Havelock Island Shore Entry #1 Dive Site for Beginners in Havelock

Nemo Reef: Where Your
Underwater Story Begins

Book Your Nemo Reef Dive

Difficulty Beginner Open Water / DSD

Max Depth 12-16m Avg. 5-8m

Visibility 10 - 30m Best: Dec - Feb

Access Shore Beach No. 2

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What Makes Nemo Reef Special

Nemo Reef is the most popular and accessible dive site on Havelock Island, named after its resident clownfish (Nemo) families. This shallow, protected coral reef has clear water, healthy coral gardens, and a surprising amount of marine life packed into a small area.

Perfect for beginners and first-time divers, Nemo Reef is a great first look at the Andaman underwater world. There is virtually no current, and conditions feel like a swimming pool.

Primary Training ReefThe sole designated shallow dive site where RAID certified instructors conduct open water courses
Dual-Reef SystemTwo distinct fringing reefs separated by a sandy bottom, perfect for skill practice
Artificial Reef: The Ghost JeepA submerged Mahindra Commander Jeep at 6-8m creates unique diving interest
Shore AccessibilityDirect beach entry with no surface swim required

Nemo Reef dive site at Beach No. 2, Havelock Island - clear shallow waters for beginner scuba diving

The Dive Experience

Imagine walking into a swimming pool that just happens to be alive. That is Nemo Reef. Unlike other dive sites that require long boat rides, Nemo Reef lets you start with your feet firmly on the sand.

The site consists of two fringing reefs separated by a “sand highway” at 1-3m depth. This layout is why instructors love it for teaching-we can practice skills on the sandy bottom safely while the reef is right there on either side.

As you descend, the noise of the world disappears. You are greeted by schools of juvenile fish darting between coral heads. Moving deeper (to about 6m), you’ll encounter the famous “Nemo” Clownfish families living in their anemone homes-the sight that gave this reef its name.

At around 6-8 meters, a unique surprise awaits: the Ghost Jeep-a decommissioned Mahindra Commander now covered in barnacles and serving as an artificial reef habitat.

Nemo Reef underwater topography showing dual reef system

Suchit - Founder & RAID Scuba Instructor at Frogman Scuba Diving

“

My favourite thing about Nemo Reef isn’t just the fish-it’s the ‘Ghost Jeep’. There is an old Mahindra Commander jeep submerged at about 6 meters. It’s now an artificial reef covered in barnacles and corals. First-time divers are always amazed to see a vehicle underwater! The shallow depth means you can hover around it safely and get great photos.

Suchit Scuba Instructor & Founder, Frogman Scuba

Location & How to Get There

Geographic LocationBeach No. 2, Govind Nagar, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) GPS: 12.00765° N, 92.94044° E
Distance from Havelock JettyApproximately 2-3 km (5-10 minutes by auto-rickshaw or taxi)
Entry TypeShore dive with gradual sloping sandy bottom. Wade into the water-no boat required!
Sea ConditionsCalm, sheltered bay with pool-like conditions. Minimal to no current year-round.

Get Directions to Nemo Reef

Underwater Topography

📊 Depth Profile

0-1m

Sandy entry zone

1-3m

Shallow coral gardens

3-8m

Main reef structure

8-12m

Deeper reef slope

12-16m

Maximum depth (certified only)

🗺️ Key Underwater Features

🏝️

Dual Reef Complex

Two separate fringing reefs with sandy patches running between them
🪸

Coral Gardens

Staghorn, cauliflower, brain, table, valley & mushroom corals
🚗

Ghost Jeep (Artificial Reef)

Submerged Mahindra Commander at 6-8m depth
🌺

Sea Anemone Clusters

Dense populations hosting multiple clownfish species
🪨

Rocky Outcrops

Scattered boulders providing shelter for marine life

Marine Life Encyclopedia

What you can expect to see at Nemo Reef

Signature Species (Almost Guaranteed)

🐠

Clownfish (Nemo)

Amphiprion ocellaris

Guaranteed

🐡

Humphead Parrotfish

Bolbometopon muricatum

High

🌺

Sea Anemones

Various species

Guaranteed

🐟

Giant Grouper

Epinephelus lanceolatus

High

Common Reef Fish

🦋

Butterfly Fish

Regular

🐟

Blue Snappers

Regular

🐠

Triggerfish

Regular

🐟

Sweetlips

Regular

🐠

Angelfish

Regular

🐟

Damselfish

Guaranteed

Macro Life & Invertebrates

🐙

Octopus

Regularly spotted in dens among coral crevices

🦞

Lobsters & Crustaceans

Hermit crabs, porcelain crabs, and shrimp hide in the reef

⭐

Starfish & Sea Urchins

Abundant on sandy bottom and reef surfaces

🐌

Nudibranchs

Colorful sea slugs-a macro photographer's delight

Coral Garden

Nemo Reef features a healthy mix of hard and soft corals, creating a vibrant underwater landscape perfect for beginners to explore.

