Best Scuba Diving Packages from Delhi (Andaman & Lakshadweep): Costs, Dive Sites and Booking Tips
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If you live in Delhi, the sea can feel very far away. The good news is that two of India’s best diving destinations are just one flight away. The Andaman Islands and Lakshadweep both offer clear water, healthy coral and calm lagoons that suit first-timers and certified divers alike.
The hard part is choosing. Package prices vary a lot, dive operators are not all equal, and the wrong season can spoil the whole trip. This guide keeps the decision simple. You will find a side-by-side comparison, six package options, an honest cost breakdown in INR, a chart, pros and cons, and the safety checks you should never skip.
Everything below is based on how island trips are actually planned from Delhi, including flight routes, ferry timings, permits and dive operator standards. All prices are indicative and change with the season, so always get a written final quote before you pay.
| Quick answers Best for beginners and couples: Andaman (Havelock and Neil Island)Best for quiet, uncrowded lagoons: Lakshadweep (Agatti, Kadmat and Bangaram)Best for learning to dive: an Andaman PADI Open Water packageBest season for both: October to May, with the best sea conditions from November to AprilTypical budget from Delhi: about ₹40,000 to ₹95,000 per person for Andaman and ₹55,000 to ₹1,20,000 for Lakshadweep |
Andaman vs Lakshadweep: Quick Comparison for Scuba Diving
Both destinations are beautiful, but they feel very different underwater and on land. This table shows the main differences at a glance.
| Feature | Andaman Islands | Lakshadweep |
| Best season | October to May | October to May |
| Typical cost (6 days) | ₹40,000 to ₹95,000 | ₹55,000 to ₹1,20,000 |
| Route from Delhi | Flight to Port Blair, then ferry to Havelock | Flight to Kochi, then flight to Agatti |
| Permit needed | No (for Indian citizens) | Yes, entry permit required |
| Dive sites | Many sites across several islands | Fewer sites, lagoons and reef walls |
| Beginner friendly | Very high, many dive schools | Good, but fewer operators |
| Crowds | Moderate to high in peak months | Low |
| Evening life | Cafes, bars and beach shacks | Quiet, alcohol limited on most islands |
Our verdict: Choose Andaman if you want variety, easy logistics and a wide choice of dive schools. Choose Lakshadweep if you want peace, pristine lagoons and do not mind a little extra planning for the permit.
6 Best Scuba Diving Packages from Delhi
These six package types cover most travelers. Prices are per person on twin sharing and include return flights from Delhi unless stated. Treat them as planning ranges, not fixed rates.
| Package | Duration | Approx. price | Best for |
| Andaman Beginner Discover Scuba | 5N/6D | ₹38,000 to ₹52,000 | First-timers, friends |
| Andaman Couple Dive and Stay | 6N/7D | ₹55,000 to ₹80,000 | Couples, honeymooners |
| Andaman PADI Open Water Course | 6N/7D | ₹60,000 to ₹78,000 | Anyone who wants a licence |
| Andaman Advanced Divers | 6N/7D | ₹65,000 to ₹95,000 | Certified divers |
| Lakshadweep Agatti and Kadmat | 5N/6D | ₹55,000 to ₹80,000 | Nature lovers, small groups |
| Lakshadweep Premium Island Stay | 5N/6D | ₹85,000 to ₹1,20,000 | Luxury and quiet seekers |
1. Andaman Beginner Discover Scuba Package (5N/6D)
This is the easiest way to try diving. You stay in Port Blair and Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), and you do one or two guided Discover Scuba dives, usually near Elephant Beach or Nemo Reef. No certificate is needed. An instructor stays with you underwater the whole time and you dive to a maximum of about 12 metres.
Watch out for: short sessions and shallow sites. If you fall in love with diving, you will want more time than this package gives.
2. Andaman Couple Dive and Stay Package (6N/7D)
This package adds Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) and a better stay, often a beach-facing resort. Couples get a relaxed pace, a dive session together, sunset at Laxmanpur Beach and time to explore Bharatpur Beach. It works well for honeymoons because the diving is gentle and the days are not rushed.
3. Andaman PADI Open Water Certification Package (6N/7D)
If you want a lifelong licence, this is the one. Training takes about three to four days and includes theory, pool or shallow-water skills and open water dives. Once certified, you can dive to 18 metres anywhere in the world. Most schools now offer online theory before the trip, which saves precious island time.
4. Andaman Advanced Divers Package (6N/7D)
This one is for people who already hold an Open Water or higher certificate. Expect deeper and more current-driven sites such as Dixon’s Pinnacle, Johnny’s Gorge and Lighthouse. Dive operators will check your logbook and may ask for a short check dive first. That is a good sign, not an inconvenience.
5. Lakshadweep Scuba and Lagoon Package (5N/6D)
Fly to Kochi, then take the short flight to Agatti. From there, you move between nearby islands such as Kadmat. Expect calm turquoise lagoons, hard and soft coral gardens and very few other divers. The permit is usually handled by the operator, but you must start early.
