The exquisite Andaman Islands present incredible diving and snorkelling opportunities thanks to the rich marine biodiversity, which has captivated us since 2005. Being the first PADI 5-Star Instructor Development dive centre in India, we have trained thousands of scuba divers and hundreds of dive professionals with a quality that only Barefoot Scuba can deliver. Our commitment to teaching and preserving our precious islands makes us stand apart.
Our passionate team members are driven by our love for the underwater world, by the overwhelming desire to be immersed in it ourselves, by our wish to share its magnificence with others, and by the conviction to conserve our marine resources. Get your dream fulfilled and life changed with Barefoot Scuba.
There is an absolutely awesome world waiting to be explored. You can begin your scuba diving journey either by doing the PADI Discover Scuba Diving first with 1-on-1 instructor supervision suitable for non-swimmers, or by plunging right into the PADI Open Water Diver course conducted in small groups, to get a lifelong licence to dive. Our well-experienced instructors are there to guide and motivate you and at the same time, make scuba diving in Havelock fun for you.
Congratulations on having discovered a passion worth being addicted to! There is a range of PADI courses for you to continue your dive education, or you can gain more experience by exploring the pristine reefs while fun diving in Havelock. Our expert staff and top-of-the-range equipment are for you to take advantage of. You can also take your passion to the next level by doing a professional diver course, so you get to learn and dive a lot more.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) is a beautiful, laid-back tropical island of the Andaman Islands, known for its world-famous Radhanagar Beach. The typically calm and crystal-clear sea makes the underwater world as enchanting as the scenery above the waves. Located about 50 metres away from Beach No. 3, Barefoot Scuba provides easy access to not only breathtaking snorkelling and diving sites, but also the village market and serene nature trails. Complementing our dive centre is one of the most rustic and eco-friendly dive resorts in Havelock with budget, comfort, and luxury rooms.
Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) is the world’s most popular beginner scuba experience, perfect for anyone aged 10+, whether you’re a swimmer or not. Under the guidance of PADI-certified instructors, you’ll learn the basics and explore vibrant coral reefs while experiencing the unique sensation of breathing underwater. Participants must be medically fit and complete the PADI Medical Form; a doctor’s clearance is required if any medical concerns are indicated. As per Andaman regulations, guests over 50 years of age must obtain medical clearance before diving.
What to Expect
This unforgettable scuba experience takes approximately 3–4 hours. It begins with a briefing on scuba theory and safety, followed by a shallow-water practice session where you’ll take your first breath underwater. Once comfortable, you’ll explore the reef with a PADI Instructor/DSD Leader in a 1:1 student-instructor ratio. Divers can descend to a maximum depth of 12 metres (40 feet), with around 35 minutes of dive time, depending on comfort and air consumption. Children aged 8+ can join the PADI Bubblemaker Program, which introduces scuba diving in water up to 2 metres (6 feet) deep.
The PADI Scuba Diver Course is a beginner-level certification that allows you to dive up to 12 metres (40 feet) under the supervision of a PADI professional. Ideal for those with limited time, it covers part of the PADI Open Water Diver course and can be upgraded later anywhere in the world. Anyone aged 10+, who can float for 10 minutes in deep water and is medically fit, can enroll. Participants must complete the PADI Medical Form, and those with relevant medical conditions—or anyone over 50 years old as per Andaman regulations—must obtain written medical clearance before diving.
Course Structure
The PADI Scuba Diver Course typically takes 2.5 days to complete and consists of three parts: theory, confined water training, and open water dives. The theory section includes videos and quizzes, which can be completed online before arrival to save time. During confined water sessions, you’ll learn essential scuba skills such as equipment use, buoyancy control, and safety procedures. You’ll then apply these skills during open water dives while exploring the underwater world and gaining real diving experience.
The PADI Open Water Diver Course is the world’s most popular beginner scuba certification, allowing you to dive independently with a buddy up to 18 metres (60 feet) anywhere in the world. Open to anyone aged 10+ who can swim, float, and meet the medical requirements, this internationally recognized certification is your gateway to underwater exploration. Participants must complete the PADI Medical Form, and anyone with relevant medical conditions must obtain a doctor’s written clearance. As per Andaman regulations, the maximum age for diving courses is 60, and all participants over 50 years old require medical clearance.
