India

If you like to step off the beaten path then the Andaman Islands should be right up your street. This vast archipelago has dive sites to suit all ability so fear not if you have not filled your log book up just yet. Above the surface you’ll be surrounded by rocky islands drenched in verdant rainforest, home to tribal communities and rare flora and fauna. Here, there is almost no commercial fishing resulting in plenty of fishy dives sites – as they should be! Species like large napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish and jacks make for common sightings.

Departing from Port Blair the Oriental Siren first sets sail to explore Button and Narcondam Islands, after a check dive and some relaxing reef diving you’ll move to Barren Island where you’ll be surrounded by large gorgonians and colourful soft corals. The Passage Island offers chances of big fish encounters such as manta, devil rays and white tip sharks that sometimes rest by the large rocks. Other top dive sites include Purple Haze with its steep craggy walls and Crazy Girls soft coral gardens.

Many thanks to Micheal Aw for the use of the above images.