Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Ecological Importance
- Best Time to Visit for Marine Life
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips for Visiting
- Traveler-Specific Advice
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Marine life in Rangat, Andaman is a quiet revelation—emerald mangroves, seagrass meadows, and coral-fringed islets where turtles surface and reef fish flash like confetti. Centered on Middle Andaman, Rangat is your practical base to explore Long Island, Lalaji Bay, Merk Bay (North Passage), and the iconic Guitar Islands—spots famed for clear water, healthy corals, and relaxed snorkeling away from crowds.
Expect more nature than nightlife. Infrastructure is simple, boat schedules are weather-led, and that is precisely why the reefs and turtle beaches still feel wild.
History and Ecological Importance
Rangat sits along Middle Andaman’s eastern coast, buffered by mangrove belts and lagoonal habitats. These protect shorelines, filter sediments, and nourish nearshore corals with nutrients.
- Mangroves and seagrass: Nurseries for juvenile fish, seahorses, and crustaceans; vital grazing grounds for green turtles.
- Coral reefs: Patch reefs around Long Island, Lalaji Bay, and Merk Bay host hard corals (Acropora, Porites) and soft corals with reef fish, nudibranchs, and the occasional reef shark.
- Turtle nesting: Cuthbert Bay near Rangat is a protected sanctuary where olive ridley, green, and sometimes leatherback turtles nest in season.
Low visitor numbers have helped reefs remain resilient compared to busier Andaman hubs.
Best Time to Visit for Marine Life
- November to April: Best visibility, calmer seas, and regular boats to Long Island, Merk Bay, and the Guitar Islands.
- December to February: Peak turtle nesting at Cuthbert Bay (night patrols/regulated viewing).
- May to September (Monsoon): Rough seas, murky water, and limited boat services. Travel flexibility is essential.
- Shoulder months (Oct, early May): Can be excellent if seas are calm; always check local forecasts.
Top Things to Do
Snorkeling and Reef Walks
- Merk Bay (North Passage Island): Clear, shallow coral gardens ideal for beginners and families. Arrange boats via Long Island/Rangat with permits.
- Lalaji Bay (Long Island): A white-sand curve with reefs off the rocky ends; best in the morning for calm water.
- Intertidal exploration: At low tide near Aamkunj/Dhaninallah, spot starfish, anemones, and crabs. Observe without touching.
Turtle Watching at Cuthbert Bay
- Join regulated evening or late-night visits during Dec–Feb for nesting observations led by forest staff.
- Red-light use only, no flash photography, and strict distance rules protect the turtles.
Day Trip to Long Island and Lalaji Bay
- Boats from Yeratta/Jetty near Rangat to Long Island (45–60 minutes). From Long Island, trek or take a dinghy to Lalaji Bay.
- Expect lush canopy walks, quiet beaches, and casual reef snorkeling.
Boat Excursion to Merk Bay and Guitar Island
- Guitar & Guitar Small Islands: Sandbar magic on calm days; great for beachcombing and photos.
- Merk Bay: Often the highlight for marine life—schools of sergeant majors, parrotfish, and garden eels on sandy patches.
- Permits and weather: Trips are permit- and weather-dependent; start early for glassy seas.
Mangrove and Seagrass Exploration (Dhaninallah)
- Dhaninallah Mangrove Walkway: An interpretive boardwalk with birdlife, mudskippers, and crab activity—great for kids and eco-learners.
- Occasional guided nature walks; kayaking may be possible with local operators when tides are right.
Nearby Attractions
- Aamkunj Beach (Eco Park): Driftwood sculptures, relaxed vibe; swim only if lifeguards allow—currents can be strong.
- Dhaninallah Beach & Walkway: Long beach accessed via mangrove boardwalk; turtle-friendly zone.
- Cuthbert Bay Turtle Sanctuary: Seasonal nesting and interpretation center.
- Long Island Village: Quiet settlement with nature trails and rustic island life.
- Guitar Islands & Merk Bay (by boat): Picture-perfect sandbars and snorkeling.
How to Reach
To Rangat (Middle Andaman)
- By road from Port Blair: 170–190 km via Andaman Trunk Road, 6–8 hours by bus or taxi. Buses are budget-friendly; taxis are faster and flexible.
- By ferry: Occasional government ferries connect Port Blair to Rangat/nearby jetties (schedules vary). Check locally a few days in advance.
To Marine Spots from Rangat
- Yeratta/Nilambur Jetty → Long Island: Government boats (45–60 minutes). Morning departures common; buy tickets at the jetty.
- Long Island → Lalaji Bay: 60–90 min jungle walk or short dinghy ride if available.
