The picturesque landscape of Andaman makes it one of the most sought holiday destinations in India. Andaman Island has best the infrastructure for snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, parasailing and other water sports in entire India. Therefore, Andaman is considered the adventure hub of India. So here we list down the 16 best things to do in Andaman which make your vacation memorable and adventurous.
Things to do in Andaman
1. Island Hopping:
Andaman is home to 572 islands in which 38 are inhabited. Each island is beautiful in its own way some of them have world-class beaches while some have a breathtaking view of nature and some are famous for the exciting underwater world. Therefore, exploring the Andaman islands is one of the best things to do in Andaman.
2. Snorkeling:
Snorkeling top the chart of best things to do in Andaman because the seas here are known for the exquisite coral reef, lively marine life and beautiful crystal clear seawater. Therefore, the Andaman Islands offer some of the best places to snorkel in the world.
Elephant beach and North bay beach are the best places for snorkeling in Andaman. However, Havelock is also a good option because of the much clear water and diverse marine life hence it gives you better views of the scenic beauty of the sea as compared to North Bay and Elephant beach.
Best Place for Snorkeling in Andaman: Havelock Island, North Bay Island, Jolly Buoy, Neil Island and Red Skin Island.
Cost: Snorkeling in Andaman will cost you anywhere in between 450 to 550 INR.
Best Time for Snorkeling in Andaman: Feb to May is considered as the best months to snorkel in Andaman. The best time from 8 AM to 4:30 PM after that the light starts getting low so it is not advisable to dive inside water after 4:30 PM.
3. Scuba Diving:
Scuba diving is an adventurous sport that allows you to unfold the dark deep mysteries of the underwater world. The best thing about this sport is that you don’t need to know swimming for normal scuba diving.
The Andaman Islands are home to one of the densest ecosystems for coral reefs and formations.
Under the protection of the Andaman Administration, Andaman islands are enclosed by long stretches of reefs with the world’s most vibrant sea-dwellers and fishes. So, when you visit Andaman, don’t forget to experience scuba diving.
Best Place for Scuba Diving in Andaman: There are more than 10 islands with 40+ place for diving in Andaman such as Havelock Island, Neil Island, Port Blair, Barren Island and North Bay Island.
Cost: Avg 3000 to 5000 INR.
Best time for scuba diving: Feb to May is considered the best time for scuba diving in Andaman. And usually done during morning 8 AM to 1 PM and in evening 3 to 4:30 PM. Diving is not allowed after 5 PM.
4. Witnessing Bioluminescence Phenomenon in Havelock:
Watching millions of stars under your feet inside the seawater instead of the sky is the best thing to do in Andaman. And you can witness this amazing phenomenon on the beach of Havelock Island. We would suggest night kayaking that allows you to watch the unique and stunning bioluminescence phenomenon. But it can be witnessed only on no moonlights.
This unique phenomenon is the result of the presence of phytoplankton, squid, shrimp and other marine creature. These species use luminance as a defense mechanism to confuse attackers.
Cost: You don’t need to pay anything to watch bioluminescence phenomenon.
Best time to see: During no moon light or when the moon is at its lowest state.
5. Watch Turtle nesting at Digilipur
Every year from December to March thousands of sea turtles visit Ramnagar beach of Diglipur for the nesting season. It is one of the most unique, heartwarming and natural phenomena to see on earth.
During the nesting season, forest officials collect turtle eggs and keep them in hatcheries to protect from predators like dog and birds. When these eggs have hatched they leave baby turtles back into the sea.
Along with Ramnagar beach, you can witness the turtle nesting on Kalipur beach in Diglipur and Karmatang beach of Mayabunder.
Check out: Discover Best Tour in Andaman with Viator (Tripadvisor)
6. Dolphin Glass Bottom-Boat Ride
Image Credit – Eternal Andaman
As you can see in the picture the Glass Bottom-Boat ride is best for those who want to explore marine life but afraid of water. The Andaman Glass Bottom Boat ride will give you an amazing experience by letting you watch the rich diversity of coral and marine life of the Andaman Sea.
The best thing about glass bottom ride is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages even kids and old. So it can be a good option to add to your family bucket list.
Best Place for glass bottom ride in Andaman: Port Blair, North Bay Island, Havelock Island and Neil Island.
Cost: 1500 to 2500 INR
7. Sea Walking
Sea Walking is one of the best thrilling experiences you can have in the Andaman. It is the best way to explore the amazing underwater biodiversity of Andaman.
