Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Visit
- Top Things to Do on a Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
- Practical Travel Information
- Nearby Attractions
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Tips & Responsible Travel
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
In Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman Islands, a glass-bottom boat ride is one of the easiest ways to witness vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish without getting wet. From the clear shallows of North Bay Island to the protected reefs of Jolly Buoy/Red Skin within Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, these rides offer a window into a hidden world—perfect for families, non-swimmers, and anyone short on time.
Expect to spot branching staghorn corals, brain corals, clownfish, parrotfish, sea cucumbers, and starfish through transparent viewing panels as your boat glides over reef gardens. This guide covers the best seasons, ride options, costs, how to get there, and practical tips to make the most of your glass-bottom boat experience in Port Blair.
History & Importance
Glass-bottom boats emerged in the Andamans as an eco-friendly alternative to snorkelling and diving, giving wider audiences access to the underwater world. Around Port Blair, the most significant zones for these rides include:
- North Bay Island (Coral Island): A classic half-day outing from the city with shallow reefs, beginner-friendly conditions, and multiple water sports operators.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor): Jolly Buoy and Red Skin Islands host some of the region’s healthiest reefs. Visitor numbers are regulated to protect coral ecosystems.
These rides support local livelihoods while encouraging conservation awareness. Operators must follow reef-safe practices; visitors are briefed on not touching corals or littering—critical actions for preserving fragile marine habitats.
Best Time to Visit
- Peak visibility: November to February, with calmer seas and clear water.
- Overall good season: October to May. Morning rides (around 9:00–11:00 am) usually offer the best light and water clarity.
- Monsoon (June–September): Seas can be rough, visibility drops, and some services may pause. Schedules change with weather advisories.
- Jolly Buoy/Red Skin schedule: These islands often alternate openings by season to allow reef recovery. Check locally which is open during your visit.
Top Things to Do on a Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
Choose Your Ride Style
- Standard ride (North Bay): 15–25 minutes over shallow reefs; ideal first look at corals and reef fish.
- Extended/premium ride: 30–60 minutes with a wider route and longer viewing time; often available at North Bay and within Marine National Park.
- Eco-interpretive ride (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin): Regulated boats with guided narration focused on reef ecology and conservation.
What You’ll See
- Corals: Staghorn, plate, and brain corals; giant clams in sandy patches.
- Fish: Parrotfish, butterflyfish, sergeant majors, damselfish, clownfish in anemones.
- Invertebrates: Sea cucumbers, sea stars, urchins; occasional nudibranchs.
Combine With Other Activities
- North Bay add-ons: Snorkelling, sea walk, parasailing, and short hikes to the lighthouse viewpoint.
- Wandoor side (Marine National Park): Nature walks on designated trails, beach time on pristine sands. Note: Water sports are limited here to protect reefs.
Photo & Viewing Tips
- Wear polarized sunglasses to reduce surface glare while peering through the glass panel.
- Use a phone polarizing filter or shade the lens with your hand for clearer shots through glass.
- Mid-morning light gives vibrant colors; avoid choppy days for best clarity.
Practical Travel Information
How to Reach
- Port Blair arrival: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi (flight times ~2–3 hrs from mainland hubs).
- For North Bay rides: Head to the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex/Aberdeen Jetty in Port Blair. Boats to North Bay run in the morning; the ride to the island typically takes 20–30 minutes. Many operators sell package tickets on-site.
- For Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (Marine National Park): Drive ~30 km (45–60 minutes) to Wandoor Jetty. Park entry permits are required and often arranged by tour operators. Daily departures are usually in the morning; plastic is strictly banned on these islands.
- Local transport: Taxis, app cabs, and pre-arranged hotel transfers are common. Public buses run to Wandoor but can be infrequent.
Accommodation Options
- Areas to stay: Aberdeen Bazaar (central, good for early jetty access), Marine Hill (harbor views), Junglighat (near airport), and around Corbyn’s Cove (beach vibe).
- Budget (approx. INR 1,500–3,000/night): Clean guesthouses and basic hotels in town.
- Mid-range (approx. INR 3,000–7,000/night): Boutique stays and seafacing rooms; convenient for families.
- Premium (approx. INR 7,000–15,000+/night): Upscale resorts and suites; book early in peak season.
Estimated Costs
- Glass-bottom boat (North Bay): INR 600–1,200 per person (standard 15–25 min); INR 1,000–2,000 for extended rides.
