Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Andaman Is Perfect for First-Time Snorkelers
- Top Cities and Places for Beginner Snorkeling
- Tourist Circuits for Snorkeling
- Activities for Beginners
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Reach Andaman and Get Around
- Estimated Costs and Budget Tips
- Accommodation Near Snorkeling Hotspots
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Festivals and Events
- Safety, Packing, and Practical Tips
- Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Snorkeling in the Andaman Islands is one of India’s most beginner-friendly ocean adventures. Think gin-clear lagoons, shallow coral gardens, and gentle bays where you can float over living reefs and colorful fish within minutes of wading in. This guide blends easy-to-follow tips with on-ground specifics—best beginner spots, costs, itineraries, safety, and local culture—so your first snorkel in Andaman is equal parts magical and effortless.
Why Andaman Is Perfect for First-Time Snorkelers
- Calm, shallow reefs: Protected bays with sandy entries are common at Havelock and Neil.
- Excellent visibility: 10–30 m in dry season, ideal for spotting corals, anemones, and reef fish.
- Plenty of operators: Certified guides, rental gear, and boat options for non-swimmers.
- Alternatives for the hesitant: Glass-bottom boat rides in clear lagoons.
- Rich marine life: Clownfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, giant clams, and occasional turtles.
Top Cities and Places for Beginner Snorkeling
Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) – Elephanta Beach
Shallow sandy entry, lifeguards, and dedicated snorkel zones make Elephanta Beach a natural classroom. Boatmen anchor near coral patches so you can slip in with a guide. Ritchie’s Archipelago currents are usually mild close to shore.
- Best for: First-time snorkelers, guided sessions, non-swimmers with floatation aids.
- What you’ll see: Staghorn corals, anemonefish, sergeant majors.
- Tip: Go early morning for calmer seas and better visibility.
Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep) – Bharatpur & Laxmanpur
Bharatpur’s lagoon is famously beginner-friendly with easy shore entry and glass-bottom rides. Laxmanpur offers patch reefs and mellow afternoons.
- Best for: Short, relaxed sessions; families with kids.
- What you’ll see: Patch reefs, giant clams, damsel fish, juvenile parrotfish.
North Bay Island (near Port Blair)
One of the most accessible snorkel sites from Port Blair. Clear water, multiple vendors, and add-ons like sea walking and semi-submarine rides.
- Best for: Day-trippers staying in Port Blair.
- What you’ll see: Coral bommies, schooling fish, sometimes squid.
Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Jolly Buoy / Red Skin)
Among the clearest waters in the archipelago, with protected reefs. Jolly Buoy and Red Skin open on a rotational basis to allow reef recovery.
- Best for: Snorkelers seeking top-notch clarity in a protected marine park.
- Permit: Required; book via Forest Department at Wandoor/Port Blair.
- Seasonality: Typically Jolly Buoy (Nov–May), Red Skin (May–Oct), subject to change.
Other Gentle Spots
- Govind Nagar and Beach No. 2 (Havelock): Calm pockets for unguided floating if confident.
- Ramnagar (Diglipur): Clear shallows; better for those with basic skills due to distance from main hubs.
Tourist Circuits for Snorkeling
3-Day Starter Circuit
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, afternoon North Bay snorkel.
- Day 2: Havelock – Elephanta Beach guided snorkel; evening at Radhanagar Beach.
- Day 3: Morning shore snorkel near Govind Nagar; ferry back to Port Blair.
5-Day Classic Circuit
- Day 1: Port Blair – Cellular Jail visit; plan permits if aiming for Marine Park.
- Day 2: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin snorkel (Marine Park) or North Bay if closed.
- Day 3: Havelock – Elephanta Beach guided + optional boat session.
- Day 4: Neil – Bharatpur lagoon snorkel and glass-bottom ride.
- Day 5: Leisure snorkel; return to Port Blair.
7-Day Slow & Scenic Circuit
- Days 1–2: Port Blair + Marine Park day trip.
- Days 3–4: Havelock – mix shore and boat-assisted snorkeling.
- Days 5–6: Neil – multiple short sessions at different tide times.
- Day 7: Buffer for weather; souvenir shopping; departure.
Activities for Beginners
- Guided shore-entry snorkel: Learn finning, mask clearing, buoyancy with a guide.
- Boat-assisted snorkel: Short hop to coral patches; ideal for non-swimmers with vests.
- Glass-bottom boat: Coral viewing without getting wet; good orientation before snorkeling.
- Intro skills session: 30–45 minutes on breathing, equalization, and safety hand signals.
- Skin Diver basics (where offered): For confident swimmers wanting better technique.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak clarity and calm seas: November to April.
- Good shoulder months: October and May (hotter; hydrate well).
- Monsoon (June–September): Rough seas, limited trips, variable visibility; check daily advisories.
- Daily rhythm: Mornings are calmer; aim for the first boats out.
How to Reach Andaman and Get Around
Getting There
- By Air: Daily flights to Port Blair (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad (seasonal variations possible).
- By Sea: Long-distance passenger ships from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam run occasionally; not ideal for short snorkel-focused trips.
Island Hops & Local Transport
- Ferries: Government and private catamarans link Port Blair–Havelock–Neil. Book early in peak months.
- Local: Autos, cabs, and rented two-wheelers on Havelock/Neil. Pre-book transfers to early ferries and snorkel jetties.
- Boat jetties: Elephanta Beach and North Bay departures run on set slots; arrive 30–45 minutes early.
