Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time for Jet Ski Rides
- Top Things to Do (Jet Ski Experiences)
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach North Andaman
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs & Budgeting
- Local Food, Shopping & Culture
- Tips & Safety
- Traveler-Specific Guidance
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Jet ski rides in North Andaman offer an exhilarating way to skim over turquoise waters framed by empty beaches and dense, emerald forests. Centered around Diglipur and its serene bays—Aerial Bay (gateway to Ross & Smith Islands), Kalipur, and Mayabunder’s sheltered coastline—this corner of the archipelago delivers quieter, less-crowded water sports than the south, with wild island scenery as your backdrop.
History & Importance
North Andaman has long been known for rugged trekking (Saddle Peak), turtle nesting beaches, and island-hopping. As visitor numbers grew, small-scale, licensed operators introduced seasonal jet skiing at sheltered bays to complement snorkeling and boating. Unlike the busier hubs of Port Blair and Havelock, North Andaman’s jet ski scene remains low-key and nature-forward, emphasizing safety, calm-water rides, and scenic routes near pristine islands.
Best Time for Jet Ski Rides
- Peak season: November to April—calmer seas, clear skies, reliable visibility.
- Shoulder months: October and May—possible rides, but wind and swell can vary by day.
- Monsoon: Late May to September—choppy seas, frequent rain; many operators suspend activities.
- Best time of day: Morning (7:30–10:30 am) for gentler conditions; late afternoon for golden light and fewer boats.
Top Things to Do (Jet Ski Experiences)
1) Classic 10–15 minute buzz
- Short, high-adrenaline circuits near the jetty or within demarcated zones.
- Good for first-timers and families with older kids.
2) Scenic shoreline run
- Longer ride tracing the coastline to quieter coves when conditions permit.
- Great for photos of reefs and rainforest-covered slopes.
3) Ross & Smith combo (seasonal)
- Boat transfer to Ross & Smith Islands plus a supervised jet ski session in calmer pockets.
- Expect permits and conservation rules; availability varies by sea state and park regulations.
4) Duo rides with instructor
- Ride pillion with a licensed guide for added safety and tighter maneuvering.
Best spots in North Andaman for jet skiing
- Aerial Bay Jetty (Diglipur): Usual launch point; access to Ross & Smith when open.
- Kalipur Beach: Calmer mornings; availability varies seasonally and by operator.
- Mayabunder (Karmatang/Avis area): Occasional operations in sheltered bays.
Note: Operators in North Andaman are fewer than in Port Blair/Havelock; rides are subject to licensing, weather, and daily local advisories.
Nearby Attractions
- Ross & Smith Islands: Twin islets linked by a sandbar; ideal for beaching, snorkeling, and easy nature walks.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Highest point in Andamans (732 m); rainforest trek with coastal views.
- Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches: Turtle nesting (seasonal, regulated), quiet swimming zones in calm seas.
- Lamiya Bay: Rocky, photogenic shoreline beneath Saddle Peak.
- Mayabunder: Avis Island views, mangrove-lined creeks, and heritage-era settlements.
How to Reach North Andaman
Gateway
- Port Blair (IXZ) is the main airport with regular flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru (schedules vary seasonally).
To Diglipur (North Andaman)
- By road (Andaman Trunk Road): 12–14 hours from Port Blair by government/private bus or permitted private car in regulated convoys. Convoy timings and permits apply; do not stop in tribal reserve areas.
- By sea (inter-island ferries/speed boats): Occasional government ferries to Mayabunder/Diglipur; schedules can be irregular—check locally a few days in advance.
- Helicopter/inter-island air (limited): Seats are few and weather-dependent; typically prioritized for residents/medical—plan early if considering.
Local transfers: From Diglipur to Aerial Bay Jetty (for Ross & Smith) by auto or car; boats to the islands run in fair weather with fixed return times.
Accommodation Options
- Kalipur area: Beachside eco-stays and simple resorts; handy for early rides and turtle beaches.
- Diglipur town: Budget and mid-range lodges with better access to markets/ATMs.
- Ramnagar/Mayabunder: Quiet guesthouses; limited inventory—book ahead in peak season.
Indicative nightly rates (for guidance only):
- Budget guesthouses: INR 1,000–2,500
- Mid-range resorts: INR 2,500–5,000
- Eco/cottage stays with sea views: INR 5,000–8,000+
Estimated Costs & Budgeting
- Jet ski (10–15 minutes): INR 800–1,500 per person (pilot-assisted), depending on location and season.
