Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance of Sea Walking in Andaman
- Best Time to Experience Sea Walking
- Top Sea Walking Spots & What to Expect
- Nearby Attractions
- How to Reach the Sea Walking Sites
- Accommodation Options
- Estimated Costs
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- General Tips for Sea Walking
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Sea walking in the Andaman Islands is one of the easiest ways to step into the underwater world—no diving certification and no swimming skills required. Wearing a clear-visor helmet, you descend to the seabed and stroll among colorful corals, butterflyfish, and schools of sergeant majors. The most popular sites are North Bay Island (near Port Blair), Elephant Beach (Swaraj Dweep/Havelock), and Bharatpur/Laxmanpur reefs (Shaheed Dweep/Neil). Expect calm, shallow waters, trained instructors, and plenty of photo moments.
History & Importance of Sea Walking in Andaman
Andaman introduced organized sea walking in the early 2010s as a gentler alternative to scuba diving and snorkeling, broadening access to marine tourism. It quickly became a signature experience for families and first-time ocean explorers. Operators follow safety briefings and supervised descents, and many now integrate eco-guidelines—no touching or feeding marine life—to reduce impact on fragile reefs. The activity contributes significantly to local livelihoods while encouraging reef awareness and conservation.
Best Time to Experience Sea Walking
- Peak season: November to April offers the calmest seas, good visibility, and minimal rain.
- Shoulder months: Late September–October and May can be decent; occasional showers and choppy seas are possible.
- Avoid: Peak monsoon (generally June to August) due to rough seas, wind, and frequent cancellations.
- Best time of day: Morning slots (8:30–11:00 am) usually have better visibility and gentler currents.
Top Sea Walking Spots & What to Expect
1) North Bay Island (Near Port Blair)
Why go: Classic, accessible site with vibrant reef gardens; ideal for short trips based in Port Blair.
- Depth & duration: Approx. 6–10 meters; 20–30 minutes underwater after a 10-minute briefing.
- Highlights: Coral bommies, lively reef fish, underwater photo/video services.
- Getting there: 20–30 minutes by speedboat from the Water Sports Complex (Aberdeen Jetty), Port Blair.
2) Elephant Beach, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock)
Why go: Clear water, white-sand backdrop, and multiple water sports at one beach.
- Depth & duration: Similar profile; gentle sandy entry points.
- Highlights: Good visibility; combine with snorkeling, banana boat, or jet ski.
- Getting there: 20-minute speedboat from Havelock Jetty or a forest trail trek (when permitted).
3) Bharatpur Reef, Shaheed Dweep (Neil)
Why go: Lagoon-like setting with calm waters, perfect for first-timers and families.
- Depth & duration: Shallow reef walk with easy supervision.
- Highlights: Bright reef fish, photo-friendly conditions.
- Getting there: Short cab ride from Neil Jetty; sea walk pontoons are offshore.
What the Experience Feels Like
- Helmet: A weighted helmet supplies air and keeps your face dry; you can wear glasses/contact lenses.
- Movement: Walk slowly; equalize ears as instructed. Handrails are usually available along the seabed route.
- Safety: Instructors accompany small groups, with surface support and radio/hand signals.
- Non-swimmers: Entirely suitable; you don’t need to float or kick.
Nearby Attractions
- From North Bay: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island), Cellular Jail Light & Sound Show, Corbyn’s Cove.
- From Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Radhanagar Beach (sunset), Kalapathar Beach (sunrise), scuba diving sites.
- From Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Laxmanpur Beach (sunset), Natural Rock Bridge, Sitapur Beach (sunrise).
How to Reach the Sea Walking Sites
Fly to Port Blair
- Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), with direct flights from cities like Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi (seasonal).
Ferries between islands
- Port Blair ↔ Havelock/Neil: Government and private ferries (e.g., Nautika, Makruzz, Green Ocean). Pre-book in peak season.
- Duration: 60–120 minutes depending on route and sea state.
Local transfers
- North Bay: Speedboats from Aberdeen Jetty/Water Sports Complex.
- Elephant Beach: Speedboat from Havelock Jetty or guided forest trail (subject to permission/conditions).
- Neil: Short road transfer to Bharatpur/Laxmanpur; boats to sea walk pontoons.
Permits & ID
- Indian nationals: Carry a valid photo ID; no special permit for the main tourist circuit.
- Foreign nationals: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is generally required to visit the Andaman & Nicobar Islands; often issued on arrival at Port Blair or via Indian Missions. Check the latest rules before travel.
Accommodation Options
- Port Blair: Budget guesthouses near Aberdeen Bazaar; mid-range boutique hotels; a few upscale bayside properties.
- Havelock (Swaraj Dweep): Beachfront resorts on Govind Nagar/Vijay Nagar; luxury villas; eco-cabins.
