Snorkeling in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a union territory of India with Port Blair as its capital city is situated in the Indian Ocean and possesses over 568 islands, out of which only 38 are enduringly populated. Previously, these islands were used by the British as an inaccessible prison for the Indian freedom fighters, but now these islands are a famous tourist spots. It has numerous hotels to accommodate the demands of tourists.

The name Andaman is supposed to be derived from the name of Hindu God, Lord Hanuman, who was known to be Handuman to the Malay people. Many believed that the oldest tribes in the world resided on these islands even before the recorded history. The great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges and Sentinatese are among the earliest native tribes who lived on these islands.

Both British and Japanese have ruled the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The British came on these islands first in 1789. Cellular jail in Port Blair is the most famous evidence of their rule which was left behind. Though some part of it got destroyed, there is still a large part of it which remains, reminding us of the freedom fighters and the revolts which took place for the Indian Independence.

Some islands in Andaman and Nicobar are hilly in places and are covered with humid jungle and flat beaches stretching far away. The real attractions of these islands are adventure tourism like snorkeling, trekking, island camping and scuba diving.

Snorkeling in A and N

Snorkeling in Andaman and Nicobar is an adventure activity which is very popular in the Andaman Islands. Even if untrained, you could still indulge yourself by remaining just under the surface of the water and with a little practice you could dive up to 8 to 10 ft under water. Equipped with a snorkel, mask and fins (or flippers), which you could hire in the islands, snorkeling offers you the experience of swimming around and studying the beautiful wonders of the coral reefs which are very special in this area. You could even dive deeper and peep under a rock or shell to check out hidden sea treasures once you learn to blow hard into the snorkel to clear the pipe of water when you come back.

Snorkeling is an exhilarating sport which lets you rub shoulders with some exclusive marine species while you try to emulate them in your floppy flippers. The best places for snorkeling in A and N are the Wan door National Park-Jolly Bouy and the Red Skin Islands. The other location for snorkeling is Cinque Island with some incredible coral.

You could take a 3 hour boat ride from the Phoenix Bay Jetty in Port Blair or rent a private boat from Chiriya Tapu which is 32km south of Port Blair to get to Cinque. Snorkeling in A and N is also possible off Port Blair at the Sippighat Water Sports Complex near the Fisheries Museum.

The best locations for snorkeling in Andaman and Nicobar islands are the lukewarm and less turbulent waters of the deep blue seas.