News Latest Information on Travelling to Andaman Islands?
  • Runway Status for Port Blair Airport From October,22 to February, 23

    Updated: 19 Sep 2022
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  • RT PCR report on arrival

    Updated: 14 Aug 2021
  • Andaman Tourism Opens

    Updated: 14 Aug 2021

    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.

  • What is the advisory to travel to North & Middle Andaman District?

    Updated: 14 Aug 2021

    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

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  • All asymptomatic fully vaccinated persons coming to these islands from mainland are exempted from the requirement of carrying RT-PCR negative test report,irrespective of the type of vaccine received and country of origin. Such fullyvaccinated individuals shall produce the final vaccination certificate at the origin airport, sea port in the mainland and at Port Blair Airport / sea port.
  • Alt asymptomatic children below 5 years of age are exempted from carrying RT-PCR negative test report and further RT-PCR testing at Port Blair Airport.
  • 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 to travel to Port Blair from the mainland, as is the practice now. Such an RT-PCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to commencement of journey from the origin airport connecting Port Blair. Such passengers will also have to undergo additional RT-PCR test on arrival at Port Blair. Such passengers shall remain in self-quarantine till the arrival of the test report.
  • If a passenger on arrival is tested positive then, the prescribed quarantine protocol is to be followed.
  • All Airlines shall ensure strict compliance of this order and observance of COVID Appropriate Behaviour. Any non-compliance shall invite action under Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws. 
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General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :

  1. The Tourism Activities are permitted only in South Andaman & North & Middle Andaman District except Nicobar District.
  2. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with home co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years advised not to travel for tourism purposes.
  3. Tourists/Visitors who are at higher risk due to some medical history are advised to take extra precautions.
  4. Tourists/visitors shall minimize contact with other staff and visitors as far as possible and zero contact policy should be followed at all tourist destinations.
  5. All tourists/visitors shall be briefed by the hotel concerned about do’s & don’ts to be mandatorily followed during their stay and movements.
  6. While travelling tourists/visitors should wear a face mask and carry their own sanitizer and wet wipes for personal use.
  7. At all tourist destinations, staff must wear face masks and wash/sanitize hands regularly while performing their duties.
  8. Arogya Setu App shall be mandatory for all incoming tourists/visitors.
  9. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly after use.
  10. 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 rate as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid 19 care centre on case to case basis.
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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.

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  • Regular flights to Port Blair (the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands) are operational now.
  • There are direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Delhi.
  • Public transports like cabs, taxis, and bus services are also functional.
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Travellers should carefully follow social distancing norms and wear masks as well. Also, before making any booking, they should refer to the latest travel news on the government website of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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Location Wise
Number of days
Budget per person
Package Type

Banana Boat Ride in Andaman Islands

Banana Boat Ride
Banana Boat Ride
One of the most exciting water sports in Andamans that catches one’s attention is the Banana Boat, where a banana-shaped boat in high speed takes one to a distant place and then it is flipped! This is absolutely a fun ride to take with your family and your loved ones. Visitors are given a proper brief before boarding the banana ride. Working similarly like a speedboat, the boats have a banana-like shape and are tied to a speed boat for acceleration.

It lets you cruise through the waves and enjoy the speed of the water. Accompanying the central seating line are two flanks on each side to support the thighs. This unpowered tube is propelled by being attached to a jet ski or motorboat. Necessary precautions are undertaken for a safe ride by the travellers. You can expect a thrilling, adventurous, and memorable ride through the waves of the sea. The banana tube is securely tied with a boat to express the sudden splash and jump.

Tips
1. The price range of banana rides is within the range of 1000 to 2000 rupees per person.
2. Approximately 4 to 10 people can enjoy it on a single banana tube. While on a banana ride, people get drenched in water and can feel the intensity of the turquoise water.
3. The ride can have a time limit of 10 to 34 minutes.
4. A life jacket is compulsory for all the riders.

Overview
Rated among the popular water sports activities of the Andaman, the banana ride is best for the non-swimmers. Gone are the days when you need to speculate places for adventurous activities. Now you can straightaway head towards Andaman and Nicobar Islands for a blissful respite.

Where in Andamans
North Bay Island
North Bay Island is a fascinating place to explore the banana boat ride. Popularly known as a haven for water sport activities, North Bay Island is an apt place for the sports enthusiast. The speed of the waves on this island is neutral for visitors to enjoy the banana ride. You can reach North Bay Island on a boat boarded from the water sports complex. The banana ride in North Bay Island takes place under a 500-meter range.

Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex ( Port Blair)
Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is the best place to enjoy a banana ride in Port Blair. The waves are a bit slow here and are appropriate for a banana ride. The clear waves allow visitors to gain momentum and enjoy the ride. It is a unique experience to feel the rush and thrill on the shorelines. You can click captivating pictures on this mesmerizing island.

Havelock Island
Elephant Beach in Havelock Island is a perfect site for water sports activity. This place is full of high waves and sudden jumps. The high waves make the whole experience memorable for the riders. The Elephant Beach can be reached by boat from the Getty complex.

Andaman Islands FAQs

  • Q1.   Can I take a banana boat ride with my family?

    A banana boat ride is an amazing water adventure activity that can be enjoyed with your friends and family. As many as six people can be accommodated on the boat at a time. The fun can be shared when you all go for this water sport together.

  • Q2.   Is a banana boat a special kind of boat?

