Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Underwater Photography Guide to Andaman Corals
- Best Coral Sites for Photography
- Tourist Circuits for Coral Chasers
- Activities for Ocean Lovers
- How to Reach the Andamans
- Accommodation Options and Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Festivals and Events
- Safety, Health and Environmental Guidelines
- Tips for Different Travelers
- Budget Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
The Andaman Islands are a dreamscape of turquoise lagoons and living reefs. For photographers, these waters are a canvas of hard and soft corals, schooling fish, turtles, and macro critters, all bathed in equatorial light. This guide blends underwater photography know‑how with a practical travel plan to help you capture the Andaman corals ethically and beautifully—whether you snorkel with an action camera or dive with a full mirrorless setup.
Underwater Photography Guide to Andaman Corals
What Makes Andaman Corals Special
- Fringing reefs with gardens of Acropora, Porites, brain and plate corals; seasonal soft corals in channels.
- Subjects for every lens: wide‑angle reefscapes, turtles and rays; macro shrimps, nudibranchs, gobies.
- Generally warm (27–29°C) with visibility 8–30 m depending on site and season.
Best Time and Visibility
- Peak season for clear water: November to May (calmer seas, better viz, more boat access).
- June–September: monsoon brings rain, swells and variable visibility; some sites close.
- Early mornings offer calmer seas and cleaner light; plan boat departures accordingly.
Gear Checklist
- Entry-level: Action cam with dive housing and red filter; floating grip or tray.
- Intermediate: Compact/mirrorless with housing, dome/flat ports; one or two strobes; focus light.
- Lenses: 14–16 mm rectilinear or fisheye for reefscapes; 60/90/100 mm macro for critters.
- Essentials: Wet lens cloths, silica gel, O‑ring grease, spare batteries/cards, lanyards.
- Snorkel kit: Low‑volume mask, snorkel, short fins, UV rash guard; reef‑safe sunscreen if allowed.
Camera Settings That Work
- Wide‑angle with strobes: 1/160–1/250 s, f/7.1–f/11, ISO 100–400; adjust strobe power to taste.
- Available light snorkel: 1/250 s, f/5.6–f/8, ISO 200–800; manual white balance every 2–3 m.
- Macro: 1/160–1/250 s, f/11–f/18, ISO 100–400; single strobe slightly off‑axis to reduce backscatter.
- Shoot RAW; set custom white balance; use histogram and expose to the right without clipping.
Techniques and Composition
- Buoyancy first: perfect trim before approaching corals; keep fins up to avoid contact.
- Get close, then closer: minimize water between lens and subject to cut haze and particles.
- Angle up: include sunbeams or surface for drama; use foreground coral to anchor the frame.
- Mind the surge: time shots between swells; brace gently in the water column, never on the reef.
- Night dives: bring a focus light with red mode; watch for hunting lionfish and nocturnal critters.
Ethics and Reef-Safe Practices
- Never touch, stand on, or rearrange corals or marine life.
- Use reef‑safe sunscreen (non‑nano zinc) where allowed; many parks prefer long‑sleeve rash guards.
- No feeding or chasing wildlife; maintain respectful distances.
- Follow your guide; adhere to Andaman and park‑specific rules.
Drones, Permits, and Legalities
- Marine parks (e.g., Jolly Buoy/Red Skin, Button Islands) require entry permits; operators usually arrange these.
- Some islands and tribal reserves are strictly off‑limits (e.g., North Sentinel); photography of tribal communities is illegal.
- Drones: comply with India DGCA rules (UIN/registration, No‑Permission‑No‑Takeoff) and local UT permissions; many zones near ports/defense are no‑fly.
- Always check the latest Andaman & Nicobar Administration advisories before travel.
Best Coral Sites for Photography
Port Blair Area
- North Bay (snorkel friendly): Shallow fringing reef; great for first‑timers and wide‑angle reefscapes.
