The Andaman Islands undoubtedly offer some of the best diving anywhere. However, compared to other Indian Ocean destinations, the Andamans are not as popular, especially for international visitors. This is likely because of the lack of international flights arriving at the islands and nothing to do with the quality of the dive sites. Indeed, the best dive sites at the Andamans are just as good as anywhere else in the world.

However, all this has changed since AirAsia touched down at the capital, Port Blair, in November 2024. In doing so, AirAsia became the first airline to operate an international route to Port Blair. The underwater world of the Andamans is now more easily accessible to international visitors, especially from Southeast Asia.

Best Dive Sites at the Andamans

Twenty popular dive sites are around the Andamans, most scattered around Havelock and Neil Islands. This number might be much to choose from, especially for first-time visitors. Therefore, this article aims to narrow down the Andamans’ most popular and best dive sites. 

In this article, dive sites will be divided into two categories. The first category includes sites suitable for advanced divers only, while the second category includes sites suitable for all skill levels.

The Best Dive Sites at the Andamans – for Advanced Divers

Ask any dive centre in the Andamans, and they’ll probably tell you that these three locations are the best dive sites in the Andamans. The three are Johnny’s Gorge, Dixon Pinnacles, and Jackson’s Bar. The dive sites are named after three brothers from the Andaman Karen people. They are among the pioneers of scuba diving at the Andamans, helping to turn this idyllic archipelago into a world-class diving destination.

The three dive sites described here are all considered world-class and, thus, are the primary targets for anyone visiting these islands. 

1) Johnny’s Gorge

This one is likely the dive site most visitors want to visit. Johnny’s Gorge is about about 17 km northeast of Havelock Island. The site is basically a deep, circular reef consisting of rocky outcrops surrounded by sand on all sides. The site starts around 20 metres deep, reaching 34 metres at its deepest point. Due to the site’s location, Johnny’s Gorge is an excellent place to see the ‘big stuff’. Reef sharks, barracudas, tuna, Manta rays and dolphins have been sighted here. 

If you can only visit one dive spot in the Andamans, it must be Johnny’s Gorge!

2) Dixon’s Pinnacles

Unlike Johnny’s Gorge, this spot comprises three rock pinnacles rising from the depths of the Andaman Sea. It starts at 16 metres, while the deepest point is 34 metres deep. The peak of the pinnacles are cleaning stations, which attract large fish such as groupers and Napoleon Wrasse. The fish numbers here are mind-boggling, with large schools of multicoloured fish thronging the reef at every corner.

Dixon’s Pinnacles is about 17 km southeast of Havelock Island’s main jetty.

3) Jackson’s Bar

A deep reef ranging from 20 to 30 metres. It’s a flat, horizontal rock shelf – hence the name ‘bar’. This site is known to have strong currents, making it one of the more challenging dive sites at the Andamans. Jackson’s Bar is not far from Johnny’s Gorge.

Nevertheless, those who venture here may be rewarded by the possibility of seeing a variety of fish attracted by the currents. These include large schools of stingrays, snappers, sweetlips, barracudas, etc. Other fish include garden eels and, occasionally, reef sharks.

The Best Dive Sites at the Andamans – Suitable for All Divers

For divers without advanced level qualifications, fret not; the Andamans offer plenty of other suitable dive sites for all levels. The following sites are close to Havelock Island and relatively shallow yet still contain many vibrant sea life.

1) Pilot Reef

This reef is about 7 km northeast of Havelock Island. It’s relatively shallow, starting at 10 metres and going down to a maximum of 25 metres. The shallower parts teem with various reef fish, including bannerfish, angelfish, and trumpetfish. Additionally, in the deeper section, there’s a chance to encounter the Zebra Shark as it rests on the sandy bottom. Seeing this gentlest of sharks is probably a good enough reason to visit this site.

2) The Wall

This popular dive site is only 3 km from Havelock Island. As the name suggests, it is a wall dive site that starts from 10 metres and goes down to 55 metres deep. The shallower parts are teeming with schooling fish and the predators that eat them. These predators include trevallies, snappers, barracudas, and the imposing Napoleon Wrasse. The reef itself is home to scorpionfish, moray eels, and a variety of macro life, such as nudibranchs.

3) Tribe Gate

It is a popular dive site for beginners but also suitable for experienced divers. It’s only 3.5 km from Havelock Island. This is a shallow site, ranging from 4 to 14 metres deep. The topography is an oval-shaped reef surrounded by sand, thus giving it its alternative name: Oval Reef. Various fish populate the reef, but be on the lookout for the well-camouflaged crocodile fish. Unlike its reptilian namesake, the crocodile fish is far more approachable!

Conclusion

In addition to the best dive sites at the Andaman Islands listed in this article, many more spots are worth checking out. In the end, it doesn’t matter which dive site you visit, as each one is captivating in its own unique way.  Whether it’s the big pelagics you’re after, or you are just happy taking in the stunning underwater vistas, unquestionably, the Andamans have something to offer everyone.

You can also read my article on scuba diving at Andaman Island. I had my experience there in late November 2024, a week before AirAsia launched its inaugural flight, and the flight prices were on some crazy promotional deal.