Only 26 of the island in this massive range are inhabited and most tribes are isolated on their own tropical islands, creating what might be one of the last stone–age like people on this planet. The Indian government is making great effort to protect their area's and culture and prevent illegal fishing and promote conservation for the region.

The islands grant commercial fishing licenses on an extremely limited basis to foreign operators to keep the islands fish-life flamboyant and scenery incredible. While the near shore areas can be limited in visibility, the offshore islands such as Passage Island, Barren Island, and Narcondam are blessed with crystal-clear water and are rich in marine life.

Two- meter long dog-toothed tuna battle with different kind of sharks for food and man-size groupers cruise the reefs together with schools of humphead parrot fish and napoleon wrasses, while the eagle and manta rays play around in the plankton rich waters and all share their territory with amazing critters and nudibranches.

The region is home to more than 130 different coral species, all varying in size, shapes and colour. You will find four-meter tall barrel sponges and fans twice the size as the ones in the Similans. The difference with many other dive spots is that everything here is healthy, untouched and alive. It’s beyond doubt a unique diver’s paradise!

On Barren islands volcanic walls, the evidence of the 1994 eruptions is still clearly visible underwater. The eruption covered almost everything underwater and leaving a thick layer of black sand behind.  Between the walls are enormous areas of sloping black volcanic ash with many semi-buried dead and broken corals that created a very unusual landscape to explore. Even though most of the coral was killed the fish life here is explosive and the visibility can easily exceed 50 meters. The bright coloured fish in contrast with the black walls is almost surreal and nowhere else found in the world!

The Andamans are definitely not for everyone. A trip to the islands and off-shore dive locations will include long periods of time on the boat and sailing overnight in order to get to the best spots. However, for those interested in the best of frontier diving, this is it.

Interested in diving in the Andaman Islands? Have a look at the liveaboards trips offered in the Andaman Islands:  

Customers Experiences and Comments:

"It was like being at home on the Sampai Jumpa, the crew went out of their way to make us feel at home with our comforts for our 3 week trip to the Andaman Islands. I have to say I felt completely at ease with the other open minded people on the boat and was relieved to find that we could discuss dive plans and experience the exhilarating rush after a dive together. The dive sites were all spectacular and well worth diving. All in all, it was more than a worthwhile experience and I am definitely going to go back!!" Helen Gillespie, UK


“If you are more of an adventurous character and you like to explore undiscovered divesites, then the Andaman trip is the ultimate experience. <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><!--[endif]-->You will find unspoilt coral reefs with seafans and sponges so big that they don't even fit in your digital camera. You will find yourself invisible from your buddy because of all the fish swimming around and mantas so big, who are so curious they even try to touch you. Between dives you can pretend to be Robinson Crusoe on an uninhabited tropical island where you find Nautilus shells on the white beach and you can sunbathe without clothes. You will never find any experience like that!" Rob & Truus, Holland

Liveaboards visiting Andaman Islands: SY Siren - MV Sampai Jumpa