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.
Exploring the stunning coral reefs and marine life of the Andaman Islands is a must-do activity for any traveller visiting this beautiful archipelago. While there are plenty of options for snorkelling tours and diving excursions, a private boat charter will offer an experience like nothing else. In this article, we'll take a closer look at private boat charters for snorkelling in the Andaman Islands and why it's a great option for travellers.
What is a private boat charter for snorkelling in the Andaman Islands?
A private boat charter for snorkelling in the Andaman Islands is a tour customised for you that includes own private boat, captain, and snorkelling equipment. This allows you to explore the stunning coral reefs and marine life of the Andaman Islands at your own pace and with a personalized touch. Private boat charters can accommodate small groups or couples and provide a more exclusive and intimate experience compared to larger snorkelling tours.
Advantages of getting a private boat charter for snorkelling
There are several benefits to booking a private boat charter for snorkelling in the Andaman Islands. A private boat charter allows you to create a customized itinerary based on your preferences and interests. You can choose where to go, how long to stay, and what activities to do. You even get your own captain and crew who are dedicated to making your experience enjoyable and memorable. You can ask questions, get recommendations, and receive personalised attention. Doesn’t that just spell like luxury?
Also, going on a private boat means that you have more flexibility compared to larger snorkelling tours where you have to follow a strict schedule.
What are the best snorkelling spots in the Andaman Islands
The Andaman Islands are home to some of the most beautiful and diverse coral reefs in the world. Here are some of the popular snorkelling spots in the Andaman Islands:
Havelock Island: Havelock Island is home to some of the best snorkelling spots in the Andaman Islands, including Elephant Beach, Radhanagar Beach, and Vijaynagar Beach. These spots offer crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including fish, turtles, and rays. Neil Island: Neil Island is another popular snorkelling destination in the Andaman Islands. It offers pristine beaches and clear waters that are ideal for snorkelling. The popular snorkelling spots on Neil Island include Bharatpur Beach and Laxmanpur Beach. Cinque Island: Cinque Island is a remote and uninhabited island in the Andaman Islands that offers some of the best snorkelling spots in the region. It boasts crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, turtles, and colourful fish.
How to book a private boat charter for snorkelling
The best way to book a private boat for snorkelling in the Andamans is to reach out to a tour operator. Several local tour operators in the Andaman Islands offer private boat charters for snorkelling. You can find them online or by asking your hotel or resort for recommendations. Some of these tour operators are also available online, so you can use their online booking platform to book your snorkelling appointment. You should always compare prices, and read reviews before you book your private charter. Of course, if you want to be spontaneous, you can book a private charter boat by just directly visiting a tour operator, which is acceptable as many tourists do that.
Before booking a private boat charter, it's important to research and compare the options to ensure that you get the best value for your money.
Cost of booking a charter boat for snorkelling in the Andaman Islands
The cost of your snorkelling trip on a charter boat may vary on many factors like the duration of the trip, the size of the boat, the number of passengers, and the included activities. For example, a snorkelling trip to Barren Island will cost you more than a trip from Port Blair to Havelock or back. On average, a private boat charter for snorkelling can cost between INR 20000 to INR 150000 or above.
Your snorkelling activity will be another INR 4000-6000 per dive. However, some tour operators add the snorkelling cost including gear and guide to your charter boat package. Also, you don’t always have to hire the entire boat. Some operators allow you to book individual seats in a boat that can cost anything between INR 20000-INR 30000 depending on where you are going and for how long.
Further, some private boat charters may include additional activities, such as fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, which can affect the cost.
It's important to note that prices can vary significantly depending on the season and demand. Peak season (December to February) can be more expensive than the off-season, so it's always best to compare prices and book in advance to secure the best deal.
Private boat charter for snorkelling in the Andaman Islands: FAQs
1. What are some popular snorkelling spots in the Andaman Islands?
Answer: Some popular snorkelling spots in the Andaman Islands include North Bay Island, Havelock Island, Neil Island, and Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park. Each of these locations offers a unique snorkelling experience, with diverse marine life and coral reefs to explore
2. What is the best time of year for snorkelling in the Andaman Islands?
Answer: The best time for snorkelling in the Andaman Islands is from November to April when the sea is calm and the visibility is good. However, snorkelling can be done year-round, depending on the weather conditions.
3. Do you need to know how to swim to go snorkelling in the Andaman Islands?
Answer: Yes, it's important to know how to swim to go snorkelling in the Andaman Islands. While snorkelling doesn't require advanced swimming skills, it's important to be comfortable in the water and to know basic swimming techniques.
4. Do you need to book a private boat charter for snorkelling, or can you join a group tour?
Answer: Both private boat charters and group tours are available for snorkelling in the Andaman Islands. Private boat charters offer a more exclusive and personalized experience, while group tours may be more budget-friendly.
5. How many people can a private boat charter accommodate for snorkelling?
Answer: The number of people that a private boat charter can accommodate for snorkelling can vary depending on the size of the boat. Some charters may be able to accommodate up to 20 people, while others may only be suitable for smaller groups of 4-6 people.
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