Snorkelling in Andaman
Andaman Islands are one of the most mind-blowing areas for a family vacation or a honeymoon trip. The island is a full package of pristine sea shores, vacation destinations, exhilarating water exercises, and amazing wildlife. Among the top water activities, snorkeling 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. Snorkeling in Andaman leaves everyone mesmerized after witnessing the mystical world and afterward you desire for more. Accordingly, swimmers come time and again to perform this activity. If you have been looking for some spots for the best snorkeling in the Andaman Islands then you have landed at the right place.
There are no foreign lands. It is the traveller only who is foreign. – ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
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 snorkeling
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 Snorkeling in Andaman
We have spotted some of the best places where you can head to for snorkeling in Andaman. Go through them and choose your destination for snorkeling.
Snorkeling in Havelock Island
Havelock Island is the most renowned beaches in Andaman and furthermore known for water exercises like snorkeling in Andaman. Elephant beach is one of the most pristine beaches on Havelock Island and an amazing spot for snorkeling. You will find an abundance of elephants here, hence the name of the beach. People cross seas to come here is to do snorkeling. The white sand beach dissolving in the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea is the best thing to witness. What would be better than this? Taking a dip in this water and explore the reefs & marine life yourself. So, if you are planning to explore Havelock Island, do not forget to keep this water sport in your to-do 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
Red Skin Island
Clear waters and clear sea shores invite each tourist to Red Skin Island for some Andaman snorkeling. If you are looking for some solitude away from crowd then this is the beach for you. You can spend some time in tranquillity and get a chance to explore marine life. The place is just perfect for water activities like snorkeling which gives a chance to explore the colourful coral reefs. So, what are you waiting for? Swim down in the water 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
North Bay Island
Residing in Port Blair on your Andaman vacation? Then you must include North Bay Island in your itinerary. This island witnesses hundreds of tourists for snorkeling every month as the corals here are spectacular and spread over a huge area. You may also spot some clams, lobsters, and a variety of fishes when you go under the water.
Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744107
Average Cost: INR 500 per person
Best Time to Visit: December to March
South Button
South Button has proved to be a snorkel lover’s paradise and can be reached in a couple of hours from Havelock by a ferry. The journey is amazing as well as the coral reefs are mesmerizingly beautiful but to find them one has to swim deeper and farther. But the view of the reefs and fishes is worth it! You will find many packages and some start from as low as INR 4000. So, if you are staying in Havelock and want a place for snorkeling with less crowd then 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
Kalipur
Kalipur is the best place for snorkeling in Andaman nestled in the Northern side of the island. If you want to witness the colourful coral reefs in abundance and a variety of marine animals then you must go for snorkeling here in Andaman. And if you get lucky enough then you might also catch a glimpse of octopus or a sea turtle deep in the water.
Location: Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744202
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Snorkeling in Neil Island
Neil Island is a full package with some stunning views, fascinating water exercises, splashing waves, and stunning sunset views. Apart from this, you will find a few anonymous beaches here that you can explore all alone. If you are looking for the best place for snorkeling in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then Neil Island is the place you must head to.
Location: Neil Island, Andaman Island
Average Cost: It was cost you in an average between INR 700 – INR 1500 per person
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Henry Lawrence Island
Henry Lawrence Island is yet another place for snorkelling in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The place gives an opportunity to peek in the stunning marine life that is full of colourful corals, oysters, pipefish, and clams. It is located 12 kilometres away from Havelock and it boasts of its pristine nature, wildlife, and deep forests.
Location: Andaman Islands
Average Cost: It will cost you between INR 700 – INR 1500 per person.
Best Time to Visit: November to May
Snorkeling in Andaman Age Limit
People who are above the age of 10 years (approx.) can enjoy snorkeling in Andaman. You must know that adults above 18+ don’t require parents’ consent to enjoy the snorkeling activity in Andaman. But teens under 18 years need to come up for snorkeling with their parent’s consent form. However, people with heart and breathing issues are strictly prohibited from indulging into snorkeling in the Andaman Islands
Snorkeling in Andaman Price
The cost of snorkeling in Andaman per person for 15-20 minutes ranges from ₹ 500 – ₹ 1,500 (approx.). However, the price may differ depending greatly on various factors like diving spot, activity timing, and seabed depth. A couple of 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 from your tour operator so that you won’t be surprised at last-minute charges
Equipment Required for Snorkeling in Andaman Islands
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 Snorkeling Tips and 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.
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