11 Essential Scuba Diving Tips for First-Timers in the Andaman Islands

Heading into your first scuba dive in the Andaman Islands is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. This guide lays out 11 practical, beginner-friendly tips that prepare you from booking to post-dive care. Think of it as the tiffin your dadi would pack—simple, reliable, and exactly what you need. The Andamans reward careful divers with clear water, colourful reefs, and calm beginner sites around Havelock and Neil. These tips focus on safety, comfort, and respectful behaviour so you can enjoy those views and help preserve the reefs. If you’re travelling from North America, you’ll find notes on timing, flight planning and budgeting to make the logistics easier. The list covers picking a certified operator, what to bring, medical checks, how to manage nerves underwater, and common rules that protect both you and the marine life. Each tip is based on practical, on-the-water advice and the most up-to-date information available from local guides and travel resources. Use this as a checklist before you book your dive. Read these tips slowly, pick two or three to memorise before you go, and ask your instructor any questions that’re still on your mind. Good questions show you care about safety. With the right preparation, your first Andaman dive can be calm, fun, and something you remember for a long time.

1. Choose a certified operator and check credentials

Start by choosing a dive operator with recognised certifications like PADI or SSI. Certification shows they follow standard training and safety procedures. Before you book, call or message and ask how many instructors work on the boat. Shorter instructor-to-diver ratios mean more attention and faster help if you feel uneasy. Next, check whether the operator carries emergency oxygen, a first-aid kit, and a plan for evacuations. Ask where the nearest medical facility is and whether the crew has recent first-aid or oxygen training. Read recent reviews focused on safety and equipment maintenance. Photos of clean, well-kept tanks and regulators are a good sign. Finally, it’s okay to meet the instructor in person before your dive. A quick chat helps you judge calmness and clarity—two traits you want in the person guiding your first underwater experience.