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (Wandoor):
- Jolly Buoy (seasonal): Clear waters, vibrant hard corals; permits required.
- Red Skin (alternate to Jolly Buoy): Good coral gardens; glass‑bottom boats available.
Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)
- Elephant Beach: Snorkel access to colorful coral patches; best early morning.
- Nemo Reef: Beginner dives; anemones, clownfish, hard coral bommies.
- Johnny’s Gorge & Dixon’s Pinnacle (advanced): Superb wide‑angle, schooling jacks, soft corals; strong currents.
Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island)
- Bharatpur Reef: Calm lagoon with bright coral heads; excellent for snorkel photos.
- Laxmanpur Reef: Drop‑offs with fans and schools; afternoon light can be magical.
South Button Marine National Park
- Pristine visibility on good days; sea fans, soft corals, pelagics; two‑dive day trips from Havelock (weather permitting).
Cinque Island
- Emerald water, dramatic topography; limited access, typically for experienced divers with operators based in Port Blair.
Long Island and Nearby Reefs
- Less trafficked sites with healthy coral cover; great for photographers seeking solitude.
Barren Island (Advanced/Expedition)
- Volcanic seascapes, potential manta/devil rays; strong currents; liveaboard or special charters only, for experienced divers.
Tourist Circuits for Coral Chasers
Classic 5-Day (Snorkel + Easy Dives)
- Day 1: Arrive Port Blair, North Bay snorkel.
- Day 2: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (permits), glass‑bottom + snorkel photography.
- Day 3–4: Havelock—Nemo Reef intro dive; Elephant Beach snorkel; sunset at Radhanagar.
- Day 5: Neil Island—Bharatpur Reef; return to Port Blair.
Photographer’s 7-Day (Wide + Macro)
- Day 1: Port Blair logistics/check gear.
- Day 2–4: Havelock—4–6 boat dives (Johnny’s, Dixon’s, reef macro); one night dive.
- Day 5: South Button 2 dives (weather‑dependent).
- Day 6: Neil—Bharatpur wide‑angle + macro muck in sandy patches.
- Day 7: Backup weather day, light edits, depart.
Advanced 8–10 Day (Currents + Expedition)
- Havelock base with 8–12 dives, add Cinque or Long Island day trips; consider a liveaboard if available for Barren Island.
Activities for Ocean Lovers
- Snorkeling over shallow reefs (North Bay, Elephant Beach, Bharatpur).
- Scuba diving for certified divers; PADI/SSI courses widely available.
- Glass‑bottom boats and sea walks at select beaches for non‑swimmers.
- Kayaking in mangroves; seasonal bioluminescence near Havelock on dark nights.
- Night dives and occasional fluorescence dives with select operators.
How to Reach the Andamans
By Air
- Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Port Blair from major Indian cities (Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai).
By Sea
- Occasional government ships from Chennai, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam (3–4 days); basic cabins; limited schedules.
Getting Around
- Inter‑island: Govt ferries and private catamarans (e.g., Makruzz, Green Ocean) connect Port Blair, Havelock, Neil.
- Local: Taxis, autos, scooters; dive boats arranged by operators.
Accommodation Options and Estimated Costs
Where to Stay
- Port Blair: Easy logistics for permits and day trips to North Bay/Wandoor.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Best base for multiple dive days; beachside resorts.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Quieter stays near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur.
Typical Price Ranges (per night)
- Budget guesthouses: INR 1,200–2,500
- Mid‑range resorts: INR 3,000–7,000
- Upscale/luxury: INR 9,000–25,000+
Activity and Dive Costs (approx.)
- Snorkel trip: INR 800–2,000
- Discover Scuba (intro): INR 3,500–6,000
- Certified fun dive: INR 3,500–5,000 per dive (gear included)
- PADI/SSI Open Water: INR 22,000–32,000
- South Button 2‑dive day: INR 5,000–9,000
Sample 6–7 Day Trip Budget (per person, excl. flights)
- Budget: INR 25,000–45,000
- Comfort: INR 45,000–80,000
- Photographer (multiple dives): INR 70,000–1,20,000+
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: fish curry, prawn masala, tandoori fish, crab and lobster (seasonal).
