Island Nomads

At Island Nomads, we turn first-time jitters into lifelong passion right here on the shores of Havelock Island. Our center at Vijay Nagar Beach No. 5 is more than a dive shop—it's a launchpad for exploring the Andaman Sea alongside a crew that consistently earns glowing reviews for patience, safety, and genuine excitement. Whether you’re drawn to shallow coral gardens or deep-water pinnacles, every experience is built around certified training, small-group attention, and a deep respect for the marine environment.

Surrounded by the lush coastline of Swarajdweep, our facility combines PADI-approved curriculum with on-the-ground warmth that makes you feel like part of the island community. Reviews highlight instructors by name, praising how they transform anxious beginners into confident ocean explorers. That personal touch, coupled with a spotless safety record, is why so many guests describe their dives here as “surreal”—and why they return season after season to discover more of Havelock’s underwater treasures.

Certified Scuba Diving Courses for Every Level

With a full suite of PADI programs, we guide you from your first breath underwater all the way to professional divemaster status. Each course balances classroom theory, pool-style skill sessions, and real ocean dives at Havelock’s most iconic sites. Our instructors prioritize steady progress over speed, ensuring you earn your certification with genuine competence.

Beginner & Entry-Level Certifications

New divers can start with the Discover Scuba Diving experience or commit to the full PADI Open Water course, which includes five ocean dives and global certification. For those short on time, the Scuba Diver course is a stepping-stone option that lets you upgrade later. Every beginner program emphasizes buoyancy control, equipment familiarity, and relaxed underwater navigation.

Advanced & Specialty Training

Ready to go deeper? The PADI Advanced Open Water course unlocks sites like Dixon’s Pinnacle, while specialty certifications cover deep diving, enriched air nitrox, wreck exploration, night diving, and sidemount configuration. Rescue Diver and Emergency First Response training teach you to prevent and manage emergencies—practical skills that boost confidence for every future trip.

Professional-Level Divemaster & Internships

For those aiming to work in the industry, our PADI Divemaster program offers weeks of hands-on mentorship and real-world guiding experience. Diving internships blend professional training with daily operations, preparing you for leadership roles at resorts worldwide. This pathway from zero experience to career-ready pro is a hallmark of our commitment to developing local and visiting talent.

Dive Sites & Marine Life Around Havelock Island

Our location gives you direct access to over 25 named dive sites, ranging from sheltered beginner reefs to adrenaline-packed deep walls. Visibility typically spans 15 to 40 meters in dry-season conditions, with water temperatures hovering between 27°C and 30°C year-round. Each site offers a distinct personality, so no two dives feel the same.

Open Water & Beginner-Friendly Reefs

Oval, Red Pillar, Lighthouse, The Wall, Slope, Turtle Beach, Aquarium, and Juvis—these shallow-to-intermediate sites deliver calm currents and spectacular biodiversity. Expect schools of parrotfish, angelfish, batfish, and fusiliers swirling around vibrant hard corals. Turtle sightings are frequent, especially at the aptly named Turtle Beach, where hawksbills glide past you with unhurried grace.

Advanced & Deep-Water Adventures

For experienced divers, Dixon’s Pinnacle and Johnny’s Gorge are bucket-list stops. Strong currents here sweep in nutrients that attract massive barracuda spirals, trevally hunts, and occasional manta rays or reef sharks. Pilot Reef blends reef exploration with a chance to spot leopard sharks resting on the sandy floor, while The Wall’s deeper sections reveal dramatic drop-offs encrusted in sponges and sea fans.

Marine Species You’ll Encounter

Havelock’s waters shelter more than 100 marine species. Keep your eyes peeled for clownfish peeking from anemones, parrotfish grazing coral, angelfish with electric blue stripes, octopuses shifting color, and hawksbill turtles cruising the reefs. Seasonal visitors include whale sharks and manta rays, making every dive a potential highlight reel.

Ocean Activities Beyond Scuba Diving

While diving is our heartbeat, we also help you experience Havelock Island from other angles—whether you’re traveling with non-diving companions or simply want to mix up your adventure days.

• Kayaking: Glide across calm bays near Vijay Nagar Beach, explore mangrove-fringed inlets, and watch the coastline transform at sunset. Reviewers often mention kayaking alongside their dive trips for a full day on the water.
• Snorkeling: Shallow reefs accessible right from the beach give snorkelers a window into the same vibrant ecosystems divers explore. We provide quality gear and local guidance so you don’t miss the best spots.
• Marine Conservation Experiences: Join our conservation-focused programs to learn about coral health, reef monitoring, and plastic-reduction efforts. It’s a hands-on way to give back while deepening your connection to the ocean.
• Fun Diving Packages: For certified divers, we arrange multi-tank fun dives to your choice of sites, with flexible scheduling that fits your island itinerary.

Havelock Island Travel Guide & Visitor Tips

Planning your trip is part of the adventure. Havelock—officially Swaraj Dweep—sits about 70 km from Port Blair and is reached by high-speed catamaran or government ferry in roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Once you arrive, the island’s laid-back rhythm takes over.

• How to Reach: Fly into Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar International Airport from major Indian cities, then book a ferry via Phoenix Bay Jetty. Ferries depart daily; advance booking is wise during peak season (November–April).
• Where to Stay: Options range from beachside cottages and eco-resorts to boutique hotels and budget guesthouses—many tucked behind palm groves just steps from the water. Our center sits in front of Pellicon Beach Resort, a convenient landmark for visitors.
• Local Amenities: Basic medical clinics operate on the island; travel insurance with dive coverage is recommended. Banking services are limited, so carry sufficient cash. Wi-Fi is spotty—embrace the digital detox.
• Weather & Best Time to Dive: Dry-season months (October to April) deliver calm seas and peak visibility ideal for training. The monsoon (May to September) brings lush greenery, dramatic skies, and macro life lovers’ favorites.

Why Divers Choose Island Nomads

Our 4.9-star rating from over 200 reviews reflects the trust families, couples, and solo travelers place in us. Guests consistently highlight the calm, encouraging energy of the team—especially when tackling first-time dives at Nemo Reef or conquering pre-dive nerves. Instructor names like Kamal and Shreya appear repeatedly in praise of patience and clarity underwater.

We’re also a PADI-certified eco-conscious operator, which means every course includes optional conservation know-how: coral-safe sunscreen reminders, buoyancy training that protects fragile reefs, and education about local protected species. Our safety record, small instructor-to-diver ratios, and meticulous gear maintenance add peace of mind.

Beyond the water, we help you feel rooted on the island with honest local tips, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM availability, and a WhatsApp-friendly contact line. If you’re curious about combining courses, scheduling fun dives, or finding the perfect accommodation, our team answers inquiries with the same warmth that defines every underwater moment with Island Nomads.

Hours, Location & How to Book

Address: Beach No. 05, Front of Pellicon Beach Resort, Vijay Nagar Beach No.5, Swarajdweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211, India. We’re open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM—reach out anytime via WhatsApp at +91-70639-15233 or email dive@islandnomads.in. Use the online booking form on our website to check availability for courses, fun dives, or combo adventures. Advance reservations are recommended, especially for PADI Open Water and Divemaster programs. Let us help you plan your perfect Andaman Sea escape.