One of the many jewels tucked away in the heart of the Bay of Bengal is Red Skin Island. A part of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, this stunning island is situated in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. Known for its enchanting coral reefs and diverse marine life, the island offers a captivating spectacle that invites visitors from around the globe. Let's dive into the intriguing details and beauty of this exquisite locale.
The island's name ‘Red Skin’ was derived from the extraordinary sight of red coral that adorns the coastline during low tides. It's a heart-stirring spectacle that has left countless visitors in awe and continues to be the centre of attraction, lending the island its unique identity.
How to reach Red Skin Island
The journey to the island, beginning from Port Blair, the capital city, is as enchanting as the destination itself. The first step towards Red Skin Island involves reaching Port Blair. You can take a flight to the Veer Savarkar International Airport, the primary airport serving the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Once in Port Blair, the next part of the journey will take you to Wandoor Beach, which is approximately 30 km away. You can either hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Wandoor Beach.
Wandoor Beach is the primary point of departure for the boat rides to Red Skin Island. It's a surreal experience as you sail away from the mainland and the serene beauty of the island begins to unfold. The boat ride usually takes about 1-2 hours, depending upon the sea conditions.
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Experience the Natural Beauty of Red Skin Island
A sight to behold, the island is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water, home to some of the world's most beautiful and endangered species of coral reefs. The coral reefs' resilience and adaptive capacity is a phenomenon in itself, captivating biologists and nature lovers alike. You'll witness an array of vibrant corals, including the brain coral, fire coral, and table coral, to name a few.
It doesn't stop there! The coral gardens provide a habitat for a variety of marine species. From colourful tropical fishes, such as clownfish and angelfish, to larger marine life like sea turtles and dugongs, the island’s waters are teeming with biodiversity.
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Best things to do in Red Skin Island
An expedition to Red Skin Island would be incomplete without indulging in the exciting activities it has to offer. From snorkelling to glass-bottom boat rides, there's an array of immersive experiences that enable you to explore the vibrant marine life in all its glory.
Snorkelling: Snorkelling is one of the must-try activities when you're at Red Skin Island. This activity gives you a chance to dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore the vibrant marine life up close. Imagine swimming with colourful fishes, watching the slow yet graceful movements of the sea turtles, and witnessing the breathtaking coral formations right before your eyes!
There are several guided snorkelling tours available for both beginners and experienced swimmers. These guided tours often provide all the necessary equipment, including snorkelling masks, fins, and life jackets. For those who are new to snorkelling, instructors provide a brief training session to ensure your underwater journey is safe and enjoyable. The best part is that the island's marine park has shallow waters that are ideal for snorkelling. This means you can explore a good portion of the coral reef without having to dive deep, making it a perfect activity for people of all ages.
Glass-bottom Boat Rides: For those who prefer staying dry, yet want to experience the island's magnificent marine life, the glass-bottom boat rides are an excellent choice. These special boats are equipped with transparent floors that allow you to view the underwater world as you sail along the clear seawaters.
From the comfort of your seat, you can observe various species of corals, schools of colourful fishes, and other aquatic life forms in their natural habitat. These boat rides give you the thrill of exploring the underwater world without having to dip your toes in the water, making it a family-friendly activity.
Wildlife on the Island: Beyond its underwater charm, Red Skin Island also hosts a rich diversity of terrestrial fauna. Walking around the island, visitors can spot various bird species, including the Andaman bulbul, white-bellied sea eagle, and the Andaman drongo. The island is also home to hermit crabs that can be seen crawling around the sandy beaches, adding another interesting aspect to the island's diverse wildlife.
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Best Time to Visit Red Skin Island
For optimal weather and visibility, the months from June to November stand out as the best time to visit Red Skin Island. During these months, the island experiences the dry season, with little to no rainfall, allowing visitors to fully indulge in outdoor activities.
One of the prime attractions of Red Skin Island, the coral reefs, are best visible during this time. The sea water is crystal clear, enabling snorkelers and those on glass-bottom boat rides to get an unobstructed view of the vibrant underwater world. The underwater visibility can extend up to 20 metres, making it an ideal time for diving enthusiasts.
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Must-Visit Places Near Red Skin Island
If you're planning to visit Red Skin Island, consider extending your journey to explore some of these captivating places nearby:
Jolly Buoy Island: A fellow island within the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Jolly Buoy is another must-visit destination. Known for its beautiful waters and vibrant coral reefs, this island offers an exceptional snorkelling and scuba diving experience. Much like Red Skin Island, the number of visitors to Jolly Buoy is regulated to preserve its natural beauty.
Wandoor Beach: Your launchpad to Red Skin Island, Wandoor Beach, is a destination in itself. Famous for its soft sandy shores and serene waters, this beach is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the amazing sunset.
Chidiya Tapu: Often referred to as the 'Bird Island', Chidiya Tapu is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Located about 30 km from Port Blair, this place is home to numerous species of birds, including endemic and migratory species. Additionally, the beach offers a stunning view of the sunset.
Cellular Jail National Memorial: If you're intrigued by history, a visit to the Cellular Jail National Memorial in Port Blair is highly recommended. Also known as 'Kala Pani', this colonial prison was used by the British to exile political prisoners during India's struggle for independence.
Ross Island: Ross Island, a short boat ride from Port Blair, is a testament to the colonial history of the Andamans. Once the administrative headquarters of the British, the island now hosts ruins of colonial structures like the Commissioner’s House and the Presbyterian Church. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer and peacocks.