Course Structure
The PADI Open Water Diver Course takes 3–5 days to complete and is conducted in small groups with a maximum 4:1 student-instructor ratio. The course combines theory, confined water training, and open water dives to prepare you to dive safely with a buddy, without instructor supervision. Theory covers diving physics, equipment, underwater communication, and safety, and can be completed online through PADI eLearning. During training dives, you’ll master essential scuba skills before exploring marine life and underwater environments in open water. Upon successful completion, you’ll earn a lifetime-valid PADI Open Water Diver certification (or Junior Open Water Diver certification for divers under 15).
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course is designed for certified divers looking to enhance their skills, gain confidence, and explore new types of diving experiences. Upon completion, you’ll be certified to dive up to 30 metres (100 feet). The course is open to PADI Open Water Divers (or equivalent) aged 12+ who are medically fit. Participants must complete a medical declaration, and anyone with relevant medical conditions—or over 50 years old, as required by Andaman regulations—must obtain written medical clearance before diving.
Course Structure
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course requires completing 5 adventure dives, including two mandatory dives: Deep Dive (beyond 18m/60ft) and Underwater Navigation. You can choose the remaining three dives from specialties such as Night Diving, Wreck Diving, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Underwater Photography, Fish Identification, and more. The course can typically be completed in 2 days, depending on the dive schedule. Divers short on time can first earn the PADI Adventure Diver certification by completing 3 adventure dives and later upgrade to Advanced Open Water Diver anywhere in the world.
The PADI Rescue Diver Course is one of the most rewarding and highly regarded recreational diving courses, focused on improving safety, awareness, and emergency response skills. You’ll learn self-rescue, emergency management, rescue techniques, in-water rescue breathing, and how to handle diving incidents through a combination of theory, practical training, and real-life rescue scenarios. The course is open to divers aged 12+ who hold a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent) certification and have completed Emergency First Response (or equivalent) training within the past 2 years. Participants must be medically fit, and divers over 50 years old require medical clearance as per Andaman regulations.
The PADI Master Scuba Diver rating is the highest non-professional achievement in recreational diving, recognizing exceptional diving skills, experience, and commitment to the sport. To qualify, divers must complete the PADI Rescue Diver course, log at least 50 dives, and earn 5 PADI Specialty Diver certifications. This prestigious certification combines advanced training with diverse underwater experiences, helping divers become highly skilled, knowledgeable, and confident in a variety of diving environments.
PADI Specialty Diver Courses allow certified divers to develop advanced skills, explore specific interests, and gain expertise in different types of diving. Whether you’re working towards the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating or want to specialize in areas such as Deep Diving, Cavern Diving, Underwater Photography, or Wreck Diving, these courses offer exciting opportunities to expand your underwater experience. While some specialties are location-dependent, divers in the Andamans can choose from a variety of popular specialty courses tailored to the region’s unique marine environment.
Turn your passion for diving into a career with the Zero to Hero Program, designed to take you from beginner to PADI Divemaster or Instructor level. Conducted at a PADI 5-Star Instructor Development Dive Centre in the Andaman Islands, the program provides comprehensive professional-level scuba training under experienced instructors. Anyone aged 18+, who can swim and has received a medical clearance for scuba diving within the last 6 months, is eligible to enroll.
Course Structure
The Zero to Hero Program is designed for complete beginners and starts with the core PADI certifications: Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Emergency First Response (EFR), and Rescue Diver. These courses, along with recreational dives, are typically completed within the first three weeks, preparing you for PADI Divemaster training. During Divemaster training, you’ll gain hands-on experience in dive centre operations, assist instructors, learn dive site mapping and navigation, and deepen your understanding of diving theory, marine ecosystems, physics, and physiology. By the end of the program, you’ll graduate as a skilled, knowledgeable, and professional-level diver.
The PADI Divemaster certification is the first professional level in recreational diving, qualifying you to assist instructors, guide certified divers, and conduct snorkeling and refresher programs. The training provides real-world experience in the daily operations of a dive centre while developing leadership and dive management skills. To enroll, candidates must be 18–60 years old, hold a PADI Rescue Diver (or equivalent) certification, have at least 40 logged dives, completed EFR Primary and Secondary Care training within the last 24 months, and obtain a medical clearance for scuba diving within the last 6 months.
