SnoreKelling
Snorekeling
Snorkeling Spots in Andaman
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to some of the most stunning coral reefs, making them a paradise for snorkelers. Here are the top 8 snorkeling spots perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers, listed in alphabetical order.
Elephanta Beach
Elephanta Beach on Havelock Island is a hotspot for various watersports, including snorkeling. While the area can be crowded, the designated snorkeling zones offer a guided experience for all levels.
- Popular for: Diverse watersports activities including snorkeling, jet skiing, sea walking, parasailing, and sofa rides.
- Location: SH4, Havelock Island, easily accessible by road and boat.
- Best time to visit: October to May, when the weather is clear and sea conditions are calm.
Kalipur, North Andaman
Located 300 kilometers from Port Blair, Kalipur is a serene village known for its beautiful beach and vibrant marine life. Snorkelers can encounter sea turtles, octopuses, parrotfish, sea snakes, and stingrays.
- Popular for: Pristine black sandy beach, rich marine biodiversity, and renowned turtle nesting grounds.
- Location: Kalipur village, North Andaman, accessible by road from Port Blair.
- Best time to visit: October to March, when sea turtles come to nest and the weather is pleasant.
Neil Island
Neil Island is a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich marine life. With uninhabited shallow reefs, beaches like Bharatpur, Sitapur, and Laxmanpur offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, similar to Havelock Island due to their proximity.
- Popular for: Vibrant coral reefs and tranquil beaches, offering a serene snorkeling experience.
- Location: Neil Island, Andaman Islands, accessible by ferry from Port Blair and Havelock.
- Best time to visit: October to March, for calm seas and clear visibility.
Red Skin Island
Red Skin Island, part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in Port Blair, boasts crystal-clear waters and pristine sandy beaches. This secluded spot is perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts looking to explore vibrant shallow coral reefs.
- Popular for: Stunning shallow coral reefs and secluded, pristine beaches away from the crowds.
- Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Port Blair, accessible by boat.
- Best time to visit: May to October, when marine life is abundant and water clarity is excellent.
Lighthouse
Just 700 meters from the Havelock ferry station, Lighthouse offers easy access to some of the best live coral reefs in the region. Snorkelers can enjoy calm, clear waters and vibrant marine life, with reef depths from 3 to 10 meters.
- Popular for: Lively coral reefs and an abundance of colorful fish species, providing an immersive underwater experience.
- Location: 700 meters from Havelock Ferry station, reachable by a short speedboat ride.
- Best time to visit: November to May, ensuring optimal visibility and favorable sea conditions.
South Button
South Button is a snorkeling paradise, accessible via a scenic speed boat ride from Havelock. The reef is home to rare marine animals such as Dugongs, sea turtles, dolphins, and more, with reef depths starting at 6 meters.
- Popular for: Healthy coral reefs and sightings of exotic marine species like Dugongs, sea turtles, and dolphins.
- Location: 62FC+M4W, Strait Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, accessible by boat.
- Best time to visit: December to April, ensuring the best underwater visibility and calm sea conditions.
Tribe Gate (Oval-Reef)
Situated 2 kilometers from Govind Nagar Beach-3, Tribe Gate features an oval-shaped reef teeming with fish and sea anemones. The clear waters and mild currents are ideal for experienced snorkelers, with reef depths from 4 to 12 meters.
- Popular for: Diverse schools of fish, vibrant sea anemones, and clear waters ideal for experienced snorkelers.
- Location: Between the channels of Havelock and John Lawrence Island, accessible by speedboat.
- Best time to visit: October to April, when water conditions are optimal for snorkeling.
Turtle Beach
Located on Havelock Island, Turtle Beach is one of the most pristine beaches in the Andaman, offering an incredible snorkeling experience. The reef begins just 50 meters from the shore, with depths ranging from 2 to 10 meters. This spot is renowned for its stag horn corals and diverse fish species, making it ideal for novice snorkelers.
- Popular for: Extensive stag horn coral reefs and a wide variety of unique fish species.
- Location: 900 meters from Elephanta Beach, Havelock, easily accessible by boat.
- Best time to visit: November to March, for calm seas and clear underwater visibility.
Important Tips for Snorkeling in Andaman
- Book in Advance: Choose a recognized vendor and book your slot in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Check Equipment: Ensure your snorkeling equipment is comfortable and in good condition before diving in.
- Training Session: Pay close attention during the training session to learn essential gestures and snorkeling techniques.
- Swimwear: Bring your own swimwear if you prefer not to use the provided snorkeling suits for better comfort.
- Light Food: Eat a light meal before snorkeling to avoid underwater sickness and ensure a comfortable experience.
- Choose the Right Package: Select a snorkeling package that aligns with your convenience and budget for the best experience.
Explore these stunning snorkeling spots in the Andaman Islands and experience the vibrant underwater world.