Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Background and Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions in North Andaman
- How to Reach
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Tips and Safety
- Guidance for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
- Responsible Travel & Environment
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Underwater scooter rides in North Andaman offer a unique way to glide beneath the surface without a scuba certification. You sit on a self-propelled scooter with a clear air-filled dome, breathe normally, and explore coral gardens at shallow depths while a guide steers and watches over you. North Andaman—home to Diglipur, Mayabunder, and pristine islands like Ross & Smith—pairs this adventure with quiet beaches, turtle nesting sites, and India’s northernmost tropical rainforest, making it a compelling, less-crowded alternative to South Andaman’s busier adventure hubs.
Availability in North Andaman can be seasonal and limited, so plan ahead and confirm operations with local providers in Diglipur/Mayabunder before you travel.
Background and Importance
Underwater scooters became popular in tropical destinations as an easy, beginner-friendly alternative to scuba. In the Andaman Islands, adventure tourism has expanded beyond snorkelling and scuba to include sea walks and scooter dives. While Port Blair and Havelock/Neil are long-established for such activities, North Andaman remains more boutique and operator-dependent due to distance and stricter carrying-capacity limits.
Why it matters:
- Expands access: Non-swimmers and first-timers can experience reefs safely at shallow depths.
- Supports local livelihoods: Creates seasonal jobs for boatmen, guides, and small operators.
- Conservation link: Properly managed, it raises awareness about reef protection and turtle habitats.
Note: Specific historical timelines for the first underwater scooter operations in North Andaman are not publicly documented. Availability varies by season and permits.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak conditions: November to April (calmer seas, clearer water, light winds).
- Shoulder: Late September–October and May (some humidity; sea state can vary).
- Monsoon: June to September (rough seas; most operators suspend activities).
- Wildlife note: Turtle nesting at Kalipur/Ramnagar typically December–February; night beach access may be restricted.
Top Things to Do
During the Underwater Scooter Experience
- Briefing and fitting: Learn hand signals, get fitted with a dome helmet, and board the scooter from a support boat or pontoon.
- Gentle descent: Guides control depth (generally ~3–6 meters), staying near calm reef patches.
- Reef drive: Spot sergeant majors, parrotfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, and soft/hard corals. Keep hands off the reef.
- Photos/video: Many operators offer GoPro footage at extra cost; confirm before the dive.
Complementary Experiences Nearby
- Snorkelling in sheltered lagoons (when visibility is good).
- Beach time at Ramnagar, Karmatang, or Lamiya Bay.
- Nature trails and birding around Saddle Peak foothills.
- Half-day sandbar walks at Ross & Smith Islands.
Nearby Attractions in North Andaman
- Ross & Smith Islands (Diglipur): Twin islands connected by a white-sand bar; ideal for day trips, swimming, and beach picnics. Forest permits required.
- Saddle Peak National Park: Andamans’ highest peak (732 m) with rainforest trails and coastal views; start early from Lamiya Bay.
- Kalipur & Ramnagar Beaches: Known for turtle nesting (seasonal). Respect night restrictions and red-light protocols when permitted visits are offered.
- Alfred Caves (near Diglipur): Limestone cave systems explored at low tide with a guide; check tide timings.
- Karmatang Beach (Mayabunder): Long, quiet beach with mangroves and occasional turtle conservation activity.
- Avis Island (off Mayabunder): Small, pretty isle accessed by boat (subject to permits and availability).
How to Reach
From Port Blair to North Andaman (Diglipur/Mayabunder)
- By Road (Andaman Trunk Road): 10–12+ hours to Diglipur via Baratang and Rangat. Public buses run daily; private cabs/tempo travellers are faster and more flexible. Road timings and forest corridor rules can change—check locally.
- By Sea: Government ferries sometimes operate to Rangat/Mayabunder/Diglipur on limited schedules. Seats are limited and routes change; confirm a week in advance at the Port Blair ticket counters.
- By Helicopter: Pawan Hans services (weather- and seat-dependent) occasionally connect Port Blair to Diglipur/Mayabunder. Advance booking essential; luggage limits apply.
Local Transfers
- Aerial Bay Jetty (near Diglipur): Boats to Ross & Smith Islands; forest entry permits required.
- Activity pickup: Underwater scooter operators (when active) usually provide boat transfer from a designated jetty.
Accommodation Options
- Budget guesthouses (₹900–₹2,000 per night): Basic rooms in Diglipur and Mayabunder towns; ideal for backpackers.
- Mid-range hotels (₹2,000–₹5,000): AC rooms, on-site dining, help with permits and transfers.
- Eco-lodges/beach stays (₹4,000–₹8,000+): Near quieter beaches like Ramnagar/Kalipur; limited inventory—book early in peak months.
