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Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not just famous for being a tropical paradise but also for housing the most vibrant underwater worlds on Earth. You can find gentle sea turtles, playful clownfish, and rare manta rays as the marine life in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is diverse and stunning.
If you’re planning a trip to Andaman, experience beginner-friendly diving here and get to see these enchanted creatures in real life. So get ready to dive in the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and get a chance to spot these 12 marine creatures.
1. Clownfish (aka Nemo)
When you start diving, these adorable, orange-striped fish are often the first to greet you. These clownfish live symbiotically with sea anemones, which provides them with shelter and protection. They are very playful and easy to spot around the reefs of Havelock Island and Neil Island. You’ll usually see them darting in and out of their anemone homes in shallow coral gardens.
2. Sea Turtles
The Andaman waters are home to Green Sea Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles. These gentle creatures often glide gracefully, sometimes stopping to nibble on coral or seagrass. Watching these turtles up close while diving in Turtle Beach near Havelock Island is one of the fascinating things to do in Andaman.
3. Manta Rays
Elegant and enormous, manta rays can span up to 7 meters in width. They’re most commonly seen during deeper dives near Barren Island and Dixon’s Pinnacle. Mantas are filter feeders, harmless to humans, and often glide past divers in complete serenity. Seeing one in the wild feels like meeting an underwater angel.
4. Reef Sharks
Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Sharks are commonly seen during early morning or deep-sea dives. They’re agile, fast swimmers and give divers a thrilling yet safe encounter with top-tier predators of the reef. Locations like Johnny’s Gorge or North Bay sometimes offer lucky sightings.
5. Lionfish
With their showy fins and striped patterns, lionfish are as mesmerizing as they are venomous. While they look like underwater royalty, it’s best to admire them from a distance. Their slow, graceful movement makes them popular photography subjects. You’ll spot them hovering near coral walls, especially around Mac Point and Jackson’s Bar.
6. Parrotfish
These vibrant, rainbow-colored fish are often seen munching away at corals. Parrotfish actually help maintain reef health by feeding on dead coral and algae. You’ll hear them crunching even underwater! They’re commonly seen around Havelock and Neil’s coral reefs and are impossible to miss with their bright hues and beak-like mouths.
7. Moray Eels
Often found peeking out of crevices, moray eels may look intimidating but are typically shy. They spend most of their time with their heads poking out from rocky reefs, watching the world pass by with those beady eyes. Their greenish-brown skin helps them camouflage perfectly. You might spot them during slightly deeper or drift dives.
8. Nudibranchs (Sea Slugs)
Tiny but stunning, nudibranchs come in neon blues, purples, and pinks with exotic frills and textures. These sea slugs are beloved by macro photographers and marine biologists alike. You’ll find them crawling slowly over rocks, coral, and sometimes even sea fans. North Bay and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park are hotspots for spotting them.
9. Sea Snakes
Andaman is home to banded sea kraits, a non-aggressive species of sea snake. They’re striking with their black-and-white stripes and can be seen slithering around coral beds. Despite their potent venom, they pose little threat to humans unless provoked. Just give them space and watch their smooth, wave-like movements from a respectful distance.
10. Octopus and Cuttlefish
Masters of disguise, octopuses and cuttlefish are incredible to watch as they change colors and shapes to blend into their surroundings. They’re intelligent and curious creatures, often watching divers as much as you’re watching them! Look for them among rocks and crevices and especially during night dives when they’re most active.
11. Starfish and Sea Cucumbers
While not flashy swimmers, these bottom dwellers are everywhere on the ocean floor. Starfish come in bright reds and purples, while sea cucumbers look like squishy black sausages but play a vital role in the underwater ecosystem. Kids and beginners often spot them while snorkelling in Andaman.
12. Coral Gardens
While not creatures, the coral ecosystems themselves deserve mention. The marine life in Andaman and Nicobar Islands thrives around these spectacular coral reefs. These coral gardens support everything from shrimp and crabs to reef fish and sponges. Sites like Jolly Buoy, Cinque Island, and Aquarium are top picks for coral exploration.
Conclusion
Diving in the Andaman is more than just an adventure, it’s also a chance to witness an underwater realm that feels almost otherworldly. From shy nudibranchs to majestic manta rays, the marine life in Andaman and Nicobar Islands offers something for every level of diver. Each dive introduces you to new colors, textures, and creatures, reminding you how rich and delicate our oceans truly are. So next time you visit these islands, don’t just stay on the surface, strap on a tank and dive into the dazzling blue below. Who knows what beautiful sea creature is waiting to greet you?