- Glass-bottom (Jolly Buoy/Red Skin): INR 1,000–1,800 per person, depending on route length and interpretation.
- Boat transfer to island: INR 700–1,200 round trip (North Bay), often bundled with activities.
- Park/entry permits: INR 50–150 per person (varies by island and nationality); still/video camera fees may apply in the Marine National Park.
- Road transfers (city to Wandoor): INR 1,200–2,000 one-way by taxi (vehicle, not per person).
- Optional add-ons: Snorkelling/sea walk at North Bay from INR 1,000–3,500.
Note: Prices fluctuate by season, operator, and fuel costs. Confirm inclusions (ride duration, guide, permits) before paying.
Nearby Attractions
- Cellular Jail National Memorial: Colonial-era prison and moving Light & Sound show (evenings).
- Ross Island (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island): 15–20 minutes by boat; ruined British-era settlement with deer and banyan-draped buildings.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Sunset views, promenade, and light water sports; ~8 km from town center.
- Chidiya Tapu (Sunset Point): Birdwatching, mangroves, and dramatic sunsets; ~25 km from Port Blair.
- Samudrika Naval Marine Museum: Excellent primer on Andaman marine life and geography.
- Mount Harriet National Park: Short ferry across to Bamboo Flat followed by a scenic drive; viewpoints and nature trails.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Order the day’s catch: grilled fish, crab curry, lobster (in season), and coconut-rich gravies.
- Vegetarian options include dal, island-style veg curries, and South Indian staples.
- Stay hydrated; carry refillable bottles (plastic bans apply on certain islands).
Shopping
- Handicrafts, wooden carvings, spices, and island-themed souvenirs at Aberdeen Bazaar.
- Avoid buying corals, shells, or items derived from marine life—many are illegal and damage reefs.
Culture
- Learn about Andaman history at Cellular Jail and the Anthropological Museum.
- Respect indigenous communities; restricted areas are off-limits to visitors.
Tips & Responsible Travel
- Safety: Wear life jackets; follow crew instructions; keep hands inside the boat; supervise children.
- Seasickness: Take motion-sickness medication 30–45 minutes before boarding if prone.
- Packing: Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc-based), hat, light long-sleeves, quick-dry clothes, sandals, small towel, and a dry bag.
- Weather check: Morning slots have calmer seas; rides may be rescheduled during high winds or rain.
- Eco-responsibility: Do not touch or feed marine life; no littering; carry back all waste; plastics are prohibited on some islands.
- Permits & IDs: Carry government ID; confirm Marine National Park permits if visiting Jolly Buoy/Red Skin.
Traveler-Specific Tips
- Families with kids: Choose covered boats with larger viewing panels; pack snacks and water; keep shoes with good grip.
- Honeymooners: Opt for an extended ride in the morning for fewer crowds and better photos; pair with a sunset at Corbyn’s Cove or Chidiya Tapu.
- Friends & groups: Combine glass-bottom rides with snorkelling or a sea walk at North Bay; negotiate group rates in shoulder season.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to know swimming for a glass-bottom boat ride?
A: No. You remain seated inside the boat. Life jackets are provided and mandatory.
Q: Which is better for marine life viewing—North Bay or Jolly Buoy?
A: Jolly Buoy (and Red Skin when open) generally offer richer, better-protected reefs with fewer crowds. North Bay is more accessible and has more activity options.
Q: How long does a typical ride last?
A: Standard rides run 15–25 minutes; extended or eco-interpretive rides can be 30–60 minutes depending on the operator and island.
Q: Can I book tickets in advance?
A: Yes. Many operators and local agents take advance bookings, especially for Marine National Park trips where permits and daily caps apply. On-the-spot tickets are common for North Bay but may sell out in peak season.
Q: What should I wear and carry?
A: Lightweight, quick-dry clothing, sandals with grip, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a dry bag for electronics. Avoid single-use plastics.
Conclusion
A glass-bottom boat ride in Port Blair opens a clear window to Andaman’s coral reefs—no swimming required. Choose North Bay for convenience and add-on activities, or Jolly Buoy/Red Skin for pristine, protected reefs and interpretive experiences. Visit between October and May, go early for calmer seas, confirm permits where needed, and travel reef-safe to help preserve this extraordinary marine world for future visitors.
