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.
A glass-bottom boat ride is a fascinating and unique experience that allows individuals to explore the underwater world without getting wet. It involves a specially designed boat with a transparent glass bottom, providing a clear view of the marine life and coral reefs beneath the surface of the water. Participants can sit comfortably inside the boat while enjoying the captivating sights of colourful fish, vibrant coral formations, and other aquatic creatures.
The glass bottom acts as a window into the captivating underwater ecosystem, allowing visitors to witness the beauty and diversity of marine life in its natural habitat. This immersive experience provides an opportunity for both nature enthusiasts and those who may not be confident swimmers or scuba divers to discover the mesmerizing underwater world and gain a deeper appreciation for the marine environment.
Glass bottom boat rides in the Andaman Islands hold immense importance and offer a range of appealing features, making them a popular choice for tourists. Here are some key points highlighting their significance:
The procedure of a glass-bottom boat ride typically involves the following steps:
The Andaman Islands offer several breathtaking locations for glass-bottom boat rides. Here are some of the top locations known for their stunning marine life and underwater beauty:
The cost of a glass bottom boat ride in the Andaman Islands can vary depending on several factors such as the location, duration of the ride, inclusions, and the tour operator. Here are some general guidelines regarding the cost:
As a rough estimate, the cost of a glass bottom boat ride in the Andaman Islands can range from approximately INR 500 to INR 1500 per person. It's essential to check with specific tour operators or travel agencies to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on pricing.
Glass bottom boat rides in the Andaman Islands offer a unique and accessible way to explore the mesmerizing underwater world. They provide a safe and comfortable experience for individuals of all ages and swimming abilities. These rides offer a glimpse into the rich marine biodiversity, promote conservation awareness, and provide educational insights into the delicate ecosystems.
As discussed, the best time to enjoy these rides is during the dry season from November to April, while following safety measures and precautions ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a nature lover, a family with children, or a non-swimmer, a glass-bottom boat ride in the Andaman Islands is a must-try adventure that allows you to appreciate the beauty and wonders of the underwater realm.
Some of the most popular fishes usually found near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands while game fishing are as follows:
The Andamans have excellent jigging spots and drop-offs where anglers can catch Giant Trevally within only ten to fifteen minutes from the jetty.
In this special kind of ride, you have to sit on a boat whose bottom is made up of a transparent glass. You can have a glimpse of the water as it sails through the sea. You can witness the rich marine life of the island without even getting wet. It is definitely a magical experience when you are in the Andamans.
The charges for a glass-bottom boat ride start from Rs. 600 per person. Light on the pocket, this activity gives complete worth to your money.
Port Blair, the capital town of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is a very popular destination for the glass-bottom boat ride. You can sail from Water Sports Complex to North Bay Coral Island or from Port Blair to Jolly Buoy Island. You can also do it at North Bay Beach as it is also known for its wonderful underwater world.
If you are that kind of traveller who doesn’t what to get wet but is willing to have a look at the gorgeous marine life of the island, then a glass-bottom boat ride is the best water activity for you. If you want to spend some quality time with your family and have an adventure together, then also this enthralling activity is perfect for you. Exploring the ocean surrounding the islands, the ride starts from the jetty. Enjoy looking at the vast sea while you fly through the waves. Get a glimpse of the ocean through the transparent bottom of your boat. This is such an enjoyable experience that can be cherished by kids as well as adults.
Yes, this fun-filled ride is a guided tour on the island. A safety demonstration video is shown at first to passengers. After that, your journey will begin. Imagine unraveling the vast mysteries of the sea via a glass-bottom present inside. You don’t even need to wet your toes to experience all that. There will be trained experts on board and they will explain to you about the stunning underwater world.
No, there is no age restriction to enjoy the glass-bottom boat ride. People belonging to all age groups can go for it.
If you book your ride in advance, then you will be able to save yourself from a lot of last-minute hassle. Especially during the peak season, getting a slot for this exciting water adventure activity becomes quite tough.
The best time to go for this water activity on the island is between November and April. The weather is quite pleasant during this time and you can enjoy this experience even more.
If you want to go for a glass-bottom boat ride in India, then the Andamans Islands is the only destination. It is not offered anywhere else in the country. This untouched Indian union territory is a storehouse of adventure sports for adrenaline junkies from all across the world. You can have a close encounter with the diverse marine life via a glass bottom. You can capture the whole experience with your camera.
Not at all! You don’t need to know swimming. Moreover, you are given a life jacket as well while you go for the ride.
Normally, the complete ride is for one hour for a group of six to eight persons. The duration can be increased if you decide to change the location. In that case, the charges will be more as well.
There should be absolutely no doubt regarding the durability and reliability of glass-bottom boats. They are actually completely safe. The idea behind this special kind of boat is to give an alternative option rather than scuba diving or snorkeling to get a sneak peek into what really happens under the water of the island. Being impressively transparent, the bottom of the boat offers an enhanced view of the underwater world. You don’t have to worry about it breaking and the boat sinking as it is made of multiple layers and sections of glass.
Yes, there are other places also on the island apart from the capital town where you can enjoy this mesmerising boat ride. Elephant Beach in Havelock Island (now known as Swaraj Dweep) is a good choice. This beach is one of the most frequented beaches in the Andamans and here, you can hop onto the glass-bottom boat to see the colorful corals.
In Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep), Bharatpur Beach is the place where you can avail a glass-bottom boat ride. It is a very popular water activity there.
You can see through the glass a variety of kaleidoscopic coral reefs, sea turtles, colorful fishes, and many more sea creatures during this ride on the island.
Glass bottom boat ride can be enjoyed at the following places:
The price for a glass bottom boat ride in Port Blair (the capital town) is INR 600 per person. For a group of six to eight people, the duration of a glass-bottom boat ride is usually one hour.
There is an ultra-durable window shaped like a spheroid in the modern glass-bottom boat. If you want to explore the rich marine life of the Andamans without getting wet, then this ride is the best way to do so. You can see diverse varieties of corals, sea turtles, etc. through the transparent glass at the bottom. The view of marine species is truly spectacular for everyone.
The Andamans is a great place for going for this water activity owing to rich marine life and clear waters. It is absolutely safe for everyone. When on the island, go for this adventure activity if you want to witness something extraordinary.