- Long Island/Rangat → Merk Bay & Guitar Island: Private/chartered boats with forest permits. Early starts, weather permitting.
- Cuthbert Bay: Short drive from Rangat town; coordinate turtle viewing with forest staff.
Note: Sea conditions dictate operations. Build buffer days and re-confirm the day before travel.
Accommodation Options
- Rangat Town: Simple guesthouses and lodges near the bazaar; basic amenities and easy access to eateries and transport.
- Eco Huts/Rest Houses: Limited forest-run or eco-stay options near beaches (availability seasonal; book locally).
- Long Island: A handful of basic guesthouses and government rest houses; power and internet can be intermittent.
Pre-book in peak season (Dec–Feb) and confirm check-in times around boat schedules.
Estimated Costs
Approximate per-person costs (2025; subject to change):
- Port Blair → Rangat bus: INR 300–600 (6–8 hrs)
- Private taxi (one-way): INR 6,500–10,000 depending on vehicle and season
- Ferry (if available): INR 300–900
- Boat Rangat ↔ Long Island: INR 50–200 each way (government boat)
- Charter to Merk Bay/Guitar: INR 6,000–12,000 per boat (shareable) + permits (INR 200–1,000)
- Snorkel gear rental: INR 300–600 per day (limited availability; consider bringing your own)
- Rooms in Rangat/Long Island: Budget INR 1,000–2,000; mid-range INR 2,500–4,500 per night
- Meals: INR 200–500 per person for simple thalis/seafood
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis with fish curry, dal, rice, and local greens.
- Snacks and breakfasts: samosas, puri-sabzi, dosa, and fresh coconuts.
- Ask for catch-of-the-day; seasoning is simple and fresh.
Shopping
- Basic supplies in Rangat bazaar: sun protection, snacks, cash top-ups.
- Responsible buying: Avoid coral, shells, turtle products, and any wildlife-derived souvenirs.
Culture and Etiquette
- Communities include settlers of Bengali and Tamil heritage; festivals like Durga Puja and Pongal are observed.
- Dress modestly in villages; ask before photographing locals or fishermen.
Tips for Visiting
Safety and Environmental Tips
- Check tide and wind forecasts; morning waters are usually calmer.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, and hydration are essential.
- Do not stand on or touch corals; keep fins off the reef.
- Follow turtle-sighting protocols: no flash, red light only, keep distance.
- Currents and jellyfish can appear—use a full-sleeve rash guard and ask boatmen about local conditions.
- Carry cash; ATMs and mobile data can be unreliable.
Packing List
- Mask, snorkel, and short fins (personal fit beats rental quality here).
- Dry bag, microfiber towel, and reef shoes for intertidal zones.
- Light rain shell (tropical showers), insect repellent, and basic meds.
- Power bank and printed copies of permits/IDs.
Traveler-Specific Advice
Families
- Choose shallow, sandy entries like Merk Bay for easy snorkeling.
- Keep outings short (2–3 hours) with snacks and shade.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Plan a sunrise boat to Guitar Island for empty sandbars and soft light.
- Stay a night on Long Island for quiet beaches and starry skies.
Friends/Backpackers
- Share boat charters to cut costs and add flexibility.
- Carry your own snorkel sets and a compact first-aid kit.
FAQs
Q: Is Rangat good for snorkeling compared to Havelock/Neil?
A: Yes—while facilities are simpler, reefs at Merk Bay and Lalaji Bay are healthy and less crowded, offering excellent, calm-water snorkeling on good-weather mornings.
Q: When can I see turtle nesting near Rangat?
A: December to February is peak at Cuthbert Bay. Visits are regulated; coordinate with forest staff and follow no-flash, red-light, and distance rules.
Q: Do I need permits for Merk Bay and Guitar Island?
A: Typically yes—boats arrange forest permits for protected islands. Carry ID, start early, and confirm requirements a day in advance.
Q: Are there scuba diving centers in Rangat?
A: Options are limited compared to Havelock/Neil. Most visitors focus on snorkeling/day boats from Rangat or Long Island. If you must dive, plan sessions in Havelock/Neil and snorkel around Rangat.
Q: Is swimming safe at Aamkunj Beach?
A: Currents can be strong and there may be rocky patches. Swim only if conditions are calm and locals/lifeguards advise it. For easy entries, choose Merk Bay on calm days.
Conclusion
Rangat is a low-key gateway to some of the Andamans’ most rewarding marine experiences—mangrove-lined shores, turtle-nesting beaches, and clear-water reefs around Long Island, Lalaji Bay, Merk Bay, and the Guitar Islands. Visit from November to April, build in weather flexibility, keep your impact light, and you’ll find quiet snorkeling, vibrant reef life, and unhurried island days.
