Kategorie: News
Sustainable underwater worlds off Mayabunder & Diglipur
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expanding their diving network with eight spectacular new dive sites – a milestone for all those who love diving in unspoilt coral landscapes whilst also valuing responsible marine tourism.
New dive sites in the Indian Ocean opened
The administration of the Indian archipelago, in collaboration with Scuba Schools International (SSI), has identified eight promising dive sites in the Mayabunder and Diglipur regions. These are located in the North and Central Andaman – areas that have so far been less developed for tourism than the better-known diving spots around Havelock Island or Neil Island.
The newly developed sites in Mayabunder include: North of Sound Island Rock, Marker 077 and Bochang. In Diglipur, five more have been added: Hiran Tikery, Landfall East, the house reef off Ross and Smith Islands, Paget Island and Landfall South. This expansion brings the total number of officially approved dive sites in the North and Central Andamans to twelve – four of which were already approved in May 2026.
Biodiversity
The Andamans have long been regarded by connoisseurs as an insider’s tip for divers: crystal-clear water, visibility often exceeding 30 metres and exceptional biodiversity make the region an underwater paradise. Here, manta rays, various species of shark, sea turtles and countless tropical fish species thrive amongst intact hard and soft corals.
The newly opened dive sites promise similar natural experiences: colourful coral reefs, diverse marine ecosystems and the chance to explore underwater landscapes that were previously accessible only to a select few. Of particular interest to environmentally conscious divers: development is taking place under strict ecological conditions.
Sustainability is the focus
The Indian Forest Department and the Tourism Directorate have given the green light for the new dive sites – but only on condition that strict environmental protection guidelines are adhered to. All diving operations must comply with the official “Scuba Diving Guidelines”, which cover safety protocols, legal requirements and environmental protection measures.
This is particularly important as the Andaman Islands’ marine ecosystems are considered extremely sensitive. The coral reefs are not only a habitat for thousands of species, but also act as natural coastal defences. Scientists have been warning for years that mass tourism and climate change could threaten these fragile systems. The controlled opening of new dive sites is intended to help reduce visitor pressure on already established sites whilst at the same time boosting the local economy.
An economic boost for local communities
The initiative is no coincidence: boat skippers and tourism operators in the northern and central Andamans had long been calling for an expansion of diving opportunities. Whilst the more southerly islands, such as Havelock (officially: Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island, already benefit significantly from diving tourism, the northern regions have lagged behind economically.
The new dive sites are set to change that. The authorities expect a significant rise in visitor numbers, which could create jobs for local young people – whether as dive guides, boat skippers or within the tourism infrastructure. Crucially, the local population is to benefit directly from this development and be involved in the sustainable tourism initiatives.
Registration for dive centres now open
The authorities have called on qualified diving centres and operators to register to carry out diving activities in Mayabunder and Diglipur. A prerequisite is compliance with the established guidelines, which cover both safety standards and environmental protection requirements.
For certified divers, this means that professionally guided dives at these new sites will be possible in the foreseeable future. Beginners can gain their first underwater experiences there under the guidance of licensed diving instructors, whilst experienced divers can explore new diving grounds.
What makes the Andamans so special?
The Andaman Islands are situated in the Bay of Bengal, some 1,400 kilometres east of the Indian mainland. The more than 570 islands – only a few of which are inhabited – are among the most biodiverse marine regions in the world. The waters form part of the so-called Indian Ocean Coral Triangle and are home to over 550 species of coral and more than 1,200 species of fish.
Experts from the Zoological Survey of India have documented that the reefs around the Andamans have remained comparatively stable despite global coral bleaching – a glimmer of hope in times of climate change. This resilience makes the region particularly valuable from a scientific perspective and underlines the need for responsible management.
Best time to visit
The ideal diving season in the Andamans runs from October to May, when the sea is calm and underwater visibility is at its best. During the monsoon season from June to September, strong currents and murky water can affect diving conditions. Water temperatures remain between a comfortable 27 and 30 degrees Celsius all year round – a shorty or 3mm wetsuit is usually sufficient.
With the development of new dive sites in Mayabunder and Diglipur, the northern Andamans are establishing themselves as an up-and-coming alternative to the already well-established dive destinations. Anyone wishing to dive off the beaten track and experience unspoilt coral landscapes will find ideal conditions here.
A model for sustainable marine tourism?
The controlled opening of new dive sites under strict environmental conditions could prove to be groundbreaking. Standards that are, in fact, applicable worldwide are to be enforced here without compromise: no touching the corals, no taking marine life or coral fragments, keeping a safe distance from marine animals, and the use of reef-friendly sun cream.
Many modern dive centres in the Andamans also focus on small group sizes and environmental education.
Popular diving destinations around the world are struggling with overtourism: Thailand’s Maya Bay had to be completely closed at times, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is suffering from massive environmental damage, and in Egypt, too, many reefs are showing signs of wear and tear due to excessive visitor numbers.
The Andaman authorities appear to be trying to learn from these mistakes. Through restricted access, mandatory certification for operators and clear environmental guidelines, the aim is to ensure a balance between tourism development and nature conservation right from the start.
Important to know
Anyone wishing to explore the new dive sites in Mayabunder and Diglipur should find out more in good time.
The infrastructure in these more northerly regions is still under development – hotels, dive centres and transport options are more limited than in the more established tourist areas such as Port Blair or Havelock.
In return, there are plenty of holiday delights: fewer divers underwater, pristine reefs and the chance to experience a region before it is discovered by the mass tourist crowds. Snorkellers also stand to benefit, as many of the reefs begin at shallow depths and offer wonderful views even from the surface.
The expansion of the diving network in the Andamans is more than just a tourist development – it is an attempt to combine nature conservation, economic development and adventure tourism.
The fundamental message is clear: anyone who wishes to experience the underwater world of the Andamans can do so – but with respect, responsibility and under professional guidance. Only time will tell whether this model works. It would be a sound approach and could serve as a model for other sensitive marine regions worldwide.
Further information:
Andaman & Nicobar Tourism Official Website https://andamannicobar.gov.in/
Travel Economics India: https://travel.economictimes.../adventure/andaman-to-expand-scuba-network