Sites

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are set to welcome more underwater explorers following the announcement that eight additional scuba diving sites have been identified across North and Middle Andaman. The expansion forms part of a wider effort to grow adventure tourism while encouraging sustainable use of the region’s marine ecosystems.

The new sites are located around Mayabunder and Diglipur, extending organised diving opportunities beyond the islands’ internationally recognised destinations of Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island) and Shaheed Dweep (formerly Neil Island).

According to the Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism, the newly identified locations were surveyed in collaboration with Scuba Schools International (SSI) and follow the earlier approval of four dive sites in Diglipur during 2026. Together, the additions bring the total number of officially designated dive sites in North and Middle Andaman to twelve.

Expanding Beyond the Established Dive Destinations

For many international divers, the Andaman Islands are synonymous with vibrant coral reefs, clear tropical waters and abundant marine life around Swaraj Dweep. However, tourism authorities have increasingly recognised the potential of the northern islands, where visitor numbers remain comparatively low.

By expanding regulated diving into Mayabunder and Diglipur, officials hope to:

• diversify tourism across the archipelago
• generate employment opportunities for local communities
• reduce pressure on the busiest dive sites
• encourage investment in new dive centres and tourism businesses
• showcase lesser-visited marine environments

The move aligns with India’s broader strategy of developing adventure tourism while ensuring activities are conducted within established environmental and safety guidelines.

Opportunities for Divers

While the individual characteristics of the new dive sites have yet to be released, North Andaman is known for healthy coral formations, fringing reefs, reef fish, turtles and occasional pelagic visitors. The region also offers a quieter alternative for divers looking to experience areas away from the more established tourism centres.

As infrastructure develops, the expansion could eventually support:

• new day-boat diving operations
• liveaboard itineraries exploring northern reefs
• advanced diver training
• underwater photography opportunities
• marine conservation initiatives involving local communities

Sustainable Growth Remains a Priority

Authorities have emphasised that dive operators wishing to use the new sites must comply with the administration’s scuba diving guidelines and registration requirements. These measures are intended to ensure high safety standards while protecting the fragile coral reef ecosystems that underpin the islands’ growing dive tourism industry.

The partnership with SSI also highlights the increasing role of internationally recognised training organisations in supporting destination development and promoting best practices for recreational diving.

A Positive Step for Indian Dive Tourism

India’s diving industry has expanded steadily over the past decade, with the Andaman Islands remaining the country’s flagship destination for recreational scuba diving. By opening new sites in North and Middle Andaman, tourism officials are aiming to distribute visitor numbers more evenly while creating new economic opportunities outside the traditional tourism hotspots.

For travelling divers, the announcement signals the prospect of exploring new underwater landscapes and experiencing a different side of one of Asia’s most attractive tropical diving destinations.

As operators begin introducing trips to the newly designated sites, Northern Andaman could become an increasingly important addition to India’s growing dive tourism map.