Sea Walking is a combined experience of scuba diving without having to swim constantly. Imagine yourself walking inside the sea as you walk on the land without even balance or swimming continuously. After the walk, you’ll get the full video footage of your walk so you can keep this wonderful memory for your whole life.
Best Places for sea walking in Andaman: North Bay Island and Havelock Island.
Cost: 4500 INR Per Person (Avg.)
8. Swimming
After Snorkeling and scuba diving, Swimming is another adventurous water sport you can indulge in Andaman. For all water lovers, Andaman is the best place to visit in India. The isolated island, virgin beaches and beautiful coral life will make your swimming experience unique and thrilling.
9. Banana Boat Ride:
Andaman has lots of water sports but the banana boat ride is something which you can enjoy with your family and friends. The ride is designed in such a way that it can accommodate around 6 people at a time. As the speed boat gain speed, the banana boat moves forward and keep balance & not to fall off is bit a challenge. This activity is extremely funny and thrilling.
Best Places for Banana boat ride in Andaman: North Bay Island, Havelock Island and Rajiv Gandhi water sports complex, Port Blair.
Cost: Avg 350 to 600 INR
10. Parasailing
Parasailing is an exciting activity that allows you to experience the scenic beauty of the Andaman Islands from the sky. During the activity, you glide through the air wearing an open parachute while being pulled by a motorboat. It is like surfing in the air through the sea with your leg taking small dips in the sea.
Flying above the sea and gazing at the amazing blue water of the Andaman sea will make your trip memorable.
Best Places for Parasailing in Andaman: Havelock Island, North Bay Island and Port Blair
Cost: The price is depends on the season and the place but the average cost is around 3500 INR.
11. Adventurous ride of Seaplane
A unique but bit expensive, the seaplane ride is one of the best things to do in Andaman. The seaplane adventure is run by Pawan Hans from Port Blair to Havelock Island. It can carry maximum 9 person at a time on one trip. The flight will take around 15 minutes time to reach Havelock from Port Blair while the ferry takes around 2 hours time to cover same distance.
Cost: 2000 INR for one way flight
12. Mangrove Kayaking
Kayaking is the best way to experience the picturesque shorelines and rich bio-diversity of Andaman. As Andaman is the home to the densest mangrove forest all over India.
In the middle of the mangrove forest, paddle along with calm water and the chirping of birds make your ride memorable for a lifetime. As you move forward you can feel the shade surrounding you from all sides and the rich diversity of nature. It is a perfect activity for those who looking to seek some peace with nature.
Location: Yerrata Mangrove Creek, Panchavati Hills, Sabri Village – Rangat Middle of Andaman, Mayabunder and Havelock island.
Cost: Approximate 2500 INR
13. Visit only active volcano of South Asia – Barren Island Plateau
If you want to do something offbeat in Andaman then you should visit the famous mud volcano. It can be reached by both water and roadways. While going to Baratang Island you need to reach Jarawa Creek. From there it is only 200 to 300 meters away.
The 354 meters high Barren Island is the only active volcano in India with a 2 KM wide volcanic crater. Barren Island is a restricted area in Andaman so before visiting you need to take special permission from the local authorities.
14. Dolphin Watching
Dolphin watching is one of the favorite things to do in Andaman. Just sit in your boat that will take you in the middle of the blue ocean where the little, playful and happy mammals chatter around you in the water.
Havelock Island, Lalaji Bay beach on Long Island and Mahatma Gandhi National Park are some of the best places to watch dolphins.
15. Trekking in Andaman
Andaman is blessed with lots of beautiful trekking trails from easy to difficult levels. Therfore, trekking is one of the most sought activities in Andaman and Nicobar Island.
The climate and geography of Andaman make trekking more interesting and picturesque. Whether you’re looking for one-day trails or multiple-day trails, Andaman has everything such as Mount Harriet, Chidiya Tapu, Saddle Peak, Alfred Caves and limestone caves.
16. Shopping in Andaman
Apart from exploring the scenic beauty of islands and pristine beaches, shopping is another worthy things to do in Andaman. The Andaman is home to some the best handicraft emporium and souvenirs for tourist. There are many popular shopping streets where you can get beautiful seashell products, handicraft clothes, jute, tribal statue, spices, jewellery, bamboo and cane handicrafts.
Best Place to Shop in Andaman: Sagarika Government Emporium, Port Blair, Market 3, Havelock Island, Andaman Handicraft emporium and Aberdeen Bazaar.
Where to Stay? Best Island Accommodation Option in Andaman at lowest Price