Overview
Aquarium is a sheltered fringing reef located off the southwest coast of Havelock Island. It is approximately 5 km from Havelock and takes around 10–15 minutes by speedboat from the jetty. The site is known for its clear water, dense hard-coral gardens and large groups of colourful reef fish.
The reef begins at around 2 metres and gradually slopes toward deeper sections. Scattered coral bommies create natural underwater pathways, with sandy areas between coral sections. The shallow profile and generally calm conditions make Aquarium suitable for first-time divers and non-swimmers taking an introductory dive.
The experience starts at the dive centre with around 30 minutes of theory and shallow-water training. The instructor explains breathing, equalisation, hand signals, equipment use and basic safety procedures. Equipment is then fitted and checked before the boat transfer.
After a 10–15 minute speedboat ride, you enter the water at Aquarium. During the standard dive, you spend around 30 minutes underwater with a certified RAID instructor guiding you throughout the experience. Beginners are taken to a maximum depth of 12 metres.
The reef supports a variety of marine life. Depending on conditions, you may see clownfish around anemones, snappers, trevally, groupers, parrotfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, angelfish, rabbitfish, pufferfish and other reef species. Octopus, lobsters and cleaner shrimp may also be seen around coral crevices. Marine-life sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed.
Itinerary
- Day 1
Aquarium Scuba Dive
- Report at the dive centre.
- Complete theory, safety briefing and equipment setup.
- Take a 10–15 minute speedboat to Aquarium Reef.
- Enjoy a guided 30-minute scuba dive.
- Beginners dive up to 12 metres maximum.
- Return by boat and receive GoPro photos/videos.
- Pro option: 45-minute underwater experience with additional media.
Difficulty and fitness
Basic fitness required. Non-swimmers can participate in the introductory programme.
- Rest well, stay hydrated and avoid alcohol before diving.
What to bring
- Sleep well before the dive.
- Stay hydrated.
- Wear swimwear under the wetsuit.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Avoid alcohol before diving.
- Share relevant medical information with the instructor.
- Follow all briefing and equalisation instructions.
Essentials
- Swimwear, towel, dry clothes, reef-safe sunscreen, drinking water, light snack and relevant medical information.
Getting there
Report at the designated Frogman dive centre/jetty at the confirmed reporting time.
Reach Havelock Island/Swaraj Dweep from Port Blair by an approved ferry or passenger boat service. From Havelock, report at the designated dive centre/jetty. Aquarium Reef is reached by speedboat in around 10–15 minutes.
Trip details
Included
- Speedboat transfer
- 1:1 certified RAID instructor
- 30-minute theory and shallow training
- Full scuba equipment
- Safety briefing
- Medical declaration
- 30-minute guided dive
- GoPro photos and videos
Not included
- Travel to/from Havelock
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Pro upgrade
- Unlisted services
Before you book
- Beginner maximum depth is 12 metres.
- Standard underwater time is 30 minutes.
- Pro option provides 45 minutes underwater.
- Visibility is generally 15–25 metres.
- Marine-life sightings are not guaranteed.
- Sea and weather conditions may affect the activity.
- Not suitable for active ear infections, recent surgery or uncontrolled asthma on the day.
- Pregnant guests are advised not to dive.
- June–September is monsoon season; diving depends on daily conditions.
- December–April is listed by the vendor as the best period for visibility.
Safety notes
Follow the instructor throughout the dive. Do not touch coral or marine life. Maintain communication through hand signals, equalise as instructed and stay within the planned depth.
Participant requirements
Name, age, contact details, booking date and relevant medical information.
Your operator
Trip reviews
Loading reviews