Minerva’s Ledge is one of the largest and most well-known dive sites near Havelock Island, discovered by Jacques Cousteau during his 1970s exploration of the Andaman Islands. This vast underwater reef system has flat coral gardens packed with nearly every species of marine flora and fauna native to the Andamans. Divers keep coming back because one dive is never enough.
The site is so big that you cannot cover it in a single dive. Locals divide it into at least three distinct zones, each with different encounters. Strong currents make this a premier drift diving destination in Havelock, where the ocean does the work while you float past stunning coral gardens.
After a boat ride to the outer reefs, you descend into a world Cousteau himself once explored. Minerva’s Ledge is where diving history meets serious marine biodiversity.
As you drop through crystal-clear waters, the vast ledge materializes below—flat coral gardens stretching in every direction. The first thing you notice: the current. This is where you learn to relax and drift, letting the ocean carry you across the reef while marine life parades past.
Schools of snappers and fusiliers swirl in massive clouds. Barracuda patrol the edges. Giant groupers shelter under rocky outcrops, moray eels peer from crevices, and if you’re lucky, reef sharks cruise past. You can see why Cousteau was drawn here decades ago.
The coral formations are a carpet of hard and soft corals in yellows, purples, greens, and pinks. Unicorn fish graze lazily. Triggerfishes dart between formations. This is Andaman marine life at its most abundant.
Minerva’s Ledge is where I take divers who want to understand drift diving. The currents do the work—you just relax, maintain buoyancy, and watch the show. What makes it special is the sheer size. Most sites you can circle in one dive. Here? We have three different routes and still discover new sections. The biodiversity is unmatched—it’s like Cousteau opened a door and we’re still exploring what’s inside. Just be ready for the current. This isn’t a casual reef meander—it’s an adventure
Almost every species of marine flora and fauna native to the Andamans can be found here—the "Holy Trinity" of Havelock diving!
Minerva's Ledge features one of Havelock's most extensive and healthy coral reef systems. The vast sloping plateau supports diverse hard coral assemblages interspersed with soft corals, sea fans, and sponge gardens—a true underwater garden where almost every Andaman coral species can be observed.
Drift dive through history. Experience the vast coral gardens Cousteau himself explored.