🌿

Staghorn Coral

Branching coral forming dense thickets

🍽️

Table Coral

Flat, plate-like formations

🧠

Brain Coral

Rounded, ridged formations

🥦

Cauliflower Coral

Compact, bushy growth

🍄

Mushroom Coral

Free-living coral species

🏔️

Valley Coral

Ridges and valleys pattern

🌾

Sea Fans

Gorgonian soft corals

〰️

Whip Coral

Long, flexible strands

Best Time to Dive

Best

December - February

Visibility: 20-30 meters (exceptional)
Water Temp: 26-29°C
Sea State: Mirror-calm
Crowds: Peak season (book ahead)

Excellent

Oct-Nov & Mar-May

Visibility: 15-25 meters
Water Temp: 26-29°C
Sea State: Calm to very calm
Crowds: Shoulder season (easier bookings)

Fair

June - September

Visibility: 10-20 meters (variable)
Water Temp: 26-29°C
Sea State: Occasional rough surface
Advantage: Still accessible due to sheltered bay

💡 Pro Tip

Nemo Reef is one of the few Havelock dive sites accessible year-round due to its sheltered bay location. Even during monsoon, underwater conditions are often excellent!

Is Nemo Reef Right For You?

✅ Perfect For

✓
First-Time Divers: No previous experience required. This is THE site for your first scuba dive.
✓
Non-Swimmers: Shallow enough to stand and no current. Swimming skills not needed.
✓
Kids (10+): Gentle conditions are ideal for junior divers.
✓
Photographers: Shallow depths mean great natural light for macro shots.
✓
Nervous Divers: Pool-like conditions eliminate anxiety triggers.

❌ Not Ideal For

✗
Deep Diving Enthusiasts: Maximum depth is only 12-16m.
✗
Drift Diving Lovers: Almost zero current here.
✗
Advanced Tech Divers: No walls, caves, or technical features.

Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nemo Reef suitable for non-swimmers?Is Nemo Reef suitable for non-swimmers?

Yes, Nemo Reef is specifically designed for non-swimmers! The shallow entry point (1-3m depth) means you can stand if needed, and the calm, current-free conditions make it completely safe. Your RAID-certified instructor stays with you throughout the dive, controlling your buoyancy and guiding you. Swimming ability is genuinely not required.

What is the best time to dive Nemo Reef for visibility?What is the best time to dive Nemo Reef for visibility?

December to February offers the clearest water with 20-30 meters visibility and mirror-calm conditions. October-November and March-May also provide excellent 15-25m visibility. The unique advantage of Nemo Reef is that it remains diveable even during monsoon season (June-September) due to its sheltered bay location.

How much does a scuba dive at Nemo Reef cost?How much does a scuba dive at Nemo Reef cost?

Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) for first-timers costs approximately INR 3,000-3,500 + 18% GST per person. Certified divers pay around INR 2,500-3,000 + 18% GST. All prices include equipment, instruction, and entry fees. Contact us on WhatsApp for current rates and package deals.

What marine life will I see at Nemo Reef?What marine life will I see at Nemo Reef?

You’re guaranteed to see clownfish (Nemo!) in their anemone homes-after all, that’s how the reef got its name! Common sightings include butterfly fish, parrotfish, groupers, snappers, triggerfish, and various reef fish. Macro enthusiasts will spot nudibranchs, crustaceans, and octopus. The Ghost Jeep artificial reef at 6m attracts its own ecosystem of marine life.

How long is a typical dive at Nemo Reef?How long is a typical dive at Nemo Reef?

Beginner/training dives typically last 30-45 minutes. Certified Open Water divers can enjoy 45-60 minutes of bottom time. Due to the shallow depth profile, extended recreational dives of 60-80 minutes are possible for experienced divers with good air consumption.