- Longer scenic runs (20–30 minutes): INR 1,800–3,500 per jet ski (availability varies).
- Ross & Smith permits: Approx. INR 100 for Indian nationals; higher for foreign nationals, plus camera fees (subject to change).
- Boat to Ross & Smith: Roughly INR 800–1,500 per person or fixed boat hire rates, depending on group size and demand.
- GoPro/photo add-ons: INR 300–800 if offered by operator.
Prices are indicative and can change with fuel costs, sea conditions, and local regulations. Confirm inclusions (life jackets, guide, insurance) before payment.
Local Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Seafood thalis (fish curry, fried fish, prawns, crab) at small eateries in Diglipur bazaar.
- Simple vegetarian meals, rotis, dal, and seasonal fruit (bananas, pineapples).
- Breakfast staples: poori-sabzi, omelettes, dosa in a few South Indian-style joints.
Shopping
- Handicrafts are limited in Diglipur; for certified souvenirs, use government emporiums in Port Blair.
- Avoid buying corals, shells, or any marine life products—collection and trade are prohibited.
Culture
- Communities include settlers from mainland India (Bengali, Tamil, Ranchi, Karen). Hindi and Bengali are widely spoken.
- Life is slow-paced and sea-linked; respect local customs and conservation rules.
- Photography of protected tribal reserves is illegal and unethical; follow convoy and no-stopping rules on the ATR.
Tips & Safety
- Operator checks: Choose licensed operators; ensure life jackets fit well and the jet ski has a kill-switch lanyard.
- Sea conditions: Ride only in marked zones and in fair weather. Morning rides are calmer.
- Age/weight: Typical minimum age to ride as pillion is 10–12 years; weight limits may apply—confirm on-site.
- Attire: Quick-dry clothing, secure sunglasses, aqua shoes; avoid loose scarves. Carry a waterproof phone pouch.
- Health & safety: Non-swimmers can ride with a guide in calm water. Skip rides after heavy meals or if prone to vertigo.
- Environment: Keep distance from reefs, turtles, and nesting zones. No littering; use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Cash & connectivity: ATMs are limited; carry cash. Mobile data can be patchy outside town centers.
Traveler-Specific Guidance
Families
- Choose short, instructor-led rides in sheltered bays.
- Confirm age/height policies for children; morning slots are best.
Honeymooners
- Opt for late-afternoon scenic runs for softer light and photos.
- Consider a Ross & Smith beach day plus a brief jet ski session if conditions allow.
Friends/Groups
- Bundle rides with a trek to Saddle Peak or a Kalipur beach morning.
- Hire a boat as a group to optimize per-person costs to Ross & Smith.
Packing List
- Reef-safe sunscreen, quick-dry wear, microfiber towel, aqua shoes.
- Dry bag, waterproof phone case, spare cash, light rain jacket in shoulder months.
- Basic meds and motion-sickness tablets if needed.
FAQs
Q: Do I need prior experience or a license to ride a jet ski in North Andaman?
A: No license is required for a tourist ride. First-timers can go as pillion with a licensed instructor or operate under supervision within marked zones.
Q: Is jet skiing available year-round?
A: It is seasonal. Most operators run from November to April and pause during the monsoon (late May–September) when seas are rough.
Q: What are the best places for jet skis in North Andaman?
A: Aerial Bay Jetty (for access to Ross & Smith), Kalipur Beach, and occasionally sheltered bays near Mayabunder, subject to licenses and daily sea conditions.
Q: Can non-swimmers go on a jet ski?
A: Yes, with a life jacket and an instructor in calm water. Rides may be declined if conditions are choppy.
Q: Are permits required for Ross & Smith Islands?
A: Yes. Visitors need entry permits (fees differ for Indian and foreign nationals), and boats operate only in fair weather. Follow time limits and conservation rules on the islands.
Conclusion
Jet ski rides in North Andaman combine ocean thrills with a backdrop of unspoiled islands and rainforest peaks. With calmer morning seas, seasonal operations, and fewer crowds than the south, rides here feel intimate and nature-focused. Pair short, supervised spins with a day at Ross & Smith, beach time at Kalipur, or a trek up Saddle Peak for a balanced North Andaman adventure.
