Scuba Diving at Turtle Beach (Havelock Island)

An unrivalled gem of the Andaman Sea, Havelock Island, is a diver’s paradise, a haven where turquoise waters meet pristine sands, and where marine life comes alive in its most magnificent forms. This picturesque island, also known as Swaraj Island, hosts one of the most surreal spots for an aquatic adventure—Turtle Beach.

Why should you visit Turtle Beach?

Turtle Beach, located on the idyllic Havelock Island, is a diver's dream and a slice of paradise amidst the azure expanse of the Andaman Sea. Known for its tranquil and pristine environment, this beach is named after the multitude of turtles that frequent its sandy shores and crystal-clear waters.

Havelock Island itself is renowned as one of the most beautiful islands in the Andaman archipelago, located to the east of the Indian mainland. With its untouched beaches, lush tropical forests, and vibrant coral reefs, it's a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

A Calming Therapy: Turtle Beach, situated on the west side of Havelock Island, offers a more secluded and serene experience compared to other popular tourist beaches on the island. It is the perfect place to unwind, disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life, and reconnect with nature. The beach is surrounded by a dense canopy of tropical trees, offering shade and a cool retreat from the sun. The sand is fine and white, contrasting beautifully with the varying shades of blue in the water.

Rich Marine Life: What truly sets Turtle Beach apart is its rich marine life. This beach is a critical nesting site for several species of sea turtles, including the Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, and the endangered Leatherback Turtle. Divers and snorkelers often get the unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close in their natural habitat.

The coral reefs surrounding Turtle Beach also boast a diverse array of marine species, from multicoloured fish to intriguing crustaceans, offering a kaleidoscopic view for underwater explorers. Night dives reveal a different, mesmerizing world lit by bioluminescent organisms.

Diving at Turtle Beach 

Diving at Turtle Beach is an invitation to embrace the wonders of the underwater world. Each dive is a unique journey, a plunge into a world filled with colour, life, and awe-inspiring moments. If you've never experienced it, maybe it's time to get your feet wet. And if you've been there before, you know there's always a new sight waiting just below the surface.

Preparing for the Dive: There's a magical feeling that accompanies donning your scuba gear in anticipation of what awaits beneath the surface. But before you leap, there's a lot to consider. Equipment checks, safety briefings, and basic skill refreshers form an integral part of the preparation. The local dive centres employ experienced professionals who guide you through these steps, ensuring your dive is safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

The Underwater Symphony: As you descend, leaving behind the sun-kissed world above, you're welcomed into a realm of vibrant hues and dancing light. The marine life here at Turtle Beach takes centre stage, adding life to the vast blue canvas of the sea. The sight of coral reefs, appearing as if painted by a divine artist with every colour in the spectrum, is a sight to behold.

Revelling in the Turtle Wonderland: This beach didn't earn its name without reason. Home to an abundant population of sea turtles, Turtle Beach offers the unique opportunity to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. From green and hawksbill to the critically endangered leatherback turtles, you might encounter any of these graceful swimmers gliding effortlessly through the currents. The sight of these gentle giants, often just a few feet away, is a powerful and humbling experience.

As you delve into the azure abyss, you may be accompanied by the green turtles, renowned for their beautiful, sleek shells and peaceful demeanour. Seeing these creatures elegantly cut through the clear water, with their powerful flippers propelling them effortlessly, can be an enchantingly serene experience.

Another captivating sight is the hawksbill turtle, known for its unique beak-like mouth and intricate shell patterns. The hawksbills, being more reclusive, add an element of excitement to the dive as spotting one feels like uncovering a hidden treasure. Their affinity for sponges provides an added bonus to divers, leading them to vibrant sponge colonies that the hawksbills often inhabit.

However, nothing prepares you for the overwhelming encounter with the majestic leatherback turtles. Being the largest species of sea turtles, these gentle giants are nothing short of awe-inspiring. 

