Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Importance
- Best Time to Visit for Night Diving
- Top Things to Do
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach Long Island (Andaman)
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Tips for Night Diving
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Night Diving in Long Island, Andaman: Introduction
Night diving in Long Island, Andaman is where the archipelago’s quietest corner switches on an entirely different show. As daylight fades over Lalaji Bay and the surrounding reefs, the water comes alive with bioluminescent sparkles, octopus patrol the shallows, and coral polyps bloom open to feed. Remote and lightly visited, Long Island offers a more intimate, wilderness-style night dive compared to the busier hubs of Havelock or Neil—ideal if you want fewer bubbles and more stars.
History and Importance
Long Island sits in Middle Andaman, a small settlement once tied to forestry activity and now known for its serene beaches and dense forests. Offshore, the reefs fringing Lalaji Bay and the nearby island groups remain relatively undisturbed thanks to low boat traffic. This makes the area a high-value site for observing nocturnal reef behavior—crustaceans on the move, corals feeding, cephalopods hunting, and the occasional bioluminescent glow when conditions align. For divers seeking “old-Andamans” charm, it’s a living classroom in reef ecology after dark.
Best Time to Visit for Night Diving
- Primary season: October to May (calmer seas, warmer water, better logistics).
- Monsoon: June to September brings rougher seas and frequent cancellations.
- Water temperature: ~27–29°C; a 3 mm full suit is usually comfortable (also protects from hydroids).
- Moon phase: New moon to crescent phases offer darker nights and better chances to see bioluminescence.
- Tides and currents: Slack or neap tides are preferred for easier night navigation—operators plan around these.
Top Things to Do
Unmissable Night-Dive Experiences
- Bioluminescence moments: Cover your torch, wave your hand gently, and watch the water spark.
- Macro critter safari: Look for decorator and boxer shrimps, hermit crabs, feather stars, nudibranchs (Spanish dancer if you’re lucky), and hunting lionfish.
- Cephalopod encounters: Reef octopus and cuttlefish are active at night—observe, give space, no chasing.
- Sleeping reef life: Parrotfish in mucus cocoons, dozing turtles (keep your distance), and resting wrasse.
- Night navigation and buoyancy: Practice compass headings, controlled finning, and buddy communication by light signals.
- Underwater photography: Use a focus light with a red mode and avoid blinding marine life; mind backscatter in particulate-rich spots.
Daytime Add-ons Around Long Island
- Lalaji Bay Reef: Gentle fringing reef dives and snorkelling with good light and fish schools.
- North Passage/Merk Bay fringe reefs: Typically clear, white-sand bottoms with patch reefs (boat access, weather-permitting).
- Button Island vicinity (where permitted): Occasional pinnacles and walls for advanced divers on expedition-style trips.
- Beach time and forest walks: The trek to Lalaji Bay offers birds and towering woodland before a post-dive laze.
Nearby Attractions
- Lalaji Bay Beach (Long Island): A serene crescent of sand; reach by forest trail or local boat.
- Merk Bay, North Passage Island: Powdery sand and blue water; popular for day trips and snorkelling.
- Yerrata Mangrove Park (Rangat): Elevated boardwalks and calm creeks—great for birding and sunset.
- Dhani Nallah Mangrove Walkway and Amkunj Eco Beach (near Rangat): Easy nature add-ons if you’re transiting the Andaman Trunk Road.
How to Reach Long Island (Andaman)
- Via Rangat (most reliable):
- Road from Port Blair to Rangat: 6.5–8.5 hours by bus or private car via the Andaman Trunk Road (ATRs and vehicle ferries en route).
- Boat from Yerrata Jetty (Rangat) to Long Island: ~45–75 minutes by government or local boats (timings vary by tide/schedule).
- By ferry from Port Blair: Limited and not always direct. Government ferries operate on changing schedules; check the Directorate of Shipping Services (DSS) noticeboard in Port Blair.
- From Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Direct public links are irregular. In peak months, some operators arrange charter boats or expedition days when weather allows.
- Permits and checks:
- Indian nationals: Standard entry norms; carry ID.
- Foreign nationals: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) required for Andaman entry; Long Island is typically permitted. Carry passport and permit copy when boating.
- Night operations: Your dive operator will advise on any local harbour or police intimations required for after-dark trips.
Accommodation Options
- On Long Island:
- Simple guesthouses and basic cottages; limited inventory—pre-book in peak season.
- Electricity and connectivity can be intermittent; expect a rustic, nature-forward stay.
- Near Rangat (backup base):
- Budget hotels and government lodges offer more rooms and easier logistics to boats at Yerrata Jetty.
- Liveaboards/expeditions:
- Occasionally include Long Island sectors in season, offering the most flexible window for night dives, weather permitting.
Estimated Costs
- Night dive (certified, including gear): INR 4,000–7,000 per dive per person (guide, tanks, weights, light typically included; confirm backups).
