Latest Information on Travelling to Andaman Islands?
  • Andaman Tourism Opens

    Updated: 14 Aug 2021

    Andaman Tourism Opens: The Andaman & Nicobar administration has announced that all tourist spots in the South Andaman district will be opened for tourism activities with immediate effect 8 Feb 2022.

  • What is the advisory to travel to North & Middle Andaman District?

    Updated: 14 Aug 2021

    The tourists are allowed to visit Baratang/North & Middle Andaman on production of double dose covid certificate/ All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report

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  • All asymptomatic fully vaccinated persons coming to these islands from mainland are exempted from the requirement of carrying RT-PCR negative test report,irrespective of the type of vaccine received and country of origin. Such fullyvaccinated individuals shall produce the final vaccination certificate at the origin airport, sea port in the mainland and at Port Blair Airport / sea port.
  • Alt asymptomatic children below 5 years of age are exempted from carrying RT-PCR negative test report and further RT-PCR testing at Port Blair Airport.
  • All other passengers viz. unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers (those who have taken only 1S1 dose of COVID vaccine) shall have to produce RT-PCR negative test report to travel to Port Blair from the mainland, as is the practice now. Such an RT-PCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to commencement of journey from the origin airport connecting Port Blair. Such passengers will also have to undergo additional RT-PCR test on arrival at Port Blair. Such passengers shall remain in self-quarantine till the arrival of the test report.
  • If a passenger on arrival is tested positive then, the prescribed quarantine protocol is to be followed.
  • All Airlines shall ensure strict compliance of this order and observance of COVID Appropriate Behaviour. Any non-compliance shall invite action under Disaster Management Act and other applicable laws. 
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General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :

  1. The Tourism Activities are permitted only in South Andaman & North & Middle Andaman District except Nicobar District.
  2. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with home co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years advised not to travel for tourism purposes.
  3. Tourists/Visitors who are at higher risk due to some medical history are advised to take extra precautions.
  4. Tourists/visitors shall minimize contact with other staff and visitors as far as possible and zero contact policy should be followed at all tourist destinations.
  5. All tourists/visitors shall be briefed by the hotel concerned about do’s & don’ts to be mandatorily followed during their stay and movements.
  6. While travelling tourists/visitors should wear a face mask and carry their own sanitizer and wet wipes for personal use.
  7. At all tourist destinations, staff must wear face masks and wash/sanitize hands regularly while performing their duties.
  8. Arogya Setu App shall be mandatory for all incoming tourists/visitors.
  9. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly after use.
  10. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/ visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&%N Administration, on rate as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid 19 care centre on case to case basis.
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What are the guidelines for testing for tourists coming to Andaman after August 03 2021?

On arrival at Port Blair :

1. The tourists need to carry COVID-19 negative test report from mainland based 1CMR approved lab using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). However, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken within 48 hours prior to starting the journey from the origin station. (For e.g. if the tourist takes a flight from Delhi at 0600 hrs. on 1st September, 2021, the sample for RTPCR test should have been taken not before 0600 hrs. on 30th August, 2021).

2. The tourists/visitors on arrival at Port Blair airport have to undergo mandatory Covid-19 screening with RTPCR test free of cost. Thereafter the tourists/visitors are allowed to move to their respective hotels. However, they will have to be under quarantine at Port Blair in their hotel rooms until the result of RTPCR tests are received. In case of RTPCR positive test results, the tourists/visitors shall remain in
institutional quarantine in hotels notified by the Hoteliers Association in consent with the A&N Administration, on rates as specified or to the designated hospital/ Covid-19 care centre on case-to-case basis.

3. Tourists may also have to undergo random Rapid Antigen Test conducted from time to time on payment basis as prescribed by A8N Administration.

What if the tourists test positive after arriving at the Andaman Islands?


If the tourists tests positive during their stay in the Islands, he/she will need to undergo institutional isolation as per existing health protocols. The
cost of such isolation for govt. facility will be paid by the tourists as fixed by the administration from time to time.

If the patient wants to stay at hotels, he/she can stay in the hotels if all the conditions below are met:

a) Patients are not symptomatic and not more than 60 years old.
b) Request/ undertaking is made by patient in writing.
c)lf allowed by doctors.

Hotels will make necessary arrangements to designate a part of their rooms for institutional isolation for this purpose.

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  • Regular flights to Port Blair (the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands) are operational now.
  • There are direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Delhi.
  • Public transports like cabs, taxis, and bus services are also functional.
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Travellers should carefully follow social distancing norms and wear masks as well. Also, before making any booking, they should refer to the latest travel news on the government website of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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Charter Boat for Scuba Diving & Snorkelling in the Andaman Islands

Charter Boat for Scuba Diving & Snorkelling in the Andaman Islands
Date : 29 Aug 2024
Categories: Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands are a true tropical paradise with stunning beaches, deep blue waters, and vibrant marine life. Whether you're an adventure seeker or just looking for a relaxing getaway, the Andamans have something for everyone. But, if you want to make your trip more exciting, you should definitely hire a charter boat. A charter boat for scuba diving and snorkelling in the Andaman Islands offers an exclusive and personalised diving experience to anyone seeking an adventure. It allows you to access remote dive sites that are not reachable by land, explore the stunning coral reefs and marine life, and enjoy a range of other activities.

