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.
The Andaman Islands, nestled in the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal, offer a treasure trove of thrilling water activities. One such popular adventure that promises endless fun and excitement is the Banana Boat Ride. If you're seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories, hop on a banana boat and get ready for a wild and bumpy ride. In this article, we'll explore what exactly a banana boat ride is, how it's done, the top locations in the Andaman Islands, and the cost and duration associated with this exhilarating water activity.
As the banana boat glides through the water, the ride becomes a thrilling combination of speed, balance, and teamwork. The bumpy and unpredictable nature of the ride adds an extra element of excitement and challenges your ability to maintain balance.
Our skilled operator behind the speedboat or jet ski will guide the banana boat, adjusting the speed and direction to enhance the thrill. They may perform quick turns or sudden manoeuvres, causing the boat to sway and dip, providing an exhilarating sensation for riders.
Throughout the ride, you'll be surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Andaman Islands. The sparkling blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and lush green landscapes create a mesmerizing backdrop for your adventure. Keep your eyes open for marine life swimming beneath you, adding a touch of wonder to your experience.
The joy of a banana boat ride lies not only in the adrenaline rush but also in the shared laughter and camaraderie among participants. As the boat jolts and twists, you'll find yourself holding on tightly to the handles, gripping the ropes, and laughing together with your friends, family, or fellow riders. The splashes of water and the wind on your face add to the sensory delight, creating unforgettable memories.
It's important to note that while a banana boat ride is an exhilarating adventure, safety remains a priority. Our operators ensure that the equipment is in good condition, and they provide life jackets for all participants. They also adhere to safety guidelines and have experienced personnel overseeing the activity, ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable time on the water.
The Andaman Islands offer a myriad of stunning locations for an exhilarating banana boat ride. From the pristine shores of Havelock Island to the serene waters surrounding Neil Island and North Bay Island, these top spots provide the perfect backdrop for a thrilling water adventure. Let's dive into these incredible destinations below.
When it comes to the cost of a banana boat ride in the Andaman Islands, several factors contribute to the variation in prices. The specific location where you choose to indulge in this adventure, the package inclusions, and the number of participants can all affect the overall cost.
Different operators and beaches may offer varying rates for banana boat rides. On average, you can expect to pay around INR 500 to INR 1,000 per person for a thrilling 15–20-minute ride.
Keep in mind that these prices are approximate and may vary depending on the season and any additional services or amenities included in the package.
The duration of a banana boat ride typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes. While it may seem like a relatively short amount of time, it's packed with excitement and laughter that will create lasting memories. The operator will ensure that you have ample time to enjoy the exhilarating experience, making every minute count.
During the ride, you'll be zooming across the pristine waters of the Andaman Islands, bouncing and skimming over the waves. The twists, turns, and occasional splashes will keep your heart racing and leave you craving for more. The ride duration is carefully planned to provide maximum fun while ensuring the safety and comfort of the participants.
It's worth mentioning that the memories and laughter shared during a banana boat ride extend far beyond the ride itself. The anticipation, the screams of delight, and the joy of conquering the bumpy waves will stay with you long after you step off the boat. You'll find yourself reminiscing about the experience and cherishing the moments spent with your friends, family, or fellow adventure seekers.
To make the most of your banana boat ride, it's recommended to arrive a little earlier than the scheduled time. This allows you to complete any necessary paperwork, receive safety instructions from the operator, and gear up with a life jacket. By following these precautions and embracing the adventure, you'll have an unforgettable time on the waters of the Andaman Islands.
The best time to visit the Andaman Islands for a banana boat ride is between November and May. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the sea conditions are generally calm, offering optimal conditions for water activities. It is advisable to avoid the monsoon season (June to September) due to rough seas and heavy rainfall.
When participating in a banana boat ride in the Andaman Islands, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Here are some additional precautions and tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
A banana boat ride in the Andaman Islands is an exhilarating water adventure that combines speed, thrill, and laughter. Whether you're traveling with friends, family, or a group, this activity promises an unforgettable experience filled with excitement and joy.
