Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things To Do
- How to Reach Long Island (Andaman)
- Where to Stay
- Estimated Costs and Budget
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Nearby Attractions
- Snuba and Travel Tips
- Tips by Traveler Type
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Snuba diving in Long Island, Andaman blends the ease of snorkeling with the thrill of scuba—no heavy tanks, no certification, just a floating raft, a regulator, and crystal-clear water. Long Island sits quietly north of Port Blair, fringed by rustic villages, mangroves, and the postcard-perfect Lalaji Bay. Calm lagoons, shallow coral gardens, and low visitor numbers make it one of the most serene places to try snuba in the Andamans.
Expect gentle descents to 3–6 meters, close encounters with reef fish, soft and hard corals, and often excellent visibility in the dry season. It’s a great stepping stone for non-swimmers or first-timers who want more than a mask-and-snorkel peek into the underwater world.
History and Importance
Long Island was once a modest timber settlement and boat-building outpost. As logging was phased out, the island evolved into a slow-travel haven known for pristine beaches and unspoiled reefs.
- Marine setting: The waters off Lalaji Bay and nearby islands (like Guitar Island and North Passage’s Merk Bay) host patch reefs and seagrass beds where turtles and schooling reef fish are common.
- Why snuba here: Shallow, protected lagoons and fewer crowds create safe, relaxed conditions ideal for first experiences beneath the surface.
- Conservation angle: Reefs are fragile. Low-impact activities like guided snuba, with strict “no touch, no take” practices, support responsible tourism.
Best Time to Visit
- November to April (peak snuba season): Calmer seas, better visibility (often 10–20 m), lighter winds.
- May and October (shoulder): Variable weather; some operators run trips on calmer days.
- June to September (monsoon): Rough seas and rain; many water activities pause or are limited.
- Best time of day: Morning sessions (8–11 AM) usually offer flatter seas and clearer water.
Top Things To Do
Snuba Highlights
- Depth and duration: Typically 3–6 m for 20–30 minutes underwater, after a short safety briefing.
- Common sites: Shallow reefs off Lalaji Bay; seasonal trips by boat to nearby reef patches as conditions allow.
- Marine life: Sergeant majors, parrotfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, clams, sea cucumbers; occasional turtles.
- Who can join: Usually ages 8+ with basic fitness. Non-swimmers can participate under close supervision.
Beyond Snuba
- Lalaji Bay Beach: Reach by a forest trek (about 1.5–2 hours one way) or via a scenic boat through mangroves. Great for swimming and beach time.
- Guitar Island Sandbar: A short boat hop from Long Island jetty; ideal for photos, shell spotting, and quiet picnics.
- Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Often visited on day trips for superb shallow snorkeling when seas are calm.
- Kayaking and Mangrove Cruises: Gentle paddles along creeks at high tide; sunset is beautiful.
- Jetty Sunsets and Starry Nights: With limited light pollution, stargazing is excellent on clear nights.
How to Reach Long Island (Andaman)
From Port Blair
- By road + ferry (most common): Take a bus or shared jeep to Rangat (approx. 6–7 hours via Andaman Trunk Road, with vehicle ferries en route). From Yeratta Jetty (Rangat), board a government ferry to Long Island (about 45–90 minutes).
- By inter-island ferry: Seasonal government ferries may link Port Blair or Havelock to Long Island on limited schedules. Confirm at the Directorate of Shipping Services counters in Port Blair.
Local Notes
- Ferry schedules change; buy tickets a day in advance when possible.
- Weather can delay boats, especially during monsoon.
- Cash is useful; digital payments may be intermittent due to weak networks.
Where to Stay
Long Island offers a handful of simple eco-stays and guesthouses near the jetty and trails.
- Eco cottages/guesthouses: Basic to mid-range rooms with fans, occasional AC, and limited amenities.
- Government guest houses: Simple rooms; bookings may need to be made through local departments or in person.
- What to expect: Patchy mobile network, limited dining choices, and occasional power cuts. The payoff is solitude and nature.
Estimated Costs and Budget
- Snuba session: INR 3,500–5,500 per person (briefing, gear, guide; 20–30 minutes underwater).
- Boat transfers to sites (if needed): INR 800–2,500 per person depending on route and sharing.
- Permits/entry fees: INR 50–500 depending on beach/area and local rules (varies seasonally).
- Accommodation: INR 1,500–4,000 per night for basic to mid-range stays.