Taking a charter boat to scuba dive & snorkel in the Andamans

One of the best ways to experience scuba diving in the Andamans is by taking a charter boat. Chartering a boat allows you to customise your scuba diving experience and explore remote dive sites that are not accessible by land. When taking a charter boat for scuba diving in the Andamans, you can expect to have a tailored experience, meaning you can choose your own itinerary and dive sites based on your preferences and skill level. The boat crew will also be able to provide you with guidance and recommendations on the best dive sites based on the season and weather conditions.

Additionally, chartering a boat allows you to dive with a smaller group of people, which enhances your overall scuba diving experience. With fewer people, you will have more space and time to explore the underwater world at your own pace. You can also avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful and intimate diving experience.

Best places to scuba dive and snorkel in the Andamans

 The Andaman Islands are home to some of the best scuba diving sites in the world, and a charter boat is the perfect way to explore these sites. Here are some of the best places to scuba dive on a charter boat in the Andamans:

  1. Barren Island: This is an active volcano island and one of the best dive sites in the Andamans. The dive site offers a unique opportunity to explore underwater volcanic rocks, swim-throughs, and a variety of marine life, including schools of colourful fish, sharks, and manta rays.
  2. North Point: Located in the northern part of Havelock Island, this dive site offers a spectacular wall dive with strong currents. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including Napoleon wrasses, barracudas, and reef sharks.
  3. Dixon's Pinnacle: This dive site is located off the coast of Neil Island and is known for its abundance of soft corals and colourful marine life, including sea snakes, eagle rays, and reef sharks.
  4. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park: This protected area is located in the south of the Andamans and offers a variety of dive sites, including Jolly Buoy Island and Red Skin Island. These sites are known for their clear waters and diverse marine life, including sea turtles, octopuses, and schools of colourful fish.
  5. Cinque Island: This remote island is located in the south of the Andamans and is known for its pristine coral reefs, clear waters, and abundant marine life. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including triggerfish, barracudas, and sharks.

Best time to scuba dive and snorkel in the Andamans

The best time to visit the Andamans for scuba diving is between November and April. During these months, the weather is dry and sunny, and the sea is calm and clear, making it the ideal time for scuba diving. The water temperature during this time ranges from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for diving without a wetsuit.

From May to October, the Andamans experience heavy rainfall and strong winds due to the monsoon season. This makes the sea conditions unpredictable and the visibility poor, making it unsuitable for scuba diving. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a popular tourist destination, especially, during the best seasons. So, expect the cost of everything including booking your charter boat to be high. 

Cost of taking a charter boat in the Andamans

The cost of taking a charter boat in the Andamans for scuba diving will depend on various factors such as the duration of the trip, the size of the boat, the number of people, and the amenities provided on the boat. Generally, a full-day charter boat trip for scuba diving in the Andamans can cost between INR 20,000 to INR 150,000 and even above. This would depend on the type of boat you are getting and also whether or not you are hiring a full boat. 

Some scuba diving operators may also offer packages that include multiple dives, equipment rental, meals, and accommodations on the boat. These packages can range from INR 25,000 to INR 70,000 per person, depending on the duration and the number of dives. If it is a boat that accommodates 8 people or more, you’ll be offered a seat on it. 

The cost of a charter boat for scuba diving in the Andamans may seem high, but it includes the services of experienced crew and guides, as well as the use of high-quality scuba diving equipment. Additionally, a charter boat allows you to explore remote dive sites that are not accessible by land and offers a personalized and tailored scuba diving experience.

Charter boat activities in the Andamans

A charter boat in the Andamans offers a wide range of activities to enjoy during your trip. While scuba diving is the primary activity, there are many other activities besides scuba diving and snorkelling to keep you busy and entertained. Here are some of the activities you can enjoy on a charter boat in the Andamans:

  1. Island hopping: The Andamans is home to many uninhabited islands that are perfect for exploring. You can take a dinghy or kayak from the charter boat to explore these islands and their beautiful beaches.
  2. Game Fishing: Fishing is a popular activity in the Andamans, and many charter boats offer fishing equipment and guides for a fun and relaxing fishing experience. Barren Island is one of the most famous places for game fishing in the Andamans. 
  3. Sunset cruises: Watching the sunset from a charter boat is a breathtaking experience. You can enjoy a relaxing evening on board the boat, sipping on cocktails and watching the sun go down.
  4. Beach picnics: Many charter boats offer beach picnics on secluded islands, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and relax on the beach.

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