Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History & Importance
- Best Time to Take the Semi-Submarine Ride
- About the Semi-Submarine Ride (What to Expect)
- Duration & Timings
- Tickets & Estimated Costs
- How to Reach
- Top Things to Do Around the Experience
- Nearby Attractions
- Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
- Accommodation Options in Port Blair
- Tips & Responsible Travel
- Traveler-Specific Advice
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair’s semi-submarine ride is one of the most effortless ways to witness the Andaman Sea’s coral gardens and reef life without getting wet. From a comfortable, air-conditioned cabin with large underwater viewing windows, you glide past schools of fish, vibrant corals, and sometimes even turtles. It’s an ideal activity for families, non-swimmers, and anyone who wants a front-row seat to Andaman’s underwater world with zero diving experience.
History & Importance
Semi-submarine tours in Port Blair were introduced to open up the Andaman’s marine biodiversity to travelers of all ages and abilities, complementing snorkeling and scuba. They support low-impact reef viewing—guests observe from within the vessel, ensuring minimal disturbance to corals. Today, the ride is a signature Port Blair experience, commonly linked with North Bay Island, a known snorkeling and coral-reef spot.
Best Time to Take the Semi-Submarine Ride
- October to May: Generally the best visibility and calmer seas; mornings offer clearer water and softer light.
- Monsoon (approx. June to September): Sea can be choppy and visibility lower; sailings may be canceled due to weather advisories.
- Time of day: Early slots (9:00–11:00 am) tend to have better underwater clarity and fewer crowds.
About the Semi-Submarine Ride (What to Expect)
- Boarding: Usually from the Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex (Port Blair) for North Bay Island routes. After a short boat transfer, you board the semi-submarine.
- The Vessel: Air-conditioned cabin below deck with panoramic glass panes; seating faces outward toward the reef.
- The View: Hard and soft corals, reef fish like sergeant majors, parrotfish, butterflyfish; occasional sightings of rays or turtles.
- Comfort: Dry, shaded, and comfortable for all ages; commentary may be provided by crew.
- Photography: Allowed; avoid flash and fingerprints on windows. A polarizing filter helps reduce glare.
Duration & Timings
- Ride Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes (underwater viewing usually 30–45 minutes).
- Operating Window: Commonly between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, in fixed time slots. Morning departures recommended for visibility.
- Seasonality: Schedules may change based on weather and sea conditions; sailings can be rescheduled or canceled for safety.
Tickets & Estimated Costs
Prices vary by operator, season, and inclusions. Below ranges are indicative for Port Blair/North Bay semi-submarine rides.
- Adults: INR 1,800–3,000 per person
- Children: INR 1,200–2,000 (age slabs vary by operator)
- Transfers (if not included): INR 200–600 for short boat transfers or local transport
- Combo deals: Packages with snorkeling, sea walk, or glass-bottom may cost more but offer better value
- Taxes/fees: Government/park fees may be included or charged separately—confirm at booking
Booking Tips: Pre-book during peak months (Nov–Apr). Carry a government ID for check-in. Review cancellation terms; weather-related delays are possible.
How to Reach
Getting to Port Blair
- By Air: Fly into Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ). Direct/connecting flights from major Indian cities.
- By Sea: Occasional long-duration passenger ships operate from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam (limited frequency; subject to schedules and weather).
Getting to the Boarding Point
- Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex: Central Port Blair location; 10–20 minutes by taxi/auto from most city hotels.
- To North Bay Island: Short boat transfer arranged by operator; timings align with your ride slot.
Local Transport: Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-cabs are available; scooters can be rented for city commutes. Allow buffer time for boat connections.
Top Things to Do Around the Experience
- North Bay Island: Snorkeling, sea walk, and beach time; lighthouse viewpoint hike.
- Glass-bottom boat: A complementary option for more surface-level reef viewing.
- Photography from deck: Capture island panoramas and blue-water vistas before/after the underwater session.
Nearby Attractions
- Cellular Jail (Kala Pani): National memorial with a poignant light & sound show (evenings).
- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (Ross Island): Ruined colonial-era structures amid banyan roots and deer.
