Snorkelling – Gonautika

Snorkelling In Andaman

Snorkeling In Andaman

The Andaman Islands are one of the most mind-blowing areas for a family vacation or a honeymoon trip. The island is full of pristine sea shores, vacation destinations, exhilarating water exercises, and amazing wildlife. Among the top water activities, snorkelling is a sporting activity that nearly everyone opts for on their Andaman trip. The best part about this activity is that you get to witness the beauty of underwater life and admire colourful& textured coral reefs.

Snorkelling in Andaman leaves everyone mesmerized after witnessing the mystical world and even afterwards should you desire more. Accordingly, swimmers come time and again to perform this activity. If you have been looking for some spots for the best snorkelling in the Andaman Islands then you have landed at the right place.

Best Time For

Snorkeling In

Andaman

The ideal months for snorkeling in Andaman are summer (April to May), spring (February to March), winter (October to February). Additionally, consider this duration as the best time for Andaman tourism because the weather is clear. This is the best time for snorkeling at different islands and beaches in Andaman because the underwater world boasts excellent visibility. However, everything depends on which location you are choosing for snorkelling.

What Is Snorkelling?

Snorkelling is an activity, which doesn’t need you to have swimming skills. And even better, it is the best way to explore marine life if you are under a budget. It is the best thing to try for diving enthusiasts. Snorkelling is swimming with fins, a mask, and a tube called a snorkel that allows you to breathe even when you are underwater. Snorkelling allows you to breathe while you are on the surface with your face down. In case the water is cold, then you may require a wetsuit.

Best Time For

Snorkeling In

Andaman

What Is Snorkeling?

Snorkeling is an activity, which doesn’t need you to have swimming skills. And even better, it is the best way to explore marine life if you are under a budget. It is the best thing to try for diving enthusiasts. Snorkeling is swimming with fins, a mask, and a tube called a snorkel that allows you to breathe even when you are underwater. Snorkeling allows you to breathe while you are on the surface with your face down. In case the water is cold, then you may require a wetsuit.

Best Places For Snorkelling In Andaman

We have spotted some of the best places where you can head to for snorkelling in Andaman. Go through them and choose your
destination for snorkeling.

Havelock Island is the most renowned beach in Andaman and is furthermore known for water exercises like snorkelling in Andaman. Elephant beach is one of the most pristine beaches and the perfect spot for snorkelling here. The name of the island comes from an abundance of elephants. The white sandy beach dissolving in the crystal-clear water of the Andaman Sea is the best thing you will witness. What would be better than this? Enjoy a dip in the water here and explore the reefs & marine life yourself. If you are planning to explore Havelock Island, do not forget to add this water sport to your bucket list.

Location: Located in SH4, Havelock Island, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211

Average Cost: INR 400 per person

Best Time to Visit: October to May

Snorkelling Page

Clear waters and sea shore invites you to Red Skin Island in Andaman. Looking for solitude away from the madding crowd ?This is the beach for you. You can spend precious time in tranquillity and get a chance to explore marine life. Red Skin Island isperfect for water activities like snorkelling, where you can explore colourful coral reefs. So, what are you waiting for? Swim down to make new memories.

Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Port Blair, South Andaman Island 744105, India

Average Cost: INR 550 per person

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Snorkelling Page

Residing in Port Blair on your Andaman vacation? Then you must include North Bay Island in your itinerary. This island witnesses hundreds of tourists snorkeling every month as the corals here are spectacular and spread over a large area. You may also spot clams, lobsters, and a variety of fishes when you go underwater.

Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744107

Average Cost: INR 500 per person

Best Time to Visit: December to March

South Button is a paradise for snorkelling enthusiasts and can be reached in a couple of hours from Havelock by ferry. Coral reefs are mesmerizingly beautiful here. But you have to swim deeper and farther to find them. The view of the reefs and fishes is worth the journey! You will find many packages starting as low as INR 4000. So, if you are staying in Havelock and want a place for snorkelling with less crowd, head out to South Button in Andaman.

Location: Andaman, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Average Cost: INR 600 per person.

Best Time to Visit: December to April.

Snorkelling Page

Kalipur is the best place for snorkelling in Andaman. This is nestled in the Northern part of the island. If you want to witness the colourful coral reefs in abundance and the variety of marine animals, you must go snorkelling here in Andaman. And if you get lucky enough, you might also catch glimpses of an octopus or a sea turtle deep in the water.

Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744202

Average Cost: INR 700 per person

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Snorkelling Page

Neil Island is a complete package with stunning views, fascinating water exercises, splashing waves, and stunning sunset views. Apart from this, you will find a few anonymous beaches to explore all by yourself. If you are looking for the best place for snorkelling in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then Neil Island is the place you must head to.

Location: Neil Island, Andaman Islands

Average Cost: Between INR 700 – INR 1500 per person.

Best Time to Visit: October to February.

Snorkelling Page

Henry Lawrence Island is another popular place for snorkeling in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Get set to peek at the stunning marine life filled with colourful corals, oysters, pipefish, and clams. It is located 12 kilometres away from Havelock and boasts of its pristine nature, wildlife, and deep forests.

