Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island) is the most popular destination for scuba diving in the Andaman Islands, offering access to over 20 world-class dive sites, including some of the best in the region. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, the island attracts both beginner and experienced divers from around the world.
The dive sites around Swaraj Dweep feature an exciting mix of shipwrecks, underwater gorges, pinnacles, and dramatic wall dives, making every dive a unique experience. Divers can encounter a rich variety of marine life in the Andamans, with frequent sightings of sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, dugongs, and barracudas. Massive schools of fish, often numbering in the thousands, thrive in these pristine waters, creating unforgettable underwater scenes.
Swaraj Dweep is home to several PADI 5-Star IDC dive centres, where visitors can earn certifications ranging from PADI Open Water Diver to Scuba Diving Instructor. Beyond diving, the island boasts the iconic Radhanagar Beach, consistently ranked among the best beaches in Asia. Swaraj Dweep is also remembered as the home of Rajan, the legendary swimming elephant and one of the most beloved symbols of the Andaman Islands.
The best time to go scuba diving in Swaraj Dweep (formerly Havelock Island) is from October to May, when sea conditions in the Andaman Islands are calm and visibility is at its peak. During these months, underwater visibility ranges from 15 to 30 metres, making it ideal for exploring coral reefs, wrecks, walls, and pinnacles. Water temperatures remain comfortable year-round, averaging 26°C to 29°C, allowing divers to enjoy long, relaxed dives without thermal discomfort.
The peak diving season runs from December to March, when weather conditions are dry, currents are mild, and marine life sightings are frequent. This period offers excellent opportunities to spot sharks, manta rays, turtles, barracudas, and large schools of fish, making it perfect for underwater photography and certification dives. Both beginners and advanced divers benefit from stable conditions during this time.
The monsoon season, from June to September, brings stronger winds and rougher seas, limiting dive operations around Swaraj Dweep. However, some dive centres continue limited diving when conditions permit. For the best overall experience, planning your scuba diving trip to Swaraj Dweep between October and May ensures optimal safety, visibility, and marine encounters.
The nearest airport to Swaraj Dweep is Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair, which has daily flights from major Indian cities including Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. From Port Blair, travellers can reach Swaraj Dweep by high-speed ferry or government ferry, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours across the Andaman Sea.
This page wouldn't be possible without contributions from the following PADI members: Harsh Kerketta (PADI pro), Barefoot Scuba, Colours of Emerald Islands Pvt. Ltd. Disclaimer
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