6. Lakshadweep Premium Island Diving Package (5N/6D)
This is the most exclusive option, built around a resort-style stay on islands such as Bangaram when rooms are available. Capacity is small, so dates fill quickly. It suits travelers who value privacy and clean reefs more than nightlife or variety.
Andaman Scuba Diving Guide
Top dive sites
- Elephant Beach: shallow coral, ideal for beginners and snorkellers
- Nemo Reef: colourful reef fish, calm water, popular for Discover Scuba
- The Aquarium: a well-known site near Havelock with dense fish life
- Lighthouse and Jackson’s Reef: good mid-level sites with varied coral
- Dixon’s Pinnacle and Johnny’s Gorge: deeper sites for experienced divers
What you may see
Expect clownfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, moray eels and turtles. Reef sharks and rays appear at some deeper sites. Sightings are never guaranteed, and any operator who promises a specific animal is overselling.
Best time to dive
October to May is the main window. Visibility is often between 15 and 30 metres in good conditions. From June to September the monsoon brings rough seas, ferry delays and reduced diving, so most schools slow down or close.
Getting there from Delhi
Fly from Delhi to Port Blair, either direct or with one stop, depending on the airline and date. The journey takes roughly four to six hours. From Port Blair, a ferry to Havelock takes around two to two and a half hours, and Havelock to Neil Island takes about an hour. Ferries can be cancelled in bad weather, so keep one buffer day before your return flight.
Lakshadweep Scuba Diving Guide
Top islands and lagoons
- Agatti: the gateway island with an airport and a well-known lagoon
- Kadmat: known for calm water and a long-running dive and water sports base
- Bangaram: a small atoll with limited, high-end stays and pristine reefs
What makes it different
Lakshadweep is made of coral atolls, so the diving feels calm and clean. You see fewer boats, fewer crowds and often clearer water close to shore. The trade-off is fewer dive sites and fewer operators to choose from.
Permit and planning
Indian citizens need an entry permit issued through the Lakshadweep administration. Operators usually apply on your behalf, but you must share ID details early. Allow a few weeks to be safe and check current rules before booking, because they can change. Flight seats to Agatti are limited, so book as soon as your dates are fixed.
Getting there from Delhi
Fly from Delhi to Kochi (about three hours), then take the short flight to Agatti. Some packages use a ship instead, which is slower and best for travelers with extra days.
Andaman Diving Trip Cost: Full INR Breakdown
This is the section most travelers care about, so here is a plain breakdown. The figures below are for one person on twin sharing for six nights, and they move up or down with season and hotel choice.
| Cost item | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
| Return flights from Delhi | ₹15,000 | ₹17,000 | ₹20,000 |
| Hotels and resorts | ₹10,000 | ₹17,000 | ₹38,000 |
| Ferries and transfers | ₹4,500 | ₹6,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Meals | ₹5,000 | ₹6,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Scuba dives | ₹4,500 | ₹9,000 | ₹14,000 |
| Permits and sightseeing | ₹3,000 | ₹5,000 | ₹7,000 |
| Total (approx.) | ₹42,000 | ₹60,000 | ₹95,000 |
Chart: indicative cost split for an Andaman scuba trip. Figures are estimates for planning only.
What is usually not included
- Underwater photo and video packages (often ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 extra)
- Equipment upgrades such as your own mask or dive computer rental
- Travel insurance, which is strongly recommended for diving trips
- Lunches and dinners on days that are marked as free
Money tip: The biggest swing in price is the hotel, not the diving. If you want to spend less without cutting safety, choose a simpler stay and keep the dive operator quality high.
Beginner vs Certified Diver: Which Package Should You Pick?
| Discover Scuba Diving | PADI Open Water Course | |
| Certificate | No | Yes, valid for life |
| Maximum depth | About 12 metres | About 18 metres |
| Time needed | Half a day | 3 to 4 days |
| Instructor | Stays with you the entire dive | Teaches, then supervises |
| Best for | Trying it out | Diving again on future trips |
If you have only one or two free days, pick Discover Scuba. If you have four or more days and think you will dive again, the full course gives much better value over time.
Health and safety basics
- Most dive schools accept children from about 10 years old for Discover Scuba, but rules differ
- You must fill in a medical questionnaire. If you answer yes to any item, see a doctor before the trip
- Conditions such as asthma, heart problems, ear problems and pregnancy need medical clearance or may rule out diving
- Do not fly for at least 18 to 24 hours after your last dive. Plan your return flight with this in mind
This guide is general information, not medical advice. A doctor who understands diving medicine should clear any health concern.
Pros and Cons of Booking a Scuba Package from Delhi
| Pros | Cons |
| Flights, ferries, hotels and dives are bundled, so there is less stress | Less flexibility than planning every part yourself |
| Operators vet dive schools and handle permits | Packages can cost more than DIY in off-peak months |
| One point of contact if a ferry or flight changes | Seats and dive slots sell out in peak season |
| Group and couple discounts are often available | Weather can force ferry or dive changes |
| Clear inclusions and exclusions in writing | Some packages hide add-on costs, so read carefully |
How to Choose a Safe and Reliable Dive Operator
Diving is a safe activity when it is done properly, and a risky one when it is rushed. Whichever package you pick, check these points before paying.