Estimated Costs and Budget Tips
Typical Costs (per person, INR)
- Guided shore snorkel: 1,000–2,000
- Boat-assisted snorkel: 2,000–3,500
- Glass-bottom boat (short ride): 800–1,500
- Gear rental (mask, snorkel, fins): 300–600
- Photo/GoPro add-on: 500–1,500
- Port Blair–Havelock ferry (one-way): Govt 1,200–1,600; Private 1,500–3,000 (class/season dependent)
- Marine Park permits/entry: 50–500 (varies by site and nationality)
- Meals: 250–600 per meal at local eateries; higher at resorts
- Accommodation per night: Budget 1,500–3,000; Mid-range 3,000–7,000; Premium 8,000–20,000+
Note: Prices fluctuate by season, fuel surcharges, and operator. Confirm inclusions (gear, guide, life vest, permits) when booking.
Money-Saving Tips
- Bundle activities (snorkel + glass-bottom) with the same operator for a discount.
- Choose morning group sessions rather than private trips.
- Bring your own well-fitted mask and snorkel; rent only fins locally.
- Use government ferries when schedules align; they’re cheaper but sell out early.
Accommodation Near Snorkeling Hotspots
Port Blair (convenient for North Bay & Marine Park)
- Budget: Guest houses near Aberdeen Bazaar and Junglighat.
- Mid-range: Sea-view stays in Haddo/Marine Hill.
- Premium: Boutique and resort-style properties around Chidyatapu/Wandoor.
Havelock (Swaraj Dweep)
- Budget: Simple cottages around Govind Nagar and Vijay Nagar beaches.
- Mid-range: Beachfront stays with in-house activity desks near Beach No. 2 and 5.
- Premium: Upscale resorts close to Radhanagar and Beach No. 5.
Neil (Shaheed Dweep)
- Budget: Homestays near Bharatpur Jetty.
- Mid-range: Beachside bungalows around Laxmanpur and Sitapur.
- Premium: Limited; book early in peak months.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food
- Seafood staples: Grilled fish, prawn curry, crab masala; plenty of vegetarian options too.
- Flavors: Bengali, South Indian, and coastal influences; coconut, mustard, and lime feature often.
- Hydration: Fresh tender coconut and seasonal fruits between snorkel sessions.
Shopping
- Port Blair’s Aberdeen Bazaar: Spices, local art, island-made handicrafts.
- Responsible souvenirs: Avoid shells, coral, turtle products (illegal and harmful to reefs).
Culture & Responsible Travel
- Protected indigenous reserves are strictly off-limits. Respect all signage and regulations.
- Reef etiquette: Don’t touch or stand on corals; keep fins high; no feeding fish.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen or wear UPF swimwear to reduce chemical runoff.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (usually Jan): Cultural shows, food stalls, and beach events in Port Blair.
- Beach festivals and seasonal fairs: Vary by year; check local listings on arrival.
Safety, Packing, and Practical Tips
Safety Checklist for Beginners
- Always snorkel with a guide or buddy; agree on hand signals.
- Use a snorkel vest or life jacket if unsure of swimming ability.
- Check tides and weather; mornings are best for calmer water.
- Beware of currents near channels; stay within marked areas.
- Avoid touching marine life; some corals and fish can sting.
Packing List
- Well-fitted mask and snorkel; anti-fog solution or baby shampoo.
- Fins (optional to bring; widely rentable), snorkel vest or rash guard (UPF).
- Reef-safe sunscreen, sun hat, microfiber towel, dry bag, spare contacts or prescription mask.
- Water shoes for rocky entries; motion-sickness tabs for boat rides.
Permits and Regulations
- Carry a government ID. Marine park permits may be required (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin).
- Drones and spearfishing are prohibited in many zones; confirm local rules.
- Waste: Pack out everything; single-use plastics are discouraged.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families with Kids
- Pick lagoon sites (Bharatpur, Elephanta Beach) and short 20–30 min sessions.
- Use full-face masks only if certified-safe and well-fitted; standard masks are easier to clear and safer.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Opt for private early-morning boat sessions for calmer seas and fewer crowds.
- Choose beachfront stays with in-house activity desks for seamless planning.
Friends/Groups
- Group rates are common—bundle snorkel, glass-bottom, and transfers.
- Rotate a shared action camera; agree on turn times to keep footage fair.
FAQs
Q: I can’t swim. Can I still snorkel in Andaman?
A: Yes. Choose guided, boat-assisted sessions at Elephanta Beach or Bharatpur. You’ll use a life jacket or snorkel vest and hold a float line with a guide.
Q: What month has the best visibility?
A: November to April generally offers the clearest water and calm seas, with mornings usually best for beginner sessions.
Q: Should I bring my own gear?
A: Bringing your own well-fitted mask/snorkel improves comfort and hygiene. Fins are easy to rent locally if you want to travel lighter.
Q: Are Jolly Buoy and Red Skin always open?
A: They open on a rotation to protect reefs and are weather-dependent. Check locally in Port Blair and secure permits a day in advance when needed.
Q: What about jellyfish or stings?
A: Stings are uncommon but possible. Wear a rash guard/leggings, avoid touching marine life, and follow your guide’s instructions. Vinegar packs are often carried by operators.
Conclusion
For first-time snorkelers, the Andaman Islands combine calm lagoons, living coral gardens, and reliable local guidance into an easy, unforgettable introduction to the underwater world. Base yourself around Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil, time your sessions for mornings between November and April, and start with gentle, guided snorkels. Respect the reef, keep sessions short, and you’ll discover why Andaman is India’s most approachable gateway to the sea.
