Established in 2011, Doongi Dives is a friendly dive center in the Andamans and has been a part of the Andaman Islands’ diving industry where its operation has evolved into a close knit family and individuals working together for years.

Our aim is to take you to the greatest adventure of your life whether you are diving for the first time or the hundredth. We specialize in handling smaller groups and has a fine distinction in conducting certification courses and guided tour dives. We are operating out of Munjoh Ocean Resort on the remote island of Havelock. Come visit us and explore the magical islands of the Andamans through our eyes and love it the way we do.

Where smiles count and happiness matters” – Doongi Dives

Get Certified and Become a Scuba Diver

Here at Doongi Dives, we offer scuba certification courses ranging from:

. All our certification courses are sanctioned under the Scuba Schools International or SSI.

If you are a complete newbie and just want to try scuba diving, you can go with our Discover Scuba Diving Program where our SSI certified instructor will give you a nice underwater tour of the Andaman Reef without getting too much of the classroom lecture and pool trainings.
 

 

 

 

Open Water Scuba Diver Certification in AndamanOpen Water Scuba Diver

 

 

 

 

 

Advanced Open Water Diver Certification in AndamanAdvanced Open Water Scuba Diver

 

 

 

 

 

Rescue Diver Certification in AndamanRescue Diver

 

 

 

 

 

Divemaster certification in AndamanDivemaster

 

SCUBA DIVING IN ANDAMAN ISLANDS

Do you know that there is a secluded spot in India where scuba diving is popular? Located west from mainland India on the Bay of Bengal, Andaman island is a popular tourist destination for scuba divers. Formally known as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory of India or “The Andamans” for short, this offshore island houses several dive spots where divers can see pristine reefs and a lot of tropical fish.

Diving in Havelock Island

Named after from a British General who served in India, Havelock island is one of the few places in the Bay of Bengal that encourages development which is geared towards ecotourism. This 18 kilometers (11.2 miles) long island is dotted with tourist facilities offering several aqua-sports where scuba diving is a big hit. Completely surrounded with marine waters, scuba divers from around the globe can select from a long-list of diving sites where most of the reefs are located in just a nearby distance.

 

 

Mac Point Havelock Island AndamanMAC POINT

If we say big boys of the sea, the first thing that comes in to our minds are sharks. But here in Havelock Island, the big boys are relatively calm and gentle. What we are talking about are sea cows or commonly called as dugongs.

 

 

 

 

Minervas Ledge Havelock Island AndamanMINERVA LEDGE

Another offshore diving site in Havelock takes you traveling towards the eastern side of the island. Many have considered Minerva Ledge as the epitome of Havelock’s dive sites, especially when it comes to coral and fish diversity. Spread across this relatively large reef are gorgonians like sea fans, barrel sponge, soft and hard corals and a lot of big fish like stingrays, barracudas and tunas.

Popular Dive Sites in Havelock Island

 

lighthouse havelock island andamanLighthouse

Located on the northern coast of Havelock Island is a lighthouse near Govinda Nagar. In front of the lighthouse is a reef that has an outstanding marine biodiversity where you can see vibrantly-colored corals, huge barrel sponges with lots of tropical fish like fusiliers, lionfish, damselfish and parrotfish. As you enter the water, you will traverse a sloping reef which leads to a drop off that can reach to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet).

 

aquarium havelock island andamanAquarium

The Aquarium is one of the famous dive spots in Havelock Island that is recommended for all levels of certification. Situated on the northwestern coast of Havelock Island, the Aquarium is a shallow fringing type of reef system that only goes to a maximum depth of 12 meters (40 feet). While it can sometimes be subjected to water current, it is often mild and can be managed even by newbies. This shallow reef is filled with both hard and soft corals. This fringing reef houses a lot of tropical fish which is dominated by the colorful damselfish and small Anthias.

 

 

barracuda city havelock island andamanBarracuda City

If you are an experienced diver and wishes to explore far flung dive sites that are relatively virgin in state, then go out heading towards northeast offshore of Havelock Island. As the name suggest, this offshore reef is filled with barracudas that usually goes in groups called school.

As you enter the water, you will follow a reef that slopes down to 15 meters (50 feet). This is the part where the schooling barracudas are often seen. At the edge of the slope is a wall that drops down to 30 meters (100 feet).