- Certification: Ask for the instructor’s PADI, SSI or equivalent certification and make sure it is current
- Instructor ratio: For Discover Scuba, look for one instructor per one or two guests. A larger group is a warning sign
- Equipment: Gear should look clean, serviced and properly sized. Ask how often regulators are serviced
- Briefing: A good school gives a clear safety and hand-signal briefing before you enter the water
- Emergency plan: Ask about first aid, oxygen on the boat and the nearest medical facility
- Price: A price far below the market usually means shortcuts on safety, time or equipment
| How we check dive partners We look for current instructor certification and a clear safety briefing processWe prefer schools that cap group size and say no when sea conditions are poorWe always confirm inclusions in writing, including what happens if a dive is cancelledWe tell travelers honestly when a destination or season is not the right fit |
Protect the reef: Use reef-safe sunscreen, never touch or stand on coral and do not take shells or coral home. Healthy reefs are the reason these trips are worth taking.
Sample 6-Day Andaman Scuba Itinerary
| Day | Plan |
| Day 1 | Fly Delhi to Port Blair, visit Cellular Jail and watch the light and sound show |
| Day 2 | Morning ferry to Havelock, check in and relax at Radhanagar Beach |
| Day 3 | Discover Scuba or the first course day at Elephant Beach or Nemo Reef |
| Day 4 | Ferry to Neil Island, explore Bharatpur and Laxmanpur beaches |
| Day 5 | Back to Havelock for a second dive session or fun dives, last beach evening |
| Day 6 | Ferry to Port Blair, rest day with no diving, then fly out the next morning |
Notice that the last day has no diving. This leaves a safe gap before flying and also gives you a weather buffer for ferries.
Best Time to Book and Travel
- Peak season (December to February): best weather and highest prices. Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead
- Shoulder months (October, November, March, April): good conditions and better prices. Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead
- Late season (May): warm, quieter and cheaper, but weather can turn
- Monsoon (June to September): rough seas and limited diving, so we do not recommend it for scuba
For Lakshadweep, add extra time for the permit and for limited flight seats.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking
- Booking the cheapest deal without checking the dive school. Safety standards matter more than a small saving
- Ignoring the no-fly gap. Never schedule a dive on the day you fly home
- Skipping the medical form. Answer honestly, because hiding a condition puts you and your instructor at risk
- Choosing the monsoon for lower prices. Rough seas often mean cancelled dives and lost days
- Leaving the Lakshadweep permit late. A delay can cost you your dates and your flight seats
What to Pack for a Scuba Trip
Dive schools provide the main equipment, but a few personal items make the trip easier and more comfortable.
- Swimwear, a rash guard and a quick-dry towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- Motion sickness tablets if you get seasick on boats (ask a doctor or pharmacist first)
- A waterproof phone pouch and a small dry bag
- Photo ID, your dive certificate card if you have one, and printed permit or booking copies
- A light jacket, since boat rides and island evenings can feel breezy
Why Book Your Scuba Package with TravelsYatra
Planning an island dive trip from Delhi means juggling flights, ferries, permits and dive schools. TravelsYatra, a Delhi-based tour operator, puts all of this into one clear package with transparent INR pricing, safety-first dive partners and real people who answer your calls. You can see our packages and request a custom quote at https://travelsyatra.com/ and we will match you with the right island, season and dive level.
Ready to dive in? Book Scuba Package
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a scuba diving package from Delhi cost?
Most Andaman packages cost about ₹40,000 to ₹95,000 per person, and Lakshadweep packages cost about ₹55,000 to ₹1,20,000. The range depends on season, hotel and number of dives.
Is Andaman or Lakshadweep better for scuba diving?
Andaman is better for variety, easy logistics and beginners. Lakshadweep is better for calm lagoons and fewer crowds. Both are excellent in the right season.
Do I need to know swimming to scuba dive?
You do not need to be a strong swimmer for Discover Scuba, but you should be comfortable in water. For the Open Water course, you will need to complete a basic swim and float test.
Can beginners scuba dive without certification?
Yes. A Discover Scuba Diving session lets you dive with an instructor to about 12 metres without any certificate.
What is the best month for scuba diving in Andaman?
November to April offers the most stable weather and clearest water. October and May also work well, with some weather risk.
Do I need a permit for Lakshadweep?
Yes. Indian citizens need an entry permit, which operators usually arrange. Apply early and confirm the latest rules before booking.
Is scuba diving safe for couples and first-timers?
Yes, when you choose a certified school, follow the briefing and answer the medical form honestly. Beginners always dive with an instructor.
What is included in a scuba diving package from Delhi?
Most packages include flights, stay, ferries, transfers, breakfast and a set number of dives with equipment. Photos, insurance and some meals are often extra, so confirm the list in writing.
Conclusion
For most Delhi travelers, Andaman is the easiest and most flexible place to start scuba diving, while Lakshadweep rewards those who want quiet reefs and are happy to plan ahead. Pick your destination, match the package to your dive level, check the operator’s safety standards and always confirm costs in writing. Do that, and your first dive will be remembered for all the right reasons.
Prices, permits and travel rules change, so please verify current details before you book.