    An inflatable boat, a banana boat comprises holders and inflated foot padding on the sides. Proper balance is required to sit on it during the activity.

  • Q3.   How is the overall experience of the banana boat ride in the Andaman Islands?

    The banana boat is connected to a speedboat with a rope carefully. You can ride on the waves when it is dragged along the water after gaining high momentum. You will experience water splashing and sudden jumps in the air when waves are created by the speedboat. Thus, you have to hang on tightly to the boat. Whenever the speedboat takes sharp turns, you will feel the jerk. This will flip the ride sideways and upside down. At that time, you have the option of either holding the banana boat tightly or diving into the ocean for extra adventure and thrill. This is an ideal activity to be enjoyed with your travel companions.

  • Q4.   Where is the banana boat ride available in the Andamans?

    The best places for the banana boat rides in the Andaman Islands are mentioned below:

    • North Bay Island, Near Port Blair
    • Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex, Port Blair
    • Elephant Beach, Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep)
  • Q5.   Is North Bay Island a good destination for banana boat riding?

    If you are in Port Blair, then North Bay Island is an ideal destination for trying different water sports. A banana boat ride is one of them. The island has the perfect push of water from the speed boat and the average size of the waves. During the ride, you can have a look at the nearby open sea in North Bay within 500 meters range. To reach North Bay Island, just board a boat from the jetty near the complex. This is no other way to reach the island.

  • Q6.   Is a banana boat ride in the Andamans costly?

    The charges for a banana boat ride in the Andaman Islands are affordable. They start from Rs. 1,000.

  • Q7.   Is there any other place in Port Blair where I can enjoy a banana boat ride?

    Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is the second-best place to go for an incredible banana boat ride. Located in Port Blair, the capital city of the Andamans, the splashes are less as the waves are a little slow here. The experience here is fun-filled and extremely adventurous. The complex is located nearby the Cellular Jail, which is the most popular tourist attraction in Port Blair. After you have visited the Cellular Jail, you can go for the ride at the water sports complex. Thus, you can spend your time and efforts if you pick Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex for a banana boat ride experience.

  • Q8.   Where I can take the banana boat ride in Havelock Island?

    Elephant Beach in Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) is one of the best locations for a banana boat ride across the island. Havelock Island is the hub of incredible water sports and banana boat ride is one of them. The water at the beach is clear and the waves are big that give sudden jumps. The experience is unforgettable for sure for everyone. There will be a lot of jumps and turns along with sudden dives into the sea during the ride.

  • Q9.   Will I be getting any special training before going for the banana boat ride in the Andaman Islands?

    Before you for the banana boat ride, you will be getting a brief orientation by an instructor about the dos and don’ts at the shore. Everyone will be given life jackets as well along with the training. After that, just hop on the banana boat, which is connected to a speedboat with a strong rope. When the speedboat drags the banana boat to the deeper ocean and it starts taking sharp turns, the ride becomes even more enthralling.

  • Q10.   What is the duration of the banana boat ride?

    A banana boat ride is usually for twenty minutes. The briefing time takes nearly ten minutes. So the total time is half an hour for the whole activity.

  • Q11.   Is there any timing for the banana boat ride in the Andamans?

    The timings for the ride at North Bay Island, Water Sports Complex, and Elephant Beach are from 9 AM to 5 PM. The time is the same at all places.

  • Q12.   Do I need to be a swimmer for trying my hand at the banana boat ride?

    For a banana boat ride in the Andaman Islands, you need not be a swimmer. Non-swimmers can do it without any problem. Before going for it, you are given brief training by an experienced instructor in which you are given basic instructions. You need to listen and follow them carefully.

  • Q13.   What is the best time for a banana boat ride in the Andaman Islands?

    The Andaman Islands is a year-round destination. However, the best time to try banana boat ride is during the winter season, which is from November to May. The temperature during this time varies between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. It is perfect for sightseeing and indulging in exciting water sports.

  • Q14.   Is there any age restriction for the banana boat ride in the Andamans?

    Anyone between the age of fifteen and sixty can go for a banana boat ride without any problem. The most important thing is that you should feel absolutely comfortable in the water.

  • Q15.   Who cannot go for a banana boat ride on the island?

    There are a few categories of people who are not allowed to go for the banana boat ride in the Andamans. These are mentioned below:

    • People with breathing difficulties
    • Pregnant women
    • People with heart conditions
  • Q16.   In the Andaman Islands, where can I try my hand at banana boat ride?

    A banana boat ride is an exceptionally popular water sport in the Andamans. A fun-filled thing to do with your travel companions, this ride is a perfect combo of speed and thrill. The best locations for banana boat rides in the Andaman Islands are mentioned below:

    • Havelock Island
    • North Bay Island
    • Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (Port Blair)
  • Q17.   Do I need to know swimming if I want to go for a banana boat ride in the Andamans?

    No, you are not required to know swimming for this adventurous ride. You will be given life jackets as well. So there is absolutely no question of drowning or any other risk.

  • Q18.   For how long is the banana boat ride in the Andaman Islands?

    The ride is of 30 minutes and costs around Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000. On a single banana tube, four to ten people can together enjoy the ride.

  • Q19.   Is it safe to go for banana boat ride in the Andamans?

    The banana boat ride is an extremely safe and fun-filled water adventure activity in the Andaman Islands. Everyone is also given a briefing by the experts before you go for it so that everyone can enjoy the activity.

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