 

Diving in Neil Island

Neill Island is another popular diving destination in the Andamans. Located 17.4 kilometers (10.8 miles) south of Havelock Island, this former resettlement area for refugees in the early 70’s is now converted in to an ecotourism attraction. And mind you, while its tourism facility is nothing when compared to the flourishing businesses in Havelock Island, a lot of tourist have preferred to settle down in Neill Island. This is primarily due to its tranquil and untouched state. Walking around the island is a popular fad where it only takes a 2-hour walk to completely explore its landmass.

When it comes to scuba diving, this 3.7 square kilometer (5.3 square mile) island is completely surrounded with marine waters. Healthy reefs can be found all over creating a selection of diving sites that suits your preference.

 

 

margheritas mischief neil island andamanMargherita’s Mischief

As far as the dive sites in Neill Island is concerned, Margherita’s Mischief, as its name implies, does not really have a bad connotation. Rather, many have considered it a “Gem” out in the sea.

With shallow depths, good visibility and mild water current, divers from all levels of scuba certification can explore the reefs of Margherita’s Mischief that is interspersed in a sandy substrate. Massive and branching types of corals dominates its reef system where it houses many reef residents like batfish, angelfish, soldierfish, snappers and pufferfish to name a few.

Popular Dive Sites in Neil Island
k rock neil island andamanK Rock

K rock is a large volcanic rock that protrudes out in the sandy seafloor. While it is a great spot for newbies since the maximum depth is relatively shallow, K Rock is also great for advanced divers as you can practice your multi-level diving and underwater navigation skills courtesy from the coral mounds at various depths created from this protruding rock.

 

 

bus stop neil island andaman islandsBus Stop

There is a dive site located on the western part of Neill Island that is called the Bus Stop. But of course, there are no buses that is stopping on this site. Rather, it is a convergent point of reef fishes.

 

 

junction neil island andamanJunction

For those who wish to explore a more challenging site and feel the adrenaline rush, then head out an offshore reef in between Havelock Island and Neill Island to a spot called Junction. But we remind you, this site is only for advanced divers as your deep diving and drift diving skills will be put to the test.

Diving in Port Blair

Fun Diving in Andaman IslandsAside from being the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is your gateway to the diving paradise of Havelock and Neil islands. While you need to travel at least 40 kilometers (25 miles) to reach these popular island destination, many do not know that Port Blair itself is a haven for scuba diving where several dive sites awaits divers from all parts of the globe.

Located in the South Andaman Island, Port Blair is dotted with dive sites that are mainly composed of protected reefs. These sites caters to all levels of scuba certification where many have already experienced a great underwater adventure.

 

Fish Rock Port Blair AndamanFish Rock

Located is along Passage island is a site for advanced diver. Fish Rock is basically a pinnacle that rises from the seafloor and barely reaches the surface water. The reason why this site is called fish rock is that this rocky protrusion is literally filled with fish where you can see a lot of triggerfish, snappers, sweetlips, surgeonfish and Napoleon wrasse to name a few. If you are lucky, you might see the passing by of mobula rays which pretty looks like the giant manta rays. If you will be able to reach the sandy bottom at 30 meters (100 feet), then expect to see the resident giant grouper that measures 1.8 meters (6 feet) in length.

Popular Dive Sites in Port Blair
Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park Port Blair AndamanMahatma Gandhi Marine National Park

Comprising of 17 islands scattered in an area of 281 square kilometers (28,100 hectares or 69,436 acres), Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, is by far, your biggest dive site in the Andaman Islands. And not just the biggest, but many have considered it as the best dive site in Port Blair.

 

 

bala reef port blair andamanBala Reef

Located 101 kilometers (63 miles) south of Port Blair is Little Andaman. While this 4th largest island in the Andamans is popular for surfing, boating inside creeks and elephant safari, Little Andaman is also known for scuba diving where Bala Reef is its most popular site. Exploring its underwater habitat allows you to see corals and tropical reef fish with colors from all sorts. In other words, you will exploring a colorful coral garden.

 

Cinque Islands

Located 37 kilometers (23 miles) south of Port Blair is a marine sanctuary that houses some of Andaman’s pristine reefs. Despite being uninhabited, Cinque Island is frequently visited by scuba divers who wishes to have an amazing underwater adventure. While it is composed of 2 islands connected by a sandbar, most of the diving activities takes place on the North Cinque Island. Your underwater adventures in North Cinque Island will initially start start by descending down to the shallow reef where you can mostly see massive types of reef building corals.