- Neil (Shaheed Dweep): Quiet beach stays near Bharatpur/Laxmanpur; cozy homestays; mid-range resorts.
Indicative nightly rates (double occupancy):
- Budget: ₹1,500–₹3,000
- Mid-range: ₹4,000–₹8,000
- Premium/Luxury: ₹10,000–₹25,000+
Estimated Costs
- Sea walk price (per person): Typically ₹3,200–₹4,500 at North Bay; ₹3,500–₹4,800 at Elephant Beach; similar ranges at Neil. Photos/video may be included or charged extra.
- Boat transfers: North Bay day trip boats ₹800–₹1,500+; Havelock/Neil ferries ₹1,200–₹3,000+ one-way (class dependent).
- Local transport: Scooters ₹500–₹800/day; cabs vary by distance.
- Meals: ₹300–₹700 per person at casual spots; more at resorts.
- 3-day sample budget (per person, twin-share): Budget ₹12,000–₹18,000; Mid-range ₹22,000–₹35,000; Premium ₹45,000+ (including accommodation, ferries, one sea walk, and meals; excludes flights).
Note: Prices vary by season, operator, and availability.
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping & Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood grills, fish thalis, prawn curries; try beach shacks on Havelock.
- Influences from Bengali, South Indian, and North Indian settler cuisines.
- Tropical fruits and refreshing coconut water post-activity.
Shopping
- Sagarika Emporium for government-approved handicrafts (bamboo, coconut, shell crafts).
- Avoid buying corals, starfish, or protected shells—these are illegal and harm the ecosystem.
Culture & Etiquette
- Indigenous tribes are protected; visiting tribal reserves is prohibited.
- Dress modestly in towns and villages; beachwear is fine on the shore and boats.
- Follow “leave no trace”: carry back plastic, use reef-safe sunscreen.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Choose morning slots for calmer seas; confirm minimum age (often 10–12 years) with your operator.
- Pack snacks, water, dry clothes, and seasickness tablets if needed.
Honeymooners
- Book a private time slot or small-group session; add an underwater photo package.
- Combine with sunset at Radhanagar or Laxmanpur for a relaxed day.
Friends/Groups
- Group discounts may apply; align ferry timings to keep the day seamless.
- Mix in other activities—snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, and a casual seafood dinner.
General Tips for Sea Walking
- Health & fitness: Not advised for those with serious heart, respiratory, ear, or sinus conditions, recent surgery, or during pregnancy. If unsure, consult a doctor.
- Age/weight: Typical minimum age is around 10–12 years; weight limits may apply (often near 120 kg). Confirm with your operator.
- Equalization: Learn to equalize ears (pinch nose and swallow/gently blow). Ascend slowly if you feel discomfort.
- What to wear: Swimwear or quick-dry clothing; no loose accessories. Tie long hair. Remove jewelry.
- Contacts & glasses: Usually fine under the dry helmet; inform the guide.
- Photos & video: Clarify inclusions, formats, and delivery method; bring a USB/phone with storage.
- Safety brief: Pay attention to hand signals, follow the rope/handrails, and keep a calm, slow pace.
- Eco-care: Do not touch corals or marine life; use reef-safe sunscreen; never feed fish.
- Weather buffers: Seas can change quickly; keep a flexible schedule to account for delays or cancellations.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to know swimming for sea walking in Andaman?
A: No. The helmet keeps your head dry and you walk on the seabed with guides beside you. Non-swimmers regularly enjoy the activity.
Q: How long does a sea walk take?
A: The underwater walk is typically 20–30 minutes. With briefing, gearing up, and boat transfers, set aside 1.5–2.5 hours depending on the site.
Q: Is sea walking safe?
A: Licensed operators use tested equipment and trained guides. Follow the briefing, equalize as instructed, and disclose any medical conditions. Weather-related cancellations are normal and made for safety.
Q: What is the best place for sea walking in Andaman?
A: North Bay is great for convenience from Port Blair; Elephant Beach (Havelock) often has clearer water; Neil’s Bharatpur Reef is calm and family-friendly. Choose based on your base island and conditions on the day.
Q: How much does sea walking cost?
A: Expect roughly ₹3,200–₹4,800 per person depending on the site and season. Photos/video may be extra. Always confirm inclusions before booking.
Conclusion
Sea walking in Andaman is an effortless, memorable way to meet the islands’ coral reefs up close. With calm sites at North Bay, Havelock, and Neil, supportive guides, and morning slots offering the best visibility, it suits families, couples, and friends alike. Pair the experience with nearby beaches and simple seafood meals, keep an eco-friendly mindset, and allow schedule flexibility for weather. The result is a safe, colorful underwater stroll that complements any Andaman itinerary.
