Snorkelling in Andaman | Cost, Locations

Snorkeling in Andamans, Andaman Overview

The unique position held by Andaman in the Indian Ocean guarantees a great avenue to experience snorkelling, with various centres offering short courses and providing the equipment required for snorkelling. You can experience snorkelling at North Bay Island, Jolly Buoy Island, Havelock Island, Red Skin Island, Wandoor, Long Island, Andaman Water Sports Complex, Neill Island, South Button, Henry Lawrence Beach, Rutland Island and Kalipur.

Tourists can use local transport (roadways and waterways) to reach these required snorkelling locations. So, keeping a close tab on the ferry schedules is advisable and make sure you reach in time. Snorkelling is a water sport that allows swimmers to observe marine life without diving deep in the ocean and without having to carry heavy equipment. The only equipment that aids Snorkeling is a 30-centimetre long tube called a snorkel attached to a diving mask with glasses. Swimmers can be close to the surface of the water and yet see as much as possible of the life underwater.

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Snorkelling in Andaman Cost

Snorkeling in Andaman costs different at different locations on the island. It mostly depends upon the equipment and the time one would rent the equipment for but there are some operators that provide snorkelling guides and a glass bottom boat ride for a limited time. The entire activity would last 30 to 45 minutes approximately with just a 10 to 15-minute snorkelling experience. Training and other facilities are charged separately. Normally, 10 minutes of snorkelling with a guide and a 25 to 30 minutes glass boat ride would cost somewhere around INR 600/- per person. There are extensive snorkelling experiences too in Andaman that are priced around INR 4000/- per head. These charges do not include the cost of travelling around the islands.

Things to Keep in Mind

Stay updated with the local weather forecast on that day.
Some knowledge of the ocean, the wind and their behaviour helps manoeuvre swimming.
It is always recommended that swimmers carry their own equipment (snorkel with mask, fins etc.). But, if one has to rent the gear, they need to try to get a perfect fit to avoid accidents in the ocean.
Wearing appropriate swimwear is much recommended. If it is too sunny, wearing a t-shirt is recommended to avoid sunburns.
Learning how to defog the mask and managing an angle of the head to avoid water getting into the mouth is very important. Asking the guide for tips helps during the swim.
Avoid touching any of the marine life.
Always swim in groups or at least have a snorkeling friend or an experienced guide along.

Best Time to Visit

Generally speaking, the best time to go snorkelling in Andaman is during the winter season (November to February). But, there are certain beaches which are best visited during the summer (between March and April) and the monsoon months (May to October). The winter season brings gentler waters and pleasant weather all through the day. Most beaches are flocked by tourists. Snorkelling and other water sports pick up too during the season. Any of the beaches mentioned above can be visited for snorkelling as long as people have the required training and the equipment and as long as there are snorkelling operators/ guides available at that location. Some locations like the Jolly Buoy Island, Havelock Island, Neill Island etc. allow snorkelling between November and April and some like the Red Skin Island, between May and October. Having said that, there is no guarantee that the weather would be suitable, especially during the monsoons. Tourists have to be aware that the plans could have to be changed at the last minute.