Latest Information on Travelling to Andaman Islands?

Runway Status for Port Blair Airport From October,22 to February, 23

Updated: 19 Sep 2022

From	To	Status
18-Oct	21-Oct	Closed
22-Oct	31-Oct	Operational
01-Nov	04-Nov	Closed
05-Nov	14-Nov	Operational
15-Nov	18-Nov	Closed
19-Nov	28-Nov	Operational
29-Nov	02-Dec	Closed
03-Dec	12-Dec	Operational
13-Dec	16-Dec	Closed
17-Dec	26-Dec	Operational
27-Dec	30-Dec	Closed
31-Dec	09-Jan	Operational
10-Jan	13-Jan	Closed
14-Jan	23-Jan	Operational
24-Jan	27-Jan	Closed
28-Jan	06-Feb	Operational
07-Feb	10-Feb	Closed
11-Feb	20-Feb	Operational

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.
RT PCR report on arrival
Updated: 14 Aug 2021

A negative RT PCR report has to be presented by all passengers on arrival.
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 :

The Tourism Activities are permitted only in South Andaman & North & Middle Andaman District except Nicobar District.
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.
Tourists/Visitors who are at higher risk due to some medical history are advised to take extra precautions.
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.
All tourists/visitors shall be briefed by the hotel concerned about do’s & don’ts to be mandatorily followed during their stay and movements.
While travelling tourists/visitors should wear a face mask and carry their own sanitizer and wet wipes for personal use.
At all tourist destinations, staff must wear face masks and wash/sanitize hands regularly while performing their duties.
Arogya Setu App shall be mandatory for all incoming tourists/visitors.
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.
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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Water Sports at Havelock Island

Date : 05 Nov 2020

Categories: Travel Guide

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 -

Pay ample attention to the instructions provided by your trainer. Even though swimming is not a prerequisite for snorkelling, one should be comfortable in the water.
Get used to your gear first, learn how to fit the mask, and check the fit and shape of it while renting to prevent fogging underwater.

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 -

Do not sway your hands or feet in the water at any time during boat rides.
Wear comfortable and quick-dry clothes. Avoid fabric that tends to stay wet for long.
Avoid night kayaking, if you are afraid of darkness or water.

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 -

Remain well-seated in the boat so that everyone can see the lovely corals underwater.
Do not tread on the glass base.
Listen to the guide to learn more about marine life.

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 -

Listen to the dos and don'ts of Sea Walk from the instructor diligently.
Maintain a minimum distance of 1 to 5 meters from coral reefs.
Do not indulge in sea walks under the influence of alcohol.
One can wear prescription glasses or contact lenses during the sea walk as you remain completely dry from the shoulders up.

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 -

Book your scuba diving session with a trusted organization.
It is best to discuss your health conditions with your instructor beforehand.
Indulge in the activity only with instructors on your side if you are a beginner.
Try to keep calm underwater and never resort to panic in unforeseen circumstances.

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 -

Avoid swimming under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Avoid swimming if you have an open bruise. The scent of the blood tends to draw predatory fishes.
Avoid swimming at night.
If you are a rookie, then choose a beach where lifeguards are available.