As the old adage goes, “All good things must come to an end.” Our final school trip was both a farewell and a celebration—a memorable blend of adventure, learning, and camaraderie. After juggling mid-year exams, college applications, and IA drafts, the 12th grade finally escaped to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where we would become PADI certified scuba divers. The islands, renowned for their white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, provided the perfect backdrop for our adventure.
We caught an early flight on Monday morning and landed in Port Blair, the bustling capital. Thirteen of us gathered with our dive instructors to refresh our scuba theory—a continuation of lessons we’d been studying in school. Meanwhile, the five students not diving took the opportunity to explore Cellular Jail, a historic monument built to isolate Indian freedom fighters during British rule. That evening, we all reunited for a light and sound show at the jail, an immersive experience that brought its rich, painful history to life.
The following morning, we boarded a ferry to Havelock Island, our main destination. Upon arrival, the divers immediately headed to Barefoot Scuba, the academy where our training would take place. The non-divers, on the other hand, set off on a trek to Elephant Beach, even spotting a snake along the way—a small reminder of the island’s wild nature. For us divers, the day was dedicated to familiarizing ourselves with the equipment and stepping into the underwater world. Dipping our heads beneath the surface felt odd at first, but as we began to breathe, we quickly realized we were truly experiencing life underwater.
Over the next two days, our confidence grew as we mastered essential skills and emergency procedures. After successfully completing a 50-mark exam—a challenge we all overcame—we were ready for our first open-water dive at Turtle Beach. Leaving the confined practice pools behind, we boarded a boat and ventured into the open sea. Surrounded by coral, schools of fish, and the vast blue expanse, we felt a liberating sense of freedom. The constant stress of college applications and the DP’s relentless planning melted away, replaced by the simple joy of being present. Meanwhile, our non-diving friends enjoyed snorkeling in the same clear waters.
That afternoon, we visited Radhanagar Beach, one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The pristine, untouched shore was a surreal sight. We raced toward the waves, diving in and playfully shoving one another—a carefree moment of pure joy. Later, after befriending a DJ at a nearby bar, all 18 of us flooded the dance floor. The infectious energy quickly spread, and before long, everyone in the bar was dancing, joining our spontaneous celebration.
As the trip drew to a close, the non-divers rose at 4:30 AM for a birdwatching trail, which Aarez Zaidi described as “a surreal experience”. Meanwhile, the divers gathered for our final dive at The Aquarium—the first time our entire class dove together. At 18 meters deep, with the world above, we felt incredibly calm, simply living in the moment. Sara Moskovitz later commented, “It felt exhilarating and peaceful—I want to do it all over again.” After passing our final exam and receiving our PADI certificates, we celebrated with a nature trail and stargazing under skies far clearer than those back in Mumbai.
The next day, we returned to Port Blair and boarded our flight home, each of us carrying sunburns, tan lines, and a treasure trove of memories. Beyond the certification, the trip offered a rare moment of togetherness before facing the final, grueling months of the DP. In the end, we knew we had ended our final school trip in the best way possible.
