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.
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
General Guidelines defined for traveling to Andaman Islands during COVID :
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.
When miles and miles of the sea surround you, there is nothing else to do except to dive right in. With clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and rich coral reef, Havelock island has everything when it comes to water sports for thrillseekers. If you are a thalassophile, someone who loves the sea, Havelock Island is a hub of all activities you have ever dreamt of. And to top it all, most of them do not require you to be a pro swimmer, making the experience accessible to each visitor. Here are some ways to quench your thirst for aqua adventure in Havelock Island.
1. Snorkelling
One of the primary attractions for travellers, snorkelling in Havelock tops the chart of the to-do list in Andaman Islands. Known for its exquisite coral reef, diverse marine life, and clear waters, snorkelling in Elephant Beach in Havelock Island offers a better experience than in North Bay, out of the two places earmarked for snorkelling. The shallow azure water in contrast to the bright and carefully preserved coral reefs make the underwater experience in Elephant beach enthralling.
Tips For Snorkelling in Havelock Island -
2. Night Kayaking
Far away from the coast of Havelock Island, the water gleams like a zillion fireflies, mesmerizing the human eye, occurs a stunning natural phenomenon termed bioluminescence. On account of the presence of phytoplankton in the water, Havelock Island is the only place in Andaman Islands where you can witness this marvel. If the image of a million stars dancing in the dark above your head, and the same image reflecting below your feet, intrigues you, night kayaking excursions are a sublime means to bring this image to life. Though bioluminescence is observed best on new moon nights, one can avail the experience of night kayaking for stargazing as well.
Tips For Night Kayaking in Havelock Island -
3. Dolphin Glass Bottom Boat Ride
Snorkelling and scuba diving might not be everyone's cup of tea, but that should not mean missing out on the underwater action. Some refrain from scuba diving or snorkelling or sea walking due to various physical distress or on medical grounds. For those who wish to see marine life, float along with the fishes and witness coral reefs up close, Havelock has the option of Dolphin glass-bottom boat rides. These are ideal for those wanting to delve into the abysses of the ocean without getting their toes wet. With a glass bottom that enables you to see the underwater life, the half-hour ride involves gliding slowly and steadily through the vast kaleidoscope of coral reefs and a short speed ride following the coral watch.
Tips For Glass Bottom Boat Ride in Havelock Island -
4. Sea walking
What is better than floating underwater? Walking on the bed of the sea, hands down. A milder version of an otherwise exhilarating water sport, the experience of sea walking in Havelock Island is unparalleled. A half-hour fun session of sea walking commences after orientation, and one must book well in advance. The primary allocated spots for sea walking are North Bay Island and Havelock Island. On account of verdant flora and fauna in the colourful corals, sea walking off the coast of Elephant Beach in Havelock Island is an enchanting experience. The thrill of walking underwater and being a spectator to the bustling marine life opens up the door to an otherwise hidden world.
Tips For Sea Walking in Havelock Island -
5. Scuba diving
Ever since Hrithik took a leap of faith and dived into an ocean in Costa Brava, the fad of scuba diving has only gone uphill. Scuba diving is a fascinating water sport that enables you to delve into the unknown and opens your eyes to a world you only saw pictures of in National Geographic/Discovery. One does not necessarily require to be proficient in swimming to scuba dive, which makes the dive all the more inclusive. With clear waters, rich and diverse marine life, and ideal weather conditions, scuba diving in Andaman Islands is one of the best experiences for diving enthusiasts in India. Safety of the guests is the utmost priority, and they must follow the instructions stringently. Certified instructors take you on a guided dive along the beautiful stretches of coral reefs that are sure to take your breath away, figuratively. It is needless to say, to preserve biodiversity, we suggest that you maintain a distance from the creatures and refrain from touching them. A certificate is also issued after you complete your dive. Though there is a multitude of spots in Havelock Island, diving around Elephant Beach is the one that definitely stands out.
Tips For Scuba Diving in Havelock Island -
6. Swimming
Havelock Island, where the ocean changes its hue like seasons. While in some places it traverses from turquoise to emerald-like green, in others cerulean to navy blue. The water is crystal clear and a haven for swimmers. Amidst a tropical climate and seclusion that Havelock Islands offers, the landscape strikes a whole new chord while swimming. Beaches in Havelock, though popular, are hardly overcrowded, giving you the solace swimming delivers. Tips For Swimming in Havelock Island -
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