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18-Oct |
21-Oct |
Closed |
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22-Oct |
31-Oct |
Operational |
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01-Nov |
04-Nov |
Closed |
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05-Nov |
14-Nov |
Operational |
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15-Nov |
18-Nov |
Closed |
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19-Nov |
28-Nov |
Operational |
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29-Nov |
02-Dec |
Closed |
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03-Dec |
12-Dec |
Operational |
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13-Dec |
16-Dec |
Closed |
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17-Dec |
26-Dec |
Operational |
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27-Dec |
30-Dec |
Closed |
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31-Dec |
09-Jan |
Operational |
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10-Jan |
13-Jan |
Closed |
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14-Jan |
23-Jan |
Operational |
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24-Jan |
27-Jan |
Closed |
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28-Jan |
06-Feb |
Operational |
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07-Feb |
10-Feb |
Closed |
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11-Feb |
20-Feb |
Operational |
Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.
The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?
On arrival at Port Blair :
1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).
2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.
3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.
What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?
If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.
If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:
a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.
Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.
Welcome to a paradise where the sea sparkles with a thousand shades of blue, where exotic marine life unfolds like a magical underwater theatre, where the symphony of the waves sets the rhythm of your day. Welcome to the Andaman Islands! But the true charm of these islands remains under the shimmering surface. Diving into the waters surrounding the Andamans is like being invited to an exclusive showing of nature's grandeur.
Whether it's the rainbow of colours presented by the coral reefs, the mesmerising ballet of Manta Rays, or the thrilling encounters with sharks, diving in the Andamans is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your adventurer's heart.
Picture this: a shoal of vibrant fish darting past you, a large Manta Ray gliding over a colourful coral landscape, and a sea turtle leisurely making its way through the emerald expanse. The Andamans is a diver's dream, teeming with an array of aquatic life. Here’s a preview of the underwater spectacle you can expect.
The Andaman Sea is home to over 2000 species of fish, making every dive an exciting guessing game of what you'll spot next. Be ready to encounter clownfish playing hide and seek in anemones, angelfish cruising along the reef, rainbow-hued parrotfish, and schools of fusiliers.
The first thing that strikes you as you descend into the azure depths of the Andaman Sea is the sheer explosion of colours. From the bold stripes of the Sergeant Major to the iridescent blues and yellows of the Blue-striped Snapper, the Andamans offer a spectacular visual treat to divers.
Game Fish: Not all fish in the Andamans are small and colourful. Some species, known as game fish, are much larger and serve as apex predators in the marine ecosystem. The Titan Triggerfish, a fascinating species known for its quirky behaviour, is one such resident. Often spotted by divers, these fish have a unique colour scheme that ranges from dark green to black, with bright yellow markings. Another member of the larger fish community is the majestic Lionfish. Adorned with long, venomous spines, these predatory fish are a spectacle to behold.
Rare Encounters: Then there are those encounters that divers dream about - spotting the elusive and often endangered species that make sporadic appearances. The Napoleon Wrasse, a species that has been classified as endangered due to overfishing, is one such example. This large and colourful fish is a sight to behold and an encounter cherished by divers.
Similarly, snappers, with their bright yellow bodies and swift movements, add a dash of colour and excitement to any dive. They are often found in large schools around coral reefs and rocky outcrops, providing an unforgettable underwater spectacle..jpg "Scuba-Dive_(3).jpg")
Vivid Coral Reefs:The Andamans house one of the most diverse coral ecosystems in the world, making it a vivid underwater canvas. The ocean floor appears to be painted with a blend of vibrant hues and soft tones, creating an enchanting underwater dreamscape.
Hard Corals: Hard corals, often referred to as the architects of the reef, are responsible for creating this stunning underwater landscape. With their limestone skeletons, these corals form the foundation of the reef, providing shelter and food for numerous marine species. Brain coral, named for its grooved and furrowed surface, resembles the human brain. Their unique shape and structure offer refuge to many small marine creatures, making them a hub of activity.
Staghorn corals, another prominent species, exhibit a branching design akin to the antlers of a stag. Their fast growth rate plays a vital role in reef recovery after disturbances. Table corals, known for their horizontal, tabletop structures, provide shady understructures for a multitude of marine organisms
Soft Corals: While hard corals might lay the foundations, it's the soft corals that add a sense of depth and fluidity to the reef. Soft corals, unlike their hard counterparts, do not have rigid exoskeletons and sway gently with the currents, creating a spectacle akin to an underwater ballet.
