Howrah Bridge (Natural Rock) – Neil Island Dive Site

12m Max

10-25m Vis

boat

Site Overview

Howrah Bridge is Neil Island most iconic and unique dive site named after the famous natural rock bridge formation that arches above the water creating a spectacular geological landmark that extends underwater into a fascinating shallow reef environment unlike any other in the Andaman Islands. The natural rock platform extends from 2 meters along the shore to a maximum depth of 12 meters with coral-encrusted rock formations, arch swim-throughs, and shallow crevices that support diverse marine life in the warm well-lit waters beneath the famous bridge structure. The site is famous for its resident clownfish populations that inhabit anemone gardens nestled in the rock crevices creating charming underwater scenes while schools of butterflyfish and surgeonfish patrol the coral-encrusted rock surfaces in impressive numbers. Moray eels occupy every available crevice in the rock formations and coral trout hunt among the bommies at the base of the rock platform. The unique combination of geological formations, shallow swim-through arches, and abundant marine life creates an extraordinary underwater landscape that attracts both divers and snorkelers from around the world seeking to experience the underwater side of Neil Island most famous natural landmark. The shore dive access option makes Howrah Bridge uniquely accessible for divers of all experience levels who can explore the rock formations at their own pace in the calm sheltered waters.

Dive Briefing

"A typical dive at Howrah Bridge begins with either a short boat entry near the rock platform or a shore entry from the beach crossing the shallow reef flat at high tide when water depth allows safe passage to the rock formations. Once oriented divers should swim along the base of the rock platform exploring the coral-encrusted surfaces, arch formations, and shallow crevices while maintaining excellent buoyancy control to avoid contacting the fragile coral encrustations and protecting head clearance in the shallower swim-through sections. The most productive depth zone is between 4 and 10 meters where the highest concentration of reef fish, clownfish anemones, and rock formation features are found along the platform base and arch entrances. Navigate along the rock face watching for moray eels extending from crevices, coral trout hunting among the bommies, and schools of butterflyfish patrolling the rock surfaces. Check the anemone gardens in the rock crevices carefully for resident clownfish families and the coral branches for juvenile fish and macro subjects that make outstanding photography subjects in the well-lit shallow environment. The shallow depth profile allows extended bottom time with no decompression concerns making this site ideal for relaxed exploration and photography dives. Conclude the dive in the shallowest sections enjoying the abundant marine life around the rock formations before completing a safety stop at 5 meters and ascending to the surface near the beach or dive boat."