Barefoot Scuba

Andaman Islands, India

The team at Barefoot Scuba are, quite simply, Andaman originals. They’ve been diving here since 2005, longer than almost anyone else, and that deep knowledge really shows. If you're serious about getting your PADI instructor ratings, this is the spot. They run a slick operation, but it still feels like a relaxed island dive shop – a nice balance. We love their commitment to exploring new spots. While everyone else hits the same five sites, Barefoot will be out finding a new pinnacle or a wall that’s never been properly dived. We've had some of our best Andaman encounters with their guides: big bumphead parrotfish schools feeding on the reefs, or a fleeting glimpse of a manta passing through. They run a professional show from start to finish, from the well-maintained boats to the proper gear. If we were heading to the Andamans and wanted a truly knowledgeable crew, particularly if we were looking to level up our PADI certifications, Barefoot Scuba would be our first call.