Gypsy Divers is the brainchild of Poonam Darne, a PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and SSI Advanced Open Water Instructor, who has been diving for over ten years now. Once a successful businesswoman, Poonam discovered scuba while holidaying in Andaman in 2007 which changed her life and sent her packing for Thailand to master the skill. She learnt, taught and explored in Phuket, Koh Tao Island, Gili Islands and of course, Havelock Island. "The first time I dived, I loved it bits. I was so hooked to diving that I spent every day doing it at the Andamans. By the end of the holidays I was sure diving was my true calling", recalls Poonam. Oceanographer Jacques Yves Cousteau has said that, ‘The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder'. This maxim came true for Poonam. Her first undersea experience was magical and liberating. She was virtually mesmerized by the vibrant undersea marine life and has remained under its spell since! She saw whales, sharks, manta rays, turtles, and dolphins as authentic deep- diving gypsies, who explored the seven seas with uninhibited enthusiasm. She noticed that, like gypsies they lived life, on their own terms. And that’s how the idea of Gypsy Divers germinated.
Poonam is ably supported by over 10 PADI certified Dive Masters and Instructors who are as passionate as her and together they form Team Gypsy. She is one of the pioneers in Havelock, in mentoring boys and girls from the Karen Tribe and helping them secure a PADI certification. This initiative has helped them find employment too. Most of the people in Team Gypsy are locals and having spent all of their lives on the island, are privy to the best dive sites in Havelock and rest of Andaman Island. The entire team is committed to maintaining the highest standards in safety.
We, at Gypsy Divers, believe that open or interactive communication (both verbal and non-verbal), fosters a trusting environment. It facilitates the mastering of skills and is also a key factor in underwater communication. Students are introduced to their chosen course through books and videos. They are encouraged to learn, at their own pace. Patience and personal attention comes in handy while dealing with students, who may need a longer time to master the basic skills.
From basic to advanced, Gypsy Divers offers you a host of Dive Courses. We invite you, to learn, experiment, travel, explore and enjoy, with assured safety.