Soft corals come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colours, adding vibrancy to the underwater canvas. Sea fans, a species of soft coral, stand out with their fan-like structure and intricate patterns. Their mesmerising forms waving in the currents add a sense of tranquillity to the underwater experience.
Then there are species like the bubble coral, whose large, bubble-like polyps provide an interesting contrast to the otherwise sharp reef landscape. Their unique appearance also makes them a favourite subject for underwater photographers..jpg "Scuba-Dive_(2).jpg")
For many divers, spotting a Manta Ray is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Their grace, combined with their impressive size, makes them one of the most sought-after marine species among divers. In the Andamans, you stand a good chance of encountering these gentle giants, especially around cleaning stations.
Your heart might skip a beat at the mention of sharks, but seeing them in their natural habitat can be an exhilarating experience. Species like the Blacktip, Whitetip and Leopard Sharks are common sights in the Andaman Sea. Watching them cut through the water with such finesse and power is a sight to behold.
The Andamans, with its rich maritime history, offers some enticing opportunities for wreck diving. These sunken vessels, reclaimed by the sea and now serving as homes to diverse marine life, provide a unique combination of history, adventure, and biodiversity.
The Lighthouse Wreck: One of the most popular wreck dive sites in the Andamans is located at the doorstep of Havelock Island, often referred to as the 'Lighthouse Wreck.' This site is named after a ship that sank near a lighthouse many years ago.
At approximately 18 metres depth, divers can explore the remains of the vessel now encrusted with corals and sponges.
MV Mars, The Sunken Cargo Ship: Another fascinating wreck in the Andamans is the MV Mars, a cargo ship that sank near Port Blair during a cyclone in the early 2000s. Resting at a depth of around 30 meters, the ship has been split into two halves due to the force of the cyclone.
Today, it's an underwater playground for advanced divers. The MV Mars houses a thriving community of marine life, including Lionfish, Groupers, and Batfish. One might also spot schools of Jackfish swirling around the wreck, providing a spectacular sight.
Inchkeith Wreck: The Inchkeith Wreck, also known as the Inchketh Island Shipwreck, is among the most iconic wreck dive sites in the Andaman Sea. This British tanker sank near Port Blair during World War II, and today it rests at a depth of around 25 meters. The ship's structure, now encrusted with corals, serves as an artificial reef, hosting an abundance of marine life.
From brightly coloured reef fish darting in and out of the ship's crevices to larger marine creatures like Groupers and Lionfish making the wreck their home, there's a lot to discover. Inchkeith is also a haven for macro photographers, as the wreck site is a breeding ground for numerous small critters, including nudibranchs and shrimps..jpg "Scuba-Dive_(1).jpg")
The Andamans offers some excellent diving spots, each with its unique characteristics and inhabitants. Here are a few you should definitely put on your list:
Havelock Island
The most popular among the Andaman Islands for scuba diving is Havelock Island. The island's pristine beaches and clear waters make it the perfect base for diving operations. One of the top sites here is 'The Wall', a diving point where the sea floor suddenly drops, creating a wall teeming with a myriad of marine life and corals.
'Johnny's Gorge' is another must-visit site in Havelock. The site is famous for its diverse fish life, including Giant Groupers, Snappers, and Eagle Rays. If you're lucky, you might even spot a Shark!
Neil Island
Neil Island, with its relaxed vibe and lesser crowds, offers an equally impressive, albeit different, diving experience. 'Junction' is a top site in this area, offering a unique opportunity to witness the meeting point of two different reef systems. This results in a rich and varied display of marine life and coral species.
'Margherita's Mischief' is another popular site at Neil Island. This shallow sandy slope is perfect for beginners and is home to various marine critters and colourful reef fish.
North Bay Island
North Bay Island, located near Port Blair, is a fantastic spot for both beginner and experienced divers. It is home to the Aquarium, a shallow reef, which is perfect for beginners and snorkelers. The hard and soft corals here attract an array of marine life, offering a vibrant display of underwater biodiversity.
Barren Island
Famous for being South Asia's only active volcano, Barren Island also holds secrets beneath its surrounding waters. A dive here will introduce you to some unique volcanic formations, along with a chance to spot reef sharks, manta rays, and an occasional Humpback Whale. However, the visibility is not very clear in Barren Island and the terrain is a bit complex. That is why, you’ll have to be an experienced scuba diver with advanced level certification in diving to be able to scuba dive in Barren Island.
