Table of Contents
- About Underwater Scooter Rides in Mayabunder
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips & Safety
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Quiet creeks, mangroves, and turtle-nesting beaches set Mayabunder apart from the busier Andaman islands. If you’ve dreamed of gliding underwater without learning to dive, underwater scooter rides in Mayabunder offer an easy, photogenic way to meet reef life in calm bays—ideal for non-swimmers and first-timers seeking something unique up north.
About Underwater Scooter Rides in Mayabunder
An underwater scooter (often called a BOB—Breathing Observation Bubble) is a seated, scooter-like unit with a clear air-dome. You breathe normally inside the dome while a guide steers or escorts you a few meters below the surface. No mouthpiece, no swimming skills required.
- Typical depth: 3–6 meters (conditions permitting).
- Ride time: 20–30 minutes of underwater time.
- Ideal for: Non-swimmers, families with older kids, travelers who prefer not to scuba dive.
- What you’ll see: Hard and soft corals, reef fish (sergeants, parrotfish, butterflyfish), and macro life on calm days.
History & Importance
Underwater scooters gained popularity at tropical destinations worldwide as a gentler alternative to diving. In the Andamans, the activity expanded from Port Blair and Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) to quieter northern waters on demand and in suitable conditions.
Local context: Mayabunder’s sheltered bays and relatively lower tourist footfall make it a promising spot for small-group, low-impact marine activities that also support local boatmen and guides.
Information not available.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak visibility: December to March (clearer seas, calmer winds).
- Overall good window: October to April.
- Avoid/limited operations: May to September (monsoon swells, rain, reduced visibility, possible cancellations).
- Time of day: Late morning to early afternoon usually offers the best light underwater; avoid very low tides and strong currents.
- Bonus: Turtle nesting at Karmatang Beach often occurs December–February (night patrols only with local guidance).
Top Things to Do
The Underwater Scooter Experience: Step-by-Step
- Briefing: Safety, equalizing ears, hand signals, and what to expect.
- Gear-up: Don a weight belt and simple gear; the air-dome lets you breathe normally.
- Boat ride: Short transfer to a calm reef zone.
- Descent: Guided descent via a ladder/line; focus on slow equalization.
- Ride: Cruise gently over reef patches; a guide stays by your side.
- Photos/video: Most operators offer add-on media packages.
- Ascent & debrief: Slow ascent; rinse, change, and review photos.
Packages & Duration
- Standard ride: 20–30 minutes underwater time.
- Combos: Scooter + snorkeling or kayaking (where available).
- Group size: Usually 2–4 participants per water cycle with staggered entries.
- Age/fitness: Commonly 12–60 years; weight limit ~100–110 kg; medical questionnaire required.
Alternative Water Activities (If Scooter Rides Aren’t Running)
- Snorkeling: Calm patches near Karmatang and creeks—go with a local guide.
- Kayaking: Mangrove creeks around Austin/Interview sectors (with permits where needed).
- Scuba diving: Often arranged via centers in North/Middle Andaman (e.g., Rangat/Long Island/Diglipur) depending on availability.
Providers & Booking
Information not available.
On-ground guidance: Check with the Andaman Tourism information counter in Mayabunder, local resorts near Karmatang Beach, or boat unions at jetties. Operators from Port Blair or Swaraj Dweep sometimes run pop-up sessions up north in peak season, subject to sea state and permissions.
Nearby Attractions
- Karmatang Beach: Wide, quiet beach known for turtle nesting; sunsets are spectacular.
- Avis Island: Small, pretty island accessible by permissions/boats when open; pristine waters.
- Ray Hill: Forested area with viewpoints and soft trails; good for nature lovers.
- Austin Creek Mangroves: Photogenic mangrove channels ideal for guided canoe or boat rides.
- Rampur Beach: A serene, less-crowded shoreline near town.
- Interview Island (by permit only): A protected area with wildlife significance; access often restricted—check current rules.
How to Reach
By Air
- Fly to Port Blair (Veer Savarkar International Airport) from major Indian cities.
- No direct flights to Mayabunder; continue by road or ferry.
By Road (from Port Blair)
- Distance/time: ~270 km via Andaman Trunk Road; 8–10 hours depending on ferries and checks.
- Transport: Government/private buses, shared cabs, or private taxis.
- Approx fares: Bus INR 600–1,200; shared cab INR 2,500–4,000 per seat; private taxi INR 12,000–18,000 one-way.
By Sea
- Government ferries sometimes connect Port Blair–Rangat–Mayabunder–Diglipur. Schedules change frequently.
