Eight New Scuba Diving Sites Identified in Mayabunder & Diglipur to Boost Adventure Tourism
Sri Vijaya Puram | July 2026
In a major step towards promoting sustainable marine tourism, the Directorate of Industries, Planning & Tourism (IP&T), in collaboration with the Scuba School International (SSI), has identified eight new scuba diving sites in Mayabunder and Diglipur. The initiative aims to strengthen adventure tourism in North and Middle Andaman while creating new opportunities for local tourism operators and visitors.
With the addition of these locations, the total number of officially identified scuba diving sites in North and Middle Andaman has increased to 12, providing more options for recreational diving and underwater exploration.
Newly Identified Scuba Diving Sites
The following sites have been approved for scuba diving operations:
| S.No | Diving Site | Location | Type | Depth Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North of Sound Island Rock | Mayabunder | Boat Diving | 8–20 metres |
| 2 | Marker 077 | Mayabunder | Boat Diving | 6–15 metres |
| 3 | Bochang | Mayabunder | Boat Diving | 5–40 metres |
| 4 | Hiran Tikery | Diglipur | Boat Diving | 6–15 metres |
| 5 | Landfall East | Diglipur | Boat Diving | 1–18 metres |
| 6 | House Reef at Ross & Smith | Diglipur | Shore Diving | 2–8 metres |
| 7 | Paget Island | Diglipur | Boat Diving | 6–12 metres |
| 8 | Landfall South | Diglipur | Boat Diving | 5–20 metres |
Boost to Tourism in North & Middle Andaman
The newly identified dive sites are expected to:
- Promote adventure tourism in North & Middle Andaman.
- Increase tourist footfall to Mayabunder and Diglipur.
- Generate employment opportunities for local youth.
- Support scuba diving operators and tourism entrepreneurs.
- Encourage sustainable tourism while protecting marine ecosystems.
- Showcase the region's rich coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Focus on Marine Conservation
The Directorate of IP&T has stated that all scuba diving activities at these sites will be conducted in accordance with the approved Scuba Diving Guidelines. Dive operators must strictly follow prescribed safety standards, environmental safeguards, and statutory regulations to ensure the protection of the fragile marine ecosystem while offering safe and responsible diving experiences.
A New Destination for Diving Enthusiasts
Known for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine biodiversity, Mayabunder and Diglipur are emerging as attractive destinations for recreational scuba diving. The expansion of diving locations is expected to diversify tourism products in the northern islands and provide visitors with more opportunities to explore the unique underwater world of the Andaman Islands. Source: DT Andaman