Andaman and Nicobar Adds Eight New Scuba Diving Sites to Boost Adventure Tourism

The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has identified eight new scuba diving sites in Mayabunder and Diglipur as part of a major push to promote sustainable tourism and expand adventure water sports in the North and Middle Andaman region.

The initiative has been undertaken by the administration's Directorate of Information, Publicity and Tourism (IP&T) in collaboration with Scuba Schools International (SSI) , with the aim of diversifying tourism offerings and positioning North and Middle Andaman as a growing hub for adventure tourism.

The newly identified diving locations include North of Sound Island Rock, Marker 077 and Bochang in Mayabunder, along with Hiran Tikery, Landfall East, House Reef at Ross and Smith, Paget Island and Landfall South in Diglipur.

Officials said the new sites provide opportunities for recreational scuba diving , enabling visitors to explore the region's rich coral reefs, marine biodiversity and underwater ecosystems while ensuring adherence to environmental protection measures.

The expansion addresses a long-standing demand from tourism stakeholders and local boat operators in North and Middle Andaman. Authorities expect the move to increase tourist arrivals, create new employment opportunities for local youth and provide a significant boost to the regional tourism economy.

Earlier this year, in May, four scuba diving sites in Diglipur were officially notified after receiving approval from the Forest Department and were incorporated into the administration's Scuba Diving Guidelines . With the addition of the newly identified locations, the total number of notified scuba diving sites in North and Middle Andaman has risen to 12 .

The administration has invited eligible scuba diving centres and operators to register for conducting diving activities in Mayabunder and Diglipur in accordance with the notified guidelines.

Officials emphasised that all diving operations will be carried out under strict safety protocols , statutory regulations and environmental safeguards. The objective is to ensure the protection of the islands' fragile marine ecosystem while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism development across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.