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.
Barren Island, located in the Andaman Sea, is a true paradise for those seeking adventure and exploration. This small island is a dormant volcano and is known for its incredible marine life, making it an excellent spot for snorkelling and diving. If you are planning a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then Barren Island should be on your itinerary. Snorkelling and diving around Barren Island are adventures like no other. From the fascinating marine life to the pristine coral reefs and volcanic rock formations, this island has something for every underwater explorer.
Barren Island is a dormant volcano. The island's volcanic history has left behind some stunning rock formations, both above and below the water. While snorkelling or diving around the island, you will come across incredible volcanic rock formations that are home to a variety of marine life. The rock formations are also a great place to spot moray eels and lobsters, which like to hide in the crevices of the rocks. Additionally, you will find that the rock formations are home to a variety of coral species, which have attached themselves to the rocks over time.
The mysteries of the Volcano Barren Island's volcano may be dormant, but it is still an active one. The island's volcano has erupted several times in the past, the most recent eruption occurring in 2017. While it is not possible to explore the volcano on foot, diving around the island can give you a glimpse into the mysteries of this natural wonder.
Barren Island is home to some of the most stunning marine life in the world. The island’s pristine waters are home to a variety of fish species, including barracudas, tuna, and snappers. Additionally, the island's waters are also home to several species of sharks, including the whitetip reef shark and the blacktip reef shark. If you are lucky, you may also spot the majestic manta ray while snorkelling or diving. These creatures are a sight to behold and are a rare find in many parts of the world. Additionally, you may also come across sea turtles, octopuses, and other fascinating marine creatures.
Also, Barren Island’s coral reefs are a must-see for anyone who loves snorkelling or diving. The reefs surrounding the island are pristine and untouched, making them a haven for marine life. The coral reefs are home to a variety of coral species, including brain coral, staghorn coral, and mushroom coral. The vibrant colours of the coral will leave you spellbound, and you will find yourself lost in the beauty of this underwater world.
If you are lucky, you may even come across underwater volcanic vents while diving. These vents are openings in the ocean floor that release hot, mineral-rich water from the volcano. The vents are home to a variety of marine life, including crabs, shrimps, and tube worms.
Snorkelling on Barren Island is a unique and unforgettable experience. The deep blue waters surrounding the island are home to a diverse range of marine life and the visibility in the waters is excellent, making it an ideal location for snorkelling.
Snorkelling around the island is typically done in shallow waters, making it accessible to snorkelers of all levels of experience. The best part is that you don’t even need to know how to swim to be able to snorkel on Barren Island. You can just float on the water and enjoy a panoramic view of the underwater world. Your guide will help you find the right spots to enjoy your time in the water.
Diving in Barren Island is a must-do activity for anyone looking for a truly unique and unforgettable underwater adventure.There are many scuba diving spots near Barren Island. Some of the most popular ones are Purple Haze, Barren Garden, and Manta Point. However, not everyone can scuba dive near Barren Island. Only experienced divers who have advanced-level certification in scuba diving can dive near Barren Island. This is because the dive is very deep and the visibility is low underwater.
The only way to travel to Barren Island is by chartering a private boat. Since the island sits in a remote location, you’ll not find any regular passenger ferries going to the island. There are several tour operators in the Andaman Islands that offer snorkelling and diving trips to Barren Island. The time taken to visit Barren Island by private boat can vary depending on the boat's speed and the weather conditions.
On average, it takes around 3-4 hours to reach the island from Port Blair by private boat. From Havelock Island, it would take you 2-3 hours. However, the actual duration can vary depending on the boat's size and capacity, as well as the itinerary planned for the trip. It is important to plan for adequate time to explore the island and its unique marine life, as well as to account for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the journey.
The cost of visiting Barren Island can vary depending on various factors, such as the mode of transportation and the activities planned. The cost of a private boat to the island can range from INR 100,000 to INR 150,000, depending on the boat's size and capacity. Most boats can accommodate around 8 people, so it would be better to travel with a group if you want to cut down on expenses. Also, some tour operators will let you book individual seats at around INR 25,000-INR 30,000 or more. Snorkelling and scuba diving are usually added to the cost of booking the boat.
If diving and snorkelling activities are not included in your boat package, you’ll have to pay around INR 3,000 to INR 8,000 per person for them. You’d also need a tourist permit to visit Barren Island. Indian nationals have to pay around INR 1000 for the permit while foreign nationals have to pay around INR 2,500.
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