Course Structure
The PADI Divemaster Course combines classroom learning with hands-on training alongside real students under the supervision of a PADI Instructor. Key topics include diving theory, diver safety and risk management, dive centre operations, environmental awareness, and leadership skills. The program typically takes 2–3 months to complete, allowing candidates to develop professional-level competence and gain insight into the daily life of a dive professional. Those who are not yet certified divers can begin with the Zero to Hero Program, which includes all prerequisite certifications and training before Divemaster development begins.
The PADI Assistant Instructor (AI) Course is the first step of the Instructor Development Course (IDC) and can be completed in 4 days. It serves as excellent preparation for becoming a full PADI Instructor while enhancing your employability beyond the Divemaster level. Assistant Instructors are qualified to teach the academic portions of PADI courses, conduct Peak Performance Buoyancy and Project AWARE Specialty courses, and independently run PADI Bubblemaker and Discover Scuba Diving programs.
The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) is designed for divers who want to turn their passion into a rewarding career as a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor. As an instructor, you’ll teach new divers, guide students through certifications, promote marine conservation, and spend much of your time exploring the underwater world. To enroll, candidates must have been a certified diver for at least 6 months, hold a PADI Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, or equivalent certification, have 100 logged dives, completed EFR (CPR & First Aid) training within the last 24 months, and provide a medical clearance for diving issued within the previous 6 months.
Course Structure
The PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC) typically takes around 2 weeks to complete and is designed to prepare candidates for every component of the Instructor Examination (IE). Training covers PADI standards, skill demonstrations, knowledge development presentations, rescue assessments, and teaching techniques, ensuring you’re ready for a professional instructor role. Internship options are available for candidates seeking additional experience and training. The course is led by experienced instructor trainers and combines comprehensive professional development with the opportunity to dive in the Andamans, one of India’s premier scuba diving destinations.
The PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT) rating is the first major step in an instructor’s continuing education journey. It allows instructors to teach a wide range of PADI Specialty Courses, including Deep Diver, Enriched Air Nitrox, Underwater Navigation, Search & Recovery, Night Diver, Digital Underwater Photography, Fish Identification, Shark AWARE, and more. To achieve the MSDT rating, instructors must earn 5 Specialty Instructor certifications and issue at least 25 diver certifications. Some specialties, such as Emergency Oxygen Provider and Enriched Air Instructor, can be completed without any dives.
The PADI IDC Staff Instructor rating prepares experienced instructors to play a key role in training future dive professionals. IDC Staff Instructors can assist PADI Course Directors during Instructor Development Courses and are qualified to teach the PADI Assistant Instructor Course. The program includes at least two days of dedicated preparation followed by participation in a complete IDC, helping instructors refine their teaching, mentoring, and leadership skills. Even for those not aiming to become Course Directors, the course is an excellent way to significantly enhance instructional techniques and professional development.
The PADI Master Instructor (MI) rating is a prestigious recognition awarded to experienced and highly accomplished dive professionals who serve as role models within the diving industry. To qualify, candidates must be a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, have been a PADI Instructor for at least 2 years, and have issued a minimum of 150 dive course certifications and 10 Emergency First Response (EFR) certifications. This elite rating reflects outstanding teaching experience, dedication to diver education, and a strong commitment to professional excellence.
The Andaman Islands offer some of India’s most pristine and diverse dive sites, making them a favorite destination for certified divers. Fun diving in Havelock provides opportunities to encounter incredible marine life, including manta rays, devil rays, reef sharks, groupers, barracudas, turtles, and octopuses. Suitable for divers of all experience levels, the region features both well-known dive sites and unexplored underwater areas waiting to be discovered. As per Andaman regulations, divers over 50 years of age must obtain medical clearance before scuba diving.
What to Expect
Fun diving trips for certified divers typically depart between 7:30–8:00 AM, with occasional early-morning departures for spectacular dawn dives and sunrise views. Dive boats usually return between 12:30–3:30 PM, and all 2-tank dive outings include drinking water, tea, and a packed lunch. Before each dive, experienced instructors or divemasters provide detailed briefings covering the dive plan, safety procedures, site conditions, and local marine life. After the dives, guides assist with dive logging and discuss the marine species encountered during the trip.
Let us seamlessly incorporate a Barefoot Scuba experience into your Andaman itinerary. From first-time dives and certification courses to multi-dive expeditions, we’ll help you discover the islands from an entirely new perspective.

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