Port Blair Area offers a varied mix of reef diving across sites that suit all levels, from shallow shore entries to deep offshore pinnacles. Artificial reef structures sit alongside natural coral at several sites, attracting a consistently observed cast of species: Common Clownfish (Nemo), Sea Krait, Napoleon Wrasse, and Indian Lionfish appear across the majority of sites. Beginner-friendly sites such as Nemo Reef and Turtle Point contrast with the demanding depths of Dixon's Pinnacle, giving the area real range.
Monthly water temperature across Port Blair Area's sites, from satellite sea-surface data corrected for depth. The band shows the site-to-site spread.
Water temperature stays warm throughout the year, with the peak sitting slightly higher during late spring and early summer before easing marginally through the cooler months. The best-months data points to May and October as the standout periods, with January, February and December also rated highly, suggesting a pattern tied to calmer inter-monsoon and post-monsoon windows. Exposed offshore sites such as Dixon's Pinnacle will be most accessible when seas are settled, while shallower inshore reefs remain diveable across a broader window.
24 operators
7 more sites to explore
Water temperature around Port Blair Area ranges from about 28°C in January to 30°C in April, based on satellite sea-temperature data for its dive sites.
With water around 28–30°C, a rash guard or 3mm shorty works in Port Blair Area year-round.
Fin maps 15 sites in Port Blair Area (15 scuba diving sites and 2 snorkelling spots, with some suited to both).
Across Port Blair Area's dive sites, May and October are most often reported as the best months to visit.
Observation-backed records across the sites show Common Clownfish (Nemo), Blackback Clownfish and Maroon Clownfish alongside Sea Krait, which appears at the vast majority of sites. Napoleon Wrasse, Coral Grouper, Harlequin Sweetlips and Indian Lionfish are all commonly sighted. Crocodile Fish and Mantis Shrimp reward divers who look carefully at the reef bottom.
A good portion of the sites here are rated beginner level, including Nemo Reef, Turtle Point, Red Light House and Aquarium, all of which are shallow and feature relatively mild conditions. Intermediate divers can progress to sites such as Pilot Reef, while advanced divers will find a proper challenge at Dixon's Pinnacle, which drops to significant depth offshore. The mix makes Port Blair Area a practical base for divers at different stages.
Most sites require a boat to reach, including popular spots such as Tribe Gate, Pilot Reef, Red Light House and Aquarium. Nemo Reef stands out as a shore-entry option, and Turtle Point offers both shore and boat entry. Several operators based in the area, including Dive India, Lacadives and The Dive Master, run boat trips to the offshore sites.
The area features a blend of natural coral reefs, artificial reef structures and offshore pinnacles. Several sites combine natural and artificial elements: Red Light House, for example, includes a central channel marker alongside an artificial reef component, while Nemo Reef pairs natural reef with artificial structure close to shore. Dixon's Pinnacle offers a very different experience, with three large underwater pinnacles well offshore and suited only to advanced divers.