- Private night charter supplement (if required): INR 5,000–12,000+ per boat depending on distance, duration, and group size.
- Multi-dive/night packages: Often discounted for 2–4 dives over consecutive nights.
- Night Diver specialty course: INR 10,000–18,000 depending on agency and inclusions.
- Accommodation:
- Long Island: INR 1,200–3,500 per night (basic).
- Rangat: INR 1,000–4,000 per night (budget to mid-range).
- Meals: INR 200–500 per person per meal (simple island fare).
- Transport:
- Port Blair–Rangat road: INR 500–1,500 by bus; INR 7,000–12,000 by private car (one-way, season-dependent).
- Yerrata–Long Island boat: Typically INR 100–400 per person (government/local boats).
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Food:
- Seafood thalis, coconut-based curries, and homestyle vegetarian dishes dominate.
- Pre-order meals with your lodge; dinner after a night dive may be a simple, set menu.
- Shopping:
- Very limited on Long Island—stock essentials (snacks, batteries, reef-safe sunscreen) in Rangat or Port Blair.
- Carry sufficient cash; ATMs and card acceptance are unreliable. ATMs are more likely in Rangat.
- Culture:
- Settler communities (Bengali, Tamil, and others) lead quiet island lives. Respect privacy and local customs.
- Leave no trace: pack out all waste, especially plastics from boat trips.
Tips for Night Diving
Certification and Experience
- Recommended: Advanced Open Water or Night Adventure Dive with recent logged dives.
- Minimum: Open Water with strong buoyancy and a mandatory guided night orientation (operator-dependent).
Packing Checklist (Night-Dive Focus)
- Primary torch (800–1500 lumens) + backup torch; fresh batteries or fully charged packs.
- Marker light (tank banger or cyalume) and a small strobe for DSMB if available.
- 3 mm full suit, booties; optional hooded vest for cooler, breezy nights.
- DSMB and whistle; cutting tool; slate or wet notes for silent comms.
- Anti-fog, microfiber towel, warm layer for the boat ride back.
- Dry bag, spare O-rings, and spare torch O-rings.
Safety and Responsible Diving
- Briefing first: Hand signals by light, turn-pressure, lost-buddy, and light-failure protocols.
- Buddy spacing: Close enough to see each other’s light cones; avoid crossing beams in silt.
- Environmental care: No-touch, no-take, and low, slow finning over coral heads.
- Currents and surf: Follow guide instructions; descend and ascend on a line when advised.
- Health and insurance: Declare conditions honestly; consider dive insurance that covers night diving and remote evacuation.
- Bioluminescence etiquette: Switch off torches only on guide’s cue; maintain situational awareness.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Minimum ages apply: Junior divers can be certified from 10–12, but night dives often require older juniors (operator rules vary).
- Non-divers can enjoy stargazing on the boat or guided sunset snorkels in calm shallows (daylight only).
- Carry seasickness tablets, warm layers for kids, and snacks—night schedules are late for younger travelers.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Opt for a private twilight-to-night double dive followed by a quiet beach walk at Lalaji Bay (where allowed).
- Pack a lightweight fleece and a dry change for the ride back; nights can be breezy.
- Keep lighting minimal to enjoy the Milky Way and preserve dark adaptation between dives.
Friends/Groups
- Share private boat costs and rotate roles (navigator, spotter, photographer) to keep dives organized.
- Agree on group signals before entry; stick to guide-assigned buddy pairs to avoid confusion in the dark.
- Plan a combo: 2–3 day dives plus one night dive for better orientation to the site.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to be certified to try night diving in Long Island, Andaman?
A: Yes. Night dives are for certified divers, typically with Advanced Open Water or a Night Adventure Dive. Discover/try dives are not conducted at night.
Q: Is night diving safe in this area?
A: With a reputable operator, proper briefing, and suitable conditions, night diving here is considered safe. Trips are scheduled around tides and weather, and guide-to-diver ratios are kept low.
Q: Will I see bioluminescence?
A: Often during darker moon phases and in calm, clear water—but it’s a natural phenomenon and can’t be guaranteed.
Q: What marine life is common at night?
A: Octopus, cuttlefish, crabs, shrimps, feather stars, nudibranchs, hunting lionfish, and sleeping reef fish are typical. Occasional bamboo or nurse sharks are possible but not guaranteed.
Q: Are jellyfish or stingers a concern?
A: Stinging hydroids can be present—wear a full suit. Box jellies are uncommon; operators carry first-aid (vinegar) and will brief on avoidance.
Conclusion
Night diving in Long Island, Andaman blends remote-island solitude with rich nocturnal reef life—bioluminescence, cephalopods, and a canopy of stars overhead. Plan for the October–May window, pre-arrange an experienced operator, and keep expectations flexible around weather and tides. With simple stays, limited shops, and pristine reefs, the reward is a quiet, immersive night-dive experience that feels truly wild.