- Island staples: coconut‑based curries, South Indian breakfasts, Bengali influences.
- Hydrate well; carry snacks for boat days.
Shopping
- Sagarika Government Emporium (Port Blair) for handicrafts, coconut shell art, spices.
- Avoid buying protected shells/coral; ensure goods are legally sourced.
Culture & Etiquette
- Relaxed island pace; dress modestly in towns.
- Respect protected areas and “no photography” signs; never photograph tribal peoples.
Festivals and Events
- Island Tourism Festival (usually January, Port Blair): cultural shows, food, crafts.
- Beach Festivals (select islands, seasonal): local music, sports.
- Note: Dates vary annually; confirm with local tourism offices.
Safety, Health and Environmental Guidelines
- Currents and surge: follow guide briefings; some sites are for advanced divers only.
- Marine hazards: jellyfish/sea wasps (seasonal), urchins, stonefish; wear full‑length suits or rash guards.
- Sun and dehydration: strong UV; use hats, UPF clothing, plenty of water.
- Cuts and stings: carry vinegar, disinfectant, sterile strips; rinse minor coral cuts promptly.
- Insurance: dive insurance recommended for certified divers.
- Environmental: no litter, no anchoring on reefs; carry a small mesh bag to pack out trash from boats.
Tips for Different Travelers
Families
- Choose shallow, supervised snorkel sites (North Bay, Elephant Beach, Bharatpur).
- Opt for glass‑bottom boats if kids are new to the sea; bring snacks and dry towels.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Stay beachside in Havelock; book a private snorkel charter at sunrise or golden hour.
- Pack light photo gear for strolls; schedule a no‑device sunset at Radhanagar Beach.
Friends/Groups
- Plan multi‑dive packages; split private boat charters for South Button or Cinque.
- Try bioluminescence kayaking on moonless nights in Havelock.
Smart Packing List
- Mask, snorkel, fins; 3–5 mm shorty or full suit depending on season.
- Reef‑safe sunscreen (if permitted), UPF rash guards, wide‑brim hat, dry bag.
- Camera housings, spare O‑rings, desiccants, microfiber towels, power strip.
- Basic meds, motion‑sickness tablets, reusable water bottle.
Budget Tips
- Book flights early from Chennai/Kolkata for lower fares.
- Use government ferries where schedules fit; private catamarans for time‑sensitive transfers.
- Bundle dives with one operator for discounts; bring your own mask to save rental fees and ensure fit.
- Travel Nov–early Dec or late Feb–Apr for a balance of visibility and value.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to be a certified diver to photograph Andaman corals?
A: No. Many reefs are shallow and perfect for snorkel photography. Certified divers will access deeper pinnacles and walls for wider subjects and soft corals.
Q: What is the best month for underwater visibility?
A: Typically January to April offers the most consistent calm seas and clearer water, though good days occur from November to May.
Q: Are drones allowed on the islands?
A: Drones require compliance with India’s DGCA regulations and local permissions. Many areas are restricted. Always seek written approval and respect no‑fly zones.
Q: Can I collect shells or coral as souvenirs?
A: No. Removing corals, live shells, or protected marine items is illegal. Buy only from authorized outlets and avoid anything that looks like coral.
Q: Which island should I base myself on for most dives?
A: Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) offers the widest choice of dive sites and operators, with Neil and South Button as popular add‑ons.
Conclusion
The Andamans reward patience and planning: calm seasons, ethical operators, and thoughtful technique will let you frame thriving coral gardens, charismatic creatures, and dreamy reefscapes. With this photography‑focused guide, you can choose the right islands, pack the right kit, and move safely and responsibly through one of India’s most photogenic marine realms.