Location: Andaman Islands

Average Cost: Between INR 700 – INR 1500 per person.

Best Time to Visit: November to May.

Snorkelling In Andaman

Snorkelling Age Limit

Anyone above the age of 10 years (approx.) can enjoy snorkeling in Andaman. Teenagers under 18 years need to come up for snorkeling with their parent's consent forms. Adults above can enjoy the snorkeling activity in Andaman without parental consent. However, people with heart and breathing issues are strictly prohibited from indulging in snorkeling at Andaman.

Snorkelling Price

The cost of snorkeling in Andaman per person for 15-20 minutes ranges from ₹ 500 – ₹ 1,500 (approx.). However, prices may differ according to factors like diving spots, activity timing, and seabed depth. Spots for snorkeling in Andaman are only accessible via boat from Port Blair and Havelock Island. Hence, a few snorkeling packages in Andaman include roundup boat trips and snorkeling activity charges. Check the price with your tour operator so that there are no surprise last-minute charges.

Equipment Required

Snorkel Mask – To protect your eyes and nose from seawater, Dry Snorkel – It helps you do breathe underwater comfortably without any stress, Snorkeling Fins – With this, you can propel yourself with water at more speed, Life Vest – Mandatory for all but who engulfs in a snorkeling excursion, Waterproof Camera – Optional and at additional cost (exclusive of the package).

General Snorkelling Tips
& Advice For
Andaman Islands

Apply SPF-enriched sunscreen 15 minutes before snorkelling.
Choose fins that are neither too tight nor too loose.
Follow the underwater technique and don’t touch the corals.
Children above 10 years must not indulge in snorkelling deep into the sea.
At the same time, adults are also suggested to snorkel with the instructor.
Go for snorkelling from the beach, not from the boat.
Choose to snorkel around the safe area and hear your instructor’s instructions carefully.
Don’t indulge in snorkelling in Andaman during monsoon, no matter how lucrative the offers are.

General Snorkeling Tips
& Advice For
Andaman Islands

Apply SPF enriched sunscreen before 15 minutes from snorkeling
Choose fins that are neither too tight nor too loose
Follow the underwater technique and don’t touch the corals
Children above 10 years must not indulge in snorkeling deep into the sea
At the same time, adults are also suggested to snorkel with the instructor
Go for snorkeling from the beach, not from the boat
Choose to snorkel around the safe area and hear your instructor instructions carefully
Don’t indulge in snorkeling in Andaman during monsoon, no matter how lucrative the offers are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is snorkeling allowed in Andaman?

Yes of course. But snorkeling in Andaman is allowed, provided you are under the supervision of an instructor. Also, snorkeling is safe for non-swimmers as well.

How much does snorkelling cost in Andaman?

The average cost starts from Rs. 500/- and can go anywhere from 700/- to 1500/- in several spots that require additional permits and boats.

Which is better snorkelling or Scuba Diving?

Snorkeling allows you to enjoy the water from the surface at a much lower cost and equipment. Scuba diving provides a closer underwater experience but with increased equipment, costs and needed safety certifications.

Does snorkelling happen in deep water?

With snorkel masks, you can plunge up to six feet underwater without any issues. Nonetheless, your snorkel mask can get filled with CO2, making breathing difficult. Ideally, you shouldn’t be going beyond six feet or even staying in the water for more than 25-30 minutes.

Is swimming required for snorkelling?

You don’t need to know swimming to snorkel. If you can float, you’re good to go. In fact, snorkeling works best while floating calmly in the water because they minimise your movements.

Can I wear contact lenses while snorkelling?

Yes, you can, but it should be worn while using a diving mask. There is always a risk of losing your contact lenses. If lost, open your eyes to recover and refit your lenses.

Can you wear goggles under the snorkel mask?

Wearing them underneath a snorkeling mask may push the lenses closer or further away than intended resulting in even worse vision than if you just skipped the glasses altogether.

Is snorkeling scary?

The best thing about snorkeling is that it’s one of the safest ways to see marine life up close. It is necessary to take precautions, but as long as you learn the techniques, practice before you go, and follow some simple guidelines, you can ace it.

How do you breathe while snorkelling?

Breathing with a traditional snorkel mask comprising a snorkel tube in your mouth above the water helps you enjoy marine life. With a full-face snorkel mask covering your entire face, you can breathe through both your nose and mouth.

What do you wear when snorkelling?

Snorkel vests are the best flotation devices for snorkelling because they keep you afloat while allowing you to swim with your face submerged. Wearing a snorkel vest can make your snorkeling experience safer, more relaxing, and more comfortable.

What to know before snorkelling?

Find the perfect fit for your mask.
Defog your mask with baby shampoo or defogging gel.
Get excess water out of your mask when needed.
Preserve energy with full-foot fins.
Take deep and focused breaths to help yourself relax.

Why do people wear belts when snorkelling?

The only reason to use a snorkeling weight belt is if you like to free dive down to get closer to things, for pictures and to see under ledges. The weights help you dive deep with lesser physical effort so as not to run out of breath easily.

Is it easy to float while snorkelling?

The human body is able to float naturally in water. Since water has more density than human bodies, almost everyone can float without help.