The Andaman Islands
Andaman dive and sailing trips
Liveaboard: S/Y Siren

Have you always wanted to adventure to dive on remote islands? Do you want to join us on our luxury liveaboard dive boat, to explore the Andaman, dive, snorkel, swim and discover something unique?

The Andaman Islands are in Indian territorial waters, but due to the fact that they are far closer to Thailand (with Phuket some 450 miles to the southeast) than to India itself (with the mainland well over 1000 km to the northwest), diving here has, so far been pioneered by long-range liveaboard dive boats, such as ours!
.............................................................................................................................................................

The Andaman Islands cover an area of just over 8,000 sq km, and with 500 islands, islets and rocky outcrops in the archipelago (just 26 islands are currently inhabited), they are best discovered by liveaboard diving. The larger islands are fairly mountainous and blanketed with dense rainforest. A high proportion of these forests are protected with a confusing network of Tribal Reserves, six National Parks and Coastal Belts, and no less than 94 wildlife sanctuaries.
.............................................................................................................................................................

Forming the western border of the Andaman Sea, this extensive archipelago offers a rare example of tropical islands and reefs in their natural state. There is almost no commercial fishing, resulting in unusually abundant fish populations, including schooling species like bumphead parrotfish, trevallies and barracuda. Big animals such as giant sweetlips, Napoleon wrasse and dog-tooth tuna are also encountered frequently, as are mantas. Other highlights may include giant grouper and mobulas (devil rays), sometimes in schools of 30 or more!

This region is also home to endemics like the electric-blue Andaman damselfish, strikingly patterned Andaman sweetlips, and a newly discovered dottyback species that is found nowhere else in the world. Another signature fish is the beautiful Indian spine-cheek anemonefish, whose vertical bars are bright yellow instead of typical white or gray. The Andamans are also home to some interesting invertebrates, including wire-coral shrimp, colorful Trapeze Crabs, bobtail squid and various nudibranchs.

Another highlight is the widely varied underwater scenery, ranging from steep slopes to towering pinnacles to pristine coral gardens that are equally suitable for snorkeling or diving. Perhaps the most dramatic seascapes are found at the isolated volcanic islands of Barren and Narcondam, where the terrain includes ridges covered with huge fans and barrel sponges, and breathtaking walls that disappear into the abyss. At Barren Island in particular, spectacular fields of soft coral stretch into the distance, their vibrant colors accentuated by the dark volcanic substrate.

Adding to the appeal is unspoiled natural beauty throughout the archipelago, with vast forests and empty beaches all around, and rarely another boat in sight. Be among the first to dive this unspoiled and idyllic destination, with the company that has more experience here than any other.