Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit for Underwater Photography
- Top Things To Do (Underwater & Beyond)
- How to Reach Little Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Tips for Underwater Photography in Little Andaman
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Remote, raw, and remarkably blue—Little Andaman is where underwater photographers trade crowds for coral gardens, seagrass meadows, and quiet lagoons. Based around Hut Bay and the long arc of Butler Bay Beach, the island’s clear-water windows (in season) reveal turtles, schooling reef fish, flourishing hard corals, and the occasional dugong grazing in the shallows. Facilities are basic, but the rewards are big for divers and snorkelers who enjoy frontier-style exploration.
History & Importance
Part of India’s Andaman archipelago, Little Andaman has long been home to the Onge—one of the archipelago’s Indigenous communities. Much of the island remains protected, and photography of or contact with tribal communities is strictly prohibited.
Ecologically, the island includes fringing reefs, patch reefs, and wide seagrass beds that support turtles and, at times, dugongs. Reefs here were affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami; many sites have shown encouraging natural recovery, making the island an interesting case study in reef resilience. Its remoteness means lighter tourism pressure, but also fewer services—good for pristine scenes, demanding for logistics.
Best Time to Visit for Underwater Photography
- October to April (peak): Calmer seas, lower rainfall, and typically clearer water. Expect visibility from 10–30 m depending on winds and recent swell.
- May to September (monsoon-dominant): Rough seas, frequent rain, and poor visibility. Boat trips may be cancelled.
- Daily rhythm: Early mornings often offer the flattest water and clearer viz; late afternoons bring warm ambient light for shallow snorkeling imagery.
- Night dives/snorkels: Possible only with a licensed operator and local permissions; conditions and rules vary.
Top Things To Do (Underwater & Beyond)
Underwater Photography Highlights
- Shallow reef snorkels (Butler Bay, Netaji Nagar): Hard corals, anemonefish, butterflyfish, and intriguing reefscapes ideal for natural-light wide-angle and over/under shots.
- Outer reef drop-offs (by boat): When accessible, look for schooling jacks, bumphead parrotfish, and dramatic coral bommies. Currents can be strong—advanced skills and a capable guide are essential.
- Seagrass meadows: Habitat for turtles and, occasionally, dugongs. Maintain a respectful distance (at least 10 m from dugongs) and avoid blocking their path.
- Jetty/rocky patches: Macro opportunities—blennies, gobies, shrimps, and nudibranchs. Perfect for compact cameras with a macro wet lens.
Above-Water Add-ons
- Butler Bay Beach: Long, palm-backed sands with sunsets and tide pools for reflective compositions.
- Waterfalls (White Surf, Whisper Wave): Short jungle walks to cascades; great for cooling off between shoots.
- Surfing (seasonal): Little Andaman is known for surf breaks; photographers can mix wave and reef sessions in the right months.
How to Reach Little Andaman
- Gateway: Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport). From Port Blair, travel to Hut Bay (Little Andaman).
- Government ferry: Regular services (subject to weather) from Port Blair’s Phoenix Bay/Haddo Wharf to Hut Bay. Sailing time ~6–8 hours. Book in person at the Directorate of Shipping Services counters; schedules can change.
- Helicopter (Pawan Hans): Limited seats, weather-dependent, and priority often given to residents/medical cases. Weight limits apply.
- Permits & restrictions: Indian nationals typically do not need special permits to visit the tourist-accessible parts of Little Andaman. Foreign nationals may visit designated areas with valid ID/passport; policies can change—check the latest advisory in Port Blair. Photography of tribal communities and entry into tribal reserve areas are illegal.
Accommodation Options
Expect simple stays with island charm rather than full-service resorts.
- Hut Bay (town area): Basic guesthouses near the jetty/market; convenient for supplies.
- Butler Bay / Netaji Nagar: Simple beachside cottages and homestays; electricity and Wi‑Fi can be intermittent.
- Booking: Many properties are offline-only; call ahead from Port Blair or plan for walk-ins outside peak months.
- Connectivity: Mobile data is patchy (often BSNL). Card payments may not work—carry sufficient cash.
Estimated Costs
- Ferry (Port Blair–Hut Bay): ~₹400–₹1,000 one way (class-dependent).
- Helicopter (indicative): ~₹3,500–₹7,000 one way, if available.
- Stay: ~₹800–₹3,500 per room per night (basic to comfortable guesthouses).
- Meals: ₹200–₹500 per person per meal at local eateries.
- Scooter rental: ~₹500–₹800 per day, plus fuel.
- Snorkel gear rental: ~₹300–₹600 per day (limited availability—bring your own if possible).
- Scuba/diving day trips: ~₹6,000–₹10,000 for 2 dives (equipment extra), if arranged via operators from Port Blair/other islands; expeditions to Little Andaman may carry surcharges.
- Boat charter (snorkel/photo scouting): ~₹10,000–₹20,000 per day depending on boat and distance.
- Camera gear: Housings/lenses rarely available for rent locally—bring everything you need.