- Approx fares: INR 700–1,200 depending on class/route.
Last-Mile to the Activity
- Mayabunder town to Karmatang Beach: ~12 km by road; hire an auto-rickshaw or local taxi.
- Meeting points vary by operator (jetty or beach launch) and sea conditions.
Accommodation Options
- Budget homestays/guesthouses: INR 800–1,500 per night; simple rooms, local meals on request.
- Mid-range hotels: INR 1,500–3,000; A/C rooms, basic restaurant, town convenience.
- Beachside/eco-stays: INR 3,500–8,000; closer to Karmatang or nature-centric settings.
Pro tip: Book stays with early breakfasts and flexible check-in/out if you plan an early boat departure or late return.
Estimated Costs
- Underwater scooter ride: INR 3,500–6,500 per person (20–30 minutes underwater).
- Photo/video add-on: INR 500–1,000.
- Boat transfer (if separate): INR 1,000–3,000 per person or INR 5,000–10,000 for private charter depending on distance.
- Permit/insurance (if applicable): INR 200–500.
- Local transport: Auto-rickshaw short hops INR 150–300; day hire INR 1,500–2,500.
Note: Prices vary by season, sea state, and availability. Always confirm inclusions (media, transfers, taxes) before booking.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood thalis (fish curry, fried fish), crab masala, lobster in season.
- Coconut-based curries and island-style stir-fries; vegetarian options available with advance request.
- Try roadside bakeries and tea stalls for local snacks post-ride.
Shopping
- Handwoven mats, baskets, and woodcraft from local communities (including Karen artisans).
- Buy only licensed shell crafts; avoid coral/black coral souvenirs (illegal and harmful).
Culture
- Mayabunder hosts a mix of settler communities, including Karen heritage villages with unique boatbuilding and weaving traditions.
- Island etiquette: Dress modestly near villages, ask before photographing people, and respect protected areas.
Tips & Safety
- Medical: Not advised for pregnancy, heart/respiratory/ear conditions. Declare any conditions honestly.
- Equalization: Practice gentle ear equalization during descent; never force it.
- No-fly buffer: Keep a 12-hour gap before flying after your underwater scooter session.
- Weather-first: Operations are sea-condition dependent; be flexible with dates/times.
- Permits & rules: Foreign nationals must follow current entry regulations; some islands require special permits. Check the latest advisory locally.
- Eco care: Use mineral reef-safe sunscreen, do not touch corals, and avoid single-use plastics.
- Insurance: Consider adventure activity coverage that includes surface-supplied air activities.
- Connectivity & cash: Mobile data can be patchy; BSNL often works best. Carry adequate cash—ATMs are limited.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Confirm minimum age/height (often 12+ years); ask for calm, shallow sites.
- Carry snacks, water, hats, and a small first-aid kit.
Honeymooners
- Request private time slots and a photo/video package.
- Pair the ride with a sunset stroll at Karmatang Beach.
Friends/Groups
- Book back-to-back time slots; rotate snorkeling while others ride.
- Combine with mangrove kayaking or a short trek around Ray Hill for a full day out.
FAQs
Q: Are underwater scooter rides available in Mayabunder year-round?
A: Operations are seasonal and depend on sea conditions and operator presence. Availability is best between October and April, with December–March offering the calmest waters. Always confirm locally before planning.
Q: Do I need to know how to swim?
A: No. You sit on the scooter and breathe normally inside an air-dome while a guide escorts you. Basic comfort in water and following instructions are essential.
Q: What are the age and health restrictions?
A: Operators typically allow ages 12–60, with a weight limit around 100–110 kg. It’s not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with heart, respiratory, epilepsy, or serious ear/sinus issues. A medical questionnaire is standard.
Q: Can I carry my GoPro?
A: Usually yes with a wrist mount, but check your operator’s policy. Many offer paid photo/video packages, which can be easier underwater.
Q: Is Mayabunder better than Havelock or Port Blair for underwater scooters?
A: Mayabunder offers quieter sites and fewer crowds, but Havelock/Port Blair generally have more consistent operators. Choose Mayabunder if you value solitude and are flexible with availability; choose the south if you want assured daily operations.
Conclusion
Underwater scooter rides in Mayabunder combine the Andamans’ serene northern landscapes with an accessible underwater experience. Plan for the dry season, verify operator availability, and build a flexible itinerary around local highlights like Karmatang Beach, Avis Island, and mangrove creeks. With the right timing and conditions, you’ll enjoy calm-water reef cruising, memorable photos, and a refreshing slice of North Andaman tranquility.