Exploring the Coral Jungle: Beyond the turtles, the coral reefs around Turtle Beach offer their own unique appeal. The soft and hard corals provide a home to a myriad of other marine creatures. Clownfish dart between anemones while brightly coloured parrotfish nibble on coral, their crunching noises audible even underwater. Schools of fusiliers, angelfish, and surgeonfish add a sparkle to the seascape as they catch the filtered sunlight in their scales.

Navigating the Underwater Caverns: Another exciting feature of the dives at Turtle Beach is the chance to explore underwater caverns. With their mysterious aura, these caverns hide a world less seen. The play of light and shadow within these structures lends an air of the surreal, making for unforgettable underwater photography.

Best Time to Visit Turtle Beach

In terms of weather, the ideal time to visit Havelock Island is during the winter season, from November to February. The climate during this period is pleasantly tropical with minimal rainfall, and temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The sea is calm, the skies are clear, and the visibility underwater is excellent, making it the best time for scuba diving, snorkelling, and other water-based activities. The months from March to May mark the transition from winter to summer. During this time, the weather remains relatively warm and is suitable for beach activities and exploration. However, the heat can be intense, so those sensitive to high temperatures might find it less comfortable.

June to September is the monsoon season. Rainfall is heavy, and the seas are often rough, making it less ideal for diving and beach activities. While the island's lush greenery is at its best during this time, it's worth noting that some ferry services and water activities might be restricted due to weather conditions.

Nesting Season: For wildlife enthusiasts, especially those interested in turtles, the nesting season can be the most exciting time to visit Turtle Beach. The period from December to March is when several species of turtles, including Green, Hawksbill, and the endangered Leatherback Turtles, come ashore to lay their eggs. Witnessing this natural spectacle is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

However, keep in mind that these are sensitive times for the turtles, and it's crucial to maintain a respectful distance and not disturb them. Nighttime, when the females lay their eggs and when hatchlings make their way to the sea, can be particularly fascinating, but it's essential to follow guidelines to avoid causing any harm.

How to Reach Turtle Island

Reaching this idyllic location involves a few steps, which include reaching the city of Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and then taking a ferry to Havelock Island. Private ferries and government-operated ferries connect Port Blair and Havelock Island. The journey usually takes around 2-3 hours depending on the ferry service. The private ferries are a bit more expensive but offer a more luxurious experience with air-conditioned cabins and snacks. The government ferry is a more affordable option.

Once you arrive at Havelock Island, you can hire a taxi or rent a scooter to reach Turtle Beach. The island is not very large, so getting around is relatively easy. Many people prefer to hike to Turtle Island as it is not very far from Elephant Beach. 

While the journey to Turtle Beach might seem a bit long, the pristine beauty of the beach and the stunning underwater world that awaits you make it well worth the effort.

Scuba diving at Turtle Beach (Havelock Island): FAQs

1. What makes Turtle Beach, Havelock Island a special place for scuba diving?

   Answer: Turtle Beach is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and vibrant coral reefs. It's particularly famous for the variety of sea turtles that frequent its waters, giving divers the unique opportunity to observe these creatures in their natural habitat. 

2. I'm a beginner. Can I still go scuba diving at Turtle Beach?

   Answer: Absolutely. There are several diving schools around Havelock Island that offer courses for divers of all levels, from beginners to advanced. Many of these schools offer PADI certification courses, and they also provide discovery dives for those who want to experience scuba diving without getting a certification. 

3. What marine life can I expect to see while diving at Turtle Beach?

   Answer: While the beach is named for its resident sea turtles, including green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and leatherback turtles, the underwater world at Turtle Beach is rich with a variety of marine life. 

4. Is it safe to dive with turtles at Turtle Beach?

   Answer: Yes, it is safe to dive with turtles. However, divers should remember that these are wild creatures in their natural habitat. It's crucial to maintain a respectful distance and not to touch, chase, or harass the turtles. 

5. Do I need to bring my own equipment for scuba diving at Turtle Beach?

   Answer: While you're welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer, it's not necessary. Most dive centres in Havelock Island provide all the necessary equipment for your dive.