Soon while researching I realized my only option to go on holidays around the Andamans is in Havelock. It seemed to be the only place I could figure out the transportation easily and after very positive reviews about Dive India and Island Vinnie, I looked no further.
Naturally I started browsing their website which had plenty of useful information. Actually the only place I could find such. The plan your trip part was essential and recommended even if you don’t plan to stay with them but only to visit Havelock.
For me, the easiest option was to take their all inclusive package. Later I found it to be the right decision. It included the diving course, PADI certificate, accommodation, fun dives, food and great company. The resort and the diving center is owned and run by Pritha and Vinnie for 5 seasons now. One can easily notice all the hard work and their awareness for details.
The diving course on its own costs 17000 rupees and package 23,500 (440 euros). Three and half days were devoted entirely to the course.
The first day was an introduction and an overview for the basics one needs to have. The following 3 days started fairly early. Sunrise is at about 5 and sunset at 6ish due to the Indian standard time the island follows. At 6:55 we were all at the restaurant, placed our breakfast orders, walked to the diving center (at the same ground) then we assembled the equipment and went back to have our breakfast. At about 7.30-8 we were on the boats and ready for the day. It took us about an hour each direction to the diving location in quite rocky but pastorally boat.
During this time our awesome instructor Vikas used to brief us with the plan for the day. We went down for the dive / skills practicing for about 40 minutes and then went back up to the boat where we found fresh tasty Samosas, coconut cookies, bananas and hot Chai. After a short rest while the boat was already on the way to the next diving spot we were back in the water for another session. The time in the boat was the best way to see Havelock and the other islands from the sea. On most islands non-indigenous are not even allowed to be on so from the boat we were safe. Needless to mention the beautiful turquoise blue water surrounding us all the time and the dense greenery on the islands.
We were back in the center at about 2pm every day. Ordered lunch, went to take a shower and sat down for lunch. Afternoons were devoted for theory classes and videos. At 9pm I was so exhausted and fell asleep in my bungalow:
The center and the village (it is really the same place) are very laid back and made me feel very comfortable. I stayed in the non-deluxe bungalow which was more than enough. We had shared showers with hot water these were kept very clean all the time and shared with about 8 bungalows. The resort is right on the beach and 15 minutes walk to the small market in village #3.
I do recommend staying in the village and using the diving center it is the friendliest I’ve seen.
1 comment:
Hey ...thanks for the information.... i am planning to exeperience Scuba and was thinking of going to dive india....
I was planning to go in september but was in two minds since the cost of travel is same as the stayy and cousre...but seeing the pictures i kind of freezed on the plan....
cheers
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