- Meals: INR 150–400 per meal at local eateries.
- Rangat–Long Island ferry: Approx. INR 100–300 per person (class and vessel type vary).
Indicative daily budget: INR 3,000–7,000 per person on a snuba day; INR 1,800–4,000 on non-activity days.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Small dhabas near the jetty serve rice-thali, fish curry, dal, and simple snacks.
- Fresh coconuts, seasonal fruits, and tea stalls are easy to find.
- Inform your host in advance if you want seafood meals; supplies arrive by boat.
Shopping
- Very limited—basic provisions only. For souvenirs and handicrafts, plan shopping in Rangat or Port Blair.
Culture
- A laid-back island community with settlers from across mainland India.
- Respect local norms: modest swimwear away from beaches, quiet evenings, and no littering.
Nearby Attractions
- Lalaji Bay Beach (on Long Island): White sand, clear water; excellent for snorkeling and relaxed swims.
- Guitar Island: Photogenic sandbar, great for half-day trips.
- Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Superb shallow reef; usually accessed by boat from Long Island or Yeratta Jetty.
- Yeratta Mangrove Park (Rangat): Boardwalks through dense mangroves; good combined with transfer days.
- Amkunj Beach (Rangat): Driftwood park and beach views; a convenient stopover.
Snuba and Travel Tips
Snuba-Specific
- Check availability: Snuba operations on Long Island are seasonal; confirm with local dive/boat operators in advance.
- Briefing matters: Pay attention to equalization, breathing slowly, and hand signals.
- Gear fit: Ensure the mask seals well; try fin sizes before entering the water.
- Health and age: Declare conditions like asthma, recent surgery, or ear issues. Minimum age is commonly 8+; operator policies vary.
- Environmental care: Do not touch coral, turtles, or sea stars. Practice perfect buoyancy with the guide’s help.
Packing
- Reef-safe sunscreen (non-nano zinc), long-sleeve rash guard, and a cap.
- Aqua shoes or snug fins, microfiber towel, dry bag, and spare clothes.
- Motion-sickness tablets for choppy days.
- Cash, power bank, ID copies, and a reusable water bottle.
Safety and Practicalities
- Conditions can change quickly; trips may be rescheduled for safety.
- Medical facilities are basic; consider travel insurance covering water activities.
- No alcohol before sessions; hydrate and eat light.
- Follow “leave no trace” principles; avoid single-use plastics.
Tips by Traveler Type
Families
- Book morning sessions for calm water; confirm minimum age and group ratios.
- Consider splitting into smaller groups so children always have an adult nearby on the raft or boat.
Honeymooners
- Opt for private snuba slots followed by a quiet picnic at Lalaji Bay.
- Sunset at the jetty or a stargazing walk offers beautifully low-key evenings.
Friends and Small Groups
- Combine snuba with the forest trek to Lalaji Bay and a boat hop to Guitar Island for a full adventure day.
- Share private boat costs to reach farther reef patches when weather allows.
FAQs
Q: What is snuba and how is it different from scuba or snorkeling?
A: Snuba uses a surface raft with an air tank connected to you by a hose. You breathe via a regulator like scuba but without carrying tanks or needing certification, and you explore shallow depths (about 3–6 m), deeper than snorkeling.
Q: Is snuba available year-round on Long Island?
A: No. It’s primarily offered in the dry season (November–April) and is weather-dependent. Always check availability with local operators before planning.
Q: Do I need to know how to swim to try snuba?
A: Many operators accept non-swimmers for snuba under close supervision, provided you are comfortable in water and follow instructions. Policies vary by operator.
Q: What are the age and health requirements?
A: The typical minimum age is 8+. You should be in basic good health; disclose conditions such as asthma, ear problems, heart issues, or recent surgeries. Pregnant travelers should avoid snuba.
Q: Can I bring a GoPro underwater?
A: Yes, if you have a waterproof housing and a secure wrist mount. Some operators offer photo/video services. Always keep hands free to manage buoyancy and avoid touching reef life.
Conclusion
Long Island’s quiet lagoons and clear, shallow reefs make snuba a memorable, low-stress way to meet the Andaman’s undersea world. With seasonal clarity, minimal crowds, and easy add-ons like Lalaji Bay, Guitar Island, and mangrove cruises, it’s an excellent choice for first-timers, families, and slow travelers seeking nature-forward experiences.