Please watch our underwater videos

Need a Hotel in the Andaman Islands?

Book with the Best – MUNJOH OCEAN RESORT

They have 2 branches in town: the Munjoh Ocean Resort – Havelock and Munjoh Ocean Resort – Port Blair. It is the only 5-star resort in town that features elegant villas and individual configuration rooms that is set in a unique hillside setting. It has its own multi-level swimming pool with a cascading waterfalls. And of course, speaking of food, you can indulge in fine dining or just munch any go to foods at their swanky restaurants.

TESTIMONIALS

 

Amazing Experience by Pranav C

I booked a day trip – island excursion, snorkeling and scuba. It was an amazing experience. They operate is small groups and also arrange for lunch on the boat. The island excursion was just watching the island from the boat as you are not permitted to land on the uninhabited islands. The boat ride is anyway required to get to the diving site.

The scuba experience was great. We first got a training session in shallow waters. The trainer was very helpful and patient. At the dive site, the instructors were very good. You get one instructor per diver. You don’t need to be a swimmer, just remember to breathe. It is very safe. The corals were amazing and you get very close to them, without disturbing them.

The snorkeling experience was amazing too. If you are not a swimmer, there will be an instructor who will do the swimming for you. You will have a life jacket and need to hold on to a tube. The instructor will hold on to the same and do the swimming, taking you around the corals. If you are a swimmer or can maneuver a little in water with the life jack on, then the experience is even better. The sea is calm and you get to swim in open waters and see the corals.

Amazing!!!!

 

You people are amazing!! by Mukesh A

Karishma, Ally…You are rock star !!

I know we miss doing the activity because the boat broke down but you were amazing professionals. There was little commercial interest for you people in arranging a different company for our activity but you did that. Not only you accompanied us but also made sure our photos are collected.
You allowed the gears to be with us during that period.

I am very happy to meet you people and love to see the passion you carry for diving and marine life. If I am back in Havelock there is no doubt that you will be my first choice to trust for any adventure activity on ocean.

 

Passionate People Great Experience by AJtraveller5

Wife and I did the discovery dive with these guys and it was memorable. Geetika with her passion and confidence got us hooked into giving scuba dive a try. We had almost given up on scuba diving as my wife was a lil scared. But it was Geetika and her enthusiasm which really got us going! Neil then took over from her and his patience, knowledge and calmness gave us all the confidence we needed. He made sure we were completely at ease before we got into the water. At the end of it, we were amazed by the views and how easy scuba dive actually is!

Read more of our reviews at TripAdvisor

 

MEET OUR DIVE TEAM AND CREW

Raoul D’Mello

Raoul is a Dugong. This jovial gentle giant is one of the most hilarious people you’ll meet on Havelock. With over a thousand certifications under his belt and his signature pot belly above it, this Open Water Scuba Instructor is known for his sharp wit, voracious appetite and for having an ocean of patience with his students. Raoul has been recognized as PADI’s elite instructor for four consecutive years.

Pritam Xalxo

Pritam is the youngest and most hard working divemaster in the team. He might be short but his thirst for knowledge about the sea and diving is always sky high. His resourcefulness extends to his life outside of diving and he makes everything he needs in life with his own hands. There is nothing he loves more than his handmade drum.

Albinus Minj

Albinus is the quietest of the lot. But he spends most of that saved energy observing and learning about his beloved ocean. You can’t keep this fish out of water for long. This local divemaster from Long Island loves long dives and longer boat rides.

Nicolas Gari

Nico has a heart of gold. This local divemaster from deep inside the forests of Mayabunder is the most gentle and patient of the lot. When not diving he can be found fishing or enjoying long walks on the beach.

Rajender Tirkey

Rajender is the king of sarcastic humour. Boat rides can never get boring with Rajender’s injection of witty one-liners and poker face reaction to everything. This local divemaster and boat captain from Mayabunder is your go-to person for knowledge about the tides and currents.

Sohan

Sohan is the jack of all trades. This monkey can probably fix anything you might want to discard. This local boat boy from Rangat loves pretending to be a thug when he is actually a big softie on the inside.