- Chidiya Tapu: Sunset point and birdlife; small beach and forest trails.
- Wandoor & Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: Jolly Buoy/Red Skin (seasonal, permit-controlled) for snorkeling and glass-bottom experiences.
- Day trips: Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil (Shaheed Dweep) for beaches and scuba diving (via high-speed ferries).
Local Experiences: Food, Shopping, Culture
Food
- Fresh seafood: Andaman fish curry, grilled fish, prawn masala.
- Coconut-based curries and South Indian influences; vegetarian thalis widely available.
- Look for simple, seaside shacks and local bakeries in Aberdeen Bazaar.
Shopping
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Spices, local handicrafts, light cotton wear.
- Avoid buying corals or protected shells; purchase only ethically sourced souvenirs.
Culture
- Cosmopolitan mix of Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and North Indian communities.
- Indigenous tribes live in protected areas—no tourism interaction is permitted.
Accommodation Options in Port Blair
- Budget (INR 1,200–2,500): Guesthouses and homestays near Aberdeen Bazaar/Goal Ghar.
- Mid-range (INR 3,000–6,500): Business and boutique hotels in city center or sea-facing locations.
- Premium (INR 7,000+): Upscale hotels/resorts with bay views and pools; book early in peak season.
Location Tip: Stay within 15–20 minutes of the Water Sports Complex for easy morning departures.
Tips & Responsible Travel
- Sea conditions: If you’re prone to motion sickness, take medication 30–60 minutes before boarding.
- Clothing: Light, breathable clothes; a light jacket for the AC cabin; non-slip footwear for wet decks.
- Documents: Carry a valid ID and your booking confirmation (digital is usually fine).
- Accessibility: Boarding involves steps down to the viewing cabin; wheelchair access is limited—confirm with the operator.
- Permits: No special permit is typically required for the ride; certain marine parks/islands may have separate entry rules.
- Responsible viewing: Do not feed fish, litter, or touch corals during any water activities. Reef-safe sunscreen for surface activities.
- Weather buffer: Keep flexibility for rescheduling due to sudden weather changes.
Traveler-Specific Advice
Families
- Pick early slots to avoid crowds; keep snacks and water handy.
- Children should remain seated; brief them about not touching windows or railings excessively.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Combine the ride with a sunset walk at Chidiya Tapu or dinner by the bay.
- Book window-adjacent seats early if the operator allows seat selection.
Friends/Groups
- Opt for combo packages (semi-sub + snorkeling/sea walk) to save on costs.
- Coordinate transport to the jetty to ensure group check-in together.
Packing Essentials
- Motion-sickness tablets, sunglasses, hat, light jacket, water bottle, wipes for lens/windows (if permitted).
- Waterproof pouch for phone/IDs; cash for small expenses at jetties.
Safety
- Follow crew instructions at all times; remain seated during maneuvering.
- If pregnant or with mobility constraints, consult the operator beforehand.
FAQs
Q: How long is the semi-submarine ride in Port Blair?
A: Most trips last 60–90 minutes, with 30–45 minutes of underwater viewing time.
Q: Do I need to know swimming for the semi-submarine?
A: No. You remain inside the vessel the entire time, making it suitable for non-swimmers and children.
Q: What is the best time of day to go?
A: Morning slots (roughly 9:00–11:00 am) usually offer calmer seas and clearer visibility.
Q: Is it wheelchair-friendly?
A: Access often involves steps down into the viewing cabin, so full wheelchair accessibility is limited. Check directly with the operator.
Q: Can the ride be canceled due to weather?
A: Yes. Operators may reschedule or cancel during rough seas or poor visibility for safety. Keep a buffer in your itinerary.
Conclusion
The semi-submarine ride in Port Blair is a relaxed, family-friendly window into the Andaman’s coral world. With minimal logistics, year-round availability in fair weather, and convenient access from the city, it’s a highlight for travelers who want vivid reef scenes without getting into the water. Time your ride in the dry season—preferably in the morning—combine it with nearby sights like Cellular Jail and North Bay, and you’ll have a well-rounded day that captures both the island’s history and its underwater marvels.