Note: Prices are indicative and fluctuate with season, availability, and fuel costs.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Simple seafood thalis, dal–rice, parathas, dosas, fresh coconuts, and island-style fish curry. Menus are modest—be flexible with timing and options.
- Shopping: General stores for basics (snacks, water, toiletries). Camera spares, dive spares, and specialty items are not available—stock up in Port Blair.
- Culture: A mix of settler communities live alongside protected Indigenous homelands. Respect local customs; avoid photographing people without consent. Never attempt to visit or photograph tribal reserve areas.
Nearby Attractions
- Butler Bay Beach: Signature crescent beach with reef flats and dramatic palms.
- White Surf Waterfall: Popular cascade within the forest; best after rains (trail can be slippery).
- Whisper Wave Waterfall: A quieter jungle walk to layered falls; carry insect repellent and water.
- Netaji Nagar Beach: Calm sections for relaxed swims and shoreline snorkels when conditions allow.
- Lighthouse (near South Point): A scenic lookout area for coastal views in fair weather.
Tips for Underwater Photography in Little Andaman
Gear & Packing
- Bring complete camera rig: housing, dome/flat ports, spare O‑rings, vacuum pump/valve, silica gel, strobes, fiber optic or sync cables, and a focus light.
- Wet lenses: a wide-angle wet dome and a macro diopter cover most subjects.
- Power: multi-plug, surge protector, and high-capacity power banks; electricity can be intermittent.
- Safety kit: SMB and whistle, reef-safe sunscreen, light rash guard/wetsuit, and basic first aid.
In-Water Techniques
- Wide-angle: Use a dome port; start around ISO 200–400, f/8–f/11, 1/125–1/200 s. Get close to reduce backscatter and light with strobes at low power.
- Macro: Manual focus or AF with a focus light; f/11–f/18, 1/160–1/250 s. Stabilize with breathing control, not the reef.
- Snorkel scenes: Midday sun helps for ambient shots; try split-levels in calm water with a large dome.
- Backscatter control: Angle strobes outward; avoid silty entries and fin gently over sand.
Safety & Environment
- Stick to designated areas; currents can be strong outside lagoons. Always go with a local guide or licensed operator.
- Minimum 5 m from turtles and 10 m from dugongs; never chase, feed, or block animals.
- Maintain perfect buoyancy—no touching or standing on coral.
- Medical facilities are basic in Hut Bay; the nearest hyperbaric chamber is in Port Blair. Consider dive insurance.
Rules, Drones, and Permits
- General tourism in designated zones usually requires no special permit for Indian nationals; foreign nationals should verify current rules in Port Blair.
- Commercial filming may require permissions from local authorities. Drone use falls under DGCA rules (NPNT/UIN) and local administrative approval. No-fly over tribal reserves.
- Photography of Indigenous communities is illegal. Respect all signages and advisories.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Choose calm, shallow sections of Butler Bay or Netaji Nagar; use life jackets for kids.
- Carry snacks, oral rehydration salts, and sun protection; shade can be limited.
- Avoid strong-swell days; there are no lifeguards.
Honeymooners
- Plan slow mornings, golden-hour beach walks, and a private boat for a gentle snorkel session when seas are calm.
- Pack light and bring offline entertainment; nights are quiet.
Friends and Small Groups
- Split boat charter costs for outer reef scouting and sunset photography runs.
- Combine underwater sessions with a waterfall trek for a full-day adventure.
- Pre-book ferries and confirm return options in case of weather delays.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a special permit to do underwater photography in Little Andaman?
A: Recreational photography in designated tourist zones usually needs no special permit. Commercial shoots and drone operations require approvals. Foreign nationals should verify the latest visitor rules in Port Blair. Photography of tribal communities and entry into tribal reserves are strictly prohibited.
Q: Are there dive shops on Little Andaman?
A: Services are limited and seasonal. Many visitors coordinate dives or guided snorkel/boat days through operators based in Port Blair or other Andaman islands. Bring your own camera gear and spares.
Q: What visibility and marine life can I expect?
A: In season (Oct–Apr), visibility often ranges 10–30 m depending on wind and swell. Expect hard corals, reef fish, turtles, occasional rays, and in seagrass areas, a chance of dugong sightings from a respectful distance.
Q: Is Little Andaman suitable for beginners?
A: Yes for calm-water snorkeling with a guide. For scuba, conditions can involve currents and limited infrastructure, so beginners should dive with reputable operators and choose sheltered sites.
Q: Can I reliably charge camera batteries on the island?
A: Power outages happen. Carry a multi-plug, surge protection, and high-capacity power banks. Do not rely on Wi‑Fi or fast data for backups—bring ample memory cards.
Conclusion
Little Andaman rewards prepared underwater photographers with uncrowded reefs, seagrass encounters, and luminous lagoons. Travel logistics are simple but rustic; conditions shine from October to April, when seas settle and visibility improves. With respectful wildlife practices, careful buoyancy, and self-sufficient gear planning, you’ll bring home natural, characterful frames that reflect the island’s quiet, untamed beauty.
