As part of my undersea exploratory activities, I had earlier experienced snorkelling in Great Barrier Reef, Australia and sea walk in Pattaya, Thailand. Scuba diving was in the waiting list, until I made a trip to Andaman Islands in India, my home country.
Situated in bay of Bengal, Andaman Islands have vast, and among the best, coral varieties, found anywhere on the planet. And diving is the best way to explore undersea life of Andamans.
I had been planning to get a feel of undersea world through diving, for quite some time. I had researched and collected extensive information on certified scuba diving agencies operating in Andaman islands. The only thing now left was to choose one of those. I inquired from local sources and finalized Barefoot Scuba at PADI Resort. Why? Because they had extra diver ready in case some emergency popped and I needed to be rescued. Besides, they had medical kit ready along with a trained professional for such eventualities.
First, I underwent few training sessions. The diving cylinder providing breathing gas was quite heavy weighing around 15 kg. I had to absolutely feel comfortable in carrying that heavy cylinder on my back whole time under sea. Plus the right breathing techniques and undersea hand signals all were to be followed strictly. Every step had to be mastered by me before I took my plunge. Even a slight confusion could have been life threatening. Above ground I do take moderate risk. But undersea, I blindly followed my instructor’s cautions as I was not a well trained diver, yet.
At last, all ready with my heady training and backup plan, I dived into sea along with my instructor. Entered a different world with hundreds of beautiful fish dancing around, and me, like a big fish in between, reveling with them. Then cruising through amazing corals, feeling them and leaving bubbles around them.
Overwhelmed with joy, I was not, at all ready, to leave my new found fascinating world, far away from earth. My instructor noticed my enthusiasm. He okayed by signalling and directed me into deep sea. I was excited like a child. But there had to be a stop on my diving spree, till next time.
Hi Indu. What a great idea and who would give it a thought to use the India as a scuba base. Great to know and thanks for sharing. Have been following up some of you stuff and salute for what you have achieved. Keep it going girl. Happy travelling. ✈️
Thank you dear friend. I am proud of India, my home country’s rich heritage.
I can totally related with your experience! That’s how I felt after my first drive… mix of emotions.. from fear to happiness!
So true Saakshi.
Well nice and exciting adventure,I have never tried any underwater adventure before as it scares me..
Underwater adventure scares till you have not tried so.
I love scuba diving and haven’t done it for a while. It’s so much fun and it’s a different world underwater! Have you tried night diving? It’s incredible!
I will certainly try night diving.
I went to this destination too but I tried scuba before in Thailand and did not try it here, but the coral reef was beautiful, I saw them from the glass boat tour 🙂 Enjoyed reading this post and knowing one more place you have been too!
Delighted again to know we have done something of same liking.
I never had the chance to try scuba diving, but I’m a big fan of snorkeling and someday I hope to try that as well. And your destination is outstanding!
Thank you Pavel.
Amazing post, diving is a great way to see sea life and its loads of fun, I have never really heard of diving as an activity to do India, this is great to add to the list of things to do when in Banlag.
Thanks Yogita.
Indu is always up to surprise me. She has some super amazing bones that keeps her busy all the time 🙂 Amazing post once again. It’s really brave to dive under sea and explore the sea life. The undersea picture with black fish is breath taking. Keep rocking Indu!!
Thank you dear Heraa.
As someone who has been now diving for 23 years now, it is always nice to hear from folks picking up this great hobby. What I HAVE to tell you though Indu, may sound like lecturing, but… as someone starting to dive, you should get to know some basic rules when interacting with marine life: 1. Don’t feed animals. EVER. 2. Don’t touch anything. I won’t go in detail here, but I’ll explain with corals: Corals are alive, and they are EXTREMELY sensitive. Peoples skin has its own protective layer which is potent enough to damage and even kill corals. Corals have a layer of anti-bacterial mucous covering them. It protects from parasites, helps fight infections and keeps them healthy. So when someone comes along and touches a coral this layer gets damaged and may kill off the coral. The world has already lost 20% of coral reef! Divers touching the reef isn’t the main cause (ocean acidification and rising ocean temperatures (climate change) are) but do not be a part of the problem! Especially while you are enjoying the pleasure of exploring the ocean. Corals cover less than 0.1% of the ocean, but support over 25% of marine animals!!! Charles Darwin called them “The oases in the desert of the ocean”.
-> Look but don’t touch, Leave only bubbles…
Great. I truly appreciate Mario. Will always keep your words in mind, ‘do not touch corals, just leave bubbles.’ Perfect.
Amazing, would love to try this!
would love to see more of underwater photos from your dive. im sure it’s crazy amazing doen there. i would love to try this when i visit thailand next time
Yes you must do Jen.
Wow, this is such an amazing adventure!
Sounds like a really exciting time and glad you could do it in your home country, really enjoyed reading your post
Yes more fun added doing in home country.