Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit for Scuba Diving
- Top Things To Do
- How to Reach Long Island, Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs & Sample Budgets
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Practical Tips for Diving in Long Island
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Long Island, tucked between Middle Andaman and the uninhabited islets of North Passage, is one of the Andamans’ most offbeat gateways for scuba diving. Think clear channels, healthy hard-coral gardens, drift dives with trevallies and barracuda, and quiet beaches like Lalaji Bay to unwind between dives. With far fewer boats than Havelock, dives here feel exploratory and intimate—perfect for certified divers seeking uncrowded sites and for beginners wanting calm, shallow reefs on the island’s leeward side.
History & Importance
Historically a small forestry settlement with a close-knit community, Long Island served as a jumping-off point to the forested and protected islets around North Passage. Its importance for divers lies in:
- Pristine, low-traffic reefs that have benefited from limited tourism.
- Channel topography between Long Island and nearby islets that creates rewarding drift dives.
- Access to remote beaches like Lalaji Bay and sandbars such as Guitar Island, offering snorkel-friendly lagoons.
Many nearby islets fall under Reserve Forest or protected status. Diving is permitted only with licensed operators, respecting no-take zones and seasonal access rules overseen by local authorities.
Best Time to Visit for Scuba Diving
- Peak diving season: November to April (calm seas, 10–30 m visibility, water 27–29°C).
- Shoulder months: October and May can be excellent but watch for early/late monsoon swell.
- Monsoon: June to September often brings rough seas and limited boat operations.
- Currents: Strongest around new/full moon in channels—a boon for drifts but plan conservatively.
Top Things To Do
Signature Dive Experiences
- Channel drifts: Ride nutrient-rich currents between Long Island and North Passage for schools of fusiliers, trevallies, and barracuda.
- Coral gardens: Explore shallow hard-coral patches ideal for beginners and photographers.
- Reef slopes and walls: Look for batfish, sweetlips, and occasional reef sharks in deeper sections.
- Macro hunting: Nudibranchs, shrimps, and pipefish hide on sheltered reefs and seagrass patches.
- Night dives: Calm bays reveal crustaceans, hunting lionfish, and bioluminescence on suitable nights.
Example Dive Sites (commonly used local names)
- Lalaji Bay Reef: Sheltered, sandy entries with coral bommies; gentle conditions for DSD and training dives.
- North Passage Channel: Classic drift with pelagic action and healthy hard corals.
- Guitar Island Reef: Sandbar edges dropping to coral gardens; good for macro and snorkel topside.
- Button Island Wall: Sloping reef with sponges and gorgonians; look for schooling snappers.
Note: Site access depends on permits, weather, and operator logistics. Exact names vary by dive center.
Beyond Diving
- Snorkeling: Calm fringes at Lalaji Bay and selected lagoons.
- Kayaking and mangrove creeks: Gentle paddles near Yeratta side (launch logistics via local boatmen).
- Beach walks: Sunrise/sunset at Lalaji Bay; sandbar strolls at low tide on Guitar Island.
- Forest trails: Short hikes under canopy near Lalaji Bay (respect forest rules; no camping without permits).
How to Reach Long Island, Andaman
- From Port Blair:
- By road + boat: Drive/bus to Rangat (approx. 6–8 hours via Andaman Trunk Road with ferries across creeks), then local ferry/boat from Yeratta Jetty to Long Island (about 45–75 minutes, weather-dependent).
- By government ferry: Limited direct sailings operate on select days; schedules change seasonally. Check the latest timetable at the Directorate of Shipping Services in Port Blair.
- From Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Occasional ferries or chartered speedboats may be arranged via licensed operators, subject to permits and sea conditions.
- Documents: Carry a valid photo ID. Foreign nationals may require Restricted Area Permits and additional permissions for specific islets; verify before travel.
Connectivity note: Boats can be weather-bound. Always allow buffer days when planning dive itineraries.
Accommodation Options
- On Long Island:
- Basic guesthouses and eco-style huts near the village and trailheads to Lalaji Bay.
- Forest rest houses may exist with limited inventory; advance permission is often required.
- Power and internet can be intermittent; expect simple amenities.
- Nearby bases:
- Rangat (Middle Andaman): Wider choice of budget stays; day trips to Long Island by boat where feasible.
- Havelock: Full-service dive resorts; some operators run expeditions to Long Island/North Passage on set dates.
Book early in peak months and confirm whether your accommodation can coordinate boats and dive logistics.
Estimated Costs & Sample Budgets
Approximate prices as of 2025 (in INR):
- Fun dives (certified): 4,500–7,500 per dive (gear, guide, boat). Remote expeditions can be higher.