The best thing about this water adventure activity is that you can enjoy it with your friends and family together. The banana boat can accommodate up to six people at a time. Thus, you can share the fun and enjoy with fellow travellers.
A banana boat is an inflatable boat that has holders and an inflated foot padding on the sides. You can sit on it with proper balance.
During the banana boat ride, the boat is connected to a speedboat securely with a rope. You can ride on the waves when it is dragged along the water after gaining high momentum. You need to hang tightly throughout the ride because you will experience the splash and sudden jumps in the air when waves are created by the speedboat. The speedboat will momentarily takes sharp turns after the driver maneuvers it carefully. This will flip the ride sideways and upside down. You can either choose to hold the banana boat tightly or dive into the sea for extra fun and thrill. As you experience this water activity with your friends or family members, you are going to laugh a lot.
The best places for the banana boat rides on the island are as follows:
If you are in Port Blair, the capital town of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, then North Bay Island is a heaven for water sports, especially banana boat rides. The push of water from the speed boat and the average size of the waves in the ocean are perfect here. You will be taken above the sea and back with a splash. The banana boat ride here lets you explore the nearby open sea in North Bay within 500 meters range. You can have a great experience here. To reach North Bay Island, you have to board a boat from the jetty near the complex. This is the only way to reach there.
The charges for a banana boat ride in the Andamans start from Rs. 1,000.
Located in Port Blair, Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex is the second-best place to experience this joyful ride. However, the splashes are less as the waves are a little slow here. But the overall experience is full of thrill and adrenaline rush. This is visited nearby the famous tourist attraction, Cellular Jail. So you can go for the ride right after visiting the Cellular Jail. So you will be able to save so much of your time and extra travel if you take the banana boat ride at Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex.
If you are staying in Havelock Island, then Elephant Beach is the perfect destination for you for the banana boat ride. It is a great spot for trying your hand at casual water sports, and a banana boat ride is one of them. The waters here are clear, strong, and with big waves that give sudden jumps. The whole experience of the ride is more wholesome and thrilling here. When taking the ride here, expect a lot of jumps and turns along with sudden dives into the ocean.
The ride starts from the shore. Before going to the actual ride, everyone is given a brief orientation by the instructor about the do’s and don’ts. Life jackets are also given along with other crucial information. After that, you will be required to board the banana boat in line. It is connected to the speedboat with a strong rope. The fun begins when the speedboat drags the banana boat slowly to the deeper seas.
The ride is usually for twenty minutes. The briefing time is around ten minutes. So the total time is half an hour.
The timings for the ride at North Bay Island, Water Sports Complex, and Elephant Beach are the same—from 9 AM to 5 PM.
For banana boat ride in the Andamans, it is not at all mandatory to know swimming. Non-swimmers can do it without any difficulty. Before going for it, you are given brief training by an experienced instructor wherein you are given some basic instructions. Just listen and follow them carefully.
The Andaman Islands is a year-round destination. However, the best time for this joyful ride on the island is during the winter season—from November to May. The temperature during these months varies between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and is perfect for sightseeing and indulging in exciting water sports. It is the ideal time to visit the Andaman Islands.
The usual recommended minimum age for this boat ride in the Andamans is between fifteen to sixty years. Most importantly, the child should feel comfortable in the water.
When on this dazzling island, including a banana boat ride in your itinerary is a great idea. But there are certain categories of people who are not allowed to go for this thrilling ride on the island. These are as follows:
One of the most popular water activities in the Andamans, a banana boat ride is an extremely fun-filled thing to do. You can enjoy this adventure activity with your friends or family members. The best places for banana boat rides on the island are as follows:
No, you don’t need to know swimming for doing it. Everyone is given life jackets as well. So there is absolutely no question of drowning or any other risk.
This half an hour ride costs INR 1,000 to 2,000 per person on the island. Four to ten people can together enjoy the ride on a single banana tube.
It is an extremely safe and fun-filled water adventure activity in the Andaman Islands. Before you go for it, you are also given a briefing by the experts so that you can enjoy it.
