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.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands is the proverbial tropical paradise nestled in the junction of Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, about 1300 km east of the Indian mainland. A sprawling archipelago of 572 islands, it offers a lifetime experience of evergreen forests, golden sand beaches, sublime sunrise and sunset.
Travellers can be swayed by the whistling leaves of mighty Paddock trees, mellifluous songs of a million birds, abundant mangroves and a plethora of aquatic activities showcasing the beauty of the marine life in their natural habitat, as well as adrenaline gushing thrills for the adventurous.
The azure blue sky above and the turquoise blue waters beneath, are a treat to the senses which is sure to be cherished memories for times to come. Andaman & Nicobar Islands is the dream destination for the discerning, equally enticing for the family, friends, honeymooners as well as those who wish to explore the exciting with panache, not to forget the rich heritage of the Islands.
Among the many thrilling water sports in Andaman Islands, Banana Ride offers the entire family an opportunity to revel in an exhilarating experience of twists and turns on high seas at top speed, ably manoeuvred by a professional guide.
It is designed as a banana shaped, often yellow inflatable tube, flanked by two smaller tubes on each side as foot rest. Towed by speedboat, it accommodates six riders on a single trip. Once in the high seas, the speedboat accelerates to attain amazing velocity, thus tossing and splashing the boat to ride waves of turbulence.
The entire trip lasts an electrifying 12 minutes to 35 minutes, when with swift meandering sharp moves, the Banana Boat is flipped to topple. With riders precariously hanging on, the adrenaline rush leads to unadulterated gush of ecstatic fun and laughter.
When it comes to water sports in Andaman Islands, a traveller is spoilt for choice. However, not all activities are meant for everybody. Banana Boat Ride in Andaman is one, which is ideal for the entire family to enjoy together, as up to six persons are accommodated at the same time.
There is no joy greater on a holiday where indulgence of the whole family is ensured and shared together by young and old alike. That apart, the ride is absolutely safe as life jackets are compulsory for both adults and children.
The service of the professional instructors is always at hand in the event of contingencies. With this backdrop, fun and frolic riding the wind and surf in a Banana Boat, is enhanced manifold, generating a string of memories to carry back in a not to miss activity.
Being an archipelago spread over approximately 8250 sq. km, there are a number of picturesque destinations to explore among the 37 inhabited islands in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. There is no dearth of options for sight-seeing, lazing on golden white sand beaches or simply admiring the blue of the sky and the sea and its crystal clear waters.
The most exciting of them all is of course the range of water sports, seldom available anywhere else in India. Though water sports are spread across many places, Banana Boat Ride is confined to only three places. The places are unique in their own way, the waves determining the level of thrill.
Situated within the capital city of Port Blair, the Banana Ride here is sedate with docile waves greeting the riders. The calm sea provides greater scope of acceleration to high speeds, adding to the fun filled pleasure of the boat ride.
Banana Ride being adjacent to the shore; is an ideal spot for photo opportunities to preserve as memento, to cherish at leisure and share with friends and family.
North Bay Island
The island is located 36 km North East of Port Blair. It is accessible from the jetty in Port Blair by boat only; entailing additional cost, which is worth the life time experience.
The Island is a haven for casual water sports – Banana Ride occupying the pride of place. The scene of this exciting action is deep into the open sea, which also is an opportunity to explore the water around for marine life forms.
It is exhilarating for the riders to experience the fierce waves in combination of the water push generated by the speedboat, to toss the Banana Boat high up into the air to be hurled to the sea beneath with a resounding splash.
Elephant Beach in Havelock Island
Considered as the capital for water sports at Havelock Island, it is by far the best option for a thriller. Not with standing the ethereal lure of Radhanagar Beach and candle light dinner at Havelock Island, the Banana Ride is among the top attractions at Havelock Island.
The robust waves rising from the crystal clear waters, provides the requisite impetus for the speedboats to toss the banana boat high up the wave crest. It is followed by abrupt dives into the sea below in a rare display of turns and jumps to make the Banana Ride at Havelock Island a wholesome experience.
Banana Boat rides are fully safe for the riders of all ages, yet there is a compulsory need to remember the basic guidelines typical of adventure sports, to avoid any mishaps.
A pleasurable holiday destination, which the tropical paradise Andaman & Nicobar Islands is; necessitates the visitor to make a careful note of the following dos and don’ts for a safe indulgence in adventurous Banana Boat Ride:
Stick to the basics and do not attempt any stunts during the ride. As this is a group ride, this rule should be strictly followed to ensure the safety of all.
Book Your Andaman Holidays With Our Travel Experts
Enquiry Now
.jpg)