Note: Properties are fewer than in Havelock/Neil. Power and internet can be intermittent—carry backups and download offline maps.
Estimated Costs
- Underwater scooter ride: Approx. ₹3,500–₹6,500 per person (20–30 minutes), including gear and guide. Pricing varies by operator and season.
- Photos/video add-on: ₹500–₹1,500 per group.
- Boat/permit for Ross & Smith: Entry permit roughly ₹50–₹100 (Indians), ₹500+ (foreign nationals); boat charter from Aerial Bay often ₹2,000–₹4,000 per boat (shared options may be cheaper). Rates change—verify on site.
- Transport Port Blair → Diglipur: Public bus ₹700–₹1,200; private cab ₹12,000–₹18,000 one-way depending on vehicle and season.
- Meals: ₹300–₹700 per person per meal at local eateries; seafood specials higher.
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: Crab, lobster (in season), reef fish curries, prawn fry.
- Regional staples: Bengali-style thalis, South Indian meals, simple island-style veg plates.
- Tropical treats: Tender coconut, seasonal pineapple, banana fritters.
Shopping
- Small town markets for everyday goods; souvenirs are limited.
- Buy only legal handicrafts. Do not purchase corals, shells, or turtle products.
- For wider selection, plan shopping time in Port Blair (government emporiums/handicraft stores).
Culture
- Settler communities from mainland India blend cultures and cuisines.
- Indigenous tribes are protected; do not attempt visits or photography near tribal reserves.
- Island rhythm is slow and welcoming—greet people, be patient with services and timings.
Tips and Safety
- Health & age: Typical age limits 12–60 (varies). People with heart, respiratory, or severe sinus/ear issues should avoid; when in doubt, seek medical advice.
- Water comfort: Non-swimmers can participate; you breathe normally under the dome. Basic comfort in water helps.
- Equalization: Depth is shallow, but you may feel ear pressure; follow guide instructions to equalize gently.
- Timing with flights: Leave a conservative 12–18 hours between your underwater session and flying.
- Environmental care: Never touch/stand on corals; keep fins/feet off the reef; use reef-safe sunscreen.
- Weather buffer: Sea conditions can cancel trips at short notice. Keep a spare day in your plan.
- Permits & rules: Follow local forest and coast guard guidelines; carry ID.
Guidance for Families, Honeymooners, and Friends
Families
- Check minimum age and height with the operator; life jackets provided for transfers.
- Carry snacks, water, sun protection; choose morning slots for calmer seas.
- Pair the activity with a short Ross & Smith beach day to avoid fatigue.
Honeymooners
- Opt for private time slots or small-group departures for better footage and privacy.
- Sunset beach walks at Ramnagar/Karmatang; early start for Saddle Peak viewpoints.
Friends/Groups
- Block slots together; ask for group pricing on scooter rides and boats.
- Mix in snorkelling or a cave walk at Alfred Caves for variety.
Packing List
- Quick-dry clothes, swimwear, microfiber towel, spare change.
- Reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, hat, flip-flops/water shoes.
- Dry bag, power bank, motion-sickness tablets (if needed), reusable water bottle.
Responsible Travel & Environment
- Choose licensed operators with safety briefings and small group sizes.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen; avoid single-use plastics—carry back your trash.
- Respect turtle nesting rules: no white lights, no touching, maintain distance, follow ranger guidance.
- Do not remove shells, corals, or sand; these are protected by law.
FAQs
Q: Are underwater scooter rides consistently available in North Andaman?
A: Availability is seasonal and operator-dependent. Confirm with providers in Diglipur/Mayabunder before planning, especially outside November–April.
Q: Do I need to know swimming or have a scuba certification?
A: No. The scooter uses a clear dome with surface-supplied air, and guides accompany you. Basic comfort in water helps but isn’t mandatory.
Q: What is the usual duration of the ride?
A: The underwater portion typically lasts 20–30 minutes, with total trip time around 1.5–2.5 hours including briefing and boat transfer.
Q: Is it safe for kids and seniors?
A: Many operators set age limits around 12–60 and have weight/health restrictions. Check specifics, and disclose any medical conditions in advance.
Q: Can I wear glasses or contact lenses inside the dome?
A: You can usually wear contact lenses. Glasses may fit if frames are compact, but confirm with the operator during fitting.
Conclusion
Underwater scooter rides in North Andaman combine easy, guided reef exploration with the region’s quieter beaches and wild landscapes. Plan for November–April, build in flexibility for weather, and confirm local operations in Diglipur/Mayabunder. Pair the experience with Ross & Smith’s sandbar, turtle beaches at Kalipur/Ramnagar, and a Saddle Peak hike for a balanced, low-crowd Andaman itinerary.
