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6 species of Anemonefish inhabit Andaman and Nicobar waters. All can easily be seen snorkeling close to the shore at Nemo Beach, one of the most popular snorkeling locations on Havelock Island. The reef, however, is badly damaged at this spot.

Nemo Beach, Havelock
The snorkel entry at Nemo Beach is from a sandy split in the mangrove.

How to get to Nemo Beach snorkeling spot?

Nemo Beach is on Havelock Island, in the northern extension of Govind Nagar Beach. The location is just 650 yards/600 meters on foot from Havelock Jetty (where the ferry from Port Blair arrives) and the island’s main village.

If you stay at the Havelock Island Beach Resort, you’ll be facing the spot. The beach has free access.

Nemo Beach snorkeling map, Havelock Island
Nemo Beach snorkeling map, Havelock Island.

Water entrance for snorkeling Nemo Beach

Recommended water entrance is from the beach, through an opening in the mangrove and reef (see Google Maps pin). Walk a short distance through the sandy passage until you find a sufficient depth. There are often boats and lots of snorkellers and scuba divers in this area.

Nemo Beach snorkeling exploration tips

We recommend following the reef to the right or left of the snorkel entry. If there’s too much current (the current usually runs from west to east), don’t let it drift you too far.

Ocellaris anemonefish at Nemo Beach, Havelock
The Ocellaris anemonefish is one of the anemonefish species that inhabit Nemo Beach’s reef.

Nemo Beach isn’t a coral location. Most corals are badly damaged, and only a few branching and finger coral heads can be seen on the almost bare seafloor.

This poor underwater environment is however home to a dazzling array of life, including dozens of fish species swimming around the reef. First and foremost are the anemonefish, after which Nemo Beach was named. At least four different species can be encountered at reef, including the iconic Ocellaris clownfish – the species list is available at the bottom of the page.

Semicircle angelfish at Nemo Beach
A Semicircle angelfish at Nemo Beach.

Nemo Beach also features a great diversity of butterflyfish, all adorned with spectacular patterns and colors, as well as a host of other fish types including the Semicircle angelfish, the Harlequin sweetlips, the Titan triggerfish, and the Lined surgeonfish.

As almost everywhere in Havelock, Nemo Beach allows for frequent Sea krait encounters. This sea snake lives most of the time on land but feeds underwater.

Yellow-lipped sea krait at Nemo Beach
The Yellow-lipped sea krait is a common sighting at Nemo Beach.

Underwater visibility is generally average at this location and can get very poor after heavy rains.

Restaurants and accommodations nearby

The Havelock Island Beach Resort is the closest accommodation to Nemo Beach, but there are several other options in the area. Just 100 meters south of the snorkel entry is the beachfront Nemo Café.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth16 feet/5 meters
  • Water entranceEasy, from a sandy beach and a split into the mangrove
  • Potential DangersBoat traffic
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersHigh
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes, on the beach

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.