- Discover Scuba Diving (beginner): 3,500–6,000 per person (pool/briefing + 1 open water dive).
- PADI/SSI Open Water Course: 28,000–38,000 (3–4 days, materials, certification, dives).
- Private boat charter (full day): 25,000–45,000+ depending on boat size, fuel, and range.
- Government ferry (Rangat–Long Island): ~100–300 one-way; chartered local boats higher.
- Accommodation:
- Long Island basic stays: 1,200–3,500 per room/night.
- Rangat/Havelock range: 1,500–10,000+ per room/night.
- Meals: 200–500 per person per meal in local eateries; resort restaurants higher.
Tip: Cash is king on Long Island; cards and ATMs are unreliable. Carry sufficient cash from Port Blair or major hubs.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Food: Simple island meals—seafood thalis, fish curry, dal, rice, and seasonal produce. Notify hosts in advance for special diets.
- Shopping: Very limited on Long Island. For supplies or souvenirs, stop in Rangat. Avoid buying shells/coral or any marine life products.
- Culture: A quiet, close-knit island community with Bengali and South Indian influences. Dress modestly in villages; ask before photographing people or boats.
Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
- Lalaji Bay Beach (Long Island): Long crescent of white sand and turquoise water; great for swims and picnics.
- Guitar Island Sandbar: Stunning low-tide sandbar; combine with snorkeling when seas are calm.
- Button Island: Uninhabited, with fringing reefs; access subject to permits and conditions.
- North Passage Island (Merk Bay area): Known for clear water and bright corals; usually reached by licensed boats with permissions.
- Rangat side trips: Dhaninallah Mangrove Boardwalk and Yeratta mangrove creeks for nature walks and birding.
Practical Tips for Diving in Long Island
- Permits & rules: Some islets fall under protected categories. Go with licensed operators and carry required permits.
- Safety first: The nearest recompression chamber is in Port Blair. Dive well within no-decompression limits, especially on remote days. Consider DAN or equivalent dive insurance.
- Conditions: Expect variable currents in channels. If new to drift diving, request gentler sites and a reef hook briefing.
- Gear: Most operators provide full kits. Bring your own mask/computer if you prefer, plus a surface marker buoy (SMB) and whistle.
- Eco-awareness: Use reef-safe sunscreen, maintain neutral buoyancy, and never touch corals or marine life.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal can be patchy (often BSNL only). Share float plans with your accommodation.
- Cash & supplies: Withdraw in Port Blair/Rangat; carry essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, dry bags, and a basic first-aid kit.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Choose shallow, sheltered reefs for DSD and snorkeling (Lalaji Bay side).
- Pack child-sized masks, rash guards, and motion-sickness remedies.
- Confirm life jackets on boats and shade on sandbars.
Honeymooners
- Book a private boat for a sandbar picnic at Guitar Island, timing with low tide and calm seas.
- Opt for golden-hour beach walks at Lalaji Bay and a relaxed snorkel session.
- Choose cozy eco-stays; pre-arrange meals and special dietary requests.
Friends/Backpackers
- Use government ferries to keep costs down; be flexible with dates due to weather.
- Split private charters for channel drift days.
- Carry a power bank, headlamp, and dry snacks for longer boat days.
FAQs
Q: Is Long Island suitable for beginner divers?
A: Yes. Sheltered reefs near Lalaji Bay are ideal for Discover Scuba and training dives. Channel drifts are better for experienced divers; your operator will match sites to your skill and conditions on the day.
Q: Do I need special permits to dive around Long Island?
A: Diving around Long Island typically requires going with a licensed operator who arranges necessary permissions. Certain nearby islets fall under protected categories; access depends on current regulations.
Q: What marine life can I expect?
A: Hard-coral gardens with damsels and butterflyfish, schools of fusiliers and trevallies, batfish, snappers, barracuda, turtles, and occasional reef sharks. Macro fans can find nudibranchs, shrimps, and pipefish.
Q: Are there ATMs or card facilities on Long Island?
A: Facilities are limited and unreliable. Carry sufficient cash from Port Blair or Rangat for stays, meals, and incidental costs.
Q: What’s the best month for visibility?
A: Visibility is typically best from December to March, though it can vary with winds and tides. Channel sites are often clearest on calm, settled days.
Conclusion
Scuba diving in Long Island, Andaman offers a rare blend of quiet reefs, rewarding drifts, and empty beaches. Peak season seas are calm, visibility is good, and marine life ranges from schooling pelagics to rich macro. While logistics are more involved than mainstream hubs, the payoff is an uncrowded, nature-forward dive experience with memorable side trips to sandbars and mangrove creeks.
