Diving in Nicobar Islands

Loggerhead Turtle

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Loggerhead Turtle is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle, named for its massive head. While less common than Green and Hawksbill turtles on Caribbean reefs, they can be spotted at deeper reef sites.

Bull Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

Bull sharks are one of the most impressive predators divers can encounter in warm coastal waters. These robust sharks are easily recognized by their broad, blunt snout, stocky build, and grey coloration with a white underside. Growing up to 11 feet long, they have a powerful, muscular appearance that commands respect underwater. Bull sharks are known for their curious nature and may approach divers, maintaining a confident but generally non-aggressive demeanor. They're often seen cruising along reef walls or in open water, sometimes in small groups. Their ability to tolerate both saltwater and freshwater makes them unique among sharks, and they're excellent hunters with a varied diet including fish, rays, and other marine life.

Great Hammerhead

General species description, not specific to this destination

The Great Hammerhead is the largest of all hammerhead species, instantly recognizable by its massive, flattened head extension called a cephalofoil. This prehistoric-looking predator can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, with a distinctive tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. Their unique head shape houses electroreceptors that help them hunt stingrays buried in sand. Great Hammerheads are solitary hunters, often seen cruising along reef walls and sandy bottoms. Despite their intimidating size, they're generally shy around divers and will often move away when approached. Their powerful swimming style and graceful movements make encounters truly memorable for fortunate divers.

Hawksbill Turtle

Destination note

Found year-round around coral reefs; commonly seen at Campbell Bay and Galathea Bay

Green Sea Turtle

Destination note

Common around seagrass beds and fringing reefs throughout the Nicobar archipelago

Spotted Eagle Ray

Destination note

Occasionally seen gliding over sandy flats and reef edges, particularly around Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay seagrass beds

Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin

Destination note

Small pods occasionally sighted in the Ten Degree Channel, Indira Point, and passes between islands; more common during the northeast monsoon

Bigeye Thresher Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

The bigeye thresher shark is a large pelagic shark with enormous eyes and an exceptionally long upper tail lobe used to stun schooling fish. Its body is metallic gray to purplish above and pale below, with a compact head adapted for low-light hunting. Divers most often encounter it in open water or near deep drop-offs rather than on shallow reefs.

Andaman Butterflyfish

General species description, not specific to this destination

A regional butterflyfish with a laterally compressed body, pointed snout, and contrasting pale, yellow, and dark markings typical of the genus Chaetodon. Fine head bands and body patterning help separate it from similar Indian Ocean butterflyfishes. Its form is adapted for maneuvering among coral branches and reef surfaces.

Dusky Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

A marine organism known as Dusky Shark (Carcharhinus obscurus). Found in oceanic environments.

Pacific Nurse Shark

General species description, not specific to this destination

A marine organism known as Pacific Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma unami). Found in oceanic environments.

Great Barracuda

Destination note

Common at Campbell Shoal and